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.
An Epic Odyssey Through Neo-Tokyo: A Review on ‘Akira’
‘Akira’, a seminal work in the realm of anime, has left an indelible mark on the genre since its premier back in 1988. Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, the anime takes us on a roller coaster ride through a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo. The film was based on Otomo’s manga series of the same name, but amplifies the narrative thread of the storyline, delivering an unforgettable experience.
The story masterfully blends various themes of anti-establishment rebellion, human evolution and destructive psychic abilities. Our saga begins with close buddies Kaneda and Tetsuo, members of a motorcycle gang in the gritty streets of Neo-Tokyo, a city rebuilt from the ashes of World War III. An unfortunate encounter with a secret government project known as “Akira” catapults our lead character, Tetsuo, on a path of self-destruction and rebirth as he battles unforeseen forces inside and outside him.
Visual Brilliance and Stellar Storytelling Making ‘Akira’ A Must Watch
‘Akira’ is a visual masterpiece, and for an anime created in the 80’s, it’s amazing just how well the art and animation hold up, even by today’s standards. The vibrancy and detail in every frame leaves a sense of reality and immerses you deeply into this dystopian world. It is easy to get lost in the dazzling neon vistas of Neo-Tokyo or the spellbinding rendering of kinetic energy, thanks to the movie’s incredible art direction and meticulous animation.
Apart from the aesthetic excellence, where ‘Akira’ truly shines is its gripping storytelling and character development. The dynamics between Kaneda and Tetsuo forms the emotional core of the story. The film also presents thought-provoking themes, including governmental paranoia, social inequality, and the misuse of power, that resonate with the audience at a visceral level. It is this amalgamation of aesthetic brilliance and compelling storytelling that ensures ‘Akira’ a permanent spot on any anime lover’s ‘Must Watch’ list.
Rent, Buy or Stream ‘Akira’: It’s Worth Every Penny
Now comes the crucial question. Should you rent, buy, or stream ‘Akira’? My undoubted answer is, any which way, you must not miss this anime masterpiece. For those who regularly stream anime, adding ‘Akira’ to your watchlist certainly elevates your overall anime experience. Considering the film’s influence and the timeless intrigue it continues to maintain, it doesn’t hurt to have a physical copy in your collection. More so, if you’re a collector who truly cherishes the artistry of anime. As for those who prefer renting dvd’s, ‘Akira’ is worth every penny spent. Trust me, you wouldn’t mind replaying the awe-inspiring moments from Neo-Tokyo time and again.
To wrap up, ‘Akira’ is far more than just an epic sci-fi story; it’s a landmark in the anime realm. Whether it’s the ravishing visuals, the profound storyline, the well-defined characters or the larger philosophical ideas, ‘Akira’ delivers on every front. Watching ‘Akira’ isn’t just consuming another piece of content but an enriching experience that engenders deep introspection and appreciation for the anime artform. Just find your best way to watch it and embark on the unforgettable ride to Neo-Tokyo!
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