 Akira.... after reading a review of this animated masterpiece that pretty much slated it I thought i'd write in to defend it. Akira is set against a post World War 3 background where political corruption is rife and the government are on the verge of losing control to religious fanatics and mal-content students rioting over conditions and unemployment. In the midst of all this chaos, biker gangs clash admist the neon city in petty turf wars and almost mindless drug fuelled violence. During one such high speed battle a young man named Tetsuo Shima is involved in an accident with an escaped psychic (number 26) on the run from the military who are bent on unlocking the potentially destructive mysteries of AKIRA. This accident with number 26 unleashes a psychic potential within Tetsuo. It becomes quickly apparent however that Tetsuo is not the most stable of individuals... Akira combines stunning animation, a great atmospheric soundtrack and a story to die for. It may initially seem confusing/surreal but it is a film that demands your attention for more than one viewing and far from being incomprehensible it is extremley intellegent. AKIRA's dark futuristic tone rivals BladeRunner and Katsuhiro Otomo's vision has been translated and condensed as best it could be done from the epic manga. Akira is stupidly entertaining, a film that makes you appreciate anime in a different light from 'cartoons'. It has some violence but nothing extreme, needless to say however this is not for kiddies. The critics loved it for its brilliance, I loved it for its attempt to explain the story of Akira in such a relatively short space (running time >2hours...). About the author: Great fan of gangster and epical films. Especially Godfather2. Receptive to any titles and an Akira fanatic. Hate 'Americanised' films (Armaggedon is a good example) and their stupid portrayal of the rest of the world in relation to the US. You may read another review, submit your own, or return home. |
