Review of Akira (1988) by Troy F — 30 Jul 2011

Any anime fan out of their right mind should watch this film immediately. I never will be one to call any film perfect, but Akira is what I say to be near perfect. Akira is a mix of action and science fiction mixed with cyberpunk.

Its story and narrative structure is often complex, but even when you don't always understand it, you can't help but behold its awesomeness. What is so awesome about Akira? The visuals, especially regarding 1988, are f'in incredible even if they show their age.

It's amazing that they still hold up today and in terms of visual appeal still beats many films that have come out since than. The characters are awesome too, whether it was the protagonists or antagonists didn't always matter, each had that appealing quality to them.

And of course, there is no shortage of explosive, highly violent action and excitement here, there's more than one could ask for and damn is it ever epic! Akira has its strange psychological moments and rather strange characters too, though strange in a fascinating way to anime fans like I, but possibly strange in a way that may turn off viewers if they aren't prepared for these kinds of films.

That's what makes Akira true anime, it can be most easily appreciated by true fans of anime. Anyone wishing to try anime is recommended to try any of Hayao Miyazaki's films which are more approachable, but anyone that wants to start off with a film like an action sci-fi film may carefully choose Akira.

Though I've said to many other animes that they're the best I've ever seen, Akira beats out many of them and definitely ranks as one of my all time favourites.