Akira Review

Akira (1988)

Directed by: Katsuhiro Otomo

The streets are brightly lit with mayhem and the busy chatter that the night brings. The youth and their gangs seem at first glance to rule the streets. The schools are caked with graffiti and the towns littered on empty promises. Behind the whole facade of the city of Tokyo lurks experimental eyes. Eyes set on manipulating it's populace especially the youth to their advantage. If you speak up against their corruption you're fodder for their system. You're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't. An inconvenient fate crosses the path of a once mild and meek mannered Tetsuo. For these set of eyes so to speak know what he harnesses in his very core. It's manifesting and it's just a moment from being unleashed. Tetsuo has always come in last. He always follows the orders his friend Kaneda gives. Tetsuo feels the unfamiliar yet familiar feeling from within coming forth. What will become of Tetsuo and the people of Tokyo?

A beautifully illustrated and graphed story about the power one has from within. It's full of themes that one can infer from watching. The themes of the little guy or underdog finally making a stand against big brother government. The feeling of being reborn into something new and a purpose whether you expected it or not. Just about enough mayhem and bitter truth between the lines. Brilliant story, excellent soundtrack, and overall one big ride I wasn't expecting. From one twist to the next I enjoyed this tale. There's a lot of sadness in this film and there's a lot of depth that one can take from it.

9.8/10