Akira [SUB] (1988) Review

 Akira [SUB] (1988) 10/10


Hello and welcome to another movie review. Today, I’m going to go over arguably one of the greatest movies ever made. Originally a manga written and illustrated by Katsuhiro Otomo, Akira is an animated movie that was released on July 16, 1988, directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, with the movie being produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha. Akira is regarded as one of the best movies ever made, animated or live action, and has since been part of popular culture ever since (with many media referencing its iconic Akira slide animation).

I have seen this movie a few times before, but I feel like I didn’t fully understand what was going on here. I have felt the need to rewatch and re-review it for some time and I figured now would be an excellent opportunity. Akira is a masterpiece of film work and I can already say that this is a must watch. Let’s begin.


In 1988, World War III had begun with destruction of Japan’s capital Tokyo. 30 years later, in 2019, the city of Neo-Tokyo is drowning in corruption, anti-government protests, and lawlessness. Our story follows Shotaro Kaneda, leader of the biker gang The Capsules, and his best friend Tetsuo Shima. One night while fighting a rival gang, Tetsuo crashes his bike and has a fateful encounter with an esper boy. This boy, named Takashi, did something to Tetsuo. Apparently the boy had escaped the facility he was in thanks to a resistance organization. The military swoops in, captures Takashi, flies Tetsuo to their military hospital, and arrests The Capsules. As it turns out, Tetsuo’s encounter with Takashi had awakened something within him and he has started exhibiting extraordinary abilities. As Kaneda is searching for his lost friend, he’ll get caught up with the resistance movement as he’s trying to woo a beautiful girl named Kei.

I know some people get confused by the whole “Akira” thing (like what is the power and all that other stuff). Honestly the movie does a pretty decent job at explaining things. You just gotta pay attention. Anyway, I love all of the characters. Kaneda and his leadership skills, Tetsuo and his inferiority complex (and how he gets drunk on power), and even Kei’s willingness to do what needs to be done. I even love the Colonel and how he’s trying to keep the city together amid so much corruption. I do think the supreme council had some valid criticisms, but they didn’t know any better. My guy is trying to prevent another city wide cataclysm and they’re over here arguing about budget lol. Overall, this is a great and compelling story that dives into the fabric of our creation.


One of the movie’s key features is its animation. Hand drawn cel animation that puts modern anime to shame with its incredible level of detail. The cinematography, lighting, action sequences, and the smooth as butter animation really makes Akira stand out compared to many other anime. I love the unique art style, and there are some scenes that live rent free in my head. I love the music too. Really adds another layer of charm to the movie. And of course, the voice acting is great too. Best performances go to Mitsuo Iwata (Kaneda), Nozomu Sasaki (Tetsuo), Tarou Ishida (Colonel), and Mami Koyama (Kei).


Akira is a movie for the ages that everyone needs to see. I highly recommend it to everyone and it now sits comfortably as one of the best films I have ever seen. I can’t recommend it enough. Until my next review, stay frosty.


Thanks for reading.

This is Zorgak, signing off.

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