All time best Anime Film.

Rating: 10/10 (20 May 2016)

Akira
This anime film came out the day before my 1st birthday, yet I consider it one that I grew up with. Between this and Dragon Ball Z, there are few others that define my childhood exposure to anime.
Back when cartoons were slowly becoming more adult. I had forgotten how ultra-violent the movie was until I watched it recently. The animation still holds up today despite being from the 80s.
The music in by far one of the most memorable aspects of the film. I could listen to the soundtrack for hours on end. The blend of choral work and percussion is timeless and never dull. Not only that but the thunderous drums intensify scenes that were already amazing.
Before cyberpunk was even a big fad, Akira helped spawn and influence other films like the Matrix. Seeing this now, I can easily see their take from this. The blend of bleak future with heroes that do unrealistic and sometimes horrifying actions progresses as the film reaches it's second act.
The film had an underlining stereotype that Japanese people are fascinated by Caucasians, considering a few of the antagonists are typical Americans, large white, mustache sporting stern types, and the like.
I really enjoy that the main characters feel real. Kaneda is the cocky "older brother" figure who treats Tetsuo a bit harsh if only to toughen him up. Where was Tetsuo doesn't really get that kind of relationship and even through friendship he still resents Kaneda for how he treats him. It's super relate-able and wonderfully written.
Verdict: One of the best anime films of all time. There are some weird elements, and ultra-violent, but really should should look past that to the bigger picture, like a Tarantino film.