Based on a manga
comic book series created by Leiji Matusmoto, Harlock was previously adapted to
animation in hand-drawn fashion with a 1978 television series. Though much
remains the same in the narrative of this 2013 film, an impressive $30 million
budget offers the manga cutting edge computer generated graphics in its
adaptation. This may not save the film from its flaws, but the spectacle
provides an adequate distraction from a narrative that may feel derivative
after decades of similar storylines.
In many ways
this narrative feels reminiscent of fan-favorite American TV series,
“Battlestar Galactica,” albeit with a bit more fantasy to blend with the heavy
sci-fi elements of the story. All of humanity exists in space, looking
desperately for a planet they can call home. Although Earth is said to still
exist, the intergalactic Gaia Coalition has proclaimed the planet a sanctuary
that is not to be touched. While the human race is dying out in space, watching
the vibrant planet from a distance, one man is determined to defy the law and
return to Earth. Harlock, a mysterious space pirate with a mystically
indestructible spaceship and the inability to age, has a plan to save the human
race.
The only problem
is that the Gaia Coalition doesn’t agree with Harlock’s methods, specifically
ones that go against their orders. In an attempt to stop his plan, a spy is
sent into Harlock’s ship under the guise of being a new recruit. Logan
All of the space
visuals are astounding, with particular attention given to the self-healing
skull ship piloted by Harlock. In typical anime fashion, there is also great
detail given to the exploitation of the female body. Although there is only one
display of nudity, in a pointless zero-gravity shower sequence, the outfits and
body proportions of all female characters seem obviously directed at a teenage
male audience. Each of the female crew members of Harlock’s ship wears
skin-tight bodysuits, but even more blatant is the inclusion of g-string
underwear worn over them. Not only does this seem pointlessly non-functional,
but the appearance becomes an unnecessary distraction. Perhaps if the visuals
of the computer graphics were less realistic, it would be less so.
Though the DVD
release of Harlock is lacking in the special features one might expect from
such a high budget film, it does include options in how the film is viewed. The
DVD includes both the original Japanese cut of the film, along with the version
released in theaters for the United
States
Entertainment Value:
6/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 6/10
Historical
Significance: 5.5/10
Special Features: 4/10
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