Synopsis: Akira is a 1988 Japanese animated cyberpunk action film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, produced by Ryōhei Suzuki and Shunzō Katō, and written by Otomo and Izo Hashimoto, based on Otomo’s 1982 manga of the same name. Set in a dystopian 2019, it tells the story of Shōtarō Kaneda, a leader of a biker gang whose childhood friend, Tetsuo Shima, acquires incredible telekinetic abilities after a motorcycle accident, eventually threatening an entire military complex amid chaos and rebellion in the sprawling futuristic metropolis of Neo-Tokyo. Probably one of the most influential films in history, there are many things which make Akira a masterpiece.
PROTAGONIST: Shotaro Kaneda is the main protagonist of the Akira film. He is the leader of The Capsules. He was also a friend of Tetsuo .Kaneda is portrayed as the main symbol of defiance against traditional forms of authority, particularly Colonel Shikishima. He is known to act before thinking things through, which gets him into trouble. Probably one of the most important protagonists in anime history, Kaneda formed many tropes which became popular in mainstream shonen anime, despite Akira being Seinen. What makes him so special is his direct conflict against the antagonist. He is quite the opposite to his counterpart, and that creates a very unique and violent final battle. Beneath his tough and cocky exterior, Kaneda is brave and innately empathetic. He looks out for the safety and well-being of the members of his biker gang (most notably Tetsuo Shima), and becomes vexed to the point of tears when he loses one of them. Kaneda values loyalty and becomes vengeful when trust is broken.
ANTAGONIST: Tetsuo Shima is both the deuteragonist and main antagonist of the AKIRA franchise. Thematically, he represents the destructive potential of power in the wrong hands. Tetsuo’s most prominent characteristic is his inferiority complex. Despite Kaneda’s efforts to foster a brotherly relationship with him, Tetsuo feels like he is being bossed around and treated as a subordinate. On the surface, Tetsuo has a rather fierce temper, is rather impulsive, and tends to make rash decisions. Like all other members of The Capsules, he has little to no respect towards authority figures. However, it is likely that he chooses to hide insecurity and sensitivity behind this aggression. This can be inferred through the way he is characterized in flashbacks, especially when compared to Kaneda at the same age. After acquiring the powers of the Espers, and surviving their attempt to kill him, his personality takes a drastic turn for the worse. He storms through Neo Tokyo in order to find Akira, carelessly using his psychic powers to harm the attacking military and civilians alike. After this rampage, he taunts and attacks Kaneda in an effort to boost his own ego. Despite his poor treatment of, and expression of disdain for Kaneda, he becomes genuinely frightened when his body expands beyond his control, knowing full well they were both powerless to stop the mutation.
LEGACY: Akira is widely regarded as one of the greatest animated movies of all time and prompted an increase in popularity of anime movies in the US and, generally, outside Japan. It is still admired for its exceptional visuals. Akira is regarded by many critics as a landmark anime film, one that influenced much of the art in the anime world that followed its release with many illustrators in the manga industry citing the film as an important influence. Manga author Masashi Kishimoto, for example, recalls becoming fascinated with the way the poster was made and wished to imitate the series’ creator Katsuhiro Otomo’s style. The film had a significant impact on popular culture worldwide. The film led the way for the growth in popularity of anime outside Japan as well as Japanese popular culture in the Western world. It has gone on to inspire some of the greatest cyberpunk related/science fiction related media including Blade Runner, Ghost in the shell, Cowboy Bebop, Matrix, Serial Experiments Lain, Elfed Lied, The Dark Knight, Godzilla, Into the Spider Verse, Star Wars(Prequel), Snatcher and Metal Gear Solid.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Personal ramblings: Akira is anime cinema at its most beautiful, with a cyberpunk city compared to that of Blade Runner. Its a visual marvel to this day with brutal action scenes that are perfectly animated and brought to life by the mangaka legend himself Katsuhiro Otomo. Seeing our main characters Kaneda and Tetsuo friendship devolve into an all out war for neo tokyo leads the viewer on an epic ride full of telekinetic powers, biker gang showdowns, and disturbing imagery that will remain in the viewer’s psyche. Topped off with a beautiful score composed by Shoji Yamashiro, and Akira becomes quite possibly the best and most significant film in anime history.
Rating: 10/10
CINEMATOGRAPHY:10/10
VOICE ACTING: 10/10
STORY: 10/10
DIALOGUE: 10/10
ANIMATION: 10/10
EDITING: 10/10
MUSIC: 10/10
ONE OF THE GREATEST FILMS EVER MADE, UNTOUCHED BARELY BY ANYTHING TO COME BEFORE OR AFTER
Offensive Critic 