A 'stream punk' alternative world of early 20th century Europe where the possession of anti-gravity technology enables huge fleets of aerial dreadnoughts (and smaller Vanships) to fly. The rest of the technology remains fairly archaic, as does the social order which remains anchored about social codes of chivalry, duty and honour centering around loyalty to princely states or in the case of the main characters, Claus and Lavie, loyalty to their duties as members of the messengers' union. Here childhood friends Claus and Lavie work as mail couriers on their Vanship, flying their small ship to dangerous destinations. Just as they're about to win an important race and establish the reputation they desire, Claus insists they stop to aid a disabled ship. The pilot entrusts them with Alvis Hamilton, a mysterious little girl who is being pursued by an angular mecha-ship. Although Lavie and Claus are clearly in over their heads, they promise to see that Alvis Hamilton is taken to safety. Last Exile blends CG flawlessly with more traditional animation in a continuous movie split over episodes rather than individual series episodes.