Akira Film Screening

Katsuhiro Otomo's anime masterpiece returns to the screen, restored and as revelatory as it was when it was first released.

It's impossible to overestimate how key Akira was in bringing anime to a wider Western audience and the high bar it set for what this style of animation could achieve. It's 2019 and in a dazzling Neo-Tokyo, cyber-punk bikers cruise the neon-soaked streets. But within their midst is a telekinetic child who threatens the very existence of this future world. Otomo's seminal anime, a striking, hyperkinetic adaptation of his own manga, almost single-handedly introduced this form of animation to worldwide audiences. Impeccably detailed with fluid, jaw-dropping action sequences, Akira remains a stunning cinematic achievement. The filmmaker's ability to tap so plausibly into what the next generation might look like, both in scientific and industrial terms, is breathtaking. We are thrilled to present the UK premiere of a new 35mm print of one of anime's masterpieces.

Justin Johnson, Head of Cinema Programme

Screenings at BFI Southbank (NFT1):

Friday 14 August — 20:35

Saturday 15 August — 18:15

Monday 17 August — 18:05

Wednesday 19 August — 20:30

Director: Katsuhiro Otomo | Japan 1988 | 125 min | 35mm | Certificate 15 | In Japanese with English subtitles | An Anime Limited re-release

Find out more info or book your tickets on https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/Online/default.asp?BOparam%3A%3AWScontent%3A%3AloadArticle%3A%3Apermalink=akira-2026

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