"Akira"- Oft-considered a masterpiece of animation and storytelling, Katsuhiro Otomo's sci-fi classic continues to thrill and enthrall thirty years later.

Rating: 9/10 (19 November 2017)

Not only a definitive cult hit, but also one of the earliest films to bring mainstream popularity to Japanese anime in Western markets, writer/director Katsuhiro Otomo's "Akira" is a classic by any stretch of the imagination. Quickly approaching the thirtieth anniversary of its original release while still maintaining a strong degree of freshness and a unique flair, the film has aged remarkably well and manages to hit home with the same great gusto it did all those years ago. "Akira" is a film I've almost been afraid to discuss, with it's influence and following still felt in the world of entertainment. But upon revisiting it once again just recently after having actively decided to take a break from it for several years... I'm just shocked by much in continues to surprise and captivate.
The film is set in a alternative history, in which Japan was nearly destroyed following a third World War. In the future of 2019, the streets are filled with protests and violence as gangs and corrupt cops rule the night, while corporate and government big-wigs run the world from their skyscrapers during the day. The film follows a group of hoodlum gang-members, including Kaneda and Tetsuo- childhood best friends whom are always at odds despite their past together. When an accident appears to awaken latent psychic abilities within Tetsuo, a web of treachery and deceit begins to unfold, forcing Kaneda to team-up with a group of anti-government activists to try and save him... Little does he know, however, that it might be too late... as Tetsuo is overcome by his newfound powers and decides to strike back at the world he feels has betrayed him. All the while, Tetsuo begins a search for a mysterious figure known as "Akira", whom he is haunted by recurring visions of...
The really fascinating thing about "Akira" is how it manages to tell a rather heady and multi-layered story in a fairly accessible way- by wrapping it all up in a classic, almost borderline cliché, action- thriller based around warring street gangs. While my first few viewings of the film as a young teen did leave many questions unanswered, revisiting the film as a mature adult... it's actually all there, and the information is quite cleverly doled out. The film deals with some really complex ideas and touches on some fascinating themes including existentialism and religious fanaticism, but it's always in a subtle and artful way that doesn't spoon-feed the audience nor withhold too much. It's a smart film that in turn allows the audience to feel smart by giving them the pieces, and allowing them to put it all together on their own- something many mainstream sci-fi stories in recent memory struggle with.
Visually, the film is a powerhouse. Stunning in detail and fluid in motion... it's awe-inspiring to behold, and remains one of the most aesthetically compelling hand-drawn works in recent memory. "Akira" is filled to burst with minute details that flesh-out the story and build-up the world while also having a vast and staggering scope like few others of its time. Character design is also keen and concise, with each member of the cast being given a simplistic look that tells you exactly what you need to know before they even speak a word of dialog. Otomo's works have always been spellbinding in terms of look- just check out the incredible "Steamboy" for further examples. But "Akira" might just be his finest in terms of direction and design.
Within the situational writing and structure, however, is where the film's few flaws begin to gradually emerge. Now don't get me wrong- the plot of the film is quite fascinating and the characters are enjoyable and entertaining. And on the whole, yes, the film is very well put-together. I think the fundamental issue is that a lot of the subtext, a lot of the story, and indeed a lot of the character development had to be lost for the sake of run-time. It feels like a shortened digest of a much grander tale. Which is basically exactly what "Akira" is. My most recent viewing of the film did leave me feeling a bit of a tonal whiplash from scene to scene, as the movie rockets past pivotal plot-points and set-pieces with an urgent rush that can sometimes feel haphazard. But even then, what's there is keenly thought out and well assembled. It just could have used a bit more time to play out.
"Akira" is an outstanding film. There's no doubt about that. And just as it has captivated audiences for near three decades now, it will continue to do so for years to come. While it might not quite be a perfect film due to some minor issues with the pace and structure, the phenomenal art, good use of subtle storytelling and enjoyable cast of characters make it a journey well worth taking and worth revisiting again and again. And so, I give "Akira" a near-flawless 9 out of 10. It's a classic... just not a "perfect" classic.