[DerMensch24]

Ouritsu Uchuugun: Honneamise no Tsubasa

Synopsis (Courtesy of MAL):
Spoiler (Click to View)Shirotsugh "Shiro" Lhadatt may be a cadet in the Kingdom of Honneamise's Royal Space Force (RSF), but he has never been in space before—in fact, nobody has. The RSF is often regarded as a failure both by the country's citizens and a government more interested in precipitating a war with a neighboring country than scientific achievement. Following the funeral of a fellow cadet, an unmotivated Shiro is walking in the city one night, when he bumps into Riquinni Nonderaiko, a young, pious woman, genuinely enthusiastic about the significance of space exploration.

As the two gradually bond, Riquinni's encouragement inspires Shiro to volunteer as a pilot for a prospective rocket ship, potentially becoming Honneamise's first man in space. Shiro and the RSF are soon joined by a team of elderly but eager scientists and engineers, and together, they embark on a mission to mold their nation's space program into a success. However, their efforts soon catch the attention of the government, which seems to have a different plan for the RSF in mind. Even as the odds are stacked against them, these men and women continue to stubbornly look to the sky, because somewhere among the frontiers of space may lie humanity's last chance at redemption.

Type: Film
Studio: Gainax
Aired: Mar 14, 1987
Genre(s): Action, Drama, Military, Sci-Fi, Space
Source: https://myanimelist.net/anime/1034/Ourit...no_Tsubasa
Sub/Dub: Both exist, watched the dub version and it was very well done

Trailer:
Spoiler (Click to View)

And just when I thought I had found the best of the hidden gems of anime, behold the biggest one to slip past everyone. This little-known animated film that appeared in 1987 points its middle finger to cliche storytelling, plot, art, and more. I can assuredly say everything utilized in this film helped in the development of later Gainax productions such as NGE. Its unconventional but magnificent, and I'd even go so far as to say original. I'm still in shock really at this animated film, but to really put it in perspective I'll use this quote:

It's set on a quasi-alternate-reality version of Earth, but without reams of bogus sci-fi hokum, and the screen is littered with wonderful art direction of a world that's sort of familiar, but wonderfully alien. Just look at, for example, the guns the characters use - they're not laser pistols or handguns, but these strange little things that still look like guns, but cleverly modified to fit within the rest of this wonderful universe that Gainax created.
And the story! Oh, man! It's not some spunky kid out to save the universe. It's not a band of merry adventurers battling an onslaught of demons. None of that. It's a tender story of a bored and broken man seeking redemption, pouring himself into a cause that he finds important that everyone else thinks is a laughable joke, and finding spiritual enlightenment in spite of his entire endeavor being twisted by corrupt politicians as an excuse to wage war. It's about one man coming to terms with himself. It's a story that's mature, resonant, and authentic. Every single thing in that movie is wholly idiosyncratic. It's wonderful. And not only is it unique, it is exceptionally well done. Every frame is teeming with detail. -Brian Hanson of ANN

It really is hard to think that this film came out in '87. While the only critique I can say is the sound, overall this is truly just an incredible film. Its 2 hours of eye candy, food for thought, artful storytelling and a great contribution to anime. Truly, this is a film that makes me continue to want to see anime. ;)

Also as a side note: The sequal which originally was supposed to air early 1990s was announced that it will air ~2018.
More info: https://myanimelist.net/anime/20471/Aoki_Uru

[Zanwald]

Going to watch it right now. Thanks for this.

[DerMensch24]

Going to watch it right now. Thanks for this.

Enjoy ;) Hope you found a version to watch

[moneymulcahy]

Ugh I love anime so much, can't get enought of it!