Summary rating: This is a hidden masterpiece that might be opaque for viewers. It may require multiple viewings to fully understand the story arc and character motivations. That being said, this is not a story for those who prefer fast pace, anger symbols and rolling on the floor embarrassment. * Pacing is Ghibli Studio like with pauses for characters to think and react. * Beautiful and realistic artwork, creates moods very well * The main characters are slowly revealed in depth * Aviation flying and combat are realistic and can bevery edge-of-seat.
* Takes about 20 minutes to emotionally hook ... IMO, by design for the arc

This story reminds me of:
* 86 ... parallel but different story. IMO this is a more complete story
* Kuzo no Honkai ... painful to watch but fantastic story arc and characters
* Ergo Proxy ... things are not what they seem. Multiple viewings required
* Inception ... full of mystery and rewarding to think about

Only complaints:
* to much initial foretelling