Anime Film
Akira (アキラ), directed by Katsuhiro Otomo and released in 1988, is widely regarded as one of the most influential and groundbreaking animated films of all time.
Based on Otomo’s own manga of the same name, the film is set in a dystopian, cyberpunk future and delves into themes of power, rebellion, and the human condition.
Akira not only revolutionized the anime genre but also left a lasting impact on global pop culture, influencing countless filmmakers, artists, and storytellers.
Directed by the manga original author Katsuhiro Otomo himself, the production took three years and cost a total of 1,1 billion yen (around $10 million). At the time, that amount of time and budget was unthinkable for normal animation.
The effort and resources needed to make the film were so great that they had to create a company especially for this major production: the Akira Committee. A production partnership of several major Japanese companies that joined forces to address the unconventional budget and scale of the project. The Committee included companies like Kodansha, Mainichi Broadcasting System, Bandai, Hakuhodo, Toho, LaserDisc Corporation, and Sumitomo Corporation, who contributed financially and promoted the film.
The main animation studio behind the film was TMS Entertainment (formerly Tokyo Movie Shinsha), which dedicated more than 60 key animators to bring this huge project to life.
Visuals and Animation
Discover the unprecedented techniques that built a revolutionary anime.
Akira soundtrack
An atmospheric score that turned a great film into a timeless classic.
The impact and legacy of Akira
Since its release, Akira has had a profound influence on both anime and global pop culture. It was one of the first Japanese animated films to gain widespread recognition in the West, helping to pave the way for the international popularity of anime.
Its influence can be seen in a wide range of media, from Hollywood films like The Matrix to video games, music videos, and even fashion. Akira also played a crucial role in legitimizing anime as a serious art form capable of tackling complex and mature themes. It demonstrated that animated films could be more than just children’s entertainment, offering a rich and sophisticated narrative experience for adult audiences.
