Calling it like it is...

Rating: 10/10 (25 March 2003)

Akira is one of the films that bridged the gap between East and West. Visually stunning and written with the flair and style we have come to associate with Manga, years before many Westerners knew what Manga was; Akira was a turning point in Anime for many people.
It is centred around two boyhood friends, Kaneda and Tetsuo, during the aftermath of a bike accident Tetsuo is involved in. He goes on to be altered by the Government trying to create a super-being. Years before, they had attempted the same thing and destroyed Tokyo. As Tetuo begins to change and become stronger than Kaneda, the roles they have had since childhood become reversed. As this happens, Tetuo is losing control as his power becoes greater. With the arrival of Tetsuo, the end of the world is prophesised and the return of Akira (The name given to the super-being that destroyed Tokyo) is said to be at hand.
The plotline is deep and involving, as the characters grow - both up and apart - as their lives diverge. This has resonance with the age they are at; late teens, no longer kids and not yet willing to be adults, making and breaking the friendships they will keep or not.
Akira is a serious film about many aspects of life in Japan - both the rise of the cyberpunk and the survival of tradional values.
As a film, it is absolutely fantastic, and as a social commentary, it provokes thoughts.
Don't ignore this simply because it's animation. Give it the respect it deserves, dedicate some time to it and you'll be amazed at what you find.
10/10 - no questions