Review of Akira

Over the years, many anime have come out that have helped define the genre. Full Metal Alchemist will often appear at the number one spot on any top-ten list you come across. There are the classics from the 90’s such as Cowboy Bebop, Trigun and Neon Genesis Evangelion that constantly remind us of an older generation of anime. And who could ever forget the big three of Bleach, Naruto and One Piece? Many of us became interested in anime because of their influence. Still, although these names have left their mark on the history of anime, one stands above them all. That anime is atrue masterpiece. That anime is Akira.

Akira is considered to be a landmark in Japanese film, as well as one of the most influential animated films of all time. Not only has it influenced much of the art of the illustrators in the manga industry, but it also helped to open a gateway to anime for those outside Japan. The movie has also garnished a huge cult following since its release.

Now, don’t think that I think Akira is a masterpiece just because it’s old and influential. The presence of Akira was initially what drew me to watching it, and I can assure you that Akira is worthy of its following.

Starting off with the story, the setting of Akira takes place in the year 2019 in a city called Neo-Tokyo. Thirty years prior was a nuclear explosion that demolished Tokyo and sparked WWIII, and Neo-Tokyo was built on Tokyo’s ashes. If you want more than that, read the synopsis, although I would recommend not doing so. The story of Akira is one of the most complex I’ve ever seen. If you read its synopsis, you’ll just get spoiled a few things and still be confused. From what I can see, the main thing that turns people off about Akira is just how convoluted it actually is. You see, the writer of the source material (who was also the writer of the movie btw) still had not finished the story yet. Along with that, there was tons of material to fit in one movie. I read about a third of the first volume of the manga and I could tell right away that the writer had to change a lot of things and cut a lot of corners to make the movie possible. All things considered, Akira’s adaptation to a movie was spectacular. Also, I think that Akira’s complexity works for it as the movie has a lot of re-watch value.

Without going very in depth, I will discuss the characters. Backstory is minimal (which is logical seeing that it’s a movie with a large cast) but the amount distributed is appropriate. We get a general sense of what drives the characters’ actions, and that is enough. It would be appropriate to say that the characters fall in certain “groups” during the course of the movie. Characters find themselves in different places and do their own thing, all while coming together at the end of the movie. While the cast size is moderately large, there are several members that make big impacts on the story. The less forgettable characters the better.

I will talk about art and sound at the same time, as they are my favorite parts of the movie. A big reason why people like to avoid older anime is because, well, they look old. Also, if an old anime doesn’t have a big enough budget, the animation suffers even more. A good example of this is Neon Genesis Evangelion. You would have these scenes filled with movement, only for the movement to stop, exposing the animations age. For an anime from 1988, Akira has aged wondrously. Your blood begins to boil as the song “Kaneda” starts playing while the biker gang moves out, leaving behind a trail of light. You quake in fear as a helicopter is thrown down a street while you hear: DUUUUUUN. DUUUUUUN. DUNN-DUNN. Suspense hangs in the air when an unstoppable foe crushes a tank with sheer mind power as a crowd cheers, screams and wails.

I think I made it clear how big of a spectacle Akira is by now.

As you already know, I enjoyed Akira a ton. When I look at Akira I see a timeless classic. In fact, whether you like it or not, that is what it is. Even if just to appreciate its impact on anime, it is certainly worth your time. Akira is a landmark in anime, movies and entertainment.