What features make Akira cyberpunk, and how does it reference the wider subgenre? Link for question 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sttm8Q9rOdQ&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR0ZOnQmyGabIr8FMiM6Lkz-DBE1–cZrqPuIA2StGx-4WIjVmBrOKS9GeA
Cyberpunk is a genre defined by a sub-genre of science fiction set in a dystopian future, usually seen where the government reigns supreme and the opposing side is the underworld that has been corrupted by time and a lack of wealth due to the governments cruelty (Dystopia). The words joined Cybernetics and Punk to make a world that is focused on technology with a nihilistic aura surrounding the whole subgenre.
Akira (1988) is an anime style film set in Neo-Tokyo, set in the cyberpunk genre. The whole film fits into the idea of cyberpunk with the government on top, technology and the ambience of neon lights and techno music all add to the features of the genre. The film shows the idea of corruption and power greed that influences anyone who can get their hands on it.
One of the main ideas of the genre is the technological side. Technology is advanced to the point where people are half human half cybernetics, and the streets are lined with screens and lights, and yet even with all of the advancement the streets are dirty and anyone lower than the high-class government, lives without luxury.
The idea of cyberpunk shown in Akira is that although technology is so advanced the people rise up against it and learn overpower it, showing a darker side to such a neon lit up city and life.
Cyberpunk is meant to get viewers to try to not rely so heavily on technology as even though we enjoy it and how it can make our lives easier, it can also be used as a tool against us and if we rely on it too much we can get swept up and be abused by it.
References: Dystopia, N. (n.d). What is Cyberpunk? Retrieved From https://www.neondystopia.com/what-is-cyberpunk/
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