classicsoncall
"Akira" made IMDb's Top 250 list way back in 1998 and hasn't been back since, although I see it now popping in and out of the rankings for the current year (2018). I'm not an anime fan, or even a fan of animated movies in general, though there are a handful that I've liked well enough. With this film, I'm left entirely in limbo. When something like this occurs, I'll check out the FAQ page for the movie here on IMDb and try to gain some understanding, along with a handful of the more accomplished reviews for the picture. It didn't surprise me that to get a better grip on the story, one would be well advised to read the two thousand plus manga treatment of Akira by the writer, and this film's director, Katsuhiro Ôtomo. I can guarantee that's not going to happen, so what I'm left with as regards the film is a lukewarm acceptance that it's been a very influential work in the genre, while leaving me entirely unimpressed. All I got out of it was an endless series of violence, destruction, explosions and fighting, and though I followed the characters of Kaneda and Tetsuo well enough, there wasn't the least bit of story line that had an appeal for this viewer. Nor were the characters even likeable to any degree, so that was another check in the minus column. So rather than bashing the film, I'll just consider my viewing another in a long list of movies I've watched to get a broader perspective of what's out there and know that I'm not missing anything. All films can't appeal to everyone.
suspiria77
Still the best Anime ever made to me. It's truly affecting and never feels exploitative even when the violence is extreme. Works to a fever pitch ending that is tragic and beautiful at the same time. The animation is gorgeous, the music is fantastic and fits into the pantheon of sci-fi classics like Blade Runner.
Irishchatter
While trying to concentrate on watching the rest of this movie, I just couldn't keep up with it. There was too much action going on and like it made it hard for me to understand what was actually happening. Yeah I know its about a boy in a motorcycle gang who are trying to defeat a government who kidnapped their friend. However, I found that things all came at once.I don't understand why Kanye West or anyone would call this a masterpiece because its so confusing and you have to keep up with it, otherwise you would be lost as me. I've watched better anime's then this I'm afraid.........
