Review of Akira

Out of 100 Nobles watching... 90 were impressed! 7 wanted a more coherent plot. 3 didn't sign up for that ending... Akira is a 1988 anime film adaptation of the manga of the same name. It is a classic in the medium and set a high standard for every post-apocalyptic and cyberpunk setting that came after it. The film is highly praised but apparently received hefty criticism for it's retelling of its source material, however not having read the manga I have no skin in that game and can say the movie was very enjoyable. The art direction, sound design, and theming of the film really takes a heavy influencefrom live action films like Blade Runner, Escape From New York, and The Warriors in all the best ways imaginable. I find it enjoyable looking back into the past at the cycle of inspiration those films likely sprouted into the anime medium.

The film looks fantastic and the only complaint about this work of arts amazing hand drawn animation I could muster is some characters faces look really derpy at times.

The only two words of caution for a potential viewer I will provide is that this movie is disturbingly graphic a.k.a "Devilman: Crybaby Style" and the plot being taken from a multi-volume manga condensed into a 2 hour movie is VERY confusing and nonsensical. That said if you don't mind or even enjoy body horror, and don't need to understand what you just watched then Akira will likely be one of the best films you've ever seen.

It's just really cool and really good. Trust me. (God I'm out of practice with these.)