Space Battleship Yamato (Theatrical Version) Review: Reevaluating Matsumoto Leiji and Masuda Toshio's Masterpiece

The appeal and evaluation of Space Battleship Yamato (movie version)

Introduction

Space Battleship Yamato: The Movie, released on August 6, 1977, was directed by Reiji Matsumoto and Toshio Masuda and is known as the first movie in the Space Battleship Yamato series. This movie was produced as a theatrical film by re-editing the TV anime that aired from 1974 to 1975. When it was first released, it started out in four theaters in Tokyo, but after its release in Hokkaido, it was released nationwide and became a huge success. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of the story, production background, characters, mechanics, music, and other aspects of this work, as well as a review and recommendation.

story

In the year 2199, Earth is under attack by the alien nation, the Garmillan Empire. With overwhelming military power, Garmillan forces humanity to choose between total surrender or extinction, and furthermore, planetary bombs have contaminated the Earth with radiation. In the midst of this hopeless situation, humanity is expected to perish in one year if things continue as they are, when a message arrives from the planet Iscandar in the distant Magellanic Clouds offering a device to remove radiation. Humanity entrusts their last hope to the Space Battleship Yamato, and sets off on a journey to Iscandar, 148,000 light years away.

The story depicts the Earth's crisis and the epic journey to save it, inspiring viewers with strong emotions and hope. In particular, the Yamato crew's attitude in facing difficulties, their bonds with their comrades, and their love for Earth have captured the hearts of many people.

Background

"Space Battleship Yamato: The Movie" was produced following the success of the TV series. The reason for re-editing the TV series was to take advantage of the popularity of the TV anime at the time while also attracting new audiences at movie theaters. When it was first released, it started out in four theaters in Tokyo, but after its release in Hokkaido, bookings at local theaters increased, and it became a nationwide roadshow.

Also, unlike the TV series, Starsha of Iscandar was set to be deceased. However, when it was broadcast on TV and re-released in theaters in 1978, it was changed to conform to the TV series. These changes were the result of flexible responses to viewer reactions and market trends.

character

Many fascinating characters appear in "Space Battleship Yamato: The Movie." Below are the main characters.

Okita Juzo

He is the captain of the Yamato and a soldier belonging to the Earth Defense Force fleet. He has a calm and collected attitude and an indomitable fighting spirit, and even though he suffers from space radiation sickness, he risks his life on the journey to Iscandar. Okita's leadership and courage left a strong impression not only on the Yamato crew, but also on viewers.

Kodai Susumu

He is a hot-blooded young man and the main character. After graduating from the Space Warrior Training School, he is appointed as the combat squad leader of the Yamato, and holds a grudge against Okita for losing his brother in the Battle of Pluto. However, after Okita falls ill, he takes on the role of acting captain and grows as a person. Kodai's story of growth has touched and inspired viewers.

Yuki Mori

She is the only female member of Yamato, and serves as the life team leader and radar operator. She accompanies Dr. Sado and often provides medical assistance, and falls in love with Kodai during the journey to Iscandar. Mori's kindness and strength warmed the hearts of viewers.

Desler

He is the leader of the interstellar nation, the Garmillan Empire. Learning that their home planet has a short lifespan, he begins an invasion of Earth with the aim of migrating there. Although he despises humans, he gradually becomes interested in Yamato. Desler's charisma and profound inner self left a strong impression on viewers.

Shiro Sanada

He is the calm and collected factory manager and chief engineer of Yamato. He is a close friend of Kodai's older brother and was in the Earth Defense Force at the same time, and looks after Kodai like his own younger brother. Although he lost both his arms and legs in an accident as a boy, his strong will and technical ability became an important support for Yamato.

Daisuke Shima

He is the head of Yamato's navigation team and serves as the helmsman. In contrast to his classmate Kodai at the Space Warrior Training School, Shima has a gentle and good-natured personality. Shima's calmness and kindness were a source of support for the Yamato crew.

analyzer

The robot in charge of investigating and analyzing the life team. He forcibly boards the Yamato, has emotions, and is good at sexually harassing Yuki Mori. The Analyzer's humorous character provided laughs for the viewers.

Sado Sake Brewery

He serves as a military doctor on the Yamato, but his real job is as a veterinarian. He is a heavy drinker who never lets go of a bottle of sake, and has a bold personality, but he often gives advice to the younger crew members, including Kodai, as an elder. Sado's humane character warmed the hearts of viewers.

Tokugawa Hikozaemon

He is the chief engineer of Yamato. At 55 years old, he is the oldest member of the crew, and has been through many battles alongside Captain Okita since before he boarded Yamato. Tokugawa's experience and knowledge were an important support for Yamato.

Stasha

She is the queen of the planet Iscandar, a dying race. She had her sister Sasha deliver a message to Earth, but she had already died by the time Yamato reached Iscandar. Therefore, in a computer recording, she entrusts Yamato with the Cosmo Cleaner. Starsha's beauty and kindness captured the hearts of viewers.

Domel

He is a fierce general of the Garmillan Empire, known as the "Space Wolf." He engages in fierce battles against Yamato on the planet Balan, located halfway between the Milky Way galaxy and the Magellanic Clouds, and on the Rainbow Star Cluster. Domel's bravery and strategy left a strong impression on viewers.

Ancient Guardian

He was Susumu Kodai's older brother and his only blood relative. He was the captain of the missile destroyer Yukikaze of the Earth Defense Force fleet, and made a suicide mission into enemy territory during the Battle of Pluto. Mamoru Kodai's courage and sacrifice touched the hearts of viewers.

Mechanic

Many fascinating mechanics appear in "Space Battleship Yamato: The Movie." Below are the main mechanics.

Space Battleship Yamato

This is a spaceship of the Earth Defense Force that was built to resemble the Yamato, a battleship of the Imperial Japanese Navy. It was originally built to escape Earth, but ended up heading for the planet Iscandar. The use of a wave engine gave it performance that far exceeded the limits of human chemical technology, making it the first spaceship to travel faster than the speed of light. Yamato's design and epic journey left a strong impression on viewers.

Wave Engine

It is an infinite dynamic engine that compresses and converts cosmic energy into tachyon particles that travel faster than the speed of light. It enables faster-than-light travel and warp, and its energy can be used to create a powerful weapon called a wave gun. Starsha provided the blueprints for this weapon to humanity. The revolutionary nature of the wave engine and its power amazed and impressed the viewers.

Cosmo Cleaner D

It is a radiation removal device that is said to be on the planet Iscandar. This device is the key to removing the radioactive contamination from the Earth. The existence of the Cosmo Cleaner gave hope to the viewers.

Cosmo Zero

The Earth Defense Force's latest amphibious fighter aboard Yamato, officially named the Type 0 Space Carrier Fighter, is piloted by Susumu Kodai and takes off from two catapults on the rear deck of Yamato. The design of the Cosmo Zero and its performance left a strong impression on viewers.

Black Tiger

This is a space fighter attack aircraft used by the Earth Defense Force and is the main aircraft on board the Yamato. It is painted in two colors, black and yellow, and takes off and lands from the hangar hatch at the bottom of the Yamato. The design of the Black Tiger and its performance left a strong impression on viewers.

Planetary Bomb

These are asteroid and meteorite-shaped bombs that are launched towards Earth from the Garmillan Empire's Pluto forward base. Their mass can cause devastating damage to Earth, and they also have the ability to transform the Earth into a more comfortable environment for the Garmillans through radioactive contamination. The threat of planetary bombs created a sense of tension for viewers.

Reflective Satellite Cannon

This is a beam weapon deployed at the Garmillan Empire's Pluto frontline base. A beam is emitted from a beam launcher on the planet to a satellite in orbit, and the satellite is equipped with a reflector that allows it to be aimed in any direction. It can also be used via multiple satellites, so there are no blind spots. The power of the reflective satellite cannon and its strategic nature left viewers astonished and tense.

music

The music for "Space Battleship Yamato (The Movie)" was composed by Miyagawa Tai. In particular, the theme song "Space Battleship Yamato" struck a deep chord with viewers. This song symbolizes the epic journey of Yamato and the courage of the crew, and moved viewers. The music in the film also played an important role in heightening the tension and emotion of Yamato. Miyagawa Tai's music captured the hearts of viewers and further enhanced the appeal of the film.

Ratings and Recommendations

Space Battleship Yamato (The Movie) is a work that exquisitely combines various elements such as story, characters, mechanics, and music. In particular, the story, which depicts the crisis on Earth and the epic journey to save it, gave viewers strong emotions and hope. In addition, the charming characters such as Okita Juzo, Kodai Susumu, and Mori Yuki captured the hearts of viewers. Furthermore, the mechanics of Yamato and the Wave Motion Engine surprised and moved viewers. And Miyagawa Tai's music further enhanced the appeal of the work.

This work is regarded as a milestone in science fiction anime and is loved by many viewers. It is especially recommended for those who enjoy epic stories, fascinating characters, innovative mechanics, and moving music. It is also a must-watch for those who are interested in science fiction anime and the Space Battleship Yamato series.

Related Titles

"Space Battleship Yamato (The Movie)" is one of the Space Battleship Yamato series, and includes the following related works:

• "Space Battleship Yamato" - TV anime

By watching these related works as well, you can gain a deeper understanding of the appeal of the Space Battleship Yamato series.

Conclusion

Space Battleship Yamato: The Movie is a work that exquisitely combines various elements such as story, characters, mechanics, and music, and is regarded as a monumental work of science fiction anime. It is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a grand story, fascinating characters, innovative mechanics, and moving music. It is also a must-watch for those who are interested in science fiction anime and the Space Battleship Yamato series. Through this work, viewers will be moved by the crisis on Earth and the epic journey to save it, and will be able to find hope.