Akira

UK Release Date: 25 January 1991

Certification: 15
Director: Katsuhiro Otomo
Cast: Yuriko Fuchizaki, Tessyo Genda, Mitsuo Iwata, Mami Koyama, Takeshi Kusao, Masaaki Okura, Nozomu Sasaki

Rating: 85%

Review:

Akira is one of Japan's most discussed films. The film put anime on the map amongst the western world. Graphic, violent animation that had yet to be experienced. The neo-noir, sci-fi thriller was a ground-breaking achievement in modern animation. Everything that came after is because of Akira - the rise of Studio Ghibli, Cyberpunk, Ghost in the Shell and many more. 

Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke set the precedent for animation for me but Akira goes above and beyond - I have since found out the lead animator for the film also worked on Princess Mononoke. The hand-drawn animation is indescribable. An exquisite amount of attention to detail from everyone involved. With up to twenty-four drawings on the screen per minute. Staggering work, meticulously crafted. Gorgeous and graceful. The film floats as if it isn't even animated in the first place. 

Katsuhiro Otomo's manga series garnered critical acclaim and so he was offered to direct an adaptation. The background material is clear to see with insane world building. The mythology behind the world is intricately thought out and designed. Clearly influenced by the portrayal of Los Angeles in 1982's Blade Runner, Neo-Tokyo is a surreal location erupting to life with brief bursts of colour amidst a gritty backdrop. One scene in particular highlights said burst of colour involving the iconic, Akira Slide - a feat that has been replicated in many bodies of work since, including Jordan Peele's Nope. 

The film isn't simply a story containing motorbike gangs or supernatural beings. Akira has a lot more to say. An examination into the destruction of humans caused by humans themselves, a world still reconciling from the effects of World War III. A metaphor of the atrocities that occurred at Hiroshima. 

Negatively, the third act fell flat compared to the rest of the film. It felt a little rushed compared to the previous two. Akira felt somewhat grounded within the sci-fi world, a stylistic tale but it becomes a fully fledged monster movie during it's later stages. I found this to be quite derivative despite it's previous originality and thus some interest was lost. Nevertheless, Akira is a must -watch for any fan of not only animation but science-fiction also.