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 wor...