Animation and music are beautiful. I also love that it's told from the perspective of an artist whose head is always on the clouds. So many historical events are happening, but she's just living her life as best as possible in her little corner of the world. It's also interesting to see the WWII from the perspective of Japanese civilians. It's worth watching the extended version!
Ringing Bell:
The first time I watched this it stayed with me for A WHILE. Like, it haunted me almost. The ending makes me cry every time. I definitely recommend watching it if you get the chance.
Whenever I decide to watch some great, old and permanent-trauma-causing japanese cartoon [links are to wikipedia description] - it must be under certain circumstances:
In december 2020 I had Covid-19: laying with 39 degree fever for more than 3 days, sweating and exhausted - and then I watched Chirin's Bell (チリンの鈴, Chirin no Suzu) 1978
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In july 2021 a had Salmonellosis, with not only 39 degree fever but also constant very dehydratating diarrhoea lasting more than 2 days - I watched Barefoot Gen (はだしのゲン, Hadashi no Gen) 1983
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In 2022 I planned to watch Perfect Blue ( パーフェクトブルー ) 1997... But thank goodness I never was that sick!!!👍
The first time I watched this it stayed with me for A WHILE. Like, it haunted me almost. The ending makes me cry every time. I definitely recommend watching it if you get the chance.