Films Worth Talking About Even If Difficult: ‘Akira’

Considered the most influential feature-length anime film ever made, Akira has had an extraordinary impact on popular culture and effectively advanced anime and Japanese popular culture worldwide. The film unflinchingly takes on challenging topics pertaining to political corruption, social unrest, the dangers of unchecked power, and the misuse of technology, as well as themes of individuals exploring identity, power, friendship, and the effects of their decisions. Akira powerfully demonstrated the potential of animation to address complicated and mature themes and became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless films and anime for almost four decades after its release.

The event will include the film screening itself and an opportunity to hear from faculty and staff about the challenging civic and societal topics that Akira raises. Pizza will be available for attendees.