Akira

[Hudson]

Yeah, it was a big story that could've spanned a few seperate films, but I think people who don't like it are either not cool with anime, or just bitter.

[SM]

I don't real fall into either category.

I got nothing to be bitter at Akira about (well apart from it being crap - it's not like I've read the comic and thought the film was a shitty adaptation), and I like all sorts of Japanese animation from old Americanised stuff like Robotech, Star Blazers, Battle of the Planets Kimba, Astroboy etc. through to more recent stuff like Ninja Scroll, Overfiend, Tank Police, Ghost In The Shell, etc.  I was getting into Vampire Hunter D on TV the other night, but it was on too late and I couldn't stay awake.

[Henry Krinkle]

I know we've had this conversation before - Hudson extolling the virtues of Akira and SM and myself disagreeing, but still - here I am again!

I can completely see why Akira is so renouned - it was one of the original break-through anime films, and as an introductory text on anime, it would understandably have a big impact on the viewer. SM says he didn't 'get it' - neither did I, but I think a lot of it's impact in the west is due to people not fully getting it. There was a lot in the Ringo trilogy I didn't get initially, and that in it's self was a hook - it was so alien to me that it made a very plesant break from the accepted western norm.

Regardless of Akira's virtues, I still don't like it. It's an obvious metaphor for puberty - tetsuo mutating and becoming this twisted monster - it's about growing pains. This is not a story that interests me. There are all sorts of other interpretations - there is reflection of a lot of Japanese traditionalism vs. modernism - Tetsuo can be seen as the embodyment of Japans changing social structure at the time, but I think the one that comes across to me is still the teen movie thing.

I admit, I'm not a very big anime fan anyway - I've seen some of the more well known anime, but my exposure to anime is still small. I think the real reason I don't like Akira is that is was the second anime I saw - the first being Ghost in the Shell.

If I remember from the last time we had this debate, Husdon came out against GitS, which is fine - a lot of people I know didn't like it, but it's completely up my street. My favourite SciFi writing is that of William Gibson, and GitS reminded my very strongly of his sprawl trilogy vision of the future. The other strong Gibsonesque element was the end, which (without spoiling for those who haven't seen it), is a little less than apocalyptic. I like that subtle understatement - the idea that, while everything has just changed, on the surface it's Business as usual.

Anyway, my point is - Ghost in the Shell mirrors the kind of Scifi I like. It's crass action blended with philosophy and political tension. For me, Akira has the action, but lacks the background detail - and is largely kids on bikes shouting at eachother.

[alienkilla071]

I thought Neon Genesis Evangelion was awesome so ill check out Akira soon.

[NERMAL]

I thought Neon Genesis Evangelion was awesome so ill check out Akira soon.

NGE was awesome until it went all 'deep and meaningful' in the last two or so episodes...

[Hudson]

Sounds like Ghost in the Shell...
not interested

[NERMAL]

Sounds like Ghost in the Shell...
not interested

Nothing like GITS. Try it...

[SM]

Yeah I saw a couple of eps and it wasn't like GitS at all.  Wish I'd seen more of it.

[Drone]

Well, in response to some of the replies made in this thread (specifically from SM) about Akira being incomprehensible or just plain out crap. Well you are entitled to your own opinion at Alien Experience but I would rather try to persuade your opinion. Which part of of the movie did you not understand? As a follower of Akira for five years, I have a near complete understanding of the entire movie. I first saw the movie when I was 11 years-old and I found it extremely confusing but when watching the movie again as a 16 year-old I found the plot to be rather simple. Nothing that an Alien fan could not understand.

Seriously, Akira is quite a deep movie (besides several of the bike scenes, which are still good) and I would like to assist people in liking the movie. I am not an Anime fan and I merely appreciate good cinema. I categorize Akira as good cinema so if anyone needs clarification on the movie, just ask away.

[SM]

If I were interested enough to revisit myself I would.

I watched it - I dunno 15 years ago maybe?  And again several years later.  With many other flicks out there waiting to be watched, twice is enough for Akira.

[Henry Krinkle]

If I were interested enough to revisit myself I would.

I watched it - I dunno 15 years ago maybe?  And again several years later.  With many other flicks out there waiting to be watched, twice is enough for Akira.

Likewise - I first saw it about 5 years ago, and again last year. Watched it, understood it, didn't like it, moved on.

[SM]

Well you're one up on me! 

[Drone]

Likewise - I first saw it about 5 years ago, and again last year. Watched it, understood it, didn't like it, moved on.

Well, to each their own.