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Information | |
Title (English) | Akira |
Title (Japanese) | Akira | Advertising Fantasy Novel |
Notes | Movie. AKIRA (Manga Video), 124min, cert 15, £12.99 AKIRA PRODUCTION REPORT (Manga Video),49min, cert 15, £7.99 AKIRA DOUBLE PACK (Manga Video) 124+49m, cert 15, subtitled £19.99 |
Classification | - |
Synopsis | |
Review |
AKIRA is available in dubbed or subtitled form. A "production report" is included with the subtitled "Collector's Edition" and can also be bought separately. AKIRA, originally a graphic series (Manga), by Otomo, is now one of the best known pieces of modern Japanese animated film (Anime). The story is set in 2019, in a Tokyo rebuilt after destruction in World War III. The city is in a state of social crisis, with unemployment, terrorism and neo-religions widespread. Young Kaneda and his friends find an outlet by racing hi- tech motorcycles and fighting with a rival biker gang, the Clowns. One of Kaneda's friends, Tetsuo, falls from his bike and is taken to a secret Army laboratory where he develops psychic powers. Tetsuo's growing powers lead to ever more bizarre and destructive events. The film contains a number of exciting action sequences, notably the motorcycle chases, striking nocturnal scenes, and astonishing science-fantasy sequences. A largish cast of characters, with personalities we can care about, are developed in some depth. The flashbacks to childhood are particularly fine. Despite the presence of some female characters, this remains a male- oriented film, cool,hi-tech and violent. The script is adapted from a much longer manga series, and, with its loosely tied incidents and cryptic ending, remains the main weakness in the film. Visually, though, AKIRA is an animation showpiece: all the technical devices of conventional cinema as well as animation are employed in the film; pans, zooms, travelling shots, even a 180deg. rapid pan shot, giving an effect like an ani- mated version of live action cinema. Like much anime, this is a film that repays repeated viewing. The 'Production Report' gives an insight into the huge effort that went into making AKIRA. For instance, the Japanese dialogue was recorded first and the animation made to fit it; in the dubbed version all this is thrown away. The 35mm cinema version shows the animation to best advantage. The two video versions are not identical, as the widescreen version displays more of the original image. Japan buffs will of course prefer the authentic Japanese dialogue. It's also evident that the two video versions do not use the same English script. Unfortunately the subtitles are done in plain white and rather stupidly placed on the picture instead of in the handy black strip underneath. Consequently the subtitling is very hard to read in places. Even fan subtitlers could have done better. Also, some of the first dubbed copies were blurred or otherwise defective. The dramatic action sequences, lavish animation and fine music soundtrack make AKIRA an anime classic, and also, since it has characters whom Western young males will readily identify with, it forms a relatively accessible introduction to Japanese animation. |
Credits | dir. Katsuhiro OTOMO |
Episodes | |
Release | US:DVD, US:VHS, US:LD, UK:VHS |
TV Showing | See the whole series for free? This series may be syndicated to regional cable, satellite or terrestial TV stations. For Europe click here. |
Date | 1988 |
Production | |
Broadcaster | |
Animation | |
References & Help | Look up the latest data on this title at: Richard Llewellyn's Animated Divots, or Anime News Network (see Encyclopedia section) , or in "The Anime Encyclopedia" (Clements & McCarthy, Stone Bridge Press, 2001). Help & further information. |
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