Fun, live action anime adaptation that screams streamlined, Japanese version of Battlestar Galactica (Ronald Moore’s reimagined series, that is): immersive space action and desperate, human drama – even romance – set against an apocalyptic backdrop. The original cartoon series (released in US and Australia as “Star Blazers”) predates both the original BSG and Star Wars, but many of the familiar military SF tropes clearly have been cross-pollinated and honed back and forth across the Pacific over the decades.

Purists will decry both the non-canonical ending and the purging of the original series’ ‘honorable enemy’ story arc (where the vanquished foe becomes humanity’s strongest ally). And some may not buy the conceit that the Japanese are the only ones left with the capability and chutzpah to rescue Earth (though it has to be said Hollywood seems to have no trouble churning out movies where only white Americans can save us all). But for the rest of us, and especially those who enjoy BSG and space opera action generally, this one’s a treat.

 (out of 5)