Asian Territories Only

Somewhere, in a country similar to ours, there are children who do not become adults. They are very similar to us.
The world-acclaimed animation auteur Mamoru Oshii brings his latest masterpiece to light…

Introduction :
Born in Tokyo in 1951, Mamoru Oshii has changed the image of Japanese animation worldwide with his epoch-making GHOST IN THE SHELL that topped the Billboard video chart in 1996. The movie greatly influenced many filmmakers such as James Cameron and the Wachowski brothers. In 2004, Oshii made history again with GHOST IN THE SHELL 2: INNOCENCE, the first Japanese animation feature film ever to be nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Festival de Cannes.
With his most anticipated animation film, THE SKY CRAWLERS, Oshii moved on from his former filmmaking to a new style, while continuing to collaborate with Production I.G, the most cutting-edge anime studio behind GHOST IN THE SHELL and KILL BILL: Vol. 1 animation segment.
The story is based on a best-selling novel written by MORI Hiroshi, an amazingly prolific writer whose books sold 9.5 million copies in Japan alone.

From the Director :
Even if you had eternal life, your yesterday would be different from your today. Sound of the trees, smell of the wind, warmth of a person next to you - all of which may be subtle, but they are the proofs that you’re alive. Your life may just be a repeat of everyday, yet everyday you will see something different. We should treasure each moment of it and make the best out of your given fate. (Mamoru Oshii)

Story :
The story takes place in another possible ‘now’ - a world that has eradicated war and finally attained peace. However, this prolonged state of peace created demand for a new kind of war. A war happening elsewhere, that could be seen on TV or read in the papers - in order to get a feeling of reality.

Private war contractors enlist fighter pilots to perform their services in an endless “war as entertainment.” They called these pilots Kildren. Innocent-looking teenagers in appearance, Kildren never age into adulthood, and live in a state of eternal adolescence until the day they drift gracefully through the endless skies.
One day, pilot Yuichi Kannami arrives to his newly assigned airbase. He has only vague memory of his past. The only two things he recalls are that he is a Kildren and how to operate a fighter plane.

A woman is keeping an eye on Yuichi. She is Suito Kusanagi, the base commander. A Kildren herself, Suito behaves as if she's been waiting to meet Yuichi for a long time. Perplexed, Yuichi is nevertheless gradually attracted by her.

All pilots at the base have to confront the most invincible enemy ace, known as Teacher.
His trademark is a black puma painted on the nose of his plane.

Who really is Teacher? What does Suito know about Yuichi’s past? What are the secrets behind the Kildren?