Ask John: Can You Explain Voices of a Distant Star?

Question:
I was hoping you could explan something about Voices of a Distant Star. Like, oh let’s say, the middle bits and end. I understand the love story, but scenes such as the one with the Trisian talking directly to Mikakao have me somewhat confused. The ending seemed somewhat abrupt to me to.

Answer:
Since creator Makato Shinkai has never literally explained his film, viewers can only interpret its meanings and events. Perhaps the new manga serial published in Afternoon Magazine will further elaborate on the series, but as of this writing, the manga series it too recent to have developed much story.

My theory is that the film is about love, and the pain that love causes. During the pivotal short sequence during which the Tarsian speaks to Mikako, it says two very revelatory things. It tells Mikako that it’s still possible for her (referencing the entire human race in general) to travel further into space, and that pain is necessary to become an adult- in other words, pain is necessary to grow and mature. The suggestion is that the Tarsians intentionally attacked Mars, intentionally inflicted pain upon the human race, in order to encourage humans to travel further into space and expand their experience and awareness of the universe. The way in which the Tarsians seem to embrace individual mecha instead of immediately destroying them seems almost compassionate, as though they are sacrificing themselves on behalf of humanity. At the same time, they do attack and fight back to aggravate humanity into action. The implication is that without the motivation of revenge, humanity wouldn’t seek to extend itself and wouldn’t grow and mature. So the Tarsians attack humanity ultimately with the goal of subversively helping mankind.

The conclusion of the film makes sense in this context. The parallel between Mikako and Noboru’s thoughts isn’t meant to be taken literally. It’s an illustration of the way distance and the pain of separation has brought them closer together, and made them more wise and more appreciative of the small things in life that are often taken for granted. The stress of venturing outside of the solar system has made Mikako more introspective. At the same time, knowing that his lover is far away has made Noboru more determined. In both cases, it’s sacrifice and suffering that have encouraged emotional and intellectual maturity in these characters.