ANIME         MARK

Akira would make the list of anime that have popularised anime into the modern western culture. It is not exactly an amazing film, but comparatively speaking, for the time, it's a crazy good film. I couldn't imagine this movie being made in 1988 but it was. The synopsis is as follows... Neo-Tokyo is in disarray after World War 3. Violent gangs run wild, anti-government terrorism is out of control and poverty is everywhere. Shima Tetsuo has a strange encounter with an 'esper' and henceforth gains amazing psychic energy. Tetsuo's friend plan to rescue him before his new found power completely take control of him.

Being one of the most expensive anime ever made, detail and art are crammed in every sequence of the movie. Although the movie is quite old, it really doesn't shine through, and could give even very modern anime a run for their money. There's a splendid fluidity to the movements which make every battle and fight scene have a tremendous impact on the viewer.  This is consistent throughout the whole film and allows for epic scene creation.  But enough about the art and animation, let's talk about the plot.