Arcadia of My Youth poster & wallpaper

Makio Inoue, Tomoharu Katsumata

The 1981 feature Arcadia of My Youth (Waga Seishun no Arcadia) reveals the past of Leiji Matsumoto's celebrated trio Captain Phantom F. Harlock, technological wizard Tochiro (with whom Matsumot...( read more  read more... )o is said to identify), and free trader Emeraldas. Harlock is not a pirate, but a rebel defying the Illumidus Occupation Force and the quislings who aid their occupation of Earth: his skull and crossbones banner symbolizes his dedication to fight to the death for his beliefs. Harlock's efforts to aid the people of the planet Tokarga, whom the Illumidus have used and plan to discard, becomes a baroque sword-and-spaceship epic in which heroic men weep, women display steely courage, and everyone follows a bushido-based code of honor. During the adventure, viewers discover how Harlock lost his right eye and Emeraldas acquired the trademark scar across her face. A must-have for Matsumoto's many fans. (Rated 13 and older: violence, alcohol use, minor profanity) --Charles Solomon

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60% liked it

2,373 ratings

Unrated, 130 min.

Directed by: Tomoharu Katsumata

Release Date: January 1, 1982

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DVD Release Date: November 25, 2003

Stats: 62 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (62)

  • TheSonofBaphomet
    April 12, 2007
    TheSonofBaphomet
    Seen all of Space Pirate Captain Harlock's shows. Good movies.
  • Daishikaze
    July 10, 2008
    Daishikaze
    The origin story of one of Anime?s most enduring heroes, Captain Harlock. And what a movie this is! This is the embodiment of everything that is so great about Matsumoto?s work.

    The Earth has been conquered by the evil Illumidus Empire with parallels drawn to the post World War ...( read more)Two occupation of Japan. Captain Harlock with a group that will become his life long friends begin their fight against this tyranny visited upon the planet earth with no regard to the costs the struggle will have on them, caring only for the ideal of restoring freedom to the people of earth.

    This film cemented Harlock?s and Matsumoto?s godlike status with me. Everything just works so well here, like GE999, it had great story, characters, music, and atmosphere. I think I cry more watching this movie than any other, there are just some scenes that overwhelm me. Harlock is one of my biggest heroes because no matter what, he does what is right in his heart. Even after the Earth Government banishes him because of his defiance against the Illumidus occupational forces, he still hangs around to protect the earth and its lethargic citizenry when the Mazone empire invades in the original TV series, even when they don?t deserve it. To me, thats what being a hero is all about, doing the right thing no matter what has happened to you.


    Leiji Matsumoto has provided me with hours of great entertainment, I wish I could thank him personally for all his hard work. Modern fans tend to not understand his style, such as when 2 starships battle it out in an old fashioned Broad-sides duel, or How a starship can be on fire and billowing smoke in the vacuum of space. The explanation is simple, Matsumoto uses these things for dramatic effect. He knows these things are improbable or downright impossible, but its all to create this grand atmosphere his films have. The Fire and smoke gives everything a sense of urgency, you can see they are in trouble without going through every room on the ship. Its these touchs that really give the film a grand old Hollywood feeling, and I love that.
  • turnerd32
    August 21, 2007
    turnerd32
    i would like to see this one..
  • amronaroke
    May 22, 2007
    amronaroke
    Harlock.....space pirates, women crucified, the Arcadia, and a semi-sauced soon to be imortal pirate captain. if that doesnt make you want to watch this flick, i dont know what will
  • gregoryamorrison
    March 17, 2007
    gregoryamorrison
    I think this is a great movie, and the Japanese romanticism of Matsumoto Leiji (also heavily involved with Space Battle Cruiser Yamato, aka "Star Blazers") is well on display here. Great story, wonderful animation, and a great soundtrack.
  • icelupus
    February 19, 2007
    icelupus
    Captain Herlock's beginnings. A great movie
  • TinaMalfoy
    January 1, 2007
    TinaMalfoy
    NEVER HEARD OF THIS FILM..DONT THINK I WOULD SEE IT THOUGH

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