Akira: 2 Disc Edition (Anime)

Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira still sets the standard for all Anime features and animated movies no matter what country they are made in. It was the catalyst for the Cyberpunk genre that had been building in literature, comics and film for some time that had begun with Bladerunner in 1982. It transformed Disney who were caught napping and Akira certainly woke them up with its cinematic approach to every frame. It is drawn like a live-action movie; including focus pulls, zooms, and crane shots. It is no coincidence that Disney, who were unfashionable back then, created a series of animated hits in the 90s after studying what the Japenese had achieved with the medium.
Akira, based on the popular Manga title of the same name, deals with many of the themes which preoccupy Japan; rebellious youth, corruption, the Westernisation of its culture, violence, and a fatalism derived from the atomic catastrophy of WW2. It is a heady mix best understood when watching the subtitled version as certain phrases are lost in the dubbed film. Akira is a magnificent achievement in animation and an action packed movie with a brain. Essential.

Plain and simple ... worth every penny. You won be disappointed when it comes to this breakthrough anime... It is superb. I'll admit the first time I saw this movie I was far too young to understand it but after a few years my mind open and I stated to enjoy it even more and to this day it is still a anime that I can quite happily watch over and over again and still get enjoyment out of it.

The only problem I have with this version is that the voice acting has changed, not that this is a major thing but I was used to the original cast on VHS, This threw me off at first but still can't damage the fact that this is a great movie......I hear they are planning a live action version, let's just hope they don't screw it up.

A must see

This movie is outstanding. A real triumph, even today, after 10 years it's still a great film and loads of fun to watch.
It focuses on a dying city, and shows this through the social degradation, which allows motorcycle gangs to run rampant through the streets. The story follows one particular bike gang, and how they react when one of their friends is transforming into an out-of-control monster.

Though I disagree with the review by SimonGriffindor, there is some merit to what he is saying. The film, although still great probably doesn't leave as much impact now as it did back in the day. And if you are not a fan of Sci-Fi then you're looking at the wrong movie.
But despite the years, this movie is still well animated, and it's sound track is also very impressive. It is still a great movie.

In writing this I am encouraging droves of angry Akira fans to find and hunt me down, for committing the worst anime fallacy imaginable, saying that Akira isn't really that good.
Many consider it to be the best anime film ever, a defining cinema moment for its day, completing changing cinema and influencing many, many films since. And in all honesty I cannot argue with those points, it was a leap forward in anime, bringing the up-until-then cult concept of anime and thrusting it into the mainstream for Western audiences. But here goes the fallacy; "So what?!" The first computer was considered a huge leap forward in its field but I am sure that currently you are not reading this behind a huge, cumbersome device that fills half your house, with large rotating gears and cogs and a steam powered internet connection. I am not arguing against sentimentalism for the past, but when considering something such as this, really the only way to review it properly is to remove it from that context and look at what it really has to offer; and the answer? Not very much.
To its credit its animation is well-drawn and even today the night scenes seem very fluid and believable, the music is good and characters are developed relatively well. Other than that there's not much else to really rave about.
The plot which many consider to be "Amazing" or "The best storyline ever" is in my opinion poor. This is partly because of the fact that literally tomes and tomes of manga had to be condensed down into a few hours of film and obviously this was going to cause problems, and boy, do these problems show! The plot is confusing and even if you understand it, it is nothing particularly special or amazing, just odd.
Furthermore if you are new to anime contrary to what the other reviews here say this is not a good place to start! Truthfully I cannot think of a worse introduction to anime. Admittedly some people out there will love it, but if you're new to this genre don't buy it please! The unfollowable plot and its blatant mediocrity will leave you with a somewhat bitter aftertaste in your wallet. Something such as a Studio Ghibli film especially "Grave of the Fireflies" is a much better introduction to anime than this average movie.
The trouble with Akira is that it has such an overinflated reputation that it seems as if all anime fans must watch it and must love it or else they cannot call themselves an anime fan. I think this barrier that now protects it forces many people to have the opinion they feel they should have and not what they actually think of it. So here I am, breaking out of the system and fighting back, Akira is not that good! Especially with all the hype that it receives having watched it deep down you'll feel more let-down than a hot-air-balloon at a pins and sharp knives convention! So don't be drawn in by its legions of brainwashed fans and maybe if you get round to it someday try it, but for now sink it to the very bottom of you anime list and leave it there it fester and rot in its horrid mediocrity.
And as for me I best go hide from the Akira zombies before they delete this review and kill me in order to protect its undeserving veil of excellence. (Yawn)

Truly an amazing movie. I love watching and re-watching this. Well thought out and truly enjoyable. If you love Manga do NOT MISS THIS FILM!!!