There are science fiction Anime out there, and then there are Anime films like this. Although it’s by Gainax, there’s no Eva-esque mechas to be had here. It’s just about the experiences of the man who would become the first man in space, a proud moment for a planet much like Earth. I like how it’s not too high tech, or too bleak like many science fiction films are. A science fiction Anime that gives you hope? From GAINAX? Tell him you’re dreamin’…
But it’s true, Wings of Honneamise won’t make you depressed after watching it. Atheists beware, there is spiritualism in this movie that would make Richard Dawkins cry, but not too preachy to the extent you’ll be offended.
Shiro, the main character, is part of the Royal Space Force, a department ridiculed by the Air Force as a waste of time and money, because it’s never reached the stars before. Shiro volunteers to be the first astronaut because he discovers a man needs to have a purpose. A girl handing out religious pamphlets helps Shiro find God. (although most people hate these sort of people in our world, here this character is more than likable, and preaches a spirituality that is more to do with Humanity’s need for peace and reunion with God than whinging about the latest Harry Potter movie being evil) The little girl that the older girl looks after is adorable, and is one of the most awesome characters in the movie. She eventually warms up to Shiro as a sort of big brother figure, and the scenes between Shiro and her are quite endearing.
There is hinted romance between Shiro and the religious pamphlet girl, and although Shiro attempts to rape the religious pamphlet girl in one scene (which is presented in a way that is less horrifying than it sounds here) turns into an exploration of both characters embarrassment. Shiro begs the religious pamphlet girl for forgiveness, and urges her to blame him for this terrible act that he aborted since he felt ashamed, but the religious pamphlet girl, rather than damning him to hell, turns the other cheek and feels ashamed because she hit Shiro over the head to make him stop, even though Shiro stopped anyway. This is a rather difficult scene to analyse, because of the uncomfortable subject matter of the sequence (rape is not cool, yo) but I see it as an exploration of the role of sexuality in religion in a way that isn’t preachy. Both of the characters are feeling awkward after this happens, and their characterisation is well written.
The religious pamphlet girl and Shiro never kiss, but it seems likely they’ll get to know each other when Shiro comes back down from orbit.
But what of the SCIENCE in the FICTION?
This is a very believable film, low tech, and the science is plausible. NASA is mentioned in the credits, so you can tell they did their homework with this film. The rag-tag collection of old geezer scientists who build the rocketship are quite amusing eggheads in wheelchairs and walkers, and though they seem feeble, it’s them who have the brains trust to put a man in space.
There’s something in it for everybody who likes science fiction, from purists to casuals. The exploration of man’s constant fixation on war is dealt with well, and it has a happy ending, as the soldiers fighting stop shooting and watch the launch of the great rocket in awe, dumbstruck. Celebrity is also deconstructed by this film’s treatment of Shiro as both the face of a fad and as a hero of the human condition, forsaking his love of being loved by all to help others in many cases.
All in all it is a good watch, but a long one. Bring cookies to the table, as it is quite an epic.
Geek Philosophy, Nerd Profundities 