Galaxy Express 999
Galaxy Express 999: The Movie
7.492%
In the future, one can achieve immortality by obtaining a mechanized body. Orphaned, young Tetsuro hitches a ride on the space train Galaxy Express 999 in the hope of obtaining a cyborg body to avenge his mother's death. Along the way, he meets Maetel, who is the spitting image of his dead mother.
RichyE reviewed3d ago
In a distant future, humans can achieve immortality by replacing their bodies with mechanical ones. Young orphan Tetsuro Hoshino dreams of avenging his mother’s death at the hands of a cyborg hunter. He boards the interstellar train Galaxy Express 999, hoping to reach the planet where mechanized bodies are given away for free. Along the way, he meets the mysterious Maetel—who eerily resembles his late mother—and encounters a cast of unforgettable characters.
🧠 Themes & Symbolism
Humanity vs. Mechanization: The film explores the cost of immortality and the loss of one's soul in exchange for a mechanical body.
Coming of Age: Tetsuro’s journey is both literal and metaphorical, as he matures through hardship, friendship, and moral dilemmas.
Maternal Archetypes: Maetel’s resemblance to Tetsuro’s mother adds emotional complexity and raises questions about identity and trust.
Freedom & Rebellion: The train itself becomes a symbol of escape, resistance, and the pursuit of truth in a dystopian universe.
🎨 Visuals & Direction
Rintaro’s direction balances sweeping cosmic vistas with intimate character moments.
Art style is vintage anime at its finest—richly detailed, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant.
Character design by Leiji Matsumoto is iconic, with expressive faces and memorable silhouettes.
🤔 Minor Criticisms
The pacing may feel slow to modern viewers, especially in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Some plot points are more allegorical than literal, which can be confusing without context from the manga or TV series.
🏁 Final Verdict
The Movie is a poetic, philosophical journey through space and self-discovery. It’s a must-watch for fans of classic anime, sci-fi lovers, and anyone curious about the roots of Japan’s animated storytelling tradition. Its emotional depth and timeless themes make it more than just a space adventure—it’s a meditation on what it means to be human.