Akira
Alternate Titles: アキラ
Original Japanese Release Date: July 16th, 1988
Episode Length/Run-time: 124 Minutes
Summary:
In the 21st century, after World War III, Neo-Tokyo is engulfed in a struggle between the government authorities and the underground revolution movement. In the midst of the chaos, a man, Kaneda leads a motorcycle gang that through a series of events ends up getting involved with a scientific branch of the government which seeks to nuture the psychic powers within humans. After an accident, Kaneda’s friend Tetsuo is abducted by the government, and entered into the psychic program which results in him developing powers beyond his control.
Review:
Directed by renowned direct Katsuhiro Otomo, Akira is a film that revolutionized the medium in a number of ways after its release. The film was groundbreaking both in its animation but also in its far reaching influence outside of Japan. Akira still holds up against current animation production values and to this day, Akira may be the most well known anime film in the United States. The characters of Kaneda and Tetsuo serve as some of the most iconic in anime history. Just the image of Kaneda’s jacket or motorcycle are identifiable to numerous anime fans worldwide.
Akira has many benefits that make it an excellent film for a new anime viewer. The animation style is very darkly shaded and has a more realistic appeal to the eye. For a newer viewer, the spiky multicolored hair, the likes of Yu-gi-oh can be a tough sell for some. Furthermore, from start to finish, Akira doesn’t have a dull moment. The pacing is such that it is a an entertaining viewing experience, filled with motorcycle gang chases, scenes of rebellion, and psychic battles.
If there is one drawback that the movie has it’s that its plotline is inundated with scientific lingo that can make the story difficult to follow for some. This all leads up to an ending that many will conclude to be one of the worst in anime’s history, right up there with Neon Genesis Evangelion and Berzerk.
In the end, the movies amazing pacing, excellent characters, and sharp visuals, make up for its lack of a coherent conclusion. This is a recommendable film for most people who are looking to see an anime film classic.
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