Director: Katsuhiro Otomo
Screenplay: Katsuhiro Otomo & Izo Hashimoto
Starring: Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama, Taro Ishida, Mizuho Suzuki, Tetsusho Genda
Music: Shoji Yamashiro
Cinematography: Katsuji Misawa
Inducted: 2018 (5/19, Episode 98)
For: Brent, TJ, Chris
Against: None
Why it’s here: Still admired for it’s impressive visuals, Akira led the boom in popularity of anime in the US. With an original story, an introduction of a genre to a larger audience, and great sound and animation, Akira is one of the best animated films out there, and deserves inclusion into the Talk of Fame.
Accolades
The Guardian: The 25 Best Sci-Fi Films of All Time
The Hollywood Reporter: 10 Best Animated Films for Adults
IGN: Greatest animated films of all time
Edgar Wright’s 1000 Favorite Films
The 822nd most acclaimed film of all time (They Shoot Pictures Don’t They)
Further Reading/Viewing/Listening
Visions of 2019: The Current Year as Foreseen by ‘Blade Runner,’ ‘Akira,’ and ‘Daybreakers’
Review – Brian Eggert, Deep Focus Review
Akira: Looking back at the future (Japan Times)
r/TrueFilm discussion of why Akira is heralded as a high point in science fiction
r/TrueFilm general discussion of Akira
I am Tetsuo: Revisiting Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira (Film School Rejects)
Akira: The Story Behind the Film (Empire)
Review – Tasha Robinson, AV Club
Filmspotting #140 – skip to minute 34
Selected Quotes
“The energy-rush action of Akira is more than a 200 mph adrenaline ride. It provides the sugarcoating for some serious exploration of ideas and metaphors that preoccupy the Japanese psyche, namely social collapse, malaise, and the continuing ambivalence toward military power… Most of all, Akira’s story is fueled by society’s fear of its youth – wild, uncontrollable, chaotic youth. ” – Adisakdi Tantimeedh, 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die
“One of my favorite animations ever is Akira.” – Taika Waititi