Akira - Transcendental Filmmaking
May 14, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 231
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Episode description
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss one of the most pivotal anime-film releases to ever grace the silver-screen; Akira! This 1988 film not only pushed the genre of animation to its limits, it also introduced anime to the west as a serious new genre of entertainment! Does it still hold up? Spoilers: absolutely it does!
Topics:
- (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 18-minutes discussing the ins-and-outs of the cyberpunk aesthetic, what makes it distinct from other sci-fi settings, and whether its our preference. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
- The vibes are strong with Akira.
- The quality is strong with Akira.
- When Melvin first saw the film he liked it but wasn't impressed. This time around? He thinks its incredible.
- Although the characters aren't profoundly deep, they are a clever, complicated mix of different figures amidst a chaotic, epic story.
- Every 10 minutes something crazier than the last happens on screen.
- Kathryn wasn't totally wowed by Akira but she totally understands its titan-status in filmmaking.
- Discussing Building, Rebuilding, and Destruction.
- Talking about Kaneda.
- Discussing the line, "Time isn't clear, and there ought to be a future we can choose."
- Getting into that absolutely insane ending.
Recommendations:
- The Thing From Another World (1951) (Anime)
- Steins;Gate (2011) (Anime)
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