Thundrakkon I can only assume is asking about the strict family control structure and sheer number of school hours children in Japan go through. Lots of anime use young teenagers as their main characters, often having them undergo rigorous 'training' for whatever mission they need to accomplish, or through the horrors of war. The 'lost childhood' is a recoccuring theme in anime, and Fafner is no exception.

My sister, for example recently spent 2 months in Japan with a host family. She said the kids have strict curfews, report to their parents regularly on their nightly plans, don't drink and are always worrying about what their parents will think/say about their habits and/or friends. I myself have no experience with Japan, so I can't say anything on this.

Fafner in the Azure (Soukyuu no Fafner) is a pretty decent show. It has a rather colorful cast of characters, can be humorous and heartbreaking, but does have the feel of an Evangelion rip-off to me... The animation is incredible and some episodes absolutley kick ass. I give it a 7 out of 10. The music is pretty good too.

Here's some Anime Empire subs
http://www.torrentz.com/t.php?id=165240

EDIT: Bud, you say you want some of the characters to die huh? Hehehehehe....