In this episode of Never Seen It, the crew dives into Katsuhiro Otomo’s 1988 anime landmark Akira. From jaw-dropping animation and iconic moments like the Akira Slide, to deep themes of postwar trauma, body horror, and youth rebellion, we unpack why this film set the standard for cyberpunk cinema and continues to influence everything from The Matrix to Stranger Things.
Get ready for a wild ride through Neo-Tokyo! On this episode of Never Seen It, Adrian, Justin, Alex, and Arnold tackle the groundbreaking 1988 anime film Akira. For some of us, it was a first-time watch, while others grew up enthralled by its mix of sci-fi spectacle and cryptic storytelling. Together, we break down the film’s unforgettable visuals, its haunting soundtrack, and the legacy it left behind.
We talk about:
Cultural impact: How Akira helped bring anime to the West and influenced everything from Kanye’s Stronger video to Jordan Peele’s Nope.
Cyberpunk & body horror: Where it sits alongside Blade Runner, Neuromancer, and David Cronenberg’s grotesque transformations.
Themes: Post–World War II trauma, political corruption, religious zealotry, youth rebellion, and the dangers of unchecked power.
Behind-the-scenes trivia: The massive budget, its detailed hand-drawn animation, why the ending feels ambiguous, and how the manga was still unfinished when the film premiered.
Personal takes: Which scenes blew us away, which parts left us confused, and the moments that made us laugh unexpectedly.
From the iconic motorcycle slide to debates about the ambiguous ending, this episode digs into why Akira is still a five-out-of-five masterpiece for so many fans. Whether you’ve seen it once or a dozen times, it’s a film that rewards repeat viewing—and one that continues to shape pop culture decades later.
So grab your red pill jacket, fire up that bike, and join us as we explore the chaos, beauty, and brilliance of Akira. Impact: How Akira Helped Bring Anime to the West and Influenced Everything from Kanye’s 'Stronger' Video to Jordan Peele’s 'Nope'
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