Ignore the hype, just judge this for yourself.

Rating: Null/10 (26 September 2000)

I saw Akira when it was initially released in Japan. I had read some of the manga when it appeared in Young Magazine, so I was aware of the basic plot points.
What I saw in the theater blew me away. Sure it's got its gory moments, and yes, I do agree that some parts of it do ramble. But when you take this whole film in, from plot to characterization; from Direction and animation style to score and soundtrack, you have a combination that makes for an incredible package.
It's been said by other reviewers here that this is a 'fattened', "Americanized", "Disneyfied" version of what Anime is in Japan. It is so far and above that. The decision not to use the big, round-eyed stereotypical anime character was actually a concsious step away from the large eyes, which originated as Tezuka Osamu's homage to the Disney style of the fifties. The animators were more interested in characters that actually looked somewhat realistic and more Japanese than the typical Anime character.
As has also been said before, the story is rather deep, but the film does not do the manga justice. If you really want to appreciate the story and you've got a lot of free time, pick up the printed version. It'll shed light on a lot of the ambiguities of the plot.
Lastly, as I said in my summary. See this film, and leave everything I or anyone else has said about it at the door. Experience it for yourself and judge it on your own terms.
Oh, and stay away from the dubbed version.