Dec 05 2008
New York screening of Ghost in the Shell director’s latest mindblower
If you live in or near New York, on December 12, 2008, the Film Society of Lincoln Center will be showing The Sky Crawlers (a.k.a. Sukai Kurora), the latest genre-bending, philosophical sci-fi anime from the brilliant, creative mind of Mamoru Oshii. Oshii’s responsible for 1995’s Ghost in the Shell, a cyberiffic piece of animation that notably inspired the Wachowski Brothers in their creation of The Matrix.
The Sky Crawlers maintains a bit of a science-fiction/alternative universe quality, but evokes a WWII-styled atmosphere as opposed to a blatantly dystopian, futuristic cityscape. The story focuses on the Kildren, fighter pilots who are basically “immortal” and forever young — unless they’re blown out of the sky, natch. They serve as the pawns of the perpetually warring nations of the world. Yuichi, one of the Kildren, arrives at his new base only to be haunted by the nagging feeling that he’s seen the beautiful commander, Suito, somewhere before. As he searches for the truth, his investigation brings him further into his past, and deeper into the mystery behind the Kildren and their place in the world.
Oshii’s movies are always visually stunning, so you shouldn’t pass up a chance to see one of them on the big screen when the opportunity arises.
You can see all of the Dec. 12 New York screening info here, and watch an English-subtitled trailer here.
