Akira is a landmark. Its overstuffed plot and underdeveloped drama are countered by exceptional themes. Psychological, political, social, and spiritual, it encompasses all facets of existence but is unified by the idea of power. Using sci-fi metaphors, the story suggests that humanity's obsession with control causes an inevitable cycle of destruction. Although bleak, the script finds a silver lining in the opportunity for rebirth after tragedy. There's worldbuilding, motivated characters, subversions, setup/payoff, steady exposition, and earned emotions. Plus, the voice acting includes personality, range, intensity, and growth. Overall, Akira provides incredible substance.
Technically, Akira is innovative yet immaculate. Thoroughly immersive, the imagery uses angles, framing, motion, and symbolic lighting. Despite iffy structure, its editing remains superb with dynamic pacing and flashy inserts. Genre elements, smash cuts, distortions, and volume shifts make a dense soundscape. Reinforcing themes, its music combines modernism, traditionalism, restraint, chanting, and operatics. The production design is iconic cyberpunk, blending dystopian futurism, color, detailed scale, and body horror. Its cast has little fame but strong experience. The painstaking hand-drawn animation creates a fluid and visceral reality. Thus, Akira is a timeless classic.
Writing: 9/10
Direction: 10/10
Cinematography: 10/10
Acting: 8/10
Editing: 8/10
Sound: 10/10
Score/Soundtrack: 10/10
Production Design: 10/10
Casting: 7/10
Effects: 10/10
Overall Score: 9.2/10
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