Akira

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9.4 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 4 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 33 votes
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Movie Info

Genre(s): Suspense/Thriller

Written by: Izou Hashimoto
Katsuhiro Ôtomo (comic)

Directed by: Katsuhiro Ôtomo

Release Date:
Theatrical: March 30, 2001
DVD: July 24, 2001

Running Time: 120 minutes, Color

Origin: Japan

Language(s): English / Japanese

Summary

RATING: Not Rated

Starring Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama, and Tesshô Genda

Based on Katsuhiro Otomo's 2,000 page manga, Akira begins on July 16, 1988, when what was believed to be an atomic bomb was dropped on Tokyo, completely destroying the city and marking the beginning of WWIII.

Also On Metacritic

FILM: Steamboy

Also On The Web: Internet Movie Database

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

New Times (L.A.) Luke Y. Thompson

One of the few unanimously acclaimed classics of Japanese animation.

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The New York Times Elvis Mitchell

Violent as it is on the surface, Akira is tranquil at its core. The story's sanest characters plead for the wise use of mankind's frightening new powers, lending the whole film the feeling of a cautionary tale.

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Washington Post Richard Harrington

The most expensive animated feature ever made in Japan (over 1 billion yen) and it's easily the most impressive, as well.

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Village Voice Michael Atkinson

Some kind of fever-dream masterpiece, easily the most breathtaking and kinetic anime ever made and one of the most eloquent films about atomic afterclap.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this movie is 9.4 (out of 10) based on 33 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Sean S. gave it a10:
Though it may not have the saame scope as the manga, the film AKIRA is still head and shoulders above any other animated film ever. Using some 160,000 animation cels, AKIRA is brought to life by highly detailed, fluid animation. This backed by a phenomenal plotline with nearly a dozen themes ranging from juvenile deliquence to the birth of the universe, AKIRA is not a film you will soon forget. Many aspects of the film, such as the outraged youth, which may be commonplace in modern film, were prototyped in AKIRA. No AKIRA, no Matrix, it's that important. AKIRA is one of the few animes that will appeal to non-anime fans, even anime haters because of it's exceptional quality. Even despite it's age, it still is one of the best looking animated films ever, and the story is easier to understand thanks to the new 2001 dub. Regardless of your personal taste, AKIRA is a film nobody should miss, it's that good.

JJ Reyes gave it a10:
This ia very awesome movie. It is my second favorite anime movie; right behind Appleseed 2004.

[Anonymous] gave it a10:
Despite a lack of CG, the animation is more than adequate. In Tetsuo you'll find an interesting anti-hero, and the unclear ending is somehow awe-inspiring in ways I cannot really describe. Well paced, too.

Gene H. gave it a10:
Great movie!

Jonathan Z. gave it an8:
I watched Akira in my Japanese Animation class a few weeks ago, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I remember seeing the film for the first time in about ninth grade and taking a violent dislike to it. Seeing it a second time, I was able to pick up on a lot more of the nuance and philosophy of the film. The staggering complexity of the themes it portrays in such a captivating way makes it worth watching by anyone who enjoys cinema. It's a masterpiece of both anime and science fiction.

Dain I. gave it a10:
Akira was and still is the best anime, the whole concept, style, story, fantasy and action is groundbreaking.

Lefke gave it a10:
Brilliant movie, a must see for every anime fan.