93 of 1001 Movies: Akira (1988)

Anime fan or not, Akira is worth watching as the story involved is quite intriguing. The movie is a landmark movie for Japanese animation, and it utilizes a lot of cinematic vibes to make it fully interesting. The characters have a little build up to tie in the viewer to them, and you can't help but focusing on the animation as you watch. Katsushiro Otomo brings his work of Akira to light, and weaves in the social issues involving the government, and the tight bonds of friendships as well.

During a riot one night between protesters and the government Tetsuo finds himself fallen into a government project called Akira. Tetsuo disappears after his run so the government can keep an eye on the powers he's run into effects on him. Kaneda wants to help his friend especially after seeing him after he escaped the facility and seeing how much trouble he is in. He's going to have to go through sketchy politicians, a powerful military, and irresponsible scientists to help his friend if there is a chance though. Tetsuo's powers are growing though, and they are making him psycho putting everyone in danger.


You're probably not going to be converted over if you're not a fan of this style of animation, but it is one of the best of the genre, and it's interesting to imagine all the still images, and how this movie was progressive in providing the first use of recording the voices before the images. Akira should probably also be watched in it's original Japanese language. A lot may judge the voice of the English dubs to the characters as being the negative about the movie, but as with anything dubbed if you can't look past it then you should probably watch the original format.

With a run time of around two hours it can feel a bit steep, and by the end you are ready to see how this whole thing collides. The characters also get a bit of a backdrop so you can see why they are so close, which is much needed. The way the characters turn on each other sometimes though is so mean, and sort of tough to watch. It leaves you unsure how to feel about them especially their not so great treatment of women. One character is sexually assaulted in front of Tetsuo and Kaneda, and they don't even have a reaction to it. It was just a tad concerning to see a woman victimized and then it not really given attention to.

At the heart of it though there is a story about characters trying to do the right thing for friends when the government's corruption begins to spill over into the citizen's lives, especially the fact they've built really strong human beings, and when Tetsuo taps into this power it gets really ugly as it begins to take him over. That whole aspect provides an interesting look at humans, and what they are capable of.

If you're looking for a good anime, then Akira is definitely one to watch. It can even take a person not as interested in the genre, me, and make me interested. There is a lot of action, and it's very innovative in the use of animation. You've got action, and dynamic characters who are ultimately just hoping to battle for their friends, and what they believe is right. Along with that you have some very epic soundtrack music featured.

Rating 7 of 10