I will try to explain my take on the film the best I can.
During the scene where the alien communicates with Mikako, it says that: "Growing up can be painful sometimes, but I know you will make it much, much further." Mikako is pretty far from earth, in fact, light-years away; yet, the alien states that it is possible for Mikako to venture even further into space. In my opinion, the 'space travel' idea is a metaphor for growing into adulthood. In other words, what the alien is saying is that pain and suffering is inevitable in order to mature.
This suggests that the reason the aliens were attacking the human race was in fact, to help them advance and expand. The fact that the alien embraced Mikako's unit instead of destroying it almost makes it seem like they are commiting an act of self-sacrifice for humanity. The aliens inflict pain on humanity, but it is likely that this is to motivate growth and maturity.
Ultimately, this motif is summed up in a practical and realistic way, when put into context through Mikako and Noboru's relationship. Their distance and seperation has in fact, ironically, brought them closer together. Mikako states that: "there are a lot of things I miss, because there is nothing here." Being seperated has made the couple more appreciatve of the smaller things, which most people usually take for granted. This idea is emphasised when Mikako and Noboru reminisce over the finer details about life on earth - the "summer clouds," the "sound of rain on the soft spring soil." Things that normal people enjoy but usually overlook, until those things are gone.
The pain caused by Mikako and Noburu being seperated from each other has stimulated growth in both of them - Mikako has become more contemplative, whereas Noboru has become more resolute. In both cases, their maturity wouldn't have been possible without the sacrifice of their time together.
Sadly, the art and sound are factors are relatively disappointing when compared to the great story. Even for 2002 standards, the artwork is rough around the edges, and the voice acting for the two MCs are repulsively monotone, showing little to no emotion despite the emotionally heavy plot. The reason for this being that the film was created almost single-handedly by Shinkai; which excuses the poor quality of the art and sound but still negatively affects the enjoyability level nonetheless.
"Voices of a Distant Star" shares many similar aspects with Shinkai's later released "5 Centimeters per Second," and with the latter being one my favourite films of all time, it makes sense that I thoroughly enjoyed the former. I tend to be fond of stories with a bittersweet theme, so I really liked this one!
9/10 emjoyment but 8/10 overall due to some let-down factors.
