Arcadia of My Youth (1982)

In-Depth Review

CAUTION: POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD

Setting sail for the Sea of Stars, traversing that new frontier, Captain Harlock gracefully guides us on our journey through a truly fantastic piece of Japanese cinema.

Another installment into the ever expansive Leijiverse, Leiji Matsumoto's integral characters are steered right by director Tomoharu Katsumata and his crew.

Set during the late 30th century, a species of green skinned humanoid aliens known as the Illumidus Empire have conquered Earth and multiple other planets throughout the galaxy. There yet remains an opposition to their dominion over humanity, until a young girl by the name of Miya sparks the infant flames of rebellion; through the use of radio broadcasts, she delivers her spirited messages calling for human liberty. It is her actions which further push our protagonist: Phantom Harlock, to resist the totalitarian regime. With the help of his newly met allies, whom he quickly bonds with, Harlock sets out on a odyssey for truth and justice not just for the human people as a whole, but for his hungry heart. Aboard the ship of their dreams provided by the engineering feats of Tochiro Oyama, they ride for their ship's namesake.

To expand upon Harlock's new allies, it is these close relationships which seem to have an impact on the viewer; as they may be so suddenly formed, their connections are ever so powerful as they represent human ability to pass on our memories to others. This is literally the case with Phantom F. Harlock and Tochiro Oyama, who genetically pass on the memories of their war-time friendship to their descendants and eventually to the players of our story, present day Captain Harlock and present day Tochiro Oyama.

There's something highly comforting in knowing that our memories are carried through DNA, it makes one feel as if our short lives aren't just some faded recollection. This almost "eternal" connection between Tochiro and Harlock displays the power of a strong bond between two individuals, thus making it a more riveting element in their relationship. And throughout the events that test our characters willpower, there remains hope that those who come after will carry on the memories of those who came before. For instance, even though Miya passes away, her words echo through Harlock's actions which defy tyranny.

However, this tyranny that exists in IIlumidus is not lacking in honorable qualities. The Illumidus may reign over man with an iron fist, but that does not mean the species as a whole is irredeemable; compelling characters step forth from the Human side as well as from the Illumidus side. Given that this film is very much an analogue to the German occupation of France during WWII, as well as the American occupation of Japan, it would be hard not to spin this tale as one-sided. But that is not the case, as Zeda, commander of the Illumidus Fleet, retains a sense of honor among his enemies.In the final confrontation between the Arcadia and the Illumidus Fleet, Harlock and Zeda challenge each other in a way that the Japanese deem most honorable: a kamikaze exchange. Their respective kamikaze assaults represent a mutual face-to-face encounter of unbending fighting spirit, similarly expressing both characters as different, yet two of a kind.

Now, at times, the film vents a certain level of melodrama that seems very fitting of an 80's space opera, and if that impacts you in a negative way then maybe this isn't for you. But it's anime we're talking about so I doubt people will have an issue with it.

I will also admit that Arcadia of My Youth shows age in the animation department, but I believe it has found a place in its antiquity that further serves its endearing message: time passes, perceptions may change, but our journey remains the same. Our journey to paradise is never ending it seems, but to Captain Harlock and the Arcadia we must never surrender our footing as we march ever toward our goal.

If you are like me, then let us make a toast of friendship to our newfound love for Captain Harlock, Tochiro, Miya, and all the rest of Arcadia's freedom fighters.

Twas a good movie.