Akira is one of my all time favorite comics, and although I'm not a huge Manga fan, I loved the movie too. So when I heard it was getting the live action treatment I was exited... but skeptical.
the source material(6 volumes) is being split into 2 movies directed by Irish filmmaker Ruairi Robinson who is making his feature debut. The script for the two films is being written by first-time screenwriter Gary Whitta.
Akira was adapted into an anime movie in 1998, and while it was a very good movie, to say it was unfaithful to the comic would be an understatment! The manga takes place in a vastly larger timeframe than the film and involves a far wider array of characters and subplots. Through the breadth of the work, Katsuhiro Otomo explores themes of social isolation, corruption and power which though hinted at in the movie, are never fully realised because of the running time.
The rumor is that while the manga was set in Neo Tokyo, the setting for the new movie will be New Manhattan! And will star and be produced by Leonardo Dicapprio. This came as no surprise to me because i new that if a live action movie was ever made, it would be completely "Americanised"..but it could be cause for concern because the original manga has so many intricate little details that could only be Japanese. Lets hope they decide to go for a BLade Runner vibe with the movie, thus keeping the Japanese influence
For those unfamiliar with the story it concerns a young biker gang leader named Kaneda, whose close friend Tetsuo gets involved in a government secret project known as Akira. On his way to save Tetsuo, Kaneda runs into a group of anti-government activists, greedy politicians, irresponsible scientists and a powerful military leader. The confrontation sparks off Tetsuo's supernatural power leading to bloody death, a coup attempt and the final battle in Tokyo Olympiad where Akira's secrets were buried 30 years ago.
I for one really hope this movie gets made. Any comments are welcome and Shaman i dont know if your a fan but if you are theres some juicy casting calls there too.
About The Author:
Mark Cassidy is a writer, photographer, amateur filmmaker, and Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic from Dublin, Ireland.