Alternate Title: My Youth In Arcadia
Written: 06-18-1997
Arcadia Of My Youth is a classic anime movie by Leiji Matsumoto, who also gave us Space Battleship Yamato (A.K.A. Star Blazers), Galaxy Express 999 and The Cockpit, as well as other anime gems.
The story is an intense and engrossing mixture of action and drama in a time of war. As usual, Mr. Matsumoto pulls no punches in his depiction of war as the bloody and unfair business that it is. The main character is Captain Harlock; someone whom more "seasoned" anime fans will recognize immediately. This movie depicts how he became a space pirate/freedom fighter, as well as how he got his famous scar and eyepatch. It also depicts how he got his famous ship, the Arcadia. The first-launch sequence of the Arcadia is a must see. If you enjoyed the first-launch sequence of the Yamato/Argo in Space Battleship Yamato/Star Blazers, then you'll love this launch too. The characterization is complex and rich. The "villains" are more than cardboard cutouts. Indeed, the leader of Harlock's enemies is an honorable man, worthy of respect. They find themselves regretting that they are on opposing sides.
One thing this movie is not is lightweight mind candy like much of the popular entertainment world. Implicit in the story are hard questions such as, "how much are you willing to sacrifice for your ideals?" and, "what is your freedom worth to you?".
I really can't recommend this movie enough. It has a great story, good animation and it is one of the great classics of anime.
Arcadia Of My Youth is available in the U.S. from Animeigo.