Galaxy Express 999 |
 | Summary:Classic, coming-of-age tale follows a grandiose and callow prodigy aboard his interstellar journey into the "loss-of-innocence". It's scrupulously-amaranthine design, apodeictic soundtrack and thought-provoking drama remains an eminent, remarkable ride for anime/classic/sci-fi buffs. Those appreciating unfathomable dialouge with immense scope. |
| Title Aka: | Ginga Tetsudo 999 |
| Company/Distributors: | Toei Animation Co.;Viz Communication |
| Year: | 1979 |
| Length: | 100 Minutes |
| Rating: |   |
| Genres: | Science Fiction, Classic |
| Format: | Feature Film |
| Content Level: |
|
| Comments: | N/A |
|
Synopsis:
In the distant future, the clash of the humans and machines have taken their toll. What is left is a dark desolate world, little remains of the once prosper human race which once thrived over the galaxy. What remains however is the limited number of humans, along with the memory of their once present technology; which is now replaced by a legion of new machines and cyborgs. They are led by the evil ruler Count Mecha, a ruthless being who traded his humanity for a cyborg body. Now he hunts down all that is human, stoping at nothing to elimate what is left of the living. But yet, there are those who survive in this dangerous world, surviving with only what they once knew was the way to live. One of these people is Tetsuro Hoshino, a young boy on the verdge of manhood; torn apart by the death of his mother who was murdered by Count Mecha himself. Now Tetsuro seeks revenge against the evil mecha lord, yet he has other ambitions as well. Like Mecha Tetsuro thinks about throwing away his own humanity, he wishes to obtain a mechanical body which he can only find in the "Andromeda Galaxy". He feels it will make him strong enough to destroy Count Mecha and free the human race. But the only possible way to reach his destination is on a mystical journey aboard the "Galaxy Express 999" (Pronounced: Galaxy Express Three Nine), a highly advanced spaceship (Made to look like a 19th century locomotive). The only alternative for Tetsuro to achieve his goals is to steal a ticket. After he is chased by a group of Count Mecha's police officers, Tetsuro is saved by a beautiful and mysterious woman named "Maetel" (Whom has a great resemblance to his mother). Although Tetsuro is unaware of her many secrets, Maetel is the one chance for him to board 999, since she carries with her a ticket. The only thing Maetel asks from Tetsuro in return is for him to help and accompany her. Tetsuro willingly agrees, and both set off for the journey of a lifetime; literally.
Review:
The film is one of the many works of legendary animator Leiji Matsumoto. The man who brought us the many classic series which established the genre during the 60s and 70s. Series such as "Uchu Senkan Yamato", probably better known as "Star Blazers"; and other popular series But Galaxy Express 999 is very different from it's predecessors. The film marks the end, or what I feel to be the end of all classic animes. For in the years following it's release, anime was revolutionized in terms of animation and styles of production. The film was one of the last of it's kind. Indeed, the designs seem rather dated, and technilogical aspects appear to be anything but high quality by today's standards. But Matsumoto's brilliant vision and sense of technical style, (which we have seen in all his earlier works) all seem to come together in this production. The soundtrack for the film is a classic, although it seems rather dated it matches well. From beginning to end the movie can be very enjoyable. Though it may not have the best frame-rates, GE999 contains some highly detailed and beautiful backrounds; especially for the time the film was made. The directors and animators of these types of productions seem to be at the top of their form in producing a film with such unique visual brilliance, and hardly nothing in the storyline seems overlooked or portrayed unevenly. From it's engaging opening all the way to the film's closing statement, Galaxy Express 999 is nothing short of a timeless classic. Mesmermizing, thought-provoking, yet brilliantly visionary in it's own way. I myself couldn't have thought up a more suitable way to end the film, in a way the film appears to represent the end of all classic anime. Something that Leiji Matsumoto did best. There are a handful of classic anime titles that are out there. Galaxy Express 999 is truly one of greatest, and most timeless of them all.
|
like "Captain Harlock". Galaxy Express 999 is a theatrical take-off of Matsumoto's popular Manga series of the same name. A film which unites the many characters he established in his earlier works. The film was originally released in Japan in 1979, and is Leiji Matsumoto's visionary masterpiece. Galaxy Express 999 is considered by many to be a timeless anime classic. Every single aspect of the sci-fi genre and space-opera is present in the film. The timeless story of a young boy's journey into manhood, and a story of epic war and love. Although on the surface, the film appears to be merely sci-fi; it also works well as an epic. The film throws in some interesting and often engaging characters into the mix of Matsumoto's world. It reunites Matsumoto's other famous characters, including Captain Harlock and Queen Emeraldes. The main story of the film centers around Tetsuro Hoshino, the young boy who realizes his ambitions and destiny. Tetsuro is yet another youngster caught in the mix of conflict, war and revenge. He is helped by Maetel, a woman who has lost the meaning of her self existance; she looks to Tetsuro to fill the void in her dark past. This is of course, a plot we all saw coming.