I'm watching anime because I find storytelling to be way better than in mainstream American movies and shows. Someone likes to watch lulzy stuff and hates serious anime. Other people prefer anime duels where characters take turns to activate special abilities and trade blows. Those people find anime that are slow paced, like Mushishi or Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu, well boring.
Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu isn't very Japanese. Set in future, where characters are of western origin (European Empire versus Republican separatists, ring a bell?) it tells classic war story in briliant manner with all twists and turns you'd expect from real life, executed just right. It's not original but it very well done, mature and realistic. George Lucas tells the same story but it is obvious fairy-tale, meant for younger audience. Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu is real deal, very familiar but rarely seen in world of moving pictures.
Around this time next year, Production I.G studio will do another go at this material. Will probably suck compared to original, although I expect magnificent visuals.