Rija Faisal
What was the cultural impact of Akira (1988), and why does it occupy a key place in the canon of anime greats?
Before the release of Akira in 1988, Japan and its culture (art, food, animation, etc), was alien to the western world.
In making the film, a lot was borrowed from what was then popular in classic as well as contemporary western cinema. The combination of what was presented to the audience in the form of the film Akira ( the combination of cyberpunk dystopia, the alienation of youth, philosophy based on science), all of which were already a big part of the sci- fiction genre in the western world during the 8os, helped to elevate the film’s appeal to its audiences.
Akira marked the first time the western world engaged with Japanese culture on a large level. It left quite the impact on its audiences. The film’s influences can still be seen in the modern world. We can see how Akira helped to shape the modern science – fiction genre. Films such as Inception and Chronicle are good examples. Stylistically as well as thematically, both borrow from Akira.
A similar theme to that of Akira can also be seen in the popular TV series Stranger Things, which is based around the character of Eleven, a child trained to use her telekinetic powers as a weapon. In Akira, this theme is apparent in how the government is planning to use telekinetic people as weapons.
Akira has had major influences on western culture since its release back in 1988. Through its introduction into the US and the UK, it opened up new routes for both anime and Japanese culture to be accepted by the western audience.
Akira is a film which is still considered to be one of the best films in the anime canon. It opened up the opportunity for cultures across the world to understand and show that social issues could be addressed. The futuristic style of the film, from its intrinsic details of cityscapes to its tale of power also inspired a whole new generation of works, as well helping to shape and morph the sci-fiction genre into what we know and recognize it to be today.
References:
Max Covill (April 3,2017) Akira is Frequently Cited as Influential Why Is that? filmschoolrejects.com Retrieved from: https://filmschoolrejects.com/akira-influence-12cb6d84c0bc/
Pop Genres 2020 