Akira
1988, R, 124 min.
Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, Narrated by , Voices by Iwata Mitsuo, Sasaki Nozomu, Koyama Mami, Starring .

This masterpiece of Japanese animation gets a long-awaited 4K restoration. Adapted by Katsuhiro Otomo from his sprawling, post-apocalyptic cyberpunk tale of government conspiracies, street gangs, and psychic powers that can save or destroy the world, it’s still an all-time classic, and has never looked better.

****½

This article appears in September 25 • 2020.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.