Toonami to Air 'Akira', 'Summer Wars', 'Full Metal Alchemist', and 'Trigun' Movies

LinkSeasonMaster said:
I'd heard of Akira in the past, but it didn't seem like my kind of film. But last night, I saw it for the first time, on Toonami. Wow. Just wow.

For those who have never seen it before and didn't get to see it last night, let me make two things VERY clear. First of all, personally, it isn't the kind of movie I'd normally go out of my way to see. There's little to no humor throughout the entire film, and that's even including stealth puns. It's dark in tone, the imagery is often grotesque, the world and story is unforgiving, and there's plenty of blood and gore. People who know me will probably be amazed that I watched this film of my own volition, late at night, and by myself, straight through to the end.

But second, and more importantly, it's a fantastic film that should not be missed. The themes hit straight home, the characters are all distinct and complex, the use of the soundtrack (as well as silence) is insanely effective, the animation is absolutely stunning, the atmosphere walks this bizarre line between depressing and optimistic and effectively becomes neither, and there's never a dull moment to be found. The story WILL suck you right in, whether you want it to or not.

It really is no wonder that it's credited with opening the anime floodgates and allowing the medium to be introduced to the rest of the world outside of Japan. I'm even seriously debating reading the manga it's based on, which apparently has even more meat on its bones, and as I said before, that's saying something considering my usual feelings for this sort of material. Perhaps it's a similar deal to Fruits Basket, where the anime is still pretty darn good, but the manga STILL blows it right out of the water. But I guess there's only way to know for certain. *goes to add add manga to plan to read list*.

Safe to say I was not expecting any of this when I decided to watch Akira. Leave it to Toonami to do this to me, and I'm not complaining one bit. I may not love it the way some do, but I'm definitely glad I saw it. And even better, Toonami is following it up with my favorite film of all time: Summer Wars. Now I'll be able to say that Toonami has aired by my favorite TV show (Outlaw Star) AND my favorite movie. Toonami, you have my gratitude.

filmftw1 said:

In regards to its animation and music, yes, go and watch it. But in regards to its story... yeah, this is where the original graphic novel, that the film was based upon, shines. I'm aware that the creator of the graphic novel is also the director and writer of the film, but it seems that it's not fully fleshed out as much as the original provides. It's great, but not a masterpiece as everyone proclaims. People should also check up the original graphic novel for the ultimate experience.
Anyway, glad to see that it's finally presented on Toonami. (at least, nearly intact to the uncut version outside of the small bit of nudity edited out) Seen it before so I didn't stay up seeing it.