Review of Akira

"Akira". The name itself still holds a certain magic about to Anime fans. It's where it all started for many here in the United States. It set the mark for all that followed in it's wake. For some, it was the moment in their lives that animation ceased to be something for children. This was no cartoon. This was Anime. And almost 30 years later, it still has that effect on people. Conjuring images of the bizarre amidst a glow of city lights and speeding motorcycles leaving behind that familiar light trail. The movie is the definition of legend. And like with all legends, thetruth can be somewhat disappointing.

The basics of the film itself succeed. It tells a good story and uses art that even 30 years later holds up pretty well with scenes that still prove to be more innovative than most that has come since then. Providing images that stick with you and leave an impression along with characters you remember should be the goal of every film maker. And while they do succeed in that regard, I was disappointed by the way it all seemed to unravel and become confusing towards the finale. I am okay with an ending that leaves more questions than answers and inspires discussion, but a lack of satisfaction will always irk me.

Along the way there were many things that stood out to me, I liked the soundtrack and many of the side characters. Little touches here and there that made the world on screen feel fuller. The Sub vs. Dub battle here is a matter of personal taste. There have been more than a few dubs of this movie in a few languages, watch in Japanese for a more authentic feel or the revised English dub (featuring many, many, familiar voices to Anime fans) but the general consensus seems to be STAY AWAY from the original English dub. It is truly terrible and takes away from the film.

I cannot put into words what made me feel disappointed about this film in that it is a good movie and not a masterpiece. I saw glimpses here and there of what made me think this was masterpiece material, but when all was said and done I felt frustrated and unsatisfied. Call me jaded for being exposed to too much anime before viewing this if you want, call me a dope for not completely understanding the ending, but I honestly think "Akira" is an overrated film. And I liked it. But, I do not love it. I think every Anime fan should watch it, just to pay respect to a founding father and enjoy the movie for what it is- a nice ride and a good film. 7/10. Check it out. Cheers!