Arcadia of My Youth

This film is not only a Masterpiece, it is also one of the best films ever made. Many consider Miazaki's animes as Masterpieces but I do consider - and I know I'm far from being alone - that Waga seishun no Arcadia (1982) is above Princess Mononoke and other Miazaki's masterpieces. The recent Bluray released in France as a collector edition is truly amazing, with a beautiful picture and all the cinematic grain retained. The team on this film was simply a dream team. Waga seishun no Arcadia's director,Tomaharu Komatsubata, a veteran in Japanese animation who worked on many iconic films like Star Blazers, and series like Grendizer or Galaxy Express 999, is a very underrated film director, whose work on this film is simply fabulous. Chara designer, Kazuo Komatsubara (1943-2000), was simply one of the best character designers ever and his work as animation director on this movie is one of his best achievements. Composer Toshiyuki Kimori (1947-1988) achieved a wonderful and haunting soundtrack that fits perfectly to the mood of the film. And last but not least, composer Masaki Hirao added a couple of very atmospheric - and once again haunting- songs for Maria Asahina and Shibuya Teppei. Though the series Waga seishun no Arcadia: Mugen kidô SSX (1982-83) follows the film,it's not very coherent to the mood of the film, which is quite violent and shocking at times and definitely NOT FOR CHILDREN, while the series was obviously made for a larger audience.Though quite good, the series lacks the darkness and mood of the film. Needless to say that those who love the film might be surprised. To conclude, I will simply say that Waga seishun no Arcadia is definitely the best Harlock film. And one of the best films ever.

And no film, modernized or CGIed -like in 2013-, will ever surpass it.

Never did, never will. Arcadia go, Hasshin!