AKIRA (MA15+) Presented in 35mm

Akira at The Revival House Perth

In the neon-drenched ruins of Neo-Tokyo—rebuilt after a mysterious explosion destroyed the original city in 1988—teenage biker gang member Tetsuo Shima gains terrifying telekinetic powers after a motorcycle accident brings him into contact with a strange, wizened child. As Tetsuo's abilities grow exponentially and spiral beyond his control, his best friend Kaneda leads his gang on a desperate mission to save him. But Tetsuo has caught the attention of a secret government project that once created powerful psychic children as living weapons, including the legendary Akira—the entity whose awakening three decades earlier triggered the apocalypse. As political revolutionaries, a shadowy military Colonel, and the surviving psychic children all converge on Tetsuo, Neo-Tokyo hurtles toward another cataclysmic event. Kaneda must reach his friend before Tetsuo's power consumes everything, triggering an evolution—or destruction—beyond human comprehension.

Katsuhiro Otomo's 1988 masterpiece revolutionized animation worldwide, proving anime could deliver sophisticated storytelling and jaw-dropping visual spectacle for adult audiences. Adapted from Otomo's own sprawling manga, the film condenses an epic narrative into a relentlessly paced cyberpunk nightmare that never stops escalating. The hand-drawn animation remains absolutely stunning—from the iconic light-trail motorcycle sequences to Tetsuo's horrifying final transformation, every frame showcases meticulous craftsmanship and imagination. The film's themes of unchecked power, adolescent rage, governmental corruption, and transcendence resonate across cultures, while Shoji Yamashiro's experimental score—blending traditional Japanese instruments with electronic chaos—creates an unforgettable sonic landscape. Akira's influence echoes through decades of science fiction cinema, from The Matrix to Inception.

Original format and audio experience of this film faithfully reproduced by The Revival House. Presented in 35mm film unless noted otherwise.

When: Saturday, February 28th at 7:20PM
Where: The Revival House at the Como Theatre
Rating: MA 15+ (Strong animated violence and disturbing scenes)

KANEDAAA! TETSUOOO! Experience the animated masterpiece that changed cinema forever, in all its hand-drawn glory on 35mm film.

Presented by: The Revival House Perth