The story is set in a world similar to our own, with 1950s technology. Shiro Ladat is an unmotivated young man who has drifted into his nation's lackadaisical space program. After the death of another astronaut and meeting a religious young woman, Shiro volunteers to be the first person launched into space. His training as an astronaut parallels his coming of age, as well as surviving unreliable technology and assassination attempts. Meanwhile, war is brewing with a neighboring nation.
Spoilers ahead
The anime includes a highly controversial scene about three-quarters through the movie in which Shiro attempts to rape Leiqunni, who knocks him unconscious before the act is completed. The next morning, Shiro clearly regrets his actions, but she apologizes to him.
Some American fans view this scene as "fan service", i.e. gratuitous sexual content. Others see it as a natural progression of the two characters' relationship, and not as exploitative or condoning of rape.
wikipedia.org dumped 2003-03-17 with terodump