The Sky Crawlers (PG-13) 8.0

The Sky Crawlers (2008) スカイ·クロラ Sukai Kurora: On an alternate future Earth, there is no longer any war between nations. Peace reigns over the entire planet. However, it's been found that people need the tension and excitement of war -- even experienced vicariously -- to truly feel alive. (6.7)

Director: Mamoru Oshii
Writers: Hiroshi Mori (story), Chihiro Itô (adaptation)
Stars: Rinko Kikuchi, Ryo Kase and Shôsuke Tanihara
Languages: English and (mostly) Japanese (w/ English subtitles)

If you like anime but want stories with substance and drama, then this movie is for you. It is a very well thought-out story (apparently spans five books by Mori) that makes you question this alternate reality and makes you hunger for the explanations. The anime and the CGI are wonderful. The attention to detail is superb. The story lends itself to incredible scenes and the animation work doesn't disappoint. The movie takes its deliberate time with the storytelling and that adds to the drama and the tension of it all. Again, if you like anime, I very highly recommend this movie. My Rating: 8.0