When you go to a convention, looking for this movie, and everyone stares at you with that look of "what's he talking about?", it's quite disappointing since I'd rather give my money to the small guy with the great stuff than a huge website that makes lots of dough on a daily basis. Not only that, I don't have to pay shipping and there's no worry that the mail will lose or damage your purchase.
It's proper title is "Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honneamise" is hte first full-length feature by Gainax (Remember them?) in 1987, two years before the famed Akira. It tells the story of Shirtosugh Lhadatt, a young man whose lack of self-motivation to succeed has placed him in the his nation's lacking space program and it's motley assortment of staff members.
Along his way, Lhadatt encounters and befriends a religious woman, Riquinni Nonderaiko, whose belief in God has seen her through the tough times in her life. No, this is not a religious film, although it does play a large part in the movie.
Riquinni inspires Lhadatt to become the first man into space, believing Lhadatt to ecompass all that humanity is capable of doing. As well as the solid belief that space exploration is a Godley pursuit.
To find out more, you have to see it. Roger Ebert gave it a gleaming review should tell you something about how great it is. The viewer is treated to an animation tour-de-force with animation as good as Akira's or Blood. It's an alternate story of the space race, but only from one country's point-of-view.
The themes of spirituality, internal politics, space exploration, love, and personal drive to succeed are played out by the characters in a convincing way that I even found surprising. In my top ten, this has to hit at least number 3. It's a great film if you find that the newer stuff is dragging, but don't expect giant robots, gatuitous panty shots, or hot anime babes running around in school girl outfits. This one puts the story and it's characters first. I also suggest it to ANYONE since it's not as "out there" as the majority of anime seems to be. My only caution is that there is strong language in the film, so watch the little ones.
Best line (I don't know if they'll shut me down for this, but here goes!): "You know...I was flying rockets before oyu were even an itch in your daddy's crotch!" Head scientist of the Space Program after an engine blows up.
