Landmark seminal sci-fi anime set in a nihilistic Neo-Tokyo

Rating: 9/10 (5 January 2009)

I first watched this seminal piece of work back in 1997 and instantly was in awe of the whole production. However, after watching it I vowed not to watch it again until I got the chance to see it on the big screen, and finally in 2008 I managed to get to view it on a big screen in a cinema, and I was not disappointed in the slightest. If anything I was again left in awe as if it were the first time I'd ever seen the film.
The film is a sci-fi classic that encompasses a myriad of the sections of a post-apocalyptic "Neo-Tokyo", including corrupt politicians, high school gang members, underground terrorists and frustrated military men. The whole encounter begins when an accident between a high school gang member (Tetsuo) and a strange "child" somehow unlocks powerful and destructive forces in Tetsuo, and the race then begins to control/stop him. The enigma for the viewer is then trying to unravel who and what exactly "Akira" is, and who (and what) are the three strange "children" with the paranormal abilities.
It's difficult to succinctly define what the film captures. Suffice to say that each viewer will take from it a different perspective as at no time does this ever preach to anyone despite certain heavy subject underlying topics. As it's an animated film there is scope beyond what could be possible elsewhere, and this film more than most influenced other film-makers in how to combine a strong deep intelligent-themed storyline with action. The story can be nihilistic, and in what seems an increasingly dangerous world today, the themes of the film are as relevant now as ever (or possibly even more so). Must add there are some well-placed moments of humour in the film that help to soften the darker elements of the film.
The film's animation was at the time a landmark in Anime which in itself gives the viewer a reason to watch this. The opening sequences of the motorbike chases through "Neo-Tokyo" gives the viewer a taste of the exceptional artwork in this film as we see a panorama of the futuristic city, both from above and at the street level.
I can wax lyrical about this film ever more but then I'd likely give elements of this film away. If you have not watched this before I'd highly recommend it to you.