AKIRA (1988) Retrospective / Review

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AKIRA (1988) Retrospective / Review
Get AKIRA on Bluray goo.gl/KZEeVa
Get the AKIRA Soundtrack here goo.gl/Ey50k1
Let's Play Channel
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[@OliverHarper]

Get AKIRA on Bluray goo.gl/KZEeVa Get the AKIRA Soundtrack here goo.gl/Ey50k1

[@chinahatchild3030]

Oliver Harper awesome! Made some AMVs in honor of the film.

[@joe95883]

Hi I have this on the Blu-Ray and... Thanks for Recommending it and I might do a Review of it someday.

[@lucassamuelacosta]

se nota que no sabes una mierda , primero mira la pelicula de macross de 1983-1984 y despues de sacarte el culo de las peliculas de disney habla y si no entendes traduci este comentario

[@Superdummy803]

@TheNewyorkdragon Watching this movie on acid would freak me the F out. LOL I hope you had a friend with you. :)

[@grendelum]

I saw *Akira* in a theatre in Manhattan when I was 12, I’d seen the comic at Forbidden Planet (my comic store growing up) and was interested but was not prepared for what I saw... neither was anyone else there. When the film ended, the projectionist came out to a literally silent audience and asked if we’d like to see it again... no one objected. After the second viewing I still wasn’t sure what I’d just seen, all I knew was that I *_loved_* it !!!

[@teedeeproductions]

That's Cool

[@LikeMothsToAFlame]

Good to see another Stand Alone Complex enthusiast here. Hoping Oliver delivers a Ghost in the Shell retrospective soon.

[@luckykennedy7364]

That projectionist is a godsend

[@jay7526]

I was the same when I first watched it I was like what the hell did I just watch, 8 just knew I needed to watch it again

[@SamuraiXGray]

I remember a commercial on tv for a vhs manga club used to say "Akira, It makes Blade Runner look like Disney world"

[@dolria1]

which is true lol

[@guitargodthor2]

I absolutely remember that!!!! EPIC!!!!

[@LarixusSnydes]

I love both Blade Runner and Akira. I recommend viewing the documentary "Dangerous Days" to appreciate the challenges the makers face while making Blade Runner.

[@Homey104]

I remember that one! That's also when anime was becoming mainstream at the time.

[@aquadragonfly3583]

@@guitargodthor2b😊k h

[@withonetouchishallbringyou8038]

I felt bad when tetsuo's girl got crushed to death by him, that part messes with me

[@nomadjensen8276]

This was the first anime I ever saw an I caught it on late night cable in like 92 at four years old. I never forgot the moment tetsuos gf got squished. That part still gets to me today.

[@mattgilbert7347]

Kaori

[@paulstaker8861]

The opening montage in this video should be the official trailer. Seriously.

[@OliverHarper]

Thanks Paul!

[@paulstaker8861]

Oliver Harper You deserve it man.

[@paulstaker8861]

***** spoiled some scenes, not the plot

[@lukebaxter3252]

I used the audio from the opening for a trailer I did for The Island.

[@chinahatchild3030]

I made a Justice Genesis AMV with the bike chase scene, check it out if curious.

[@GeoffreyBronson]

Akira is the Emperor of anime movies. It's truly a sight to behold. I'm just sad that I'll never watch it for the first time again.

[@lilliedoubleyou3865]

+TheYorkMan As in, "Castle in the Sky"? I've always been more impressed by "Spirited Away"

[@TheMylittletony]

Watch it on weed edibles with some high-end audio.

[@TheMylittletony]

@green lantern that says more about you than about the movie.

[@TheMylittletony]

come at me brah.

[@gagevinet6684]

Actually, they are remaking it. For realsies now. The same guy that directed Thor: Ragnarok has accepted the role of director, and plans to keep the Japanese nationality.

[@GamerWho]

KANNNEEEDAAAA!!! TETTSUUOOOOOO!!!!

[@xXanorkx]

KANEEEEDAAAA!!!!!

[@JJ-ls6el]

+Facundo Brouwer (Xanork) stfu

[@joaovaranda4759]

SAAASSUUUUKEEE!!! Oops...wrong show

[@GHVII]

ATHRUUUUNNN!!! KIRAAAAAAAA!!!

[@YouMakeMyMotorRun]

Kai!? KANEDAAAAA!!! TETSUO! K... Kira... Sasuke? Legend has it that Japanese people can fully communicate by just calling eachother's names in different tones.

[@mahmoudyzadeh]

One of the things that I actually love about Akira is that it's difficult to get your head round but it's also so immeadiate in it's sounds and visuals and ideas and images. The film has grown with me over the numerous times I've watched it. From late night on a tiny TV to my VHS copy to a remastered DVD version (the detail!), Bluray and yesterday I saw it at the cinema (wow!). From the personality of the Streamline dub to the clarity of the Pioneer one and then it's original soundtrack with the Japanese voice actors. From being stunned by it's beauty and shocking imagery to the breakthrough of actually understanding the plot to reading the Manga to noticing new details each time and thinking about the themes and metaphysical implications. It's just given me so much. If someone saw Akira and said they didn't like/didn't get it I wouldn't be surprised or try to convince them otherwise. Despite it's obvious merits, it's weird and confusing. I was always fascinated by it but it probably took about 4 goes before everything clicked and I fell in love it. When you take into account the ambition and scope of what they were trying to achieve, the quality of the production and the size and detail of the story they were trying to convey, the best way to describe Akira is as a miracle.

[@Clockworkian138]

Very well spoken. Couldn't agree more. I watched Akira in the exact same way, myself. Still have the Limited Edition Steel Box when it was first released on DVD that I reserved at Suncoast Video (remember that?!). I didn't know they made a new dub for the DVD release, so when I turned it on I was shocked. Ha ha! The remastered Japanese audio soundtrack in the recent blu ray release is phenomenal though, I must say. And of course, it keeps getting better looking all the time.

[@Flackon]

Every time I see this I'm amazed at the visual richness of this movie. Otomo is truly a Master. I wonder why in almost 30 years nothing has really come close to this production.

[@KoolKeithProductions]

Fun fact: The original English voice actor who played Kaneda was a Ninja Turtle, and the 2001 English voice actor who played Kaneda was a Power Ranger ._.

[@musabtheloser176]

Wait, wasn't he Vash the Stampede.

[@brianmckee8533]

He was a SNAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@moviemetalhead]

Musab The Loser He's talking about the Streamline Pictures English dub. You refer to the Pioneer English done for the re-release.

[@angusng816]

Karma Johhny Yong Bosch, as in Artemis from Sailor Moon.

[@TrixiLovesYou]

Shows how western distributors thought of AKIRA at the time. They had little to no clue and just thought of it as a "violent cartoon", which explains why they concluded it to be unmarketable, as cartoons were always intended for children. Very limited way of thinking.

[@datkillamook]

Man... the memories watching this as a kid. This movie got me into anime. My older brother sat me down and forced me to watch it, telling me I would love it. At the time I couldn't stand manga or anime..until I saw Akira.. my life was changed forever.

[@3gouki]

the blu-ray edition makes this movie so much better

[@julliansabulao4091]

Micah Mcgaffin youre dumb

[@BobExcalibur]

Whether the composer was right or not on his theories, I do believe it's impossible to hear that OST after watching the movie without getting goosebumps. Those drums and vocals mess with my brain chemistry every time I hear them. Outstanding review, I'm glad that you reflected on how impenetrable the film can be. It can be easy to mislead people and say that it's a film for everyone, but you kept some perspective and provided a robust overview.

[@villesanti1]

Wow, I have to say. This is by far, the best movie retrospective/reviews I have seen here in YT or anywhere else. Sir, you have truly impressed me.

[@VampiresCrypt]

This and Ghost in the Shell paved the way fro awesome anime in the west :D

[@lsb2623]

and then other people mention crappy crap as responses.... original comment is hella correct. the trinity is akira, ghost and additionally nina scroll. the other crap from that era looks like fucking speed racer and only anime freaks like it.

[@jurrasic]

THANK YOU for giving a shout out to that fantastic live action 'fake trailer' that was put together. If that can't convince a major studio that Akira can be filmed as a faithful live action adaptation I don't know what could.

[@dragonphoreal]

here is hoping that George Miller changes his mind and decides to direct AKIRA.

[@ryang.5094]

Yea, that actually blew my mind how well put together it was. Pretty much professional in my opinion. Especially the shots of the holographic billboard adverts in the beginning. Nether looked better than the ones In Spielberg's A.I., if you know what I'm referencing...

[@ryang.5094]

+Brandon Dozier woah, 1st time hearing about this. My god, that would be insane. Perfect choice. I feel like James Cameron could also do it justice, or maybe even Neil Bloomkamp (spelling). District 9 director, you know what mean..

[@jurrasic]

Absolutely. I was also blown away by how well they cast Kaneda and Tetsuo, the facial expressions they pulled were right out of the pages of the manga/frames of the movie. I keep my fingers crossed that something will come of this.

[@malafakka8530]

I will never get why we need live action versions. They are as unnecessary as remakes.

[@kylemundy8871]

I just found your series. These videos are so well done! Thank you for your hard work, it is very appreciated

[@OliverHarper]

Thanks Kyle!

[@youreallinsane]

I can't get over the pronunciation of Kaneda as "Canada".

[@ORDOTRIO]

right! it's kaa-nee-daa, you fools!

[@James-mq5lf]

ORDOTRIO TETSUOOOOOOOO

[@SlainGecko]

He`s actually called by his last name, his full name is Shotaro Kaneda. I don`t know why they chose to refer Tetsuo Shima by his first name and Shotaro Kaneda by his last name.

[@ballsrgrossnugly]

Don't worry, I've been enjoying these reviews for a couple of weeks now, and I have noticed he says "pacifically" "nukeular" and many more mangled words, constantly... My biggest gripe with this particular one is when he says you will be "literally blown away" as I don't recall an epic gust of wind sucking me out the window and taking me to another place when I first watched this movie! How did he even survive to do this review if he was literally blown away?? How did he even finish the movie??? Maybe I'm being a little hyperbolic, but really I don't know how the Brits can manage butcher their own language so much worse than us convict Aussies! XD

[@thedenmeister6414]

Oh Akira. My dad introduced me to it with his old vhs copy of the film. I love the whole Neo Tokyo design so much. Imma go watch it again. I need to

[@ccayco]

I just came across your channel, and all of your videos are so well presented. I'm surprised you don't have more subscribers. Anyway, this was a great overview on Akira.

[@OliverHarper]

Christopher Cayco Art Thanks a lot Christopher!.

[@groover8191]

Wow, this retrospective review really blows me away. I absolutely love all the effort you have put in it, especially with the Behind the Scenes footage that I have not seen anywhere else (e.g., Japanese voice actors, Geinō Yamashirogumi). This work really has no equal in animation, as far as I'm concerned. Also, if anyone has not read the manga yet, you owe it to yourself to do so. That story is way better and more fleshed out than the anime. I watched the anime tonight and I now have to read the manga. Just like you guys all have to. ;)

[@OliverHarper]

Tostigroover Thanks for the awesome feedback mate!. Means a lot! :)

[@andrewhussey4538]

I don't know that I'd say it has no equal so much as it's in that group of top animated films...for example I'd put Ghost in the Shell readily up as an equal to Akira and personally found some other lesser known stuff ("Serial Experiments: Lain" for example) on a comparable level. The big draw on this one is that it kind of carved out a niche for respectable anime as it's often the first, along with stuff like Astro Boy, that people see. It has it's weak points in that, unless you've read the comic, the story can be rather jarringly spotty. Areas the manga spent ages explaining are blown by in a couple seconds. I would be curious to see how it would have been if it had been produced as a series like Lain or Stand Alone Complex to give it a bit more space to flesh out it's story...it wouldn't have had the mass appeal a feature film did (since few western viewers are willing to spend 5 or 6 hours investing into) but it would have been a little better paced I thing.

[@groover8191]

Andrew, I literally only meant the animation: the actual drawing of this film. No other anime equals Akira's drawings, in my opinion. Sorry if I did not make that as clear as I could have. I love Ghost in the Shell (the Stand Alone Complex-series is my favourite anime series of all time) and I quite liked Lain's story as well, but I really only meant that the quality of Akira's drawings is unsurpassed. I completely agree with the pacing issues in the Akira anime film. If the manga was ever serialized into an animated series with the quality animation the film has, I'd probably cry of joy.

[@TheBrownSaiyan]

I read the manga six times. Its a magnificent piece of literature. Suck beautiful, magnificent well drawn story. Its the best seinen series of all time.

[@michaelmartin9022]

I must admit, After watching odd bits of the also-epic Legend of the Galactic Heroes ("Space War and Peace", I guess you could vaguely describe it) on KZbin, I re-saw Akira because it was on in a bar, the framerate is incredible. It almost looks rotoscoped in some scenes.

[@chaz9808]

Iv never seen a movie that had so many characters with complete arcs its insane the amount of detail.

[@WhitneyDinneweth]

I'm a huge fan of your retrospective reviews, your mix of analysis, opinion, clever editing, and research is absolutely mind-blowing. This and Highlander 2 are my favorites.

[@OliverHarper]

Cheers Whitney for your support and feedback!

[@LeslieCoggs]

Watch this one atleast once a year, if not more. Watched it today, then looked up a retrospective. Glad this channel did one, rather than some random youtuber I never watch. What a treat.😊 thank you.

[@michaelcoffey1991]

Will always have a place in my heart as this was the first anime a friend of mine showed me with "come on man you gotta see this" been down the anime rabbit hole ever since thank god.... I try an describe it to non anime fans as a animated like Blade Runner in it's beauty and future feel. Just amazing fun to see you made time to give this the proper Oliver Harper experience :). Hope you get back to doing more of your 20 to 35 minute reviews :) but I thank you for all you have done already.

[@Larry]

Excellent retrospective Sir!!! You really need to do more animation! But it's funny you mention Kaneda was voiced by the guy who played Leonardo, as in the re-dub, he's voiced by the second black Power Ranger! :D

[@JoaqMan]

And Kei is voiced by the lovely Faye Valentine

[@LiamTheGreat]

Cam Clarke. He's also the voice of Liquid Snake

[@kirk1701]

LiamTheGreat And Max Sterling and Lancer from "Robotech,"

[@Rockemsockemjetpack]

He also voiced Vash from Trigun.

[@Larry]

Rockemsockemjetpack And Ichigo from Bleach.

[@vollsticks]

I remember seeing this in '91 at the cinema....mind blowing. I'll never forget that experience. Nice work Oliver.

[@georgemorley1029]

Akira is to anime what 2001: a Space Odyssey is to science fiction. They are both the pinnacle of their genre. They are both challenging. They both warrant repeated viewings. And they both attract criticisms from people who largely have no imagination. Which is perfectly appropriate, as I can't imagine how stultifyingly dismal a person you would have to be to dislike this movie.

[@Toast4tw]

"Mimimi everyone who dislikes this movie is stupid."

[@georgemorley1029]

Toast4tw No. Just unimaginative and dismal.

[@alexkfridges]

Anime is not a genre. It is more like a medium. Akira is a landmark anime film, yes, but it is also a landmark cyberpunk film (the genre)

[@georgemorley1029]

SunBreaker Films I would have to disagree with you. Animation in the round is a medium, surely, not Anime as a specific style or category. What you're saying is like saying spaghetti westerns are a medium in themselves. They're just a style or way of doing the same essential thing, which is film. Anime is just a category or style of animation that originates in Japan. You might as well say that Disney cartoons constitute their own medium, which is absurd.

[@alexkfridges]

In retrospect i agree 'medium' is a poor description, and does not reflect what i intended to express. Principally my point was to say pretty much what you have now said; 'anime' is simply a kind of japanese animation as you say. However, i maintain that it is NOT a genre. Akira and Ghost in the shell are sci-fi cyberpunk films. Conversely, Vampire hunter D, and ninja scroll are action adventure, fantasy movies. Yet, all four are 'anime' movies. Its a broader category than genre, which is related to narrative structure, characters, etc. 'Anime' as a category is more to do with the way the movie is actually made and styled, rather than the content of the movie itself. This is what i was attempting to communicate (poorly) in my first comment

[@orlandomartins9648]

Incredible KZbin channel. Thanks for making the videos. You really catch that end of Gen x growing. Will be telling my friends to enjoy you videos as well. Thank you again.

[@OliverHarper]

Orlando Martins Thank you very much Orlando!

[@7runner4]

Great job! I appreciate all the work you put into this. Akira set the bar extremely high, and to this day, still remains one of my all time favorites.

[@kanedasrifle]

Absolutely brilliant review, you really captured that mid 90s Uk vibe when Manga came over and and hit our generation, a rocking time to be young. That Celtic Frost "the heart beneath" Manga trailer at the beginning of every Manga VHS with clips from all the releases and the cyberpunk collection trailer too. I tend to view Akira now with all respect as the greatest advert for a graphic novel ever because when I finally got my hands on all six volumes re released by dark horse it all made sense to me movie wise ya know. Anyhoo sick review, loved it, hope ya do more Manga/anime, my dad once rented us Genocyber thinking it was a harmless cartoon lol oh the 90s. Love ya work sir peace.

[@OliverHarper]

Cheers dude!. Oh yes the MANGA trailer was amazing at the start of those VHS tapes!. Always got you pumped before the start of an anime. yes i will be covering more Manga/Anime this year.

[@noblewines1274]

Epic - I remember those trailers.I always wondered who did the music on that manga trailer and now,all these many years later,I finally know.

[@platinumspider7859]

My first anime was Vampire Hunter D the 1985 movie, this was either second or third with Ghost in the Shell being the other of my first three.

[@TheTransitmtl]

It is simply amazing how you managed to describe exactly how I felt watching Akira at 17 and then getting into anime. To this day I have only watched it once completely but after watching your review I am compelled to watch it again.

[@KyleMcintoshMAC316]

AWESOME REVIEW ON ONE OF MY FAVORITE ANIME FILMS!!! I've been waiting yrs for someone to do this review right. Thank you so much dude

[@listentothevoicesofhumans4638]

Great job! I went to go see this movie in 90' in a small theather in the West Village in NYC. To this day, I still watch it on VHS and DVD. It has changed my view about anime to this day.

[@ajossi]

listen to me hollywood, this needs to be said. if you ever...............ever try to make this movie, i will firebomb you!

[@ajossi]

they're not making this movie. they're not.

[@tarkovskybresson4581]

Alan Moore's Watchmen..yes the legendary graphic novel...as been put on screen in the american market. AKIRA is next and it will be full of CGI and MATRIX action scene.

[@dragonphoreal]

+Tarkovsky Bresson Hopefully George Miller will change his mind and end up directing the AKIRA Hollywood remake; he is the one person right now that would make a Hollywood AKIRA movie great.

[@victormurillo6466]

ajossi they're doing it lol

[@ajossi]

Romano Coombs no the fuck it is not!

[@brianh9358]

I was working as an English teacher at the time Akira came out in Japan. I saw it at a late night showing in Nagasaki, Japan. I was really impressed with the movie - although I can't say I followed all of the story at the time. I later bought the comic series to try to figure out more of the story. I had already become a fan of Japanese animation - especially the films from Studio Ghibli like Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and Raputa - Castle in the Sky. But if I hadn't seen Akira I probably wouldn't have continued to have an interest . From that time on though I have followed Japanese animation and continue to find it entertaining and thought provoking.

[@danielrafferty4108]

came out a year before I was born. Wound up stealing it from my dads room when I was five. Couldn't go back to Disney after that. Also taught me to appreciate subtitled movies. Have since tried to watch the dubs, but I feel that like with all dubs it doesn't meet the level of voice acting from the original. Good retrospective, takes me back to my days as kid trying to convince my friends I'm not batshit crazy for liking batshit crazy stuff. Keep up the good work.

[@alliesfrench]

This movie is certainly in my top 10 favorite films of all time. For me, this movie forever changed my movie-going experience and overall perception of storytelling. I first encountered it when I was little more than 14, and it was the first time I was introduced to very graphic anime, having grown up on kid-friendly Sailor Moon and Dragonball Z. This movie is a masterpiece, and I really appreciate the great care you took, Oliver, in properly reviewing this film. I always love your reviews, but this and Blade Runner, another top 10 of mine, are certainly my favorites. A job well one, Mr. Harper, for giving this film the critical review it so rightly deserves. Thank you!

[@kierankaye6411]

One of my fave films and you reviewed it brilliantly :) well done mate, I'd like to see you reviewing some other manga films :)

[@OliverHarper]

+Kieran Kaye I would love to review more Anime but there are so many 3rd party companies claiming the content. There are French and Italian companies who distribute Anime in their territories and they abuse KZbin's content ID match system.

[@Betoven81]

what's manta

[@Betoven81]

what's manga

[@Betoven81]

what's manga

[@Betoven81]

what's manga

[@1nfinitysL1mit]

I really like the approach you took with this review. You went over a lot of things most others haven't talked about for a film that has been reviewed to death.

[@DTM-Books]

Great video, always fun to see Akira given some love. One addition I would make: while this movie was famous for its "pre-scored" soundtrack, it was not the first anime movie to record its dialog before the animations are drawn. Isao Takahata used pre-scoring for all of his films. This was a technique that went back to the days of Toei Doga in the 1950s and 1960s, I must presume. This was also likely a necessity in the television series of the 1970s such as Lupin III and Heidi, Girl of the Alps.

[@nakbearevalo]

You put so much effort into this, telling the story, and the history, you deserve a medal!

[@stevetrop]

Another great review Ollie. While I knew of a few anime shows growing up. When i first saw Akira on the Sci-fi Channel in the early 90's in the states it blew me away. It let me see animated films on the same production level as real films. I always felt Akira was a stepping stone that helped propel not only Japanese Anime movies, but also western animated films to a new level.

[@paracellsus]

only one word MASTERPIECE! i remenber the Poster that hang in the Cinema when the film was in it... i have to wait 7 years to see it and i was blown away.-) thankfull was in the comic on this time.

[@kcc85uk]

Fantastic been waiting all week for this review!

[@Texy88]

I was lucky enough to see a 25th Anniversary big-screen cinema re-release of this at a Picturehouse cinema last year. It was absolutely mind-blowing to watch on the big screen, it was in Japanese with remastered English subtitles (and made considerably more sense because of this), and some of the details that I failed to spot on the small screen made the film even more of a pleasure. If anyone gets a chance to see this film on a big screen then I would highly recommend it.

[@macklee6837]

As always, an awesome review! I've not seen Akira for about 10 years, but this has pumped me up to watch it again! Good job, sir! :D

[@OliverHarper]

Mack Lee cool man! i hope you enjoy revisiting it.

[@ajossi]

oliver harper, thank you for this. you made me remember why i love this film.

[@harleygerken747]

Great job! Everything well said. Your intro was excellent, almost like I just watched the whole movie in one minute.

[@Xenu]

The opening sequence if one of the very best you've ever created. Kudos. It's a very impressive opening! Never been a big fan of the anime art-style but I enjoyed the review.

[@ryanbro82]

AMAZING REVIEW. I was worried the review wouldn't do the movie justice, however you exceeded all expectations with how well you constructed this! SO MUCH HYPE.

[@thedude3716]

How can anyone give this video a thumbs down? Was fantastic.

[@pettanko6055]

As a huge fan of this film, and a current film student, I love how you went in depth whenenever talking about the struggles that went into making this film. PS:I personally like to lie to myself that it was shot in 70mm to because it makes it sound more impressive than saying how it was upscaled from 35mm to 70mm.

[@deeptrlp]

Akira (1988) GITS (1995) Redline (2007) Three most beautiful, uniquely detailed and illustrated anime of all time.

[@reydez84]

Ninja Scroll

[@shakaama]

I was looking for more of a deep philosophical explanation. I know all of the "facts". The movie has layers upon layers of meanings to it. No one goes into that.

[@RandomAccessDreams]

+shakaama You just gave me an idea for a video, sir.

[@Alexander_Chase22]

Shakaama peep renegade cut if you're still interested

[@deepatlantic2222]

Part of it was that Akira had evolved into something superior; he was pure energy. While in prison the girl explains this. She states how all lifeforms have energy and that humans have more energy than say, amoebas. Humans think and create and have high intelligence. Amoebas only consume things. If you gave the kind of energy a human possess to an amoeba, it would get out of control. All that energy for high intelligence and productivity would be put towards consumption and destruction only. Tetsuo is like that amoeba. What ever happened to him, has given him the energy of a superior being. However, like an amoeba with the energy of a human, he was unable to control it and became destructive. The military was trying to help keep him under control. Someone else also pointed out to me that when Tetsuo transforms he turns into a grotesque baby looking figure. They said that was like him being reborn as a higher being, or at least his body attempting to. So the main aspect was that Akira had evolved past a point of regular humans and that evolution was also destructive. I don't know if there was a 'moral' to the story as far as that is concerned or not, but it was really cool. There is also stuff about human hierarchy, interaction and conflict in there. (Okay thats like the entire thing). Such as: Tetsuo being jealous and angry towards Kaneda; the military overthrowing the democracy because they are slow and ineffective; or the rebels trying to break the test subjects free and fight what they see as an oppressive government, while at the same time they are being used as pawns by a power hungry baron and are actually going to bring about the destruction of the city that the military is trying to prevent. That could be some 'moral' as well, that the colonel who seems to oppress the people and commits a coup d'tat is actually the good guy because he is trying to protect the city through the only ways possible. Okay, I was curious and looked it up. Someone has said that it is about the conflict and morals of dealing with the destructive powers nuclear weapons have given humans. That was just someone else on the internet, but that makes sense. It could even be seen as a theme of how people handle power once they are given it and how others change their behavior towards them. -- Actually that last sentence seems to be best way to describe the entire movie: It is about the dynamics and interactions of people who's relative powers are changing and how they respond to those changes.

[@Rockemsockemjetpack]

Great review Oliver! Funny how a music video from youtube got me interested in watching this amazing animated film. The ending still blows my mind away.

[@azcoder]

I saw this with a friend in a small California theater in 1989. I was quite impressed, my first anime movie.

[@SpeedBoost]

Akira is an incredible film and a must see for any lover of foreign films. I have seen Akira dozens of times and I have to say Ollie your analysis and explanation really does help shine new light on certain aspects of the film.

[@1ukjunglednbraver]

i got the dvd in a manga magazine with a free dvd i felt so lucky to have it at the time ten years ago.. i was amazed.

[@MoonspiderHugs]

awesome video sir, kudos and a pat on the back for your amazing work

[@astrostar49]

Thanks for the review. I noticed you had completed it the other day so I watched Akira last night. It had been a long, long time since I had seen the film. Maybe about 10 years prior so I was around 15 or 16 and it was on television late at night. It was the subbed version and at the time I didn't comprehend the heavy themes and messages that were presented. Rewatching it now (with Japanese audio) it was crazy how much of the visuals, which are disturbing in some scenes, just went over my head way back then. This film definitely is a landmark within the anime community and really helped jump-started the growing popularity of anime in the west which is quite substantial now. I didn't know the amount of detail that went into the musical score so I appreciate you showcasing that on the review. Also now that you mentioned about how much of the manga they tried to cram in two hours, it's clear to me now why some of the characters really don't get a backstory along with the capsule drug that is barely mentioned at all. This makes me anxious to hunt down the manga and read it for more detail. Anyways, great job on this. Can't wait for your thoughts on Ninja Scroll and Ghost in the Shell.

[@Bonez0r]

"At the time, what probably took people by surprise was its violence and adult themes. It was a rare thing in the West, seeing blood and violence to this extent and is essentially a cartoon not to be aimed at kids." Time for that Watership Down (1978) Retrospective :P

[@sfighter0085]

Excellent work Ollie!!! I freaking love this movie, I got into it via a documentary on the "Animatrix" DVD. After seeing it a few times I was hooked.

[@joelhassig6099]

Dude... Thumbs up just for the intro. I haven't even gotten to the review yet. Well done!

[@Mr.Nin10do.]

You're really great at editing and getting the vibe for the movie

[@CRITTERBUSTERS]

Solid Retrospective Oliver :) TBH out of all the anime classics during the manga video craze, AKIRA was one i never saw growing up, i only saw it a few years ago on DVD and most recently purchased the blu-ray, Overall the Animation, Visuals ,Action, Themes and Music is what makes AKRIA a groundbreaking film, But I do feel that it would be great if we got a high budget anime series adapting the story properly.

[@MunkeyChips]

I liked hearing about the history and production of Akira. You did a great job on that. A great retrospective for a great movie.

[@LondonCityGirlTV]

Great analysis, lots of detail! I like the production history and the footage you included - v.interesting! One of the first Japanese animations I ever saw :)

[@commandertorres]

That intro was haunting. And I loved it!

[@gelliaramadis522]

this review is spot on, the movie does get better after every watch and you notice something new each time.

[@tosin_davidson]

There're still a million and one things to cover in this movie,'Akira'... The micro & macro aspect of this masterpiece can only be inspired by GOD... In all Im glad Im still researching it after 20 yrs of my life.....

[@lukebaxter3252]

I'll never forget how I was exposed for the first time to this film. I was a young kid and I was at a friend's place and the film randomly aired on TV and the scene that played was when Tetsuo envisioned his guts falling out, that was all I saw of the film til later in life and got older and mature. Yeah, that scene as a kid scarred me for life.

[@vivalaminion2936]

13:00 The soundtrack is one of the best in any movie. I have the DVD that came with the soundtrack and it was fantastic. It is very dreamlike and haunting. Reminds me of Vangelis score to Blade Runner. In my opinion, John Williams' soundtracks are not easy listening to on their own because they are sort of "glued" to the content on screen. I like him as a composer, but he is not nearly the best.

[@Sawngawkuh]

+Viva LaMinion Actually, there's a lot of Williams material that's easy and a complete joy to listen to while being completely disconnected from what's going on the screen. Not to say you're entirely wrong about the nature of its thematic and narrative complexity possibly being hindrance on a stand alone listening experience at times, BUT Williams does go out of his way to compose suites of all the major ideas for his works, so the album presentation of a lot of his scores are actually pretty solid and very accessible. It's only when you try to go further and listen to Complete Score releases that you'll often stumble into cues that are clearly more fit to accompany visuals, as you're getting the entire package.

[@vmcampos]

I got chills when you used the epic music at the start of your video. The 10-track album is utterly amazing. After watching the film several times through the years, I can imagine it when I hear the soundtrack. I do believe it can stand on its own. There are intense parts of course, but they are contrasted with slow, introspective parts. For me, the '80s U.S. dub is the "real" Akira. I miss Cam Clarke's (Leo on TMNT) voice on the newer one! Great retrospective, mate!

[@shockz16]

Great to see you cover this one Ollie. Akira is one of the few anime movies I own on dvd & the very first anime I ever saw. I used to see parts of it all the time on channel 4 during the mid to late 90's but it was always on at around 1am -2am so I would always fall asleep during it or in the late 90's come in drunk & catch it half way thru and be too half cut to follow it haha.. I did eventually manage to see it by setting my video recorder one night though after catching it on the tv listings so this is why had to finally get it on dvd a few years back so I could watch it properly in a higher quality, which was also good as in being older too as I understood more of it than I did watching it when I was younger. It's definitely one of the most recognised anime films next to Ghost in the shell.

[@ZombieKlown]

Wonderful stuff! I'm glad to see you covering an anime. PLEASE tell me you're going to cover the Metropolis anime. Along with Akira, it's visuals still give me chills. And I constantly see it getting overlooked and under appreciated.

[@GangiFilms]

Your reviews inspire me.

[@israelbuzzofftothemoon]

This might be the best thing I have ever seen on screen including the movies I call super classics.. The soundtrack. The story. Obviously the animation .. It's crazy how they pulled this off. Beautiful

[@FelicityGemini]

watched this anime in 1998, made me feel weird but in a good way. i didn't understand it until re-watching it as an adult. and i still get that child like wonder, that feeling i did when i was a kid: scared and terrified. the mind is so amazing. i dont know what to say. anime is amazing, and i recommend going through this one and all the rest from back in the day

[@BalthazarHDBZ]

Another worthy one to add to your Retrospecitve collection! Yeah it can indeed be confusing at some points, only on my second watch I realised that Ryu and the colonel where NOT the same guy (they look and sound so alike!).

[@Vanska0]

Great review as always! I still haven't watched Akira, must add it to my list. I'd really love to see you review William Friedkin's To live and die in L.A. Keep up the good work :) !

[@dloverise]

Nice review Oli, this is simply a fantastic piece of art. I'm not sure I agree entirely with your take on the flashback scenes at the end - for me it adds to the otherworldliness of Akira's appearance. Also, seeing the boys as children makes you realise just how far their relationship has come. Anyway, just my two pence worth.

[@klyzn]

I just watched this 2 days ago, i haven't seen it for years, i forgot everything about it., how the story goes, what was it about. what an amazing film. theres so much that wasn't told. this could of carry on as a series.

[@ricepony33]

Saw this again last night in 4k at the Alamo theater. Strongly recommend catching it if it pops in your area.

[@ryang.5094]

Sweet ass review mate. Did not know about the musical aspect of subliminal sounds. Makes me love this film even more.

[@danbark4603]

its hard to believe that people can gather all their talent and produce something so amazing, i cant imagine what they go through but damn i want some of that motivation and yeah this movie is in a level of god like visual presentation

[@Negamare1]

I hope the 2020 Tokyo olympics opening ceremony has an Akira segment.

[@johngaudet7363]

They have to, otherwise it'll be the biggest missed opportunity in history. I do think the reason Tokyo was voted specifically was because of how important Akira is

[@s-b6218]

Your introduction to Manga is pretty much exactly the same as mine. It started with Akira, then everything followed e.g ninja scroll, fist of the north start, wicked city.

[@GrungemanBaby]

Fantastic review my friend.

[@andersdenkend]

This movie‘s soundtrack! Incredible.

[@paralentor]

Saw it in a tiny theater in Georgetown D.C. the original voice over dub always had more appeal than the second dub they did for the Blu Ray.

[@guitargodthor2]

I have the 2 disc special edition on DVD because Akira is one of the best movies of all time! I look at anime now and I think, _"Where did we go wrong"._

[@WR3ND]

It's like anything. The good stuff is niche or too new to have its popularity and marketing realized and exploited yet. Look at Star Wars, for example.

[@glass12]

Amazing! great work. Now you should really do Ghost in the Shell next! Keep up the good work.

[@OliverHarper]

Cheers man. In my recent Patreon video. I discussed future reviews of Ninja Scroll and...Ghost in the Shell!.

[@glass12]

Oliver Harper Well now that makes me happy. I'll watch that video. Cheers :)

[@Tacom4ster]

Oliver Harper Cowboy Bebop the Movie please :-)

[@HypnoHustler]

Oliver Harper Ghost Please!

[@Suite_annamite]

Adrian Dezendegui Yeah! Cowboy Bebop!

[@Johny40Se7en]

I really enjoyed this film, all the dark and thought provoking themes it touches on and its music. Your videos are bloody wicked, I really enjoy how well done they are, almost addictive, almost =)

[@glennboone252]

best AKIRA REVIEW EVER FROM SOMEONE WHO WATCH FOR OVER 18 YEARS

[@The_Husband_of_Jane_Lane]

The guy who voice Kaneda in the 2001 english dub, his name is Cam Clarke, who voiced Die Fledermaus from "The Tick".

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

awesome review of an awesome movie

[@astriverofstrengthandknowledge]

The first time I heard about Akira was from a list video related to grotesque transformations, Tetsuo’s being included, which was years ago. After watching that one part over and over again, I just had to bring myself to watch the whole movie at some point and man, what a trip that was. The manga was amazing too as it cleared up some things for me and fully fleshed out its characters, but I honestly got more enjoyment out of the movie itself thanks to its glorious animation and music (not much of a comic person myself either). Akira as well as other anime like Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell is what solidified my interest in the cyberpunk genre. What a masterpiece

[@lukewarner3503]

Oliver, love the reviews man! Always great to hear about the production process, soundtrack, and some fun facts. Excited to see Blade Runner soon. Keep up the good work man!