The rumour mill in the Hollywood precint reports that Warner Bros. have ventured into the 'cream of the crop' of eastern-eye anime works. The result? After a hotly contested bidding battle, the "AKIRA" rights have been recaptured by WB.



In a nutshell, the original "AKIRA" (1988) was a cyberpunk anime film set in NeoTokyo, 31 years after World War III. It followed the journey of Kaneda and Tetsuo that inevitably led to a quest for ultimate power, denoted as 'Akira'. Politics and agendas of misuse of power were showcased in the anime film as well.

After years of speculation, it is now known that WB plan to release two live-action Akira feature films, the first in the 2009 summer. They have also recruited star power in the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio to help produce the Akira franchise. These live-action movies will be based on the original creation of Katsuhiro Otomo's six-volume "AKIRA" graphic novels and he will play a leading role as the executive producer. No announcement has been made regarding the cast at this time.

On a final note, Kaneda's legendary red powerbike will be unveilled again on the big-screen in "Neo-Manhattan" (not Neo-Tokyo!) and will easily be the most anticipated movie item. Original source article is courtesy of Variety (2008) entertainment news.

In 1988, the much anticipated Anime film AKIRA blasted into the cinema pictures of Japan and intrigued & awestrucked the minds of many; early 1989 for the Western denizens of United States. The innovative and highly-acclaimed director was Katshiro Otomo. He was also, rightfully, the author of the original graphic novel "AKIRA", which this film is based upon. In addition, "Young Magazine", Kodansha Ltd. was the first publisher (December, 1982) of this phenomenon.

This film seems to be saturated with complex and ambiguous (yet entertaining!) themes at times, as the captivating storyline gradually unfolds. As a result, the ingenious synopsis of AKIRA has withstood the tests of time. For example, in our 21st era, this highly detailed cel animation still retains the explosive impact of its intensely violent saga of power and corruption.

As a general rule, viewers begin to appreciate this popular film during 3rd or 4th viewing. It appears that Audience members are able to 'feel' the complex cast of Akira characters by this time.

A highly industrialised hub of business and politics, Tokyo offered crowded nightlife and shopping, cascades of transportation networks, and fiercely innovative electronics (just to name a few assets) to competitive opportunists such as many student youths. Social order was generally free of turmoil. However, equilibrium of ideal Urban life eventually subdued to technological advances, as positions of power were violated and maltreated in Tokyo and other major World Cities.

But even those board members expressing ill-poisoned power could not foresee a final outcome of immense devastation; the destruction of Tokyo. This destruction was precipitated by a highly lethal super-bomb of unique potential and unknown origin. Just within 9 hours after this catastrophe, World War III broke out and managed to claim the existence of the remaining major World Cities; endless debris and derelict buildings is all that stood for a long while.

It is now 31 years later. NEO-TOKYO is built on the ruins of the old. The booming metropolis comprises of around 21,451,800 citizens. Also impressive is the 410.32 square km the city covers. However, this Urban environment is much more hostile than its predecessor: For example, Tax reforms alone have instigated a massive revolt against head government officials and ministers due to dramatic cuts in employment numbers. These numbers are said to be over 35 percent. Citizens are thirsty for compensation and justice; Government personnel cover-up the city's dry financial budget; while the military seeks Martial Law in order to secure the city from a scientific experiment that wields raw energy. NEO-TOKYO is the battlefield where People Power, Government and Military collide in this epic saga.

BIODATA FILE #1: KANEDA

* Birthday: September 5, 2003
* Age: 16
* Blood type: Unknown
* Height: 5'6
* Weight: 116

Leader and Founder of motor cycle gang from some vocational school. Strongly regarded among friends and peers as flamboyant and highly egotistical. Similarly, Kaneda may be egocentric at times, showing little regard for others. However, he shares a genuine childhood connection, as well as sincere compassion for his good friend Tetsuo. For this reason, Kaneda is found doing dangerous and violent stunts throughout the duration of the Anime film in his efforts of finding his good friend. Also labeled as a 'skirt-chaser' by Kei, a courageous girl he encounters while in pursuit of Tetsuo.

BIODATA FILE #2: TETSUO

* Birthday: July 29, 2004
* Age: 15
* Blood type: A
* Height: 5'4
* Weight: 105

Tetsuo is the youngest member of Kaneda's motorcycle gang. As a result, he sometimes becomes a burden to the gang when in confrontation with other rival gangs such as The Clowns. His small frame and built also concerns the Gang when he is in danger. Tetsuo can be involved in alot of danger because of his immaturity, causing him to act in a way that neglects logical thinking. He also becomes increasingly frustrated, later in the film, of Kaneda's attempts of rescue due to his weakness. This seems to be the instigating factor of all the negative psychic energy he lashes out to the world, including Kaori; a close admirer of his.

BIODATA FILE #unknown: AKIRA

* Birthday: Classified
* Age: Classified (but believed to be 10)
* Blood type: Classified
* Height: Classified
* Weight: Classified

In the Anime, AKIRA is portrayed as more myth than legend. It is, however, impossible to determine without access to alot of Highly-Classified information. Despite this, there is speculation that this so-called 'boy' ultimately ascended to an indescribable psychic form, excelling well beyond any physical entity known to man. He was also deemed a 'failed experiment' by the government's research scientists (who conducted the unethical tests) because they possessed no knowledge nor capabilities in controlling such a power. The 'AKIRA project' was further discontinued and preserved in a secure underground vault, in the hope that future scientists would be able to harness such immense energy. But now that Neo-Tokyo is under the wrath of Tetsuo, the awakening of AKIRA is now - as it was before the annihilation of old Tokyo. And Kaneda is ultimately in the middle of all this. . .

I would, firstly, like to take this opportunity to clarify the definition of synopsis. Wikipedia (2006) reminds us that it is a brief summary of the plot in relatively simple terms. As such, the following synopsis will attempt to be brief & simple as possible (shown in 'bullet' points below). There are many more in-depth synopsis' available via the web so I encourage you to utilize these resources when unanswered questions arise. In saying this, the synopsis featured here covers only the basic essentials and a few spoilers. I also remind you that these personalized interpretations of mine are for educational purposes and may not be 100 percent factual, but I do hope you enjoy!

• The beginning of the film introduces an apocalyptic explosion in Tokyo, Japan in 1988. The scene is there to remind viewers of a powerful psychic boy named AKIRA who was responsible for the destruction. It also sets the stage for Neo-Tokyo, which literally means "new tokyo".

• We see Kaneda for the first time hanging out at the Harukiya bar, messing around with the jukebox. This is also the first taste we have of political turmoil, in Neo-Tokyo, as a result of government corruption and terrorist mayhem - this is mentioned in the news bulletin in the background.

• The next scene introduces Tetsuo for the first time. He is found fiddling around with the spec's on Kaneda's red power bike. They exchange a few words - it is clearly seen that Kaneda is more dominant & confident than his childhood friend, Tetsuo. They both prepare to engage with The Clowns, a rival motorcycle gang that is causing upheaval in the territory of The Capsules (Kaneda's motorcycle gang; also seen is a sort of emblem on the back of his jacket).

• We are then taken to the scene of a mysterious, wounded man who is escorting an ageing, 100-year-old looking child, Takashi. It is a very mysterious scene when viewed for the first time. According to sources, the man is part of a faction that opposes the government in power, as these government officials in power cannot overlook corruption and, therefore, cannot appreciate or acknowledge the psychic power of AKIRA. The mysterious man mistakens this child for AKIRA, but does not live long to know about it as over 100 bullets are introduced into his body. Ryu & Kei are onlookers and also members of this faction, and observe the startling disappearance of Takashi - we later discover he is an esper with similar, but lessened psychic gifts, as AKIRA.

• However, Takashi does manage to reappear in the midst of warfare between Tetsuo and a Clown member. Tetsuo later becomes a casualty because he cannot brake in time as he is set in a collision course towards Takashi - his bike explodes into scrap heap. Kaneda and the gang arrive at the scene moments later, and Kaneda sets eyes on this boy for the first time - a shocking expression is planted on his face. The Colonel and Masaru (a wheelchair-ridden esper) eventually intervene in the company of the military, searching for Takashi for somewhile.

• Kaneda first meets Kei at the police station for interrogation related to queries regarding riot involvement. Kaneda knows she is wanted by the authorities, so he falsely claims that she is also a friend of the gang to be released - inadvertently ridiculing the officer in the process! It is at this point that Kaneda becomes Kei's admirer, but this love interest is not mutual.

• Soon after, Tetsuo escapes from the hospital of the research facility, but not after they have conducted numerous & invasive psychic experiments on him. He reunites with his love interest, Kaori, and steals Kaneda's bike in the vocational school grounds in attempt to 'escape everything and go some place else'. His plan is, however, sabotaged by a timely attack by The Clowns, violating Kaori in the process. Once again, Tetsuo is rescued by Kaneda and the gang, and reaches a new low in his feelings regarding powerlessness. Emotions of rage & frustration ensue, followed by acute episodes of hallucinations - the visuals in this scene in particular are excellent. A medical van takes him away and delivers the aid to treat symptoms.

• Later on in the film, we are able to get the needed insight to grasp the concept of 'AKIRA' and, therefore, the anime film itself. In prison, Kei puts forth an interesting theory in which energy & strength is governed by natural forces such as evolution. Just as fish evolved into amphibians and then into reptiles; that is also the case with Tetsuo and his latent psychic abilities. This discussion is concluded with a very thought-provoking scenario: if an amoeba had the strength of a human, it would be both amazing and disruptive to the delicate balance of power that
  exists. . .

• In summary, the turn of events mentioned above leads to Kiyoko's (the 3rd, but most important, esper child) premonition - AKIRA shall have a presence in this world again, and many people will die because of it. The Colonel attempts to contain this situation are almost foiled by corrupt government officials when they announce that he is to relinquish his duties as head security officer of the entire city - The Colonel gives his final decision on the matter by shooting the 'announcer' without hesitation. The Colonel then continues with his plan and assembles military reinforcements in the affected district - the olympic stadium. The final confrontation begins and ends here. Tetsuo is highly amused by the storage containers belonging to AKIRA's dissected parts - which was abit of an anticlimax as the undergound & highly-contained freezer was thought to preserve the actual boy in full form. His amusement is short-lived. Kaneda with the aid of his laser gun collides with Tetsuo's awesome power - it is a highly intense moment in the film. It is a fierce contention for power & victory, even though Kaneda is greatly disadvantaged. However, Tetsuo's source of strength will, eventually, be his downfall as a sickening & painful mutation is witnessed. It appears his power has grown beyond physical threshold. The espers have no choice but to summon the legendary AKIRA, recreating the energy explosion that once claimed Tokyo, further allowing Tetsuo to be finally contained as his existence in this dimension is gradually relinquished. Kaneda has a change of heart and tries to rescue a friend that is unsalvageable. In the end, it is only the sacrafice of the three espers that allows him to be transported safely away from the explosion with the rest of the other characters: Neo-Tokyo has been markedly destroyed. Meanwhile, we are taken to an endless void where existence is questioned in this realm but, nevertheless, Tetsuo's presence may still be heard - "I AM TETSUO".

Kaneda mounted on his signature red powerbike helping out the original Akira movie launch. A protagonist without a cause, he is always ready for a piece of the action. Bring on all the organised chaos to Neo-Manhattan in 2009!

Greetings visitors! The purpose of this [E-internet] paper is to introduce and uncover some sophisticated themes of POWER embedded in the Anime Film, AKIRA. This paper is ongoing work in progress. What makes this paper special from others, is that it will attempt to employ popular perspectives from the body of knowledge of psychology and psychoanalytic theory. In particular, it will showcase some personalized interpretations of mine. I cannot guarentee 100 percent precision, but I hope it provides you with purposeful insight!

I will, firstly, mention that the theme of POWER is not an uncommon presence in AKIRA. For instance, there seems to be a struggle between Kaneda & Tetsuo for Kaneda's power bike. This was seen in the introductory opening of the film when Tetsuo is found fiddling with some gadgets & perk's of Kaneda's bike. Later on, Tetsuo is also found 'borrowing' this bike with no permission from the vocational school grounds. The bike is, essentially, depicted as a powerful high-performance vehicle, boosting assertiveness & confidence to those who mount on it.

Secondly, let me introduce to you some basic work of a very ambitious man who was the source of many insights about Personality. His name was Sigmund Freud and, although he was a physician, he greatly shaped today's fundamentals of psychology. He further coined the word 'id' (portion of personality concerned with immediate gratification of primitive needs). Some examples of 'id' include impulses such as sex and aggression. Interestingly, power is thought to stem from the very act of aggression and is commonly accompanied by irrationality as well. This can explain why Tetsuo's path to power is a violent one. Irrational behaviour from Tetsuo (such as the gradual abandonment of his close friend, Kaori) is also justified by this explanation.

In contrast, the POWER struggle the Colonel faced with government Board members occured at the 'Superego' level, another aspect of personality in Freud's theory. 'Superego' recognises that a portion of human personality can represent as the Conscience. In other words, the Colonel's directions for Martial Law were not driven by the need for power (although there are some scenes which conflict with this notion which I might discuss later), but rather for the best interests of Neo-Tokyo's citizens. That is, the prevention of a significant explosion with the potential to wipe out most existence. However, the Colonel is ultimately confronted with the city's doomed fate. His failed attempts of preventing such destruction eventually leads him to repression (forcing unacceptible thoughts into unconsciousness - a defensive mechanism in reaction to profuse anxiety). This destruction might represent the dire consequences for efforts associated with attaining AKIRA: - 'pure ultimate energy that is raw and resides in all living things and inanimate objects'. In conclusion, might I mention a very appropriate [and modified] quote for this discussion from George Orwell's novel, Animal Farm. "Absolute power corrupts absolutely".

FURTHER READING:

Baron, R.A., & Kalsher, M. (2002). Essentials of Psychology (3rd ed.). Sydney: Allyn & Bacon.

Coon, D. (2000). Essentials of psychology: Exploration and application (8th ed.). Belmont: Wadsworth-Thomson Learning.

Purdy. J.E., Markham, M.R., Schwartz, B.L., & Gordon, W.C. (2001). Learning and Memory (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth-Thomson Learning.

Where specified, Akira and other associated intellectual works belong to the original author. In this case, Katsuhiro Otomo originally wrote the graphic novel "AKIRA" of which the AKIRA ANIME MOVIE is based upon. All film stills used in this lens is courtesy of BlueBlade Akira and is used with permission. This lens is affiliated with Akira Fansite Resource (James S.) and provides unofficial Akira news by the same author. All other registered trademarks are owned by their respective copyright holders (2008).

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