There are few animated films with the impact that director Katsuhiro Otomo’s epic Akira achieves. The list of films that borrow from it include everything from The Matrix to Ghost in the Shell. The reason Akira is so influential is because it is such a visceral experience to watch. It can’t be absorbed in one viewing, but each time imagery, sound, and messaging deepens for the viewer.
The story of Akira is set in a dystopian cyberpunk themed world where members of a motorcycle gang are exposed to a compound called AKIRA that gives them telekinetic superpowers. This makes the simple gang skirmish blow up in ways that are exciting, intense, and a little nuts!
Watch the featured indie this weekend and come back for a full review on Monday, 2/12!
Akira is a rated R film with mature content that will not be to everyone’s taste. The MPAA says it is for “graphic violence and brief nudity.” More information on content can be found here.
Edited by: Kajsa Rain Forden
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