Akira (1988)

I wouldn't call myself an expert on the anime genre yet Akira stands out immediately. From its brilliant animation and style to its social commentary, Akira is what every anime should strive to be. I feel like people not familiar with anime or even the use of animation view animation as a lesser form of film. I disagree wholeheartedly as animation can break barriers normal film cannot as does not need to abide by the laws that contain us. The plot runs as follows: In 1988 the Japanese government drops an atomic bomb on Tokyo after ESP experiments on children go awry. In 2019, 31 years after the nuking of the city, Kaneda, a bike gang leader, tries to save his friend Tetsuo from a secret government project. He battles anti-government activists, greedy politicians, irresponsible scientists, and a powerful military leader until Tetsuo's supernatural powers suddenly manifest. 

For one, Akira was one of the first anime movies to enter the western cinematic world. It revolutionized the cyberpunk genre. I noticed parallels to one of my favorite movies of all time, Blade Runner which was released 6 years prior to Akira. 

Akira is a movie that slowly reveals the environment around the movie. It takes its time, painting a visceral and breathing city. The very first shot of this movie is a nuke-like explosion that erupts in the city of Tokyo, a bright cleansing light that expands outwardly eating the entire city. The viewer is then shown the aftermath of the devastation, the city of Neo-Tokyo. A city built upon the ruins of the old. Like a malignant growth that is filled to the brim with corrupt politicians, violent riots, police brutality, dangerous gangs, lack of education, youths that lack direction and drugs. 

What's brilliant about Akira is its relevance today. Many of the themes are present in our current society. These very traits are evident in Hong Kong right as I type this review. There are violent, anarchistic riots, police brutality, dangerous gangs, misdirected youths and corrupt politicians. To think that an anime made over 30 years ago holds significant cultural relevance today. 

Another interesting aspect of Akira is one of its core themes, the aspect of energy; energy that exists through all things. You see energy can neither be destroyed nor created, it is simply there. This principle is held up in this film with the character of Akira. Akira represents pure energy and when Tetsuo loses control, it is he who wipes the slate clean. An interesting thing I noticed is that Tetsuo becomes a cancerous cell at the end and Akira becomes similar to chemotherapy. 

The character and antagonist that is Tetsuo has interesting motives. Throughout his entire life, he's felt incompetent, inferior even, constantly relying on Kaneda. Kaneda is an archetypal hero, he's brave, strong and passionate. Tetsuo shares none of these traits, which creates an interesting dynamic and provides a fantastic foil for the protagonist. Akira is a must-watch for any fan of the anime genre, with beautiful animation and brilliant social commentary, I give Akira a 9 out of 10. 
- GL


9 / 10


(Above) My favorite shot: 

(Below) Runners-up:









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