Review of Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honneamise

Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honneamise was the very first major project from the animation studio Gainax, and in my opinion, it is a true masterpiece. Despite being released in 1987, the animation remains incredibly beautiful and impressive, even surpassing some productions from the 2010s. It’s truly amazing to witness such a level of quality, such detail in the backgrounds, and such fluidity in the movements—all at a time when animation was still entirely hand-drawn. This film proves that talent, passion, and precision can transcend decades without losing their brilliance. But what struck me the most wasn’t just the technical achievement. It was above allthe story and its immense philosophical depth. Royal Space Force isn’t just another science fiction tale or a typical space adventure. No, it’s a true reflection on life, humanity, and the meaning of our existence. You have to learn to look at animation differently to understand why this film deserves so much praise: animation here is not just a spectacle—it becomes a language that carries a universal message.

I was captivated by the film’s philosophical vision of life. Through Shirotsugh Lhadatt’s journey, the film shows us that everyone on this Earth builds their own reason for existing. Some have modest ambitions; others dream of leaving a mark on history. But deep down, we are all searching for meaning. We don’t know what awaits us after death, but trying to give meaning to our existence may be the greatest thing we can accomplish. This film truly made me think. It gave me a valuable life lesson: to persevere despite obstacles, to give purpose to what we do—even if it sometimes seems pointless to others.

The themes addressed are extremely mature: the human drive to go beyond, the thirst for recognition, but also the absurdity of war, the destruction of civilizations, and humanity’s tragic ability to taint everything it touches. One of the most striking lines in the film, spoken by Shirotsugh at the end, deeply moved me: “One day, we will soil space as well.” That simple sentence resonates like a prophetic warning. The film reminds us that even in our greatest ambitions, we carry with us our weaknesses, our violence, and our mistakes.

Through this story, I feel a direct echo with reality: the film clearly draws inspiration from the space race between the United States and the USSR, the first steps on the Moon, all those moments when humanity wanted to prove it could go beyond its earthly limits. It’s important to note that the film offers a very personal interpretation, not a literal one, but one of remarkable originality. This historical dimension adds even more strength to the story: we feel the echo of our own ambitions, our collective dreams. The conquest of space in our world is indeed a technological feat, but it is also marked by the same rivalries, the same national pride, and the same power struggles that we’ve experienced on Earth. The film doesn’t idealize anything—it shows that humanity is capable of the best as well as the worst.

I’m not usually a fan of anime focused on space or Mars, but Royal Space Force made me want to see more. Because it’s not just about space—it’s about us, our humanity, our doubts, and our hopes. This is a film that doesn’t just entertain—it invites reflection, leaving a lasting impression on the mind.

For all these reasons, Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honneamise is clearly, for me, a masterpiece. A film to watch, to reflect upon, and to revisit again and again—especially if you're looking for more in animation than just spectacle: a mirror of our own existence.