Akira

The last in the line of movies that were lended to me from my friend, I actually knew this film's existence for awhile now. Most are geared towards the positive side of opinion. Capturing a few glimpses of the movie myself, it looked like any post-apocalyptic anime show or movie, but what truly makes it grand is it's attention to detail. I was more than eager to look at this film from beginning to end to see the spectacle that is Akira and it has a lot of ambition, but does it have what it takes?

The storyline goes is that it's 2019 A.D., where Tokyo gets bombed to pieces (again). Japan really loves blowing their city up in the name of Godzilla or robots fighting each other. Anyway, Tokyo is now Neo-Tokyo, where crime runs the streets, everything is spray-painted top-to-bottom, sex on the streets, corrupt politicians, you name it. The main protagonist, Kaneda, is having a normal day with his gang when they managed to get entangled in a conspiracy which involves Kaneda's friend, Tetsuo. From there, it's central themes; religion, corruption within politics, salvation, and so on, all play a part in this movie. What's interesting to me is that it's based on a manga that's 360 pages long and there's 6. To try and fit all of it into a 2 hour movie is impressive, but it still leaves you empty for some of the important stuff they cut out. There's a possible romantic relationship with one of the characters, but it's never fully explored. It all seemed rushed and they could've done this in sequels, but I guess it would ruin the charm it already has.

The music is an interesting choice of ethnic percussion instruments with vocalization from a choir. Some of it sounds alright and it gives the atmosphere and tone that the film has set. However, I can't say that I'll be buying the soundtrack anytime soon. There are moments where it sounds like sound effects. On the other hand, it has a surreal tone to it and for that, it's great.

The characters are all nice, but as I said, they feel as though they cut a lot of stuff out in order to make a 2 hour movie. Some characters are placed here and there, but they're never given any background information, or at least, given any kind of special role in the movie. Some character's motivations are unclear and other characters that are barely given any screen time immediately dies, like they couldn't fit them into the story, so they kill them. Kaneda, Tetsuo, and the kids are given some history and you understand why they are doing what they are doing.

The animation, by far that I've ever seen, is probably the best anime movie I've ever seen. If there were any reason I would watch this again, it's for its animation. The attention to detail is spot on, with some lip-syncing coming really close to realism. A lot of stuff is happening at a more faster pace instead of slow pace for older anime. If given more time and more of a budget, this could go up against the animated giants of Warner Bros. and Disney. I just love how they make sure the character doesn't stay frozen in place when they are talking. Their reaction shots, their body movement, everything is detailed and well-drawn. To me, if given the chance at a more wider release here in America, it would be made for mainstream audiences to accept, rather than just for anime fans. Best animation yet.

Overall, this is a great ambition of making an anime movie that is well-designed in both animation and story-telling. The story-telling could've been more thought out and the animation could have some tweaks here and there, but it's the best yet in its animation department and something that other anime developers should take note of. And also, beware of the big-headed people! They will destroy you with their minds!

Akira has been well known as what I call a "gateway" anime. Meaning this is the anime movie that brought you into the otaku scene. Most people that I have spoken to, at cons and friends, remember where they first saw it and who they were with. Not that this anime caused that much of a stir in the darkest depths of the psyche, but opened people's eyes that there could be more to anime than the magical high school girl or the giant robot.

The story begins with what resembles a large nuclear explosion in the middle of a dense city. The beginning oddly feels like a Quentin Tarantino film in that it starts with the ending and explains the past. Here starts 2 totally different plot lines that you know somehow will merge into a single story. Beginning with a story of a young seemingly immature motorcycle gang at battle with a rival. To be followed later with a father desperately trying to protect who seems to be his child against the forces of the military. The father dies and mystical powers seem to evolve from the child and the 2 stories combine and thicken during a large motorcycle accident. I won't spoil the anime but, I will say they showed a possible ending as the beginning of the movie. LOL

Akira's staff also did a wonderful job at intertwining 2 deep seeded political under tones throughout the story. The anti-establishment biker gang against the rule all own all military and the negative connotation to gene manipulation, makes you side easily with the gang over the government.

The motorcycles also struck a huge love with the public. Even today the red bike from the movie is one of the most recognizable ever to appear in any anime.

Ratings Explained:

Animation: For the time, Akira is very well developed and the attention to detail is top notch. I would rate very high overall when compared to other non-computer generated anime's.

Characters: Character build is decent and is built better during the middle of the story. The english voice acting however, is tolerable at best. I would definately suggest watching it subbed.

Music: Very original score. Though in parts it sounded like 3 morbidly obese men breathing heavy to a Billy Blanks workout, it did somewhat fit to the parts in the story.

Storyline: Guns, bikes, babes the three most important parts of a men's visually stimulating action flick plus the addition of deep seeded meaning. Though the staff did a fantastic job at combining all they did into a movie. It would have made a decent 12 part anime series.

Overall: A great cult classic anime that has stayed the test of time to never be forgotten. Definitely one to have in any anime collection.