Waga Seishun no Arcadia
Discernment Topics
Violence: \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
People are shot, punched, slapped, disintegrated by laser cannons, and implied to be crushed under falling debris.
One scene has a villain repeatedly slap a restrained woman.
Modest amounts of blood spray from gunshot wounds.
Spaceships engage in broadside style combat resulting in extensive damage and loss of life.
Language:\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Perhaps a light curse word, once or twice... I don't recall if there was.
Spiritual Content:\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Two characters agree to meet in hell for a drink after they die.
During a funeral, a prayer is said that goes something like, "Whatever spirit governs this universe, we commit our lost friends to your bosom."
Fanservice:\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
None... however, one woman seems to have her clothes ripped after being captured by the enemy.
Misc. Suggestive Content:\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
The main character commits to being a pirate... the sentiment surrounding this decision is less a desire to plunder and pillage than it is a desire for freedom from oppression.
Detached Assessment
Story:\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
8/10
The story covers mature and depressing themes that mirror those of World War II. Indeed, the story makes clear callbacks to that time as well.
The story is very interesting and makes a good introduction to the universe of Leiji Matsumoto.
However, truckloads of sci-fi catgackery and deus ex machinas may cause some people to become disinterested.
Characters:\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
9/10
Captain Harlock represents a character archetype that has clearly had widespread influence in fiction.
The supporting characters are well done and likable as well. Even the primary antagonist was a likable person.
Art:\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
8/10
The art is dated... what do you expect from 1978?
That said, this film did a really good job with what was available to it at the time. The action scenes are surprisingly smooth and detailed. The backgrounds are just amazing in some spots.
Leiji Matsumoto's characters often look very similar to each other. Most of the women's faces are the same, many extras don't differ from each other at all, and the Illumidus commanders all have the same hair/eyebrows/face.
Sound:\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
7/10
The OST is what you'd expect from a space opera movie. The orchestral score is good, but nothing to write home about.
The insert/ending song is pretty good though. I going to listen to that again.
Enjoyment:\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
8/10
This was a very good space drama movie that had some neat messages to convey about freedom, honor, and friendship.
The movie was pretty long, clocking in just over two hours, but that added to the epicness of it in my opinion. This is one to watch with the family on movie night.
Conclusion
If you like space, drama (perhaps to the extent of melodrama), or strong role models, you will enjoy this show.
Those who like allusions and imagery related to World War II will also find something interesting here.
If you don't like manly men being menly in a manly fashion... move one.
