is a 1987 Japanese
animated science fiction film and the first film produced by
Gainax and
Bandai Visual. It was directed and written by
Hiroyuki Yamaga. The film was released on March 14, 1987 and grossed only modestly in the box office. Since then, it has received very positive reviews. A sequel was intended to be released set 50 years later, but due to lack of funds, Gainax abandoned it part way through production; former president of Gainax
Toshio Okada cited a fundamental dissatisfaction with the script and plot. However, it was announced in March 2013 that the sequel is in production once again.