Akira
Details
- Directed by: Katsuhiro Otomo
- Produced by: Ryōhei Suzuki, Shunzō Katō
- Screenplay by: Katsuhiro OtomoIzo Hashimoto
- Based on: Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo
- Music by: Tsutomu Ōhashi
- Cinematography: Katsuji Misawa
- Edited by: Takeshi Seyama
- Production company: Tokyo Movie Shinsha
- Distributed by: Toho
- Release dates: 16 July 1988
- Running time: 124 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Language: Japanese
Synopsis
From MyAnimeList:Japan, 1988. An explosion caused by a young boy with psychic powers tears through the city of Tokyo and ignites the fuse that leads to World War III. In order to prevent any further destruction, he is captured and taken into custody, never to be heard from again. Now, in the year 2019, a restored version of the city known as Neo-Tokyo—an area rife with gang violence and terrorism against the current government—stands in its place. Here, Shoutarou Kaneda leads "the Capsules," a group of misfits known for riding large, custom motorcycles and being in constant conflict with their rivals "the Clowns."
During one of these battles, Shoutarou's best friend Tetsuo Shima is caught up in an accident with an esper who finds himself in the streets of Tokyo after escaping confinement from a government institution. Through this encounter, Tetsuo begins to develop his own mysterious abilities, as the government seeks to quarantine this latest psychic in a desperate attempt to prevent him from unleashing the destructive power that could once again bring the city to its knees.
Story
It is unsettling to see most of Akira's depictions of how the world would be in the future have become the reality. The technology and retro-fitted future depicted in Akira were actually not new and quite feasible. There are no mind-bending arsenals or otherworldly artifacts except maybe what can be best described as laser guns, which don't really impact the story.The most realistic thing that I feel has become the present, rather than the future, is the sociological decay. We can see that moral has degenerates further and further in the new Tokyo, until it has become a mere shadow of its former self. Homosexuality, public fornication, and anarchism are examples of things that you will find yourself getting no shortage in Neo-Tokyo. Even the bar lets students to hang out there, without proper identification and adult supervision. There are scenes that depicted student protesters opposing the new government that is currently mitigating the mistake of previous Prime Minister's policy. These things are depicted accurately and the situation is very similar in my country where democracy recently has become more active and engaging than ever because of the social media
The pacing and plot development of Akira is wonderfully done. Given its long running time, the longest I've ever watched for an animated film (Lord of the Rings still the longest movie I've ever seen), I don't feel bored at all, rather eagerly thinking what's going to happen next. I read on the Wikipedia that Akira was an adaptation from manga and apparently the second half of the film is completely different. Not that it matters though because the climax and the ending are well suited to my taste.
There are so many recurring themes that I can't talk about all of them. One thing that has come to my attention is the difference in thinking of a serviceman and a scientist. This dichotomy of approach to technological development can be seen almost all the time. The colonel is a figure that symbolizes the military mindset. He thinks of risks first, think of it as something that should be handled cautiously and of course sees it as a necessary evil to protect his country, especially the town where he currently lives in: Neo Tokyo.
On the other hand, the head researcher is a figure that symbolizes the scientific mindset. Being a man of science himself, he is fascinated by things he couldn't understand and sees it as a beauty. He thinks of the lateral application of new things, the what-ifs and how-abouts, and even in emergency situations he still tries to make the most of the data that are available to him.
Of course, because the depicted future in Akira is a dystopian one, themes similar to Blade Runner run in its veins. Religious and philosophical symbolism, humanization and dehumanization, environment, and many more filled the scenes. You can see all of them in this Wikipedia article: Themes in Blade Runner.
I say this is one of my favorite science fiction animated films, judging from its story and plot alone. I think the problem is a lot of people looked at the synopsis and refused watching it because they were intimidated by its "intricate" storyline. But, if you try watching it, you'll find everything explained, no matter how obscure it is.
Visual
Remember what I said about the retro-fitted future and urban decay? Akira nailed it right down to its smallest details. Its animation and visual style are so advanced. The explosion effects are as realistic as it can be. So many movement and unpredictable patterns. The motor chase scene is also a demonstration of its superior animation with the fluid motion. Therefore, I think it is way ahead of its time.Getting back to the depiction of a dystopian future. I live in a somewhat developing country, so slums and urban decay are part of the sights. The portrayal seems to be very accurate because of the contrast between the elite and getto can be seen throughout the movie. The socio-economic difference between the citizens is also as high as the moon. Well, biker gangs might not be as 'flashy' as they are depicted in the film (biker gangs are notorious in Japan but not in my country), but religious cults and the army are depicted as real as they can get
Audio
To be honest, no noticeable or remarkable piece from the soundtrack that came to my mind. Although, I remember a surreal piece was played in a scene where the psychic kids taunted Tetsuo. Very creepy, indeed. That's where Akira differs than most films. It used background sounds and sound effects to emphasize the environment. I felt like I was in the ruins of a big city, surrounded by broken concrete walls and burning flames. The voice acting is one of the greatest I've ever heard. So much emotions and energy given to the act. Lots of shouting actually, but that doesn't make it less emotional. In fact, I would commend the children voice actors because they can make the characters sympathetic yet at the same time terrifying.Characters
Another good thing that comes into my mind. The characters are really well-developed and well-written. The psychosis breakdown of Tetsuo and the self-realization of Kaneda actually took the highlights. Tetsuo's slow descent into madness is very gruesome. Kaneda is also seen as an anti-hero, slowly becoming more "human" with his brutality subsides, replaced with an urgent need to save his best friend and love interest. There is also the air of mystery in the eponymous character: Akira. We wouldn't see him until the climax scene and I think it is brilliant how the events really happened around the mythical yet real figure, yet not giving us the chance to see him along the film makes his existence and character more mysterious.Of course, the colonel himself is also a great example of complex character. In the early scenes, he is depicted rather like a villain, however as the film progresses, you can see many sides of him. The most touching thing for me is that deep down in his heart, he is still a soldier whose real intention is actually to save the citizens from themselves. I mean he is a crusader of justice, although not all people see him that way. Even the bureaucrats and politicians see him as an obstacle to their reign of power. He is very goal-oriented, ready to sacrifice everything including himself if that means he gets to save his country.