I just don't get why this is supposed to be SO great.Yes, the animation is good. But try "Samurai Champloo" or "5 Centimeters Per Second", also by Makoto Shinkai, for some really astounding animation.And yes, it tells a sad story in a minimalistic way, but that is quite common for a Japanese film, we've seen it before. And actually, "5 Centimeters Per Second" deals with the same issue, distance, in a much more profound way.If you are looking for a romantic story, you will not be satisfied, because 25 minutes are not enough to make you feel for the characters. If you expect space battles, you will also not be satisfied, as this isn't the point of the film.

Honestly this film is an inspiration to all budding film makers, graphic design artists, and artists alike because the creator of this animated film, wrote, directed, animated, and even voice acted everything in this film. His artwork and computer animation is quite breathtaking especially in the landscapes and skies he paints. This film tells a science fiction/mech anime/love story in a matter of only twenty five minutes while other animes would take over fifty episodes to properly express the relationships between the main characters and the political climates they are submerged in. Because of these elements this film truly surpasses the negative expectations a Japanese animated film might have attached to it. Voices of a Distant Star creates an extraordinary scenario in which the the main character's gender roles are switched. The quiet meek girl joins the air force and is sent off to die valiantly in war while the young man stays home and patiently waits for her phone calls. However these phone calls are delayed due to the fact they are light years apart. The main theme throughout this film is the communication between these two individuals. Even when they are unable to communicate their feelings and thoughts they remain close and eagerly await each other's phone call . Even with the vastness of space and time these two individuals manage to express themselves in a way that can not be contained in this universe. This theme, which simply yet stylistically laid out before us makes this film a truly remarkable and undeniably heartfelt melancholic tale.

First of all, it is really really good.What amazed me the most is how in such a short period of time Makoto Shinkai is able to create such a wonderful, clear, interesting and beautiful story.This 25 minute ova tells the story of two friends who are separated because of military reasons. as the distance between them grows, it is harder for them to communicate. Just as Makoto Shinkai's other movies the story basically tries to explain how time and distance make people grow apart even when they love each other. This movie however is still in every aspect bellow 5 minutes per second. The reason I didn't like it as much as other Shinkai's movies is because animation was not very good, or maybe I just didn't like it. Never the less, its still a great movie which I recommend to everyone, (anime fan or not). Its easy to follow, very well built, and as I already said, is by far the best work I've ever seen in such a short period of time. Very very good. p.s: watch 5 minutes per second (also by the same director) is the best!!

First of all, Japan should be producing this caliber of work more, rather than producing endless episodes of meaningless animes.In this film, the action, lighting, sun rays, backgrounds, stills, and cgi are done beautifully. I like them very much. The concept is also pretty unique. The photography and colors are pretty brilliant.But what makes it a pity is the hand-drawn characters. they are not professionally drawn and animated. Proportions are often off. Animation of the hand-drawn characters are not natural. It could have been a much more perfect film with much better feel and look if the characters are done right. What a pity. Generally, a pretty good animated short film.