The Place Promised in Our Early Days

This strange and truly fascinating film is set in an alternative post-World War II environment where Japan is divided (Korea-style) in half: the south is occupied by the United States and the north is controlled by the Japanese Union. A quasi-Cold War atmosphere reigns here, heightened by a mysterious tower looming on the northern part of the border. Three teenagers in the south, clearly blessed with uncommon aerospace technological skills, make a vow to build their own airplane, with the plan of flying across the border to explore the tower. After one of the youths becomes ill and lapses into a coma, the other two abandon their plans and go their separate ways, only to ultimately meet again to try to fulfill their promise, flying with their comatose friend on a perilous mission. From the wildly offbeat concept (which includes parallel universes) to the genuinely three-dimensional characterizations of the main protagonists, to the unexpected twists and turns of the plot, Makoto Shinkai's The Place Promised in Our Early Days is an extraordinary production that has generated comparisons to Hayao Miyazaki's (Spirited Away) work within anime circles, signaling the arrival of a new master. Presented on a dual-language disc, rated TV-PG, bonus features include interviews with the director and voice cast. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: P. (P. Hall)