Review of Akira
When fans talk about anime that transformed all, Akira is always included in the first batch of names. Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo and released in 1988, it plunges us into the neon-glazed dystopia of Neo-Tokyo, which is a city of violence, instability, and corruption. It begins with Kaneda and his biker gang tearing up the city streets, but it all spirals out of control when Tetsuo, Kaneda's childhood friend, gains destructive telepathic powers from illegal government experiments. It begins as a street gang rivalry and then becomes an enormous battle between humanity, science, and forces far greater than anyone can control. The characters give the storydepth. Kaneda is the cocky and reliable anchor, whereas Tetsuo is the most tragic and memorable anime character. His destruction is frightening but even watchable, and it feeds much of the emotional center of the film. I enjoyed almost all the characters, although my favorite was Colonel Shikishima. Though authoritarian, he was among the minority of adults actually trying to do the right thing, if it meant making difficult choices. Kei and the Espers add further mystery and humanity, balancing the destruction with their own sense of urgency.
The animation is legendary. To this day, it looks stunning, with hand-drawn intricacy that is surpassed by nothing currently out there. The bike chases, cityscapes, and destruction are so smooth and alive that it’s hard to believe this was made in the '80s. The sound design and music are just as unforgettable. Geinoh Yamashirogumi’s score, with its eerie chanting and percussion, gives the film a haunting energy, and the roars of motorcycles and explosions hit with real impact. Combined with excellent voice acting, every moment feels immersive and raw.
On a personal level, Akira is extremely significant to me. Like Fist of the North Star, it was one of the first anime I ever saw, and viewing it today still amazes me. It holds up not just as a work of technical prowess, but because the world itself is violent, perilous, and alive in a way that very few films are capable of. The city's corruption, the senselessness of the scientists, and street violence make Neo-Tokyo unforgettable. I admit that the ending still has me a bit confused, but that only adds to the mystique of the film. Scenes such as the bike slide of Kaneda or Tetsuo's grotesque transformation continue to be some of the most iconic scenes in anime history.
I awarded Akira a 10/10 because it's not just a film, it's an experience. It raised the bar for what anime was capable of, and even decades on, it still holds its own against the best animation produced today.