Definitly needs attention. As others have mentioned about the creators and the historical reference it heavily relies on ( be it Japanese culture, American cities or the old classic german movie) I would suggest you all to just immerse into its atmosphere, that the movie was crafted to deliver. The ambiance, the lighting, the animation style (which we no longer can come across nowadays) and the innocence of each character... all of then really gives this movie its own identity. And oh.... did i forget to mention its perfectly timed jazz music which would give you serious heartaches, even after the movie ends? (i did suffer(?) a lot thanx to it) ENJOY! :)