In Episode 15 Mike Nikolakakis joins us from Tokyo to discuss why Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira might just be the most important Sci-fi movie of the last 50 years. We start by breaking down why Akira's stunning visual style stands the test of time (9:42) and how Akira has influenced pop culture from Kanye West to the Matrix to Stranger Things. (13:11) Later we analyze how Akira's cyberpunk hellscape reflects Japanese sci-fi's unique cynicism and mistrust of technology and industrialization, tying back their often traumatic history with nuclear energy and reliance on technological innovation for their 80s boom. We use these obserations to compare what Akira got right and wrong about Tokyo in 2020. (20:40) Finally, we give our 3 favorite Tokyo hidden bars inspired by Akira, (29:45) our theories on the ending and the iconic last line: "I am Tetsuo" (37:33) and Mike gives us some hidden insight into the eclectic soundtrack that adds to the surreal viewing experience. (49:41)

Links mentioned in this episode:

• If you want to learn more about the music, Mike recommends this video by Cel-Shaded Music Theory

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