zoom_in Click to enlarge

Akira (1988)

▲ ▼

description Akira (1988) Overview

In Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira, a rebuilt Tokyo becomes the setting for a violent collision between street life and secret government research. The 1988 animated film follows biker Kaneda and his friend Tetsuo, whose emerging psychic powers threaten both their relationship and the city around them. Neo-Tokyo has risen after a devastating explosion, but political unrest and official repression make its apparent recovery unstable. The setting combines post-catastrophe history with cyberpunk concerns about power and control.

Detailed animation and forceful images of bodily transformation help make the film a landmark in the international recognition of Japanese animation. Its story gives personal resentment consequences on a much larger scale, connecting adolescent conflict with the danger of uncontrolled power. It suits viewers interested in dystopian science fiction and animation craft, while its violence and disturbing imagery make it an adult viewing choice.

help Akira (1988) FAQ

Who directed the anime movie Akira?

Akira was directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, who also wrote the original 1982 manga series. The landmark 1988 animated film was produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha. Otomo's adaptation drastically condensed his sprawling manga into a single two-hour feature.

How does Tetsuo Shima get his psychic powers in Akira?

In the 1988 film, Tetsuo acquires his immense telekinetic abilities after crashing his motorcycle into Takashi, one of the psychic Espers known as the Numbers. This collision triggers a massive mutation in Tetsuo's brain. His powers eventually spiral out of control, leading to the iconic, gruesome transformation at the end of the movie.

What is the setting of the movie Akira?

The film is set in Neo-Tokyo, a dystopian metropolis built on an artificial landfill after an explosion destroyed the original Tokyo. The year is 2019, which is exactly 31 years after Tokyo's destruction. This cyberpunk backdrop is heavily plagued by anti-government protests, biker gangs, and severe economic inequality.

Does the Akira movie cover the whole manga?

No, the 1988 film only covers roughly the first third of Katsuhiro Otomo's massive manga series. Because the manga was still actively being published when the movie was released, Otomo had to write an original, condensed ending. The manga wasn't fully completed until 1990.

swap_horiz

Looking for Akira (1988) alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward