Grave of the Fireflies Ebert Video Pick of the Week

While anime fans have known it for years, noted film critic (and possible closet otaku) Roger Ebert has discovered the 1989 Studio Ghibli film "Grave of the Fireflies" (distributed dubbed and subtitled on VHS and DVD by Central Park Media), and named it his "Video Pick of the Week" for the week of March 22, 1999.

"This is one of the most powerful films I've seen," said Ebert in his weekly syndicated television show (formerly co-hosted by the late Gene Siskel). "Can an animated film move you emotionally? You bet it can!"

Ebert has been instrumental in the mainstreaming of anime in the United States, as he and the late Mr. Siskel have been among the first to sing the praises of anime such as Ghost in the Shell, Wings of Honneamise, and Roujin Z.