Akira

After Tokyo was destroyed in a mysterious blast in 1988, the elaborate city of Neo-Tokyo was built on its ruins. By 2019, Neo-Tokyo has been divided between a powerful and wealthy upper class and the violent punks and motorcycle gangs who haunt its slums. When the members of one gang attempt to strike back at the arrogant lords of the city, they unleash a wider and more destructive conflict than they anticipated. Neo-Tokyo is destroyed in another conflagration, but a new city will arise on its ruins, like a phoenix from its ashes. It's not always easy to tell the thuggish characters in Akira apart, but the emphasis is on expertly cut motorcycle chases and violent gun battles, rather than nuanced performances. The striking, dystopic designs reflect the influence of Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, an interesting example of cultural cross-pollination. Akira defines anime for many Americans and is the object of an extremely loyal cult following. Uninitiated viewers may find the two-hour length of this animated epic a bit daunting and choose to watch it in sections. --Charles Solomon