Adieu Galaxy Express 999
Adieu Galaxy Express 999
7.087%
It's been three years since the destruction of planet La Maetel, but the Machine Empire is as great of a threat as ever. Teen Tetsuro, now a rebel fighter, learns that Galaxy Express 999 is returning and that Maetel is on it.
RichyE reviewed3d ago
Set three years after the events of Galaxy Express 999, this sequel follows a more mature Tetsuro Hoshino, now a rebel fighter, as he confronts the lingering threat of the Machine Empire. When he learns that the Galaxy Express 999 is returning—and that Maetel is aboard—he’s drawn back into a cosmic journey that challenges his ideals, memories, and destiny.
Coming of age: Tetsuro’s evolution from a naive boy to a hardened warrior adds emotional weight to the story.
Mortality vs. mechanization: The film deepens its philosophical exploration of humanity, identity, and the cost of eternal life.
Farewell and closure: As the title suggests, this is a story of goodbyes—both literal and metaphorical—as characters face the end of an era.
🎨 Visuals & Direction
Rintaro’s direction is elegant and atmospheric, blending surreal space imagery with grounded emotional beats.
Animation quality is high for its time, with richly detailed backgrounds and expressive character designs.
Symbolism is woven throughout, from the haunting ruins of La Maetel to the train’s journey through time and memory.
🎭 Voice Cast Highlights
Masako Nozawa as Tetsuro brings a raw intensity to the character’s emotional arc.
Masako Ikeda as Maetel remains enigmatic and compelling, her presence anchoring the film’s emotional core.
Supporting voices like Reiko Tajima (Emeraldas) and Makio Inoue (Captain Harlock) add depth and continuity from the broader Leiji Matsumoto universe.
🤔 Drawbacks
The pacing can feel uneven, especially for viewers unfamiliar with the original film or series.
Some philosophical monologues may come off as heavy-handed, though they’re true to the franchise’s tone.
🏁 Final Verdict
Adieu Galaxy Express 999 is a melancholic, beautifully crafted farewell to one of anime’s most iconic journeys. It’s not just a sequel—it’s a meditation on growth, loss, and the human spirit. For fans of Leiji Matsumoto’s universe, it’s essential viewing. For newcomers, it’s a haunting invitation to explore the stars.