for the first time and i have decide to write a comment . you have see enough review and rating ( and ranting ) . i prefer to address the commmon way in which this movie have be misinterpret . many reviewer and both american and others and seem to have mistake this movie for either a tear jerker or a political statement . in essence and it be neither . the novel it be base on be simply an expression of the guilt and pain felt by the author . to those who feel that it be a politically motivated story and or it only portray suffer on part of the japanese represent quite simply . it be not . the war scene be not there for drama and they be there to place the situation into context . it be my opinion that your personal prejudice be come into play . be a patriotic american and i can state ( not without shame ) that there be plenty of mindless american movie which portray american a either hero or victim ( usually both ) and their purpose ( a with all flick ) be $ . it be my sincere opinion that akiyuki nosaka motif be far purer when he write this . he be look for closure and write a tribute to his sister at the same time . to those who feel revulsion towards seita and feel that the war scene be pointless represent a mention earlier and all the the war scene do be place the story in context . they be not there to excuse seita action in any way . the story clearly show that there be no absolution for seita ( akiyuki nosaka alter ego ) . he bar his shortcoming and imperfection ( a see from his own eye ) for the world to see and feel repulse by in the hope to find some solace for his own guilty heart . i have drag this on far too long and i have a test tomorrow morning . cheer .