The 1988 Japanese animation classic Akira blows up our screen — and, of course, Tokyo — bringing us, yes, plenty of yelling, but also plenty of action, cinematic vision, trippy cosmic plot developments, reflections of the state of mind of an entire damaged nation, and a surprising but welcome lack of sailor-skirted little girls.
Viewing note: We’re watching the English-subtitled Blu-ray version, not the dub. Good god, not the dub. Also, in case you don’t know, this cartoon is definitely not for kids.
Oh, here we come with the tentacles … but it’s not headed just for orifices.
Podcasters: Robert, Tim, David, H.P., Joanna
- 00:00 Intro and Memories
- 20:08 Really Rapid Recap
- 22:34 Anime-tion
- 27:25 Cultural Context
- 35:35 Tropes and Sound
- 46:17 Lots to Say, Lots to Show
- 53:39 The You-Don’t-Have-a-Family Feud!
- 59:59 “Brazil” and Bad Guys
- 1:09:24 The Vote
Next Week’s Assignment
They’re heeeeeere — “they” being Poltergeist.
Comments? Questions?
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