Akira is a film set in a dystopian future following the lives of a group of delinquent high schoolers that probably are involved in some gang activities. Throughout the film we explore more about their daily lives and the strains in the group dynamic. Eventually they get entangled in a complex scuffle between the government, rebel groups and subjects of secret experiments that hold great potential power.

Plot-wise there are certain complexities that make it difficult to follow for a first viewing experience but the main struggles between the main characters and their straining relations are obvious and easy to follow. The complex conspiracy of the government trying to hide their test subjects and the resistant group opposing the government is admittedly hard to follow but as I said previously the main plot depicting the struggles of the main characters are clear which I personally believe is more important for the bread of the overall story.

Akira present and explore themes about war and corruption. These themes are more easily understood and felt if you have a decent knowledge about Japanese societies anxieties in the post World-War 2 period. Admittedly I know little to nothing about these issues and I will not even pretend to claim I understand the profound and insightful qualities about the film. I am just sharing my limited knowledge about the symbolism and narrative themes based on hearsay I consumed on the internet. If you are feeling bit pretentious and want to interpret Akira as this artistic representation and critique on culture there is an avenue for that. I personally do not delve too much into that direction to justify it is good.

What I love about Akira is not about the pretentious symbolism of war or it's 'clever' and insightful plot. No. The plot is nothing groundbreaking, it is just a decent story following these boys at each others throats while being entangled with some powerful groups.

What makes Akira special in my opinion is as superficial as it may seems, is purely the viewing experience. The animation is something that I do not believe many studios have the heart to replicate today. The animations are so fluid and so complex that the only anime I could think of that is equal or probably better is UFOtable that animated demon slayer. Still when comparing the consistency of sakuga level animation Akira stands out. The standard practice today of anime is to only depict sakuga when it really matters but Akira consistently throw out sakuga level animation even in the most minor of shots where it is just simply a group of people walking. One aspect that did not age very well is the color of the film which was really dull and lifeless at times which was a stark contrast of quality with the animation (to be fair a limitation of cell animation 30 years ago). But I am certain there exist a remastered version out there that nullify this issue. Some might argue that the dull colors add to the atmosphere and mood of the film but I personally disagree, I like vibrant contrasting colors most of the time.

The voice acting was pretty decent nothing that stands out much but what I find really compliments the mood of film was the sound design. Tense moments are always complimented with an introduction of tense music to set the mood but quiet down to let the sound effects of explosions and gun fire take the stage. This creates a seamless immersive experience where I felt lead into the action.

Many of die hard Akira fans would call it an absolute classic and justify its greatness by spouting pretentious rhetoric of how it is a commentary on social issues and Japanese society. Although I absolutely love Akira I would be completely honest I do not care about those at all, to me it is just a really well built action film with immaculate and consistent animation masterfully directed for an enjoyable cinematic experience.

In conclusion Akira to me personally is best viewed cinematically, it is designed for cinemas to begin with. Viewing Akira from a laptop screen does not seem right for me. If possible at the very least watch it at night using a chrome cast or via USB file attached to a TV. At the very very least watch it at night using a desktop monitor.