By Hervé St-Louis
August 8, 2002 - 16:03
The Wings of Honneamise, Gainax Studios' first
production, has become one of the classic Japanese animated film (anime)
on the market. This movie is set on a planet similar to Earth, during
the 1950s in Honeamise-Jikein-Minadhan, a kingdom similar to Japan. Just
like here, the whole world is recovering from a major world war among
great nations.
Budding astronaut Shirotsugh Ladhatt, and a band
of rejects from the regular armed forced are the members of the Royal
Space Force, an outfit run by a misfit general and old decrepit
scientists. The general, the scientists, and the Space Force crew
attempt to create the first spaceship that will send Ladhatt into space.
Political feuds within the kingdom and threats from competing nations
surround the Space Force's effort.
The pacing of this movie is one of its most
striking features. Whereas animes are usually filled with thrilling
action sequences, this film is a long series of conversations,
reflections and comments on life, religion, war, poverty, back room
manoeuvres, and drinking enlisted men visiting Red Light Districts-like
brothels.
Because of the slow pace of the film, viewers
become avid fans or avid haters. Many stories abound of people falling
asleep while watching it.
'We've found the untouched realm of God'
Though the actors are cartoon characters, the
voice actors behind this film translate perfectly the slow pace, uneven
suspense and tension that are the themes of this film. Ladhatt's nasal
tone is mired in both detachment and hope. Leiqunni Nondelaiko,
Ladhatt's devout inspiration and platonic love
interest, is a woman whose voice is passionate, naive and remorseful.
Budding astronaut Shirotsugh Ladhatt, and a band
of rejects from the regular armed forced are the members of the Royal
Space Force, an outfit run by a misfit general and old decrepit
scientists. The general, the scientists, and the Space Force crew
attempt to create the first spaceship that will send Ladhatt into space.
Political feuds within the kingdom and threats from competing nations
surround the Space Force's effort.
The film's philosophy involves a religion
created for this fictional world that resembles Judeo-Christian ideas of
monotheism, original sin and forgiveness. Ladhatt's evangelistic
persistence and devotion to the Space Force, boosted by Nondelaiko's
preaching, eventually rally the very media and friends who ridiculed him
earlier.
The visual qualities of this film are
incredible. The film's designers created a whole parallel planet with
motorcycles, coins, tramways and clothes different from those of our
world. However, they evoke the same mood of optimism and conflicts
prevalent in postwar times.
'I guess the crew is going down with its ship'
The set and character designs are as detailed
and realistic. One of the most beautiful scene of the movie, is
Ladhatt's first test flight while his aircraft sifts through layers of
clouds. Other scenes like the Ladhatt's stroll through downtown alleys
straddled with neon lights and steam are as equally pleasing.
Sakamoto Ryuichi composed the exquisite music in
this film. He is the same compositor responsible for the soundtrack
from The Last Emperor. Most scenes are laden with an adaptation of the
film's principal themes.
T
his film was directed and written by Yamaga
Hiroyuki. It was his first film. There is no rating but some nudity is
present. Parental supervision is suggested.
Though The Wings of Honneamise was never a
commercial success, since 1995, Various festivals, like Montreal's
Fantasia Film Festival have featured the film. It is available in video
and DVD from Manga Entertainment.
Rating: 10 /10