Space Battleship Yamato isn't a franchise I hold a strong affection for, although I do enjoy it immensely, it's hard to deny the legendary influence it holds across science fiction media as a whole. Seeing it adapted into a live-action film came with certain trepidations, however, the film ultimately won me over very quickly feeling a mix of old Star Wars and the 2009 Star Trek movie, capturing a sleek futurist look without losing sight of the 70s illustration style. Takashi Yamazaki takes his fair share of creative liberties with the source material, often taking cues from the second season of the show more than the original, but he brilliantly realises the universe the crew of the Yamato inhabit, all feeling like a lived-in world which many western sci-fi films struggle to do even on larger budgets. It does feel like a schlocky melodramatic space opera from yesteryear but the loveable performances from the cast and gorgeous musical score by Naoki Sato make it work. Unfortunately, it does kind of collapse in on itself once the Gamilas make their appearance but the pedal is on the floor from the moment the film starts with plenty of cheese, heightened emotions and leather jackets for everyone.
Review of Space Battleship Yamato
