Akira

Katsuhiro Otomo's cyberpunk classic Akira makes its welcome return to the big screen. In a dystopian neo-Tokyo, Kaneda and Tetsuo are members of a vigilante biker gang. After being captured by the authorities, Tetsuo’s powerful telekinetic abilities awaken. As he struggles with his newfound abilities, he uncovers the dark secrets of Akira - the subject of previous catastrophic experiments by the government. As Tetsuo’s powers spiral out of control, Kaneda must save his best friend to prevent a new cataclysm.

A landmark in anime and grown-up animation, Akira has lost none of its power and spectacle in the nearly 40 years since its original release. Its hand drawn cityscapes, distinctive sci-fi imagery and haunting soundtrack remain landmark achievements.

Review quotes:

“★★★★★ Style and substance run neck and neck in this thrilling, bold landmark film that just refuses to become dated.” - Phelim O’Neill, The Guardian



“A landmark production that can be watched with equal satisfaction as a metaphorical psychodrama or as a sheer visual spectacular.” - Tasha Robinson, AV Club.