Royal Space Force - Wings of Honneamise

Amazon.com

Many anime fans acclaim writer-director Hiroyuki Yamaga's Wings of Honneamise as a masterpiece, but general audiences may react less enthusiastically. Honneamise is a small country in a parallel world very similar to Earth. Shiro Lhadatt, the least impressive cadet in the air force flight school, volunteers to become the first astronaut in a controversial space program. Training toughens his body, while the priggish evangelist Riqunni challenges him to discipline his spirit. In one distasteful sequence, Shiro attempts to rape her. The next morning he starts to apologize, only to have her apologize for braining him with a candlestick, a scene certain to infuriate feminists. Despite an invasion by a hostile country, Shiro gets into space and delivers a ponderous homily from his capsule.

Wings was made by a group of young artists in 1987, and with a record- setting budget. Art director Hiromasa Ogura's lavish designs blend '80s high-tech with art nouveau, and Yamaga's leaden pacing gives viewers the time to study every detail. Fans of Honneamise acclaim it as a critical meditation on the illusions and follies of the human race, which suggests that profundity, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. (Ages 13 and older for violence, attempted rape, and occasional profanity) --Charles Solomon

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant, intelligent, and dazzling for Anime fans, questionable for others........2007-04-08

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 24-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.

Royal space force.......2007-04-06

this is a great Animae movie of an alternative 'analogue' technology with clear links to aviation and computor developments that ceased at the end of world war 2. I found the depth of detail in the animation compelling and I was able to get involved in the characters and the plot very easily.

where is the japanese laguage version?.......2006-08-28

I bought this movie on VHS many years ago when Manga released it. It is still one of my favorite animes. I wanted to get it on DVD but sadly I was disappointed. Where is the original Japanese language (english subtitled) version? Everywhere I go online, the DVD version is all English dubbed. I guess I can always send my video tape out for someone to copy to copy to DVD for me. :(

THE BEST OF THE JAPANIMATION I'VE EVER SEEN!!.......2006-02-21

Some other reviews that rate this DVD low seem to be pointing out its video quality, not the film itself. This DVD, however, I bought at Hawaii had none of those problems to play on my DVD player at home in Japan. It's unfortunate for such reviews to be wrongly lowering its Average Customer Review.

I am Japanese living in Japan. I watched this film for the first time at the theater after reading Hayao Miyazaki's preview that had praised it to the skies.

"What a film," I thought myself. It successfully creates a RETRO PARALLEL WORLD of ours, having nothing to do with fantastic robots or supernatural forces in space operas.

As a Japanese, in order for the foreign audience not to misunderstand the culture of the WORLD shown in the film, I have to say it is none of Japanese, Chinese, or Korean one. The film crew seems to have invented it so that even the Japanese audience can find it quite ethnic. It looks like Mongolian or Bhutanese culture if I may say so.

Lastly I'd like to mention some differences between Japanese and English versions of the film. In the Japanese version, people belonging to the enemy country speak in an imaginary foreign language, which is not even Greek to me, so the picture has Japanese subtitles for it, successfully giving the Japanese audience the feeling that they are really foreigners to the heroes' country.

The enemy fighters often shout like, "An Zhad Rhy!" as a salute after briefing and just before attacking. It is translated into "God bless you," in the subtitles.

Cooooooooooool!!

One of the best animated films ever -- atrocious video quality.......2005-10-30

I bought the 12" laserdisc release of this movie some years ago, and the colors are vivid, the edges are sharp, and I could find little to complain about except they messed up the subtitles in several spots -- they were actually missing in certain scenes.

But laserdisc is a dead format. Now comes the DVD, and they've ruined the movie. The colors are washed out. Edge enhancement is very prominent and annoying. If you are watching on a progressive monitor -- the deinterlacing is bad. The picture looks fuzzy, in spite of the edge enhancement.

If you must have this film, please buy a used copy -- they're quite reasonable. You should not support a company who cares so little about this beautiful work of art and so little about their customers that they would release such a shoddy product and expect you to shell out $25 for it. I thought the Return of Sherlock Holmes DVD transfers were bad, but this is worse.

Shame, shame on all who had a hand in releasing this DVD edition.

Average customer rating:

More propoganda ...
You'd Have to Be A Truly Deficient Human Being to Call This Propaganda
This is a propaganda film designed to prop up the US Government's official story about 9/11
Great Timeline of 9/11
9/11:The whole story

Clear the Skies - 9/11 Air Defense
Director: Peter Molloy
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B0009IW89Y
Release Date: 2005-08-23

Amazon.com

Strategic response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 is thoroughly analyzed in the riveting BBC documentary Clear the Skies: 9/11 Air Defense. This hourlong program examines the events on 9/11 from the perspective of U.S. domestic defense, beginning at 8:30 a.m., shortly before the first hijacked jet struck the World Trade Center towers, and ending late that afternoon when President Bush safely returned to Washington, D.C. Dozens of startling details are revealed, including the fact that only four Air Force fighters were available to defend the entire Northeastern United States; the blast doors in the North American Air Defense command center, deep within Colorado's Cheyenne Mountain, were closed for the first time since operations began in 1966; and President Bush assured reporters on Air Force One that "two-bit thugs" would not keep America down (a candid off-the-record expression of Bush's anger).

What emerges from this chronological account is the sobering conclusion that America was unprepared for this "new kind of war." But Clear the Skies also demonstrates how admirable efficiency prevailed under extreme circumstances, as Air Force pilots, reporters, and government officials share their memories of those unforgettable hours. Emphasis is placed on procedures that grounded nearly 5,000 aircraft to achieve an unprecedented state of "Air Traffic Control Zero." Actual radar footage shows how quickly this was accomplished, and a step-by-step analysis of the day's events (using file footage, photos, and dramatic reenactments) shows how the protection of America's executive chain of command was 100% successful. With a compelling combination of split-screen images and deep-background investigation, Clear the Skies offers an all-access pass to the complexities of air defense. Among the many fine DVDs that chronicle 9/11 from a variety of perspectives, this is one of the best. --Jeff Shannon

Description

The very idea of the United States being attacked by air was unimaginable and unexpected. On the morning of September 11, 2001, 14 fighter planes, dispersed among seven bases, were responsible for the country's mainland air defense; four alone responsible for the entire North East. At 9:44 a.m. an order was given that had never been attempted before, to go to Condition Air Traffic Control Zero - to clear the skies of all non-military aircraft. At that time, roughly 4,836 commercial and private planes were flying over the United States and in less than three hours the clear the skies order was fully carried out. This is the story of how, minute-by-minute, America's air defense as well as those responsible for the President's and other government officials' safety responded when the horrific events of 9/11 unfolded. Discover intriguing personal accounts from this unforgettable day as fighter pilots, air defense officials, Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, Lynne Cheney and those who were with the President at key moments tell their stories.

Customer Reviews:

More propoganda ..........2006-09-16

so it just so happens that on that day only four aircraft were available to defend that massive area of airspace? The absence of defense, the complete collapse of three buildings, one not even hit by planes and on the other side of the WTC, the admission that building WTC 7 was demolished, the live media coverage of witnesses saying how the second plane was not american, the lack of any physical evidence at sights like the pentagon of things such as the huge titanium engines which could not have burned to nothing, the reports of explosions just before the collapse.... and i have only scratched the surface. Wake up. WTC was demolished, this film is b******t.

You'd Have to Be A Truly Deficient Human Being to Call This Propaganda.......2006-05-23

As someone who was living in the Washington area on "9/11", watching this program was hard at times, especially knowing in advance what the end result would be. That said, I would recommend it to anyone who would like to understand what went on during that morning in September 2001. For those who would like to see a flip-side to this story, I would recommend the very gripping (and sometimes disturbing) film The Hamburg Cell, which details the lives of the hijackers (yes, they were real people contrary to what some seemingly disturbed individuals would claim).

As an aside, I feel compelled to point out one thing related to the assertion made by a previous reviewer that, "This is a propaganda film designed to prop up the US Government's official story about 9/11." Since someone would have to be seriously deficient as a human being (I'm talking about being a truly moronic sicko) to actually hold the view that there was no terrorist attack on that day, and I'm sure that characterization does not apply to the previous reviewer, we can safely assume that their claim was not meant to be taken seriously and should be disregarded.

Even if it was meant seriously, there is a key point that any reasonable person would be happy to take into account. "Clear the Skies" was produced by the British (yes, that's British) Broadcasting Corporation. Seeing as propaganda is one of the few things America excels at producing domestically, why would the U.S. government outsource it to the British?

In any case, as with most dubious conspiracy theories, the key argument against it is the sheer number of people who would have to have been involved. Considering that things like Watergate and Iran-Contra were handily exposed in periods with far less media saturation, it strains credulity to believe that something of the scope 9/11 theorists envision would not have come to light. Some true patriot with inside knowledge would have talked by now, because that's how actual conspiracies (e.g. Watergate, Iran/Contra) come to light.

This is a propaganda film designed to prop up the US Government's official story about 9/11.......2006-04-20

Here are some crucial facts that are missing from this propaganda film:

1) It is an absolute, disgusting lie that, "The very idea of the United States being attacked by air was unimaginable and unexpected."

For one thing, various agencies, including NORAD - North American Air Defense - had run several exercises involving the exact same scenario that transpired on 9/11, for years before 9/11/01.

For another thing, the US government was given very specific warnings about the upcoming attacks on 9/11 by more than 10 other countries in the months prior to 9/11, including Israel, Germany, Egypt, Russia, among others.

Even the Pentagon ran an exercise a year before 9/11 involving a Boeing 767 crashing into the Pentagon. Another similar exercise involving the same scenario was scheduled in early 2001, but was rejected for being "too unrealistic". That is because the area around the Pentagon is restricted air space, with surface to air missiles ready to shoot down anything that comes too close to the Pentagon. What happened to the Pentagon's air defense on the morning of 9/11/01? Think about that.

Anyone who bothers to do a minimal amount of education about the US Air Defense system will discover that for the last several decades, the US Air Defense has trained for and has been designed for quickly dealing with any potential threat to North American air space, including by missiles, aircraft, spacecraft, and any other object that can fly through the air. Combat ready squadrans are scattered across the continent in order to be able to intercept any aircraft over any part of North American air space within about 15 minutes. There is very scrict procedures in place well before 9/11/01 that requires all aircraft acting errantly, such as loss of communication, going off course, loss ot transponder, etc., to be intercepted. No permission was required for these kinds of intercepts to be made, prior to 9/11/01. But, Dick Chaney had Donald Rumsfield issue a directive just before 9/11/01 to change those procedures, requiring them to get permission from Donald Rumsfield before sending out an intercept. Why did he do that when the system was working so well before that? And, why did he change that rule after 9/11/01 to the way it was before?

2) An average of about 100 aircraft per year, both before and after 9/11/01, have been intercepted by NORAD, and the average intercept time was between 10 and 15 minutes. This very competent and efficent Air Defense System - the world's best - has been in place for several decades. But, on 9/11/01 NORAD went AWOL. Hijacked planes were allowed to fly around US airspace for more than 1 and a half hours after knowledge of hijackings was confirmed. Why?

What else it the government lying about regarding 9/11? A lot! There are over 150 holes in the official government story about 9/11.

I recommend educating yourself about the truth regarding what really happened on 9/11. It is the duty of every American to know this truth and understand the threat that the criminal cabal controlling our government is posing to our democracy. Watch the following DVDs:
The Great Conspiracy - free on google
Loose Change - free on google
9/11 Revisited - free on google

Check out the following web sites:
[...] - Schollars for 9/11 Truth

Please, look at all the evidence for yourself and find out the truth. That's all I ask. Get all the facts, especially those that the government is covering up. Then, decide what you are going to do to get our country back from these fascists.

Educate yourself. Don't just accept what is spoon-fed to you by the government or the mainstream media.

Great Timeline of 9/11.......2006-01-07

This DVD is a must for those that want to understand the timeline of events for Sept. 11th. It is a very good
depiction of how the events of that day were dealt with
and how the continuity of government plan is supposed to work.
Kudos to ALL the air traffic controlers who put everything on the ground safely in just a matter of hours!

9/11:The whole story.......2005-10-13

When looking back at 9/11, many details and sidelights present the whole story. The clearing of the US airspace was certainly an important part. This video gives and impressive account on how this was accomplished. It should be part of anyone's video collections of the events surrounding this horrific day.

Average customer rating:

SAILING IN HEAVY WEATHER
Starring: Live Action - Instructional
Manufacturer: Bennett Marine Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000LXH5FE
Release Date: 2006-12-14

Description

This is the best program we've seen. - U.S. Sailing Association. Go offshore aboard a 40ft. sailboat for an exciting look at heavy weather sailing techniques and tactics. Join Warren Luhrs, Steve Dashew, John Neal and other top sailors as they cover steering in large seas, heavy air sail trim, heavy weather sailing techniques and tactics, personal protection and storm tactics.

Average customer rating:

Has some fun moments
SLOW WINDS A BLOWIN
Comedy 'Force!'
A horrible film that pokes fun at TV reality shows
What Could Have Been...

Gale Force
Starring: Treat Williams , Susan Walters , Cliff De Young , Tim Thomerson , and Marcia Strassman
Director: Jim Wynorski
Manufacturer: Live / Artisan
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00005T304
Release Date: 2002-01-15

Description

When a reality TV show set on a remote island is invaded by real-life criminals and hurricane Zed cuts off all means of escape, reality TV becomes deadly.

Customer Reviews:

Has some fun moments.......2004-07-02

Gale force is not necessarily a great B flick, but it's entertaining, takes jabs at reality TV shows and their hosts), has recognizable actors in it that do a decent enough job, and is done well enough to be enjoyable (especially if you like the actors). Though a few scenes of footage are used from other movies (helicopters flying over jungle in Predator, some car stuff and opening concepts from Last Action Hero) such doesn't really bring the picture down. It's meant to be a fun romp, not a spectacular, or entirely original film. Special effects get the job done and aren't too hideous. The kind of movie you might see on a weekend on a miscellaneous cable channel. If you're a fellow Treat Williams fan, I strongly recommend DEEP RISING (a far better fantastic movie), but he's cool in Gale Force as has some fun moments. You might consider turning off Gale Force in the first ten minutes, but it picks up. All in all, a simple flick, with a simple `who lives and who dies' plot, with some fun moments. It's worth it for the actors, and the jab at reality shows. Good movie to rent on the cheap, or buy in a discount bin somewhere.

SLOW WINDS A BLOWIN.......2004-02-07

GALE FORCE is another straight to video that suffers from its lack of creative intelligence. Obviously scenes were stolen from previous movies (see other reviews), and the opening scene does little than to establish Treat Williams as a loose cannon. I will say for Treat that even though he can do much better than films like this, he manages to exude a quiet strength that helps elevate his films. Michael Dudikoff as a villain is novel; Susan Walters needs acting lessons; you never know when Cliff deYoung and Tim Thomerson are going to turn up. The effects are sub par, the pacing erratic, but overall it's an entertaining 90 minutes or so.

Comedy 'Force!'.......2003-02-01

...Treat Williams sported a brown leather jacket, red shirt, blue jeans i.e. Jack Slater's wardrobe and his name was Jack, right? The first ten minutes of the movie will leave you disgusted and you'll probably shut it off immediately. But, the main reason to watch "Gale Force" is because of Michael Dudikoff. The American Ninja plays a bad guy for once and he takes care of business. Basically this movie makes fun of reality television shows especially "Survivor." "Treasure Hunt" has brought in a group of people to search for a pot full of ten million dollars. But, a group of pirates (ex-Navy Seals) are scavenging around the island taking down the contestants. That's enough plot. Too much thinking. Jerad (Dudikoff) asks the host, "You think we're ready for primetime?" and then surprises him with a blast! I was amazed to have seen clips of the helicopters flying around from "Predator" in this movie... This movie is horrible, but it can make anybody laugh. A lightning bolt struck two people at the same time, yes! Old Man Withers still has some fight in him. Way too windy for me, the winds looked pretty windy. Oh well, like I said comedy!

A horrible film that pokes fun at TV reality shows.......2002-07-18

Treat Williams has made some bad films, and "Gale Force" is another stinker to add to his filmography. This direct-to-video garbage stars Williams as a LAPD detective who is asked to sign up for a new TV reality show, "Treasure Hunt", after he is suspended from the police force. The film's director (supposedly it's Jay Andrews, not Jim Wynorski) decided to steal some footage and action sequences from other films, such as "Last Action Hero" and "Die Hard". I wonder how the makers of "Last Action Hero" feel about having its car chase sequence being digitally inserted into this film! Anyway, avoid this one at all costs, and pray that Treat Williams' new TV series will be better than this [one].

What Could Have Been..........2002-01-23

What could have been a REALLY great B Flick with a very different plot ended up just another average B Flick. The plot:"Treasure Hunt" is tv's hottest new reality based show-$10 million dollars is buried on a remote island and it's between 8 contestants to find it and bring it home.(I can hear the idea being pitched now to a major tv studio to actually go through with this) Rogue theives have infiltrated the island and are also looking for the hidden cash but wait another disaster has beset these islanders: a violent tropical storm is heading towards them. Sounds good right?The Bad: Well the opening car chase scene is STOLEN from "Last Action Hero" it is the original scene but edited with Treat Williams in place of Arnold! (Look for the Slater 1 license plate on the car!) Even when the "house" where a hostage is held up blows up (STOLEN from Last Action Hero) it reeks of being from another movie.Didn't the director trust his production company or are B flicks that tight on a budget due to the economy? I thought I could overlook this flaw but alas another scene has a group of ex-Navy Seals flying in by helicopter to the island. This was lifted right from Predator!The somewhat Good:Overall I found it to be entertaining just to find the "borrowed" scenes from better action movies. I was disappointed in Michael Dudikoff playing a bad guy. (First Olivier Gruner in Extreme Honor and now Dudikoff for shame!) Its bad when B actors are playing bad guys instead of the usual "good guy" we see them play in countless other movies. What could have been will probably be when a Big Budget Movie Co. remakes this plot and releases it to a national audience. Bottom Line:Check it out just for a good laugh then check out the better produced movies they borrowed from.

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