The Sky Crawlers (2008)
"Sukai kurora" (original title)

On an alternate future Earth, there is no longer any war between nations. Peace reigns over the entire planet... See full synopsis »

Director:

Mamoru Oshii

Writers:

Hiroshi Mori (story), Chihiro Itô (adaptation)

Stars:

Rinko Kikuchi, Ryo Kase, Shôsuke Tanihara

5 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Rinko Kikuchi	...	Suito Kusanagi (voice)
Ryo Kase	...	Yuichi Kannami (voice)
Shôsuke Tanihara	...	Naofumi Tokino (voice)
Megumi Yamaguchi	...	Mizuki Kusanagi (voice)
Daisuke Hirakawa	...	Aizu Yudagawa (voice)
Takuma Takewaka	...	Uroyuki Shinoda (voice)
Mugihito	...	Kyoku Yama (voice)
Hôchû Ôtsuka	...	Honda (voice)
Mabuki Andou	...	Fooco (voice)
Mako Hyôdô	...	Kusmi (voice)
Hiro Shimono	...	Pilot (voice)
Yoshinori Fujita	...	Pilot (voice)
Ayumu Hasegawa	...	Pilot (voice)
Oki Sugiyama	...	Pilot (voice)
Fumie Mizusawa	...	Call Girl (voice)

Storyline

On an alternate future Earth, there is no longer any war between nations. Peace reigns over the entire planet... See full synopsis »

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Plot Keywords:

love | death | peace | eternal youth | aerial combat | 

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Taglines:

Every day could be your last. Live life like there's no tomorrow.

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Genres:

Animation | Adventure | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for material involving violence, some sexual content and smoking

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Japan] Warner Bros [Japan]

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

2 August 2008 (Japan)

Also Known As:

Sky Crawlers

Company Credits

Production Co:

Nippon Television Network Corporation (NTV), Production I.G.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

122 min

Sound Mix:

DTS-ES Dolby Digital EX

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Mamoru Oshii:  [Basset Hound] 

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Crazy Credits

SPOILER: After the end credits, a new pilot lands at the airbase and introduces himself to Kusanagi in her office. The scene is almost identical to the opening scene but we do not see the pilot's face.

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Soundtracks

"Kon'ya mo hoshi ni dakarete..."
Lyrics by Ayaka
Music by Yoshihiko Nishio
Performed by Ayaka
Courtesy of Warner Music Japan

User Reviews

In depth and up high.

Just occasionally, you'll find a film where thew execution of drama over powers your awareness that the film is animated.

The Japanese style is arguable the most exploitative of animation, which is why Mamoru Oshii's rather minimal and refined approach which he brings to The Sky Crawlers is extraordinary in it way. The film is rather static with little physical movement, elongated cutting, wide open Kurosawa type shots, psychological use of color, light and shadow, and a haunting and mystic score. The film is kind of cold, but with a scene of mystery which makes it seductive. Even when we are up in the air with dozens of aircraft, gunfire, and spectacular balls of fire, the film maintains it's sense of calm. Oshiii handles it almost like a ballet. This is not a kids movie, and it's not for those with a short attention span. It it a deep slow psychological piece.

The ending is one that may divide an audience. Some will see it as giving The Sky Crawlers a sense of moral function, while others will argue that it makes the whole thing seem useless. I won't take either side. All I'll say is that I enjoyed the flight.