Akira(1988) - Breaking Down the Beautiful Chaos!

Not seen it?

We'll help you decide if this Japanese animated cyberpunk action film is your kind of movie — completely spoiler free.

Seen it?

We reveal things you may have missed, the details you didn't notice and uncover the hidden layers behind the film.

This week, Marc, Darren and Paul crack open Akira (1988), the hugely influential anime classic written and directed by Katsuhiro Otomo and set in a dystopian Neo-Tokyo.

PART 1 – The Nutshell – If you haven't seen it

A spoiler-free breakdown designed to help you decide if this animated sci-fi adventure is your kind of film and worth your time.

We explore a story of teenage bikers, government experiments, extraordinary powers and a city still rebuilding after catastrophe.

We'll help you quickly understand the tone, style and experience of the film, from its stunning hand-drawn animation and brutal action to its complex sci-fi ideas and dystopian world.

By the end of Part 1, you will have made a decision!

PART 2 – The Unboxing – If you've seen it

What Did You Miss?

The things you missed, the details you didn't notice and the hidden layers behind the film.

The lads attempt to make sense of Akira's complex story while exploring its themes of power, corruption, militarisation, government control, friendship and the nature of humanity itself.

We also look at the relationships between the young characters, the different factions battling for control and the bigger ideas hiding beneath one of the most visually spectacular animated films ever made.

Paul's Facts of the Day

Paul dives into the fascinating world behind Akira with a collection of facts, trivia and stories about the making and legacy of this landmark anime.

From the incredible amount of work that went into creating its distinctive visual style to the film's groundbreaking production techniques and enormous influence on animation and science fiction, there's plenty to discover.