The model effects have a physicality to them that is just outstanding: when the ships flew through an asteroid field, I felt the speed, when one careened slowly toward the ground, aflame, in the climactic battle sequence, I caught myself bracing for the impact. That battle sequence is a thing to behold, all smoke and fire and ash, like Delacroix by way of Turner. Muddying up the Monomyth with Seven Samurai was an inspired choice, as it allows for some interesting political content. BEBA rules.

Fukasaku's energetic yakuza-film direction and Vic Morrow's fantastic performance make this one of the best Star Wars knock-offs.