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8 out of 9 people found the following review useful: Meticulously constructed alternate world makes for one of my favorite movies, 5 March 2003 Author: mr_observador from Puerto Rico
The only way I can describe how this film makes me feel is to compare it to a child watching My Neighbor Totoro. It is animation but not quite what you see everyday. It has a plot but it has subtle and even hidden depth.To me this film is so good that it ceases to be "just anime" to become film art in the truest sense: it conjures up an imaginary world and makes it real, people have troubles and tribulations and we identify with them, everything comes to conclusion and we are changed by it and for the better.For people think this is just sunday network cartoons two hours long I recommend watching this alongside Apollo 13 and/or Forrest Gump and try to find the analogies, you'll be surprised.
7 out of 8 people found the following review useful: An inspirational manga film, 11 May 2004 Author: mcas_uk from london
i saw this film for the first time quite a while ago yet i still watch it regularly, mainly because of the intricate and amazing animation, (the architecture deserves special mention) and the fact that it has a story line worthy of the visuals, something which is not common amongst manga films in my opinion. it is not without its faults however, for example the slightly confusing religious aspect of the film, and some might complain that it does not have enough action in it but apart from this i found it to be a complex and involving film with brilliant music and well rounded deep characters, if anyone knows of any further work from the people who made this film i would be grateful for any info.
5 out of 5 people found the following review useful: Brave film for a brave old world, 21 January 2005 Author: dhogstar from United Kingdom
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
You have read the other comments so that should get you started. Great music. Great details. OK voiceovers. Didn't see the rape scene so i don't know about that. Slapstick humour works, as its not overdone everywhere in the film. Beauful sceneries and well animated for its time.But its the storyline that is the gem of this film, and the acknowledged ending. You need the slow buildup for the ending to work. Can you spot the parallel Einstein? I don't see this film as hugely religious either, but more humanist. The parallel universe development of humankind in the end shows us how we have all come to were we are today of our own efforts, and take pride in this. It shows the beauty of everyday life and the greatness of small things. Religion is a part of us as well as technology and above all humanity. The message is to us, in this world.Our launch to space, and as well the baby's first step is the key point. Although mass media and movies has made us blind to this. This film reexamines it and points this out. The makes of this film choose the narrow path and were brave.10/10 - A must see movie for anybody.
5 out of 5 people found the following review useful: A bit slow, but has one of the best endings in all of anime., 8 June 2001 Author: Jeremy Bristol from Plattsmouth, NE
For all the flaws in this movie (actual or perceived), I have to admit that ending has stuck with me since I first saw the dubbed version five years ago. All that fighting, all that posturing--for what? No one end up caring, no one listens to their pleas for the end of violence. It is very easy to understand how these moviemakers were able to later make Neon Genesis Evangelion, which has many of the same issues (religion, an examination of the belief that some people have that "the way justifies the means," technology and the use and misuse of it by humans, etc.).The biggest problem I have with the movie is the attempted rape scene and the victim's subsequent forgiveness of the perpetrator (the hero of the movie). I couldn't tell whether the filmmakers were being sarcastic of her religion or if they really felt it was a good thing for her to forgive him--or if they needed that scene at all. I bought the DVD, hoping that the director's commentary would shed more light on the subject--they spend more time discussing how the cels (of the girl naked) were stolen before they could give them to friends than they did explaining the purpose of the scene in the movie.Another thing is that Wings doesn't completely break out of the anime mold to become a mainstream film--it occasionally slips into anime-style slapstick and there's a few too much insider talk (both in technological aspects and inside jokes).Beyond that, it is a daring, engrossing but deliberately-paced animated film.
5 out of 6 people found the following review useful: Review/Plot Summary, 1 December 1998 Author: Rainer Paine from Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Sumptuous animation and an evocative musical score take one on a journey through a world whose similarity to our own is enhanced by its subtle differences.The space race of the twentieth century is portrayed not only as a contest between war and peace, but also between mere subsistence existence and the drive to better ourselves. Add to that a touch of spirituality, and one has a deep, philosophical drama which thrives upon the freedom and beauty provided by animation.The plot: Two rival nations are vying for political and military dominance. The much ridiculed fledgling space program becomes a pawn in this power struggle as one nation tries to use it as a propaganda tool and bait to lure its rival into war. No one expects a real, working rocket ship to be created.At the center of the conflict is the brave, volunteer test pilot, who is transformed overnight from an air-force reject to the symbol of the new era. His physical ordeal of surviving the rigors of flight training, not to mention the assassination attempts, becomes secondary to his attempts to justify the vast resources expended on the project while people are living in poverty just outside the training center.Finally, all worldly issues are transcended as the rocket actually lifts off (with stunning animation), much to the amazement of the troops fighting over its possession.
3 out of 3 people found the following review useful: great movie, and finally.. great (HD-) DVD!, 12 September 2007 Author: nekobas from United States
It's 2007 and finally after many years, The Wings of Honneamise gets the transfer it deserves, available on both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray. The high-definition treatment is like night and day with this movie - the colours are rich and varied, and the artwork is detailed and defined, reminding you just how much work and care went into hand-drawn animation only 20 years ago. But of course, Honneamise has always been about a great story. It's not the sort of thing for modern Narutards with ADD, this is a story to make you think about the purpose of life and modern society. The story is set in an alternate world reminiscent of the 1950s, and Shirotsugh Lhadatt is a member of the nation of Honneamise's Royal Space Forces. He and his fellow crews' morale have hit rock bottom after the recent death of a teammate but Shiro has a chance meeting with a very religious young woman named Riquinni and it changes his life for the better. He decides to make something of his life and this opportunity to volunteer to become the first astronaut, and in doing so inspires the whole space force to achieve new heights of excellence - literally and figuratively. The movie is not entirely without action and intrigue however, as Honneamise's own military throws political machinations against the space launch, and an enemy nation plots Shiro's death by assassination.Gainax's first feature film, and still their best.
3 out of 3 people found the following review useful: THIS is anime., 9 September 2007 Author: dbaguy666 from United States
THIS is what hand-drawn anime should be. Not pink, spiky-haired characters with big eyes. I've been a fan of "anime" since Astro Boy in the 60's, and for the most part, it hasn't progressed.A whole world is draw up and populated. Much seems familiar, like the Russian-inspired rocketry, and the inter-nation conflicts. Much is original, and quite believable.Of course, I am the type that watches this in Japanese, with English subtitles. How else are you supposed to get some of the nuances and inflections?I gave it a 9, and think it deserves it for profundity of the art of animation.
3 out of 3 people found the following review useful: Gainax's magnum opus, 19 March 1999 Author: Eddy Hartanto from Los Angeles, USA
Honneamise no tsubasa is one of the most experimental animated features I have ever seen. It had some amazingly detailed and beautiful visual designs, deep concept and storyline, unique scenes that had never been done before, and so much more. Gainax had done a tremendous amount of research for this title, as a result they succeeded in virtually creating a new world, complete with its own culture, costumes, architecture, tradition, religion, rituals, etc. The character animation may lag at certain points and the film's pacing may feel a little bit too slow from time to time, but they are just minor gripes if you consider the overall greatness of the film. The Anime also contains some wonderful scenes that are practically some of animation's most glorious moments. It has the best ending I have ever seen in an animated feature, in fact, the last 20 minutes of the film are amazing beyond words. You have to see this film yourself , and definitely see it more than once. This is the anime not just for animation fans, but everyone who likes great and grandiose space opera in line of 2001: Space Odyssey
2 out of 2 people found the following review useful: Brilliant, intelligent, and dazzling for Anime fans, questionable for others., 7 April 2007 Author: JTurner82 from Highland Park, NJ
At the time of its release, Gainax's debut feature WINGS OF HONNEAMISE was the most expensive animated feature from Japan, with a budget of eight million yen (today that might not seem like such a big deal, but this is 1987 we are talking about). Yet while the movie earned critical raves it was a stunning commercial disaster. It was not until approximately seven years later that WINGS OF HONNEAMISE finally turned a profit. Today it is hailed among Anime fans as one of the all-time masterpieces of the genre.Scripted and directed by 23-year-old Hiroyuki Yamaga, WINGS OF HONNEAMISE, is set in a bizarre Japanese/American hybrid world with futuristic technology but where the concept of space travel seems laughable. The protagonist is Shirotsugh Lhadatt, an unmotivated cadet of the often-ridiculed (and constantly threatened) Royal Space Force. When he starts a relationship with a religious woman named Riquinni, Shiro becomes inspired, and, before long, volunteers to be the first man into space.It's obvious that a lot of effort went into the animation of this movie, and the results show. For a 1987 production, WINGS OF HONNEAMISE showcases some intricately detailed backgrounds that fully realize the strange world of our protagonists. The animation itself, though not as smooth as, say, a traditional Disney cartoon or AKIRA, neither as beautiful as a Studio Ghibli film is still quite impressive. And even though the characters don't have the huge eyes or round faces of most Anime leads, they're visibly expressive. In addition to which, the camera work is amazing; watching this movie one has the feeling that they are witnessing a live-action drama rather than a cartoon.That said, WINGS OF HONNEAMISE's entertainment value might not be for everyone. Fans weaned on fast-paced Anime productions may be put off by HONNEAMISE's languid pace. There are only two major action set pieces in the movie, and they happen about three-quarters of the way through and near the end, respectively. But mostly the movie concentrates on character development and tackles political issues. While this gives HONNEAMISE a depth of complexity in its plot, there are times when the structure of the story feels unfocused. A subplot involving a war with a rival country for the rocket, in particular, seems superfluous.Then there's the confused relationship between Shiro and Riquinni. Mostly it develops well through the movie (with occasional chuckles coming from Shiro's lack of understanding of whether his interactions with Riquinni are platonic or romantic); but why did the script have to include a disturbing rape attempt scene? Not only does it provide discomfort to the audience, this sequence feels strangely out of place and inconsistent with both the plot and the characterizations of both Shiro and Riquinni. It makes even less sense in the following scene when Shiro, attempting to apologize, is instead told by Riquinni to forgive *her* for smashing a jar on his head! That this nasty sequence doesn't go anywhere afterwards is also abrupt in terms of development. Instead of providing an interesting turning point in the protagonists' relationship, this scene only comes across as pointless as well as violent.One other scene that feels disjointed from the rest of the movie takes place toward the end, where, after Shiro is finally in space, we are suddenly treated to what appears to be a gradual progression of humanity. Taken on its own, this approximately four minute long sequence showcases some imaginative animation styles; this is the most artfully done scene in the movie, rendered in charcoal-like colors and set to a trippy yet surreal score (courtesy of Oscar-winner Ryuichi Sakamoto). On the flip side, this sequence interrupts (and delays) the denouement of the film, and is awkwardly transitioned into.In fact the whole strangeness of WINGS OF HONNEAMISE might be too off-putting to non-Anime fans; for an exercise in creativity and imagination, this movie excels. But the confused plot twists in this otherwise ambitious and brilliant tale may be too problematic to recommend it to viewers expecting a well-structured story. It also clocks in at two hours, and some of that running time is wasted in sequences where nothing much happens.It should be noted, too, that this is not a movie for young children. In addition to that aforementioned rape attempt scene, there is a bloody battle scene between our hero and an enemy spy, and a climax that involves an attack on ground and air (while the Royal Space Force struggles to launch Shiro into space). While these sequences have a lot more energy than the low-key tone of the picture, both are considerably violent. To be fair, though, they're also not as gruesome or sickening as in other Anime features.The movie is still worth watching, however, because of the detailed animation and ambitious concept. Not many animated features in America have attempted such a story like this, and so for that, WINGS OF HONNEAMISE does stand out. Yet the movie probably plays better to Anime fans than it may to non-fans.
2 out of 2 people found the following review useful: Deep and humerous, 24 June 2001 Author: Regret (Mournfoul@hotmail.com) from Purgatory
Wings of Homoneise was something really different. When I rented this film I expected to see the usual cliche half ass plot seeing as how that's usually all that Magna ever bring to the US. I was however really surprised when I finished with it though. The plot is really deep and the characters acted at times so intelligent and at other times I just wanted to strangle them for their stupidity, but then I realized, they portrayed people as they really are, imperfect. The only problem I had with it was well, the whole attempted rape scene, I for some reason didn't understand the course of action that what's her name took after the main character tried to umm....well, I don't wanna spoil it. Anyways, you should rent it if you see it at your local anime store or video store. -Remorse P.S. Why don't voices ever ask you to do good things? When someone hears voices it's always something bad....
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