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Akira (1988)

1988 • 2h 4m • Animation, Action • NR
On September 23, 2026
#221▲ 263
221st by Pulse movie online
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All reviews

Filipe Manuel Neto on Akira

2/10 · Oct 6, 2023

The production values are undeniably impressive, but the narrative is so muddled that it ultimately falls short. Growing up, I witnessed the rise in popularity of Japanese animation in Europe and the West with shows like “Dragon Ball,” yet even then, I found this distinctive style jarring compared to what I was accustomed to. That being said, the film does possess some merit. The animation is exceptionally well-crafted and visually striking; a clear dedication to detail is apparent throughout every frame, characteristic of Eastern artistry. Like much contemporary anime, it’s packed with action sequences set in a futuristic and surreal landscape—elements that seem to resonate strongly with Japanese audiences. It's quite interesting how they manage to be so forward-looking while still honoring their customs and history; it demonstrates that progress doesn’t have to mean abandoning the past, but can instead incorporate it. My main issue with this film is that I haven’t been able to grasp what’s going on. The plot feels convoluted, as if the creators prioritized the action and technical aspects of the animation so much that they neglected to create a coherent story—one that could be easily understood. Perhaps there's something I'm missing due to my Western perspective? Regardless, despite its technical achievements, this film simply didn’t connect with me.

Source on TMDB