Fall 1978
Ginga Tetsudou 999
Toei AnimationIn the distant future, humanity has found a way to live forever by purchasing mechanical bodies, but this way to immortality is extraordinarily expensive. An impoverished boy, Tetsurou Hoshino, desires to purchase a pass on the Galaxy Express 999—a train that travels throughout the universe—because it is said that at the end of the line, those aboard can obtain a mechanical body for free. When Tetsurou's mother is gunned down by the villainous machine-man hybrid Count Mecha, however, all seems lost.
Tetsurou is then saved from certain death by the mysterious Maetel, a tall woman with blonde hair and a striking resemblance to his mother. She gives him a pass to the Galaxy Express under one condition: that they travel together. Thus, Tetsurou begins his journey across the universe to many unique planets and thrilling adventures, in hopes of being able to attain that which he most desires.
Synopsis
In the world of Ginga Tetsudou 999, mechanization is the ultimate luxury and symbol of status, where human beings transplant their brains into mechanical bodies and achieve eternal life. The story follows a young underprivileged boy named Tetsuro Hoshino who dreams of getting a mechanized body to escape poverty and hardship. He embarks upon an unwanted adventure aboard the train, Ginga Tetsudou 999, which travels through the cosmos.
Accompanied by the mysterious woman, Maetel, the duo traverses across many planets. While his goal is to obtain a cybernetic body, Tetsuro’s encounter with various people in this transformative journey unwittingly transcends his ultimate desire, leading to a profound exploration of whether eternal life is truly the pinnacle of human accomplishment.
Review
Oi, oi, Anime Enthusiasts! Get onboard because today we’re diving into the magnificent universe of Ginga Tetsudou 999!
Right off the station, Ginga Tetsudou 999 is an old-school anime that’s rich with thematic depth. If you’re keen on an interstellar exploration with a profound existential narrative, get ready to be engrossed. The animation style, while manifestly retro, is noted for its charm and nostalgic charisma that beautifully captures the essence of the late ’70s.
The characters in Ginga Tetsudou 999 are intriguing, layered, and most importantly, human, despite their mechanization. Tetsuro Hoshino is the core of this series, with viewers wholeheartedly invested in his transformative journey. His challenging trajectory plays out in vignettes integrating tragedy, comedy, horror, and whimsy; painting a vivid universe punctuated by poignant stories.
However, the real surprise here is Maetel, the enigmatic woman accompanying Tetsuro whose unpredictable nature and deep layers add to the series’ gripping viewing experience. Slowly unraveling her character is akin to peeling an onion, and let’s just say it’ll be a tear-inducing event.
The pacing of the series is deliberate, delivering its themes expertly and allowing enough time for viewers to ponder upon the ideas it presents. Moreover, the atmospheric music adds a tangible quality to this anime’s vast cosmos, which becomes a character in and of itself.
Defining a must-watch anime series is never simple. But Ginga Tetsudou 999, with its timeless narrative, endearing characters, and visually engaging settings, undoubtedly has the essentials of one. It’s a grand journey that I recommend everyone to hop onto—rent, buy, or stream—this is a trip worth the ticket!
So, fellow anime enthusiasts, that’s it for this time! Tune in for more epic anime reviews from yours truly, The Anime Critic! For now, Ganbatte, and don’t miss the next cosmic train at the platform!
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Takarajima
Tokyo Movie ShinshaJim Hawkins is a young boy lead by progressive events to embark on a search journey for the legendary treasure of the once dreaded pirate, Captain Flint. On their way to Treasure Island, John Silver, Jim's best friend, take over command of the ship revealing his true self as the ruthless pirate who once was the right hand of Flint himself. Feeling betrayed, Jim now has to deal with his mixed feelings and face Silver who still consider himself and Jim as friends.
(Source: ANN)
Takarajima: A Treasure of Adventure!
Welcome aboard, fellow anime fans! Today, we set sail on an adventure like no other as we dive into the high seas exploration anime, Takarajima. Pitch up your anchor and get ready to sail the ocean!
Story Synopsis
The anime ‘Takarajima’, or ‘Treasure Island’ as it’s better known outside of Japan, is a classic series based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous 1883 novel. This anime adaptation, set in the 18th Century, follows the wide-eyed and innocent cabin boy Jim Hawkins. Inheriting a map to the legendary Captain Flint’s treasure, Jim finds himself abruptly thrust into a world of daring adventure, danger, and pirates.
Being crewed by a ship full of shifty pirates led by the cunning Long John Silver, the journey is as perilous as it is exciting. As Jim navigates this perilous terrain, he grows and matures, constantly fighting to stay a step ahead of his cutthroat shipmates. He learns the true cost of treasure and the sometimes deceptive nature of heroism.
Review
We begin our review with the all-important question: Is Takarajima worth your time, money, or streaming bandwidth? Absolutely!!
The story in its anime adaptation is beautifully retold. Despite its age, the series does a great job of covering the complete story without losing any of the suspense or drama from the original novel. We’re all familiar with the “coming of age” trope, but watching Jim cross swords with seasoned pirates while learning about life, loyalty, and yet maintaining his innocence, is truly captivating.
The characters and their development is where Takarajima truly shines. From the virtuous boy Hawkins to the ambiguous and deceitful, Long John Silver, each character is phenomenally portrayed. The relationships built are complex and layered, leading to an intricate web of interactions that are as much fascinating as they are engaging.
The art and animation, like many shows from the ’70s, manages to capture a grainy, rustic charm that fits in beautifully with the setting and enhances the overall viewing experience.
Takarajima is possibly one of the best examples that music in an anime can transform the way you perceive it. The energetic theme song ‘Takarajima’ and the nostalgic ending theme ‘Chiisana Funanori’ complements the series incredibly well.
The final verdict? Takarajima is a must-watch for any anime fan! The series is a perfect blend of adventure and character development with a sauce of suspense and secrecy. Whether you rent, buy, or stream it, rest assured that it’s a treasure you’ll want to discover.
That’s it for this review, folks! Join me next time when I dive into another anime. Until then, keep the otaku spirit alive!
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