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Akira Actors: Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama Director: Katsuhiro Ôtomo Number of Items: 1 Picture Format: Anamorphic Widescreen Format: Color, Widescreen, Animated Audience Rating: R (Restricted) Running Time: 124 minutes Studio: Pioneer Video Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Region Code: 1 Product Group: DVD Release Date: 2001-07-24 Buy from Amazon |
 "The best anime ever"Rating:A+ Katsuhiro Otoma is quite possibly one of the greatest writers/artists ever in the field of anime and moviemaking, and Akira shows that even the most epic of ideas can be fully accomplished with devoted time, as well as effort. Though the movie only scratches the surface, of what the comics delve into so much more deeply, the movie itself is not flawed in any aspect, and is truly the epitome of animated movies that not only has withstood the test of time, but still eclipses modern moviemaking as well. Telling the story of a biker gang that is run by the leader Kaneda, as he is accompanied by his friends, most notably Tetsuo, his best friend, who strives throughout the movie to not be treated like an inferior individual, the movie pushes you mind and imagination into areas where your emotions are grabbed from your soul and wrung out like a damp towel. As these two friends are drug through the war that is raging in Neo-Tokyo in a post-apocalyptic world in 2019, after the effects and destruction of World War 3, strong dominant politicians, and government agents emerge to fuel the fire of this amazingly multifaceted storyline. After an accident on the outskirts of Neo-Tokyo, Tetsuo is left in shambles and taken to a hospital, where his friends are unable to get into contact with him. Tetsuo emerges with newfound "abilities" that tap into his inner psyche, and show us the true power of the human mind. Saying too much about the story would spoil too much, as truly whether you are a fan of animated movies or not, this is one movie that must be seen to be believed. Friends of mine that bashed this movie for so long, actually sat down and watched it, and came away understanding why myself and others hyped it up so much. Though it might require multiple viewings to truly understand, the emotional afteraffects, of friends torn apart at the seems, can connect with each and every one of us. However, this movie is definitely not aimed at a younger audience, and is highly recommended for mature audiences, even teenagers, who have an open mind and are willing to sit down for two and a half hours, and have their mind twisted and contorted. After walking away from the movie I dare you to say that this movie did not strike an emotional cord, as truly it is and will always remain one of the finest accomplishments in all of moviemaking, period. "Dispite the negatives, Akira has its place in anime history"This was among the first Japanese anime films that I had seen, Warriors of the Wind (aka Naussica), Ninja Skroll, then Akira. These three film got me hooked on anime for life. Who cares what the those critics have to say in these threads... Akira ranks as one of the greatest films in its genre of all time period... like it or not. When I first saw this film back in 1992, I didn't quite understand all of it myself. But it didn't matter. I was visually stunned by the ground breaking animation, graphics and the detailed set designs. It took a few viewings for me to understand the complex plot. But still...didn't matter. What gets me most, is that some critics don't even see many of these films, and then give a review. Two things about a lot of Japanese anime 1. It's not for kids 2. This art form come from a culture that is quite different from our own so why do people keep expecting the same things that the commercialized American system of film making produces is beyond me. Let us true fans of anime appreciate what this unique form of art and expression has to offer. And Boo to the Nay-sayers  "Watch Disney Cartoons Instead"I think disney cartoons are more apropeate than this, don't you think? Disney doesn't do this kind of junk that these people did. Are you telling me that you would watch this where people are killing each other then disney? Disney is a family affair, not this. Disney cares about kids, this people don't. We need more family oreanted programing. Disney is safe not just for our kids but for adults too. Disney is the right choice for you and your family. "WOW"Once you see this movie and fully understand it, it will blow your mind. Just trust me and get it. "art film"I would definitely consider this an art film. Why? It's simple, the story is so complex I had to watch this 3 times. I still don't understand some parts of the story. The fellow who was shot by the politician. He was also part of the Akira terrorist organization? How come they were laying off bombs? And why was he tied to the government? At the same time, why is the general allowing experiments on Tetsuo? What they are creating is what the terrorists are believing in? So in essence the government is creating their own enemy? It still gets me confused. I like the clean stories like Star Blazers and Macross Saga. But for what it is, Akira is a great art film. It really takes on its own life and interpretation of the nuclear age. Obviously this movie was inspired by the atom bomb. The entire movie starts with a mushroom cloud. I highly recommend this film for those who just enjoy art films. And for those that love complex stories, this is your film. |
