Akira (1988): Yell! Magazine’s Greatest Films Series

Yell! Review:

One of the great ’80s Japanese anime movies, Akira is based on the series of comic books of the same name. The first thing that strikes you about this movie is its visual beauty. The cityscapes of new Tokyo are breathtaking and the color use is stunning. The whole film is a lesson in how to make animation properly. If it wasn’t for its confusing and flawed ending, the film could be considered the best in the history of the genre. Unfortunately, it derails when Akira is unleashed. The story, up to that point, was comprehensible covering the life of a motorcycle street gang member who is captured by the military of a post World War III Tokyo in order to develop his psycho-kinetic powers. Akira is the name given to the ultimate force of the universe, which might be released through the development of the boy’s mental powers and ultimately destroy everything. Even if the ending is confusing, the film belongs with the greats of the genre and is a must-watch for fans of anime.

Yell! Rating (x/5 Skulls):

Year Released:

16 July 1988

Director:

Katsuhiro Ôtomo

Cast/Crew

Shôtarô Kaneda (voice), Tetsuo Shima (voice), Ryûsaku (voice) (as Tetsusho Genda), Priestess Miyako / Council A (voice), Nezu (voice)

Genre

Anime, Mystery, Action

Official URL:

none