Paula Hammond - Features EditorTo say that Akira is an ‘important’ film would be a gross an understatement. Akira is simply a film that you will never forget. One, which decades after its UK premier, still has the ability to shock and awe.
Back in 1988, artist-director Katsuhiro Otomo’s hand-drawn animation was unlike anything the West had ever seen. From its cyberpunk-Noir sensibilities, to its vibrant, neon colour palate, from its unrelenting pace, to its bold, immersive sound track, Akira was everything that the generation who grew up reading The Watchman — knowing that comics and cartoons didn’t didn’t have to be ‘kid’s stuff’ — were longing for. Adult, thought-provoking, violent — yes — but not for for the sake of it, Akira re-wrote the book on what animation could be.
Otomo’s masterpiece may not only kickstarted a filmic revolution, but it’s never been bettered.
©1988 MASH・ROOM / AKIRA COMMITTEE All Rights Reserved.
Since those original screenings, there have been VHS, DVD, and 4k blu-ray releases. There have been different dubs, censored cuts, and releases with tweaked sound FX. But this month, you will have the opportunity to finally see Akira as the gods of anime intended — on the big screen.
Akira is exploding back onto over 400+ cinemas and every IMAX screen this April, making it the biggest ever UK & IRE release for this influential masterpiece.
I first saw Akira at London’s ICA in 1991. Thirty-five years later, I’m still talking about it. So, naturally, I wasn’t going to miss what will undoubtedly be the cinema event of the year. I was not disappointed. Beautifully restored — and available in both English and Japanese dubs (I recommend the Japanese) — Akira has lost none of its ability to thrill. The soundtrack still makes your fillings shake. And, boy oh boy, does it look glorious.
