blog four

What features make Akira cyberpunk, and how does it reference the wider subgenre? Link for question https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sttm8Q9rOdQ&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR0ZOnQmyGabIr8FMiM6Lkz-DBE1–cZrqPuIA2StGx-4WIjVmBrOKS9GeA

The definition of cyberpunk is blurry and ambiguous. However, generally speaking, cyberpunk is a sub-genres and culture of science fiction, moreover, cyberpunk is mainly embodied in two forms, that are, cultures and genres (Neondystopia, n.d.). It is not difficult for audiences to identify cyberpunk literature. The movies and other forms of cyberpunk have significant descriptions and scenes of human urban which has neon light, hi-tech laser weapons or equipment and cyborgs (Indigo Gaming, 2019). Several attitudes and key features construct this term. For instance, anti-authoritarian and brand-averse attitudes, and the “high tech low life” feature (Neondystopia, n.d.). As Indigo Gaming (2019) states the cyberpunk genre is a sub-genre of science fiction and this culture were slowly accepted since 1980. More specifically, the cyberpunk genre intends to exhibit and explore the dark, dangerous side and factors of futurism and advanced technologies. For instance, the movie “West world” revealed that the whole society and social class have been radically changed due to an artificial program changed the safe order of those androids, the androids in the theme parks were originally designed to please and serve human being whereas all parks became to a slaughter place when safe order has been changed (Indigo Gaming, 2019). This familiar description and topic is also found in the anime “Akira”. In the future century, Japan government uses human to do the experiments due to they try to control an implausibility absolute power and the experiment finally succeed with a teenager whereas everything goes to different track due to that boy’s wanton uses of power and he does not have sufficient strength to control it. The consequences of the movie “West World” and anime “Akira” are cautionary for our human society and activities. From my perspective, the directors of the movie and anime intend to encourage and inspire people to reflect those consequences and tragedies to real human life and society, and to aware of the power of advanced technologies and development. Several key features make “Akira” a cyberpunk anime. For instance, urban-stylized motorcycles, tragic laboratory experiments and anti-authoritarian (Indigo Gaming, 2019). 

According to Indigo Gaming (2019), this sub-genre reference science literature as it features advanced technologies. However, cyberpunk is more likely to explore and show the dark side behind that advanced development. It evokes people to aware and to reconsider the purposes of technologies as it may use to mask the underbelly of crime or spy on others’ private life while people enjoying its conveniences.

Indigo Gaming. (2019, December 1). Cyberpunk documentary part 1 | Neuromancer, Blade Runner, Shadowrun, Akira. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sttm8Q9rOdQ&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR0ZOnQmyGabIr8FMiM6Lkz-DBE1%E2%80%93cZrqPuIA2StGx-4WIjVmBrOKS9GeA&ab_channel=IndigoGaming

Neondystopia. (n.d.). What is cyberpunk? Neondystopia.  https://www.neondystopia.com/what-is-cyberpunk/