The animation isn't the only amazing thing... Spoilers throughout

Rating: 10/10 (26 February 2010)

AKIRA is, despite its fanfare and acclaim as the "big anime", still highly underrated. It's a gem, and a movie that slowly drags you in. Beyond the jaw-dropping animation, bloody violence and nightmarish ending (famous enough to be parodied in an episode of South Park (Trapper Keeper), and cartoons such as The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter's Laboratory and Invader Zim), it is a movie that is deeply human, and greatly philosophical. This is a character movie, a film about people, as dystopian fiction has classically emphasised the destruction of humanity and relationships as one of its major themes. In the same few minutes that we hear fantastical theories of human evolution and see a portrayal of a world devastated by nuclear war, we also see the disenfranchised youth of Neo-Tokyo and the friendships that arise in such unsettling times. Interestingly, two of the biggest criticisms of AKIRA conflict: one is that the plot is incomprehensible and too heavy, and the other is that the plot is a poorly made backdrop for explosions and other eye candy, and while the film is stunning to just look at, there's a lot, lot more going on.
When we examine great works of fiction that deal with fascist societies, authoritarianism and social decay, we will find that the vast majority of these works contain a considerable deal of violence. This is not a coincidence; look at Winston Smith's visit to Room 101 and Offred's viewing of the men hanged for being homosexuals and women killed for being independent in the modern classic Handmaid's Tale. These elements are commonplace in literature and live-action, but the level of brutality in AKIRA, the way the cops treat civilians, the Cronenberg finale, is virtually unheard of in first-rate animation. The disgusting form Tetsuo takes at the end of the movie sees him as a giant, mutant baby: and isn't this symbolic of what Tetsuo was trying to run away from? He wanted to be independent and an adult and all powerful, and ends up becoming infantile, all-consuming and a burden.
The characters in the film are somewhat condensed compared to the manga (which is even better, and even bigger) but are still believable and very human - the ultimately caring Kaneda who is outwardly overconfident, outgoing and sometimes cruel, the angst-ridden, lonely Tetsuo with the inferiority complex, the brave, self-righteous and yet naive nature of Kei, the wise, idealistic, loving personality of Kiyoko. These are rich characters. In fact, one of the major subplots surrounds the Colonel's authoritarian and pro-active personality clashing with the government authorities, and how he gets increasingly infuriated with what he sees as the 'dreaming' and foolishness of the scientists he engages with. It's hard to see this as short of depth.
Of course, much has already been said about the groundbreaking animation. This film has around 160,000 unique stills, and much of the movie takes place at night, which is traditionally something animators avoid because of the colour demands. It was also one of the first Japanese animations to pre-record voices before beginning the animation process, which, while already common in the US at the time of production, was new in Japan. The end result is absolutely vivid, dark, and sometimes terrifying, but always wonderful. The iconic opening bike chase is referenced in Kanye West's 'Stronger' video, as well as the scenes where Tetsuo is undergoing military experimentation. Also adding to the great atmosphere is the haunting soundtrack composed by Shoji Yamashiro and performed by Geinoh Yamashirogumi.
The powerful chants in 'Tetsuo' have recently been sampled in acclaimed musician Panda Bear's 'Comfy In Nautica'.
This movie is complicated and bursting with themes, but I cannot stress enough that it is a movie that needs repeat viewings. It has a lot to say, and it is admittedly very difficult to understand in the first watch. People talk about themes of human nature often, but then complain about violence in films such as AKIRA and other controversial pieces of art. While some films masquerade under the pretence of making statements but are exploitative and ultimately trash, AKIRA is a phenomenal exploration of humanity and the downfall of civilisation.
The number of different conclusions and interpretations of this film, from an analogy about the war crimes in WWII Japan, to the enormous troubles of youth, to even a critique of modern consumerism and capitalism itself (!) show how thought-provoking this film is.
To end what was never meant to be so long: An epic masterpiece, and one of my all-time favourite films.
10/10