Not Disney

Rating: Null/10 (3 February 2003)

After years of being peripherally aware of this thing called "Japanimation", I decided to sample the genre. I thought "Akira" would be the place to start: I'd always heard the 1988 film is a landmark, and a model for many Japanimation movies to come. As an outsider, it took me a while to adjust to the animation style. This stuff hasn't the fluidity of great classic animation, it's worlds away from Snow White. But there is a visual style, and a depth of background detail, and an often grotesque imagination, that provides some truly stunning moments. It's too long, overall, and although I've read many complaints that the film is confusing, I find it overly simple. I believe the "confusion" comes from trying to find meaning in long scenes that, while allowing for wild visual flights, do nothing more for the story than stretch simple plot points beyond their natural endurance levels. Still, a worthwhile cinematic experience, and a great introduction to a genre unlike any other.