At some point, a show along the lines of Harlock has to come around. It doesn't shake anything up. It doesn't really do much new. Hell, it's the 90's sequel/reboot/alternate universe canon to a show that came out before Gundam. Even so, the elements of what make it great come from something more than something like originality. It even basically proves that just because the ideas presented have been in works that have come out before it, the compilation of such ideas, as well as amazing characters, atmosphere, and theming can allow even a remake like this to shine.
The characters of Harlock are beautifully designed with a semi-sloppy art style that flows well into the atmosphere of the show. It's a show about a universe where nothing new happens. All of the space pirates are gone. No new planets are being discovered. However, it's still a manly man's world with plenty out there, but everyone is in an eternal rut, until a scene of some old men in a bar decide to go pirating again in a scene beautifully directed in that the lights in the bar are stage lights that go on suddenly, and go out smoothly for whichever character is talking. It cut to Daiba, our main character, beating the crap out of two guys. Then his dad dies. Harlock appears out of nowhere with an ultimatum off manly destiny. He tells Daiba that real men hang out on space ships and explore doing what they want. Then, EARTH IS STOLEN!
In the end, this is the best Harlock rendition yet. It's great. Watch it, whether you're a Harlock fan or not.