Space Pirate Captain Harlock: Arcadia of My Youth is an anime film released in 1982. The movie is based on the manga series created by Leiji Matsumoto. The story is set in the future, where the earth has been conquered by the alien race called the Illumidus Empire. Harlock, a captain in earth's fleet, rebels against the Illumidus after his close friend Tochiro is killed by them.
Harlock crashes his spaceship the Arcadia into the empire’s space fortress, declaring his war against them. He is joined in his quest by the space pirate Emereldas, who has a personal vendetta against the empire, and his lover Miya, who serves as the ship's nurse. Together, they embark on a mission to destroy the empire's power source and liberate the earth.
The story is filled with action, adventure, and drama as Harlock and his crew battle the empire's relentless attacks while trying to stay one step ahead of their enemies. Their journey takes them through dangerous space battles, treacherous alliances, and heartbreaking losses as they fight to regain control of their planet.
Visually stunning and emotionally gripping, Space Pirate Captain Harlock: Arcadia of My Youth remains a classic in the anime world, inspiring multiple adaptations and spin-offs over the years. It is a tale of courage, sacrifice, and determination against all odds, and a reminder of the power of the human spirit in a universe dominated by technology and alien invasions.