Akira

35 years after arriving in the UK, Katsuhiro Otomo’s groundbreaking sci-fi classic Akira returns to cinemas with a stunning 4K restoration. Adapted from Otomo’s manga series of the same name, the film takes place three decades after Tokyo is destroyed during World War III. In the year 2019, Neo Tokyo has become a lawless cyberpunk dystopia where motorcycle gangs cause chaos on the streets. Two of these delinquents are lifelong friends Tetsuo (Nozomu Sasaki) and Kaneda (Mitsuo Iwata), whose lives are suddenly swept up into a strange and violent conspiracy when Tetsuo is given supernatural powers after being captured by the government.

The feature credited for introducing anime to the West, Akira was a visual marvel when it was first released in 1988, and it’s just as magnificent to see in action today. Whether it’s the shadows cast by headlights or crowds in densely populated streets, the sheer level of detail that was hand-drawn in every frame is outstanding. Every grimy street and shady interaction makes Neo Tokyo feel like a living city with a distinct sense of place. Combined with a jaw-dropping sense of scope and brain-bending imagery, Akira is a film best watched on the biggest screen possible.

One of the many reasons why this movie has stood the test of time is how richly layered it is. It’s a work of cinema that defies genre, blending visceral sci-fi action with grotesque body horror and mixing it with profound existential questions. Its use of symbolism is often surreal, verging on Eraserhead territory, and further heightened by an impressionistic score by Tsutomu Ohashi. The result is a mesmerising atmosphere that remains a delight to get lost in.

For as endlessly enthralling as this cult classic is, its themes can be difficult to penetrate. Many of its story beats are left ambiguous, with audiences being trusted to decipher their potential meanings for themselves. Although this decision may be frustrating to some viewers, others will appreciate the depth and complexity that invites repeated viewings.

There are several reasons why Akira is frequently considered to be a masterpiece. Not only is it visually spectacular, but it’s uncompromising in its vision. This latest 4K restoration offers the definitive way for returning fans to re-experience it while giving newcomers the opportunity to see what the excitement is all about.