I just watched Space Pirate Captain Harlock (2013)

[greg]

You're right. The character animations in this one did not seem stiff or move awkwardly at all.

[SteveH]

People will like what they will like. I found it tedious, confusing, without focus and Harlock really didn't do JACK CRAP when you stop and think about it.

It seems to me from other things I've read and heard (podcasts) over the years, this is par for the course for the Director.

[Captainbubby]

Yes, Shinji Aramaki is a terrible, terrible director. At least; as a director of CG. Lot's of "bullet time" slow-motion, faux-Hong Kong action scenes that seem designed specifically with the intention of being "internationally marketable".

Still, he deserves an Anime-pedestal for his amazing mecha-designs. His pre-Appleseed directorial efforts are much more watchable, however. I do have an affection for Gaiarth and love Megazone 23.

Madox gets a lot of love, but apart from the gorgeous mecha designs, is rather run-of-the-mill in my opinion.