XXXIII: "Akira"

Without a doubt, Akira is one well known animated movie. The film itself is that of cyberpunk science fiction. While it's epic in itself, the movie differs, though, from its 2182-page manga of the same name, more so in the plot. The character designs were also taken from that very manga, and the plot was restructured from the back half of it. While it wasn't a shared reception by all, this movie gained critically positive praise.

Akira has 3 key characters. The titular character, Akira, is seen as a test subject, for he's a being with god-like abilities. He is among 4 test subjects we see in the film, Akira being codenamed #28. He subsequently lost control of these powers, leveling Tokyo by an explosion in 1988, 31 years prior to the story's events. The second character, and the protagonist, is Shotaro Kaneda. Accompanied by his custome fitted motorcycle, he is the leader of a gang that gets into trouble. Along side him is the third character, who eventually becomes antagonist: Tetsuo Shima. Depicted as the black sheep of the gang, he is Kaneda's best friend, and Kaneda cares for him like a little brother. While beating ruthlessly thugs who were messing with his girlfriend, Tetsuo suffers from the psychokinetic powers manifesting within him. Once fully manifested, Tetsuo switches quickly from friend to enemy. While he also aim for Kaneda's bike, he seeks to prove himself supremely powerful, lacking the need for Kaneda's protection.

As it is a sci-fi, things like lasers and advance weaponry are seen. As such, we see these psychokinetic powers in action, and also the consequences of such power. Interesting to know that Tetsuo has an ability to shapeshift his arm, seen as the famous tentacle arm. This is paid homage to in the game series King of Fighters, by the character K9999 of NESTS Team, who also has this ability. Again, this film has two different English versions, the first being the Streamline dub, while the second dub, by Pioneer, had voice actors like Michelle Ruff, Wendee Lee, and Johnny Yong Bosch.

Akira got its praise for its action paced plot, and was generally adored by fans. I personally liked it, and would watch more of it should I have the DVD to this film. While it's not one of those perfect grade animations to me, it comes fairly close, so it's a 9 of 10. Akira is a film like no other, and though its early to say, it's doubtful if there's other media of this genre that'll get the same respect.