A beautiful film with an interesting science fiction setting, the Place Promised in Our Early Days ultimately feels like a lovely but slight short story. The characters and romance are interesting enough but fairly unremarkable. If anything, the two boys developing a jet plane on their own while in middle school makes them less remarkable given tropes of young geniuses in anime. The supporting cast was better on that score, but I wouldn't rush to the theaters if any of them got their own picture.
Instead, the star is the world: a divided Japan occupied in part by the (presumably Soviet) Union. Most of the action takes place on date commuter trainlines and around border-area buildings abandoned to nature. The main driver of the plot is a tower which evokes fairy tales but has its basis in physics. The art direction strikes a good balance between realism and aestetics, giving the feel of being a tourist to a very real other world. The history and politics of this alternate Japan are not fleshed out in detail, but what is described is plausible as are some of the impacts for the character's lives.
If this slighty appeals, by all means borrow a friend's copy or watch it at a convention. If you're an addict of Miyazaki-style backdrops then this may be a satisfying purchase, particularly if high school love triangles appeal.
Promotional Poster used by wikipedia among other locations
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