Thirty years ago, Katsuhiro Otomo’s animated masterpiece Akira was released in July of 1988. For many this landmark sci-fi film was the first dose of anime or Japanese film-making they have ever experienced. Considered as the essential “gateway” anime, Akira continues to inspire multiple facets of the entertainment industry. Films such as The Matrix, Looper, and even the Star Wars prequels drew inspiration from Otomo’s visionary work of art. Artists such as Kanye West used Akira inspired ethos in his popular music video Stronger, and even recently the Netflix phenomenon Stranger Things drew a similar story line from the anime classic.
My personal encounter with Akira is most likely very common to what other westerners have experienced, as I was convinced by a high school buddy to give this movie a shot. Unfamiliar with Japanese animation, my first perception was that most anime films and series ran along the lines of Dragon Ball Z and Sailor Moon. Although these two franchises were incredibly popular, they never had a profound impact on my youth and most fans of these “mainstream” franchises were of the hardcore otaku base. Those sort of anime films and series would never force me to take Japanese animation seriously until I witnessed Akira.
Absolutely shell-shocked and gripped by the action, mesmerized and in awe of the dystopian setting, I felt as if I was hit by a tidal wave of cyberpunk euphoria. The art style itself will leave you breathless. I remember the notion thinking that “This was it!” Finally, I understood anime. This was exactly what I needed in my life and boy did I need more. Perhaps the reason why this film spoke to me in such a profound way, was that at this stage of my adolescence I was searching for a more mature kind of medium and one that can also deliver a philosophical narrative. As my cinematic palate was expanding, Akira was the perfect introduction to a whole new landscape.
Regarded as not only one of the greatest anime films ever, Akira is also touted for its monumental importance for bringing relevance to the genre of animation. Paving the way for other classics such as Ghost in the Shell and Princess Mononoke, the genre of anime was able to forge a foothold into American mainstream. The 90’s continued to see a surge and desire for more Japanese animation on the western front.
To this day it is difficult for me to explain why someone should view and delve into the realm of this film. Even with the over saturation of the medium today and the accessibility to everyone, Akira will always feel like that hidden gem that opened a new realm as it is lavished with multilayered themes that deal with corruption, ethics, friendship, and of course power. Even after multiple views you keep discovering distinct aspects that you didn’t notice before. As the puzzle pieces form this immaculate abstract picture, you are still left wondering at the entire genius of this film. Thirty years later, Akira still resides as the king of anime…