Akira (1988) is a visually stunning and iconic Japanese animated film set in the futuristic metropolis of Neo-Tokyo. The city, rebuilt after a mysterious catastrophe, is rife with political tensions, societal unrest, and crime. At the center of the story is Kaneda, a brash biker gang leader, and his troubled childhood friend Tetsuo. When Tetsuo is involved in a strange accident, he begins to experience changes that draw the attention of shadowy government forces and unravel secrets about the city's dark past.
The film weaves a gripping tale of friendship, power, and rebellion, as Kaneda and Tetsuo are swept into a web of intrigue that includes secret experiments, underground resistance groups, and enigmatic figures tied to Neo-Tokyo's reconstruction. As events escalate, the story explores themes of identity, control, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The film’s atmosphere is richly enhanced by its detailed animation and a hauntingly evocative score.
Akira is a hallmark of anime and science fiction, celebrated for its groundbreaking visuals and thought-provoking narrative. It delivers an unforgettable cinematic experience, blending intense action with philosophical undertones and a vivid, cyberpunk aesthetic that has influenced countless works in film and animation worldwide.
Fandom:
Manufacturer:
Funimation
Year Manufactured: 1988
Item Weight: 0.28 pounds
Item UPC: 704400094187 , 704400103612 , 704400103599
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.