Old v. Gold 215: Akira

The 1988 Japanese animation classic Akira blows up our screen — and, of course, Tokyo — bringing us, yes, plenty of yelling, but also plenty of action, cinematic vision, trippy cosmic plot developments, reflections of the state of mind of an entire damaged nation, and a surprising but welcome lack of sailor-skirted little girls.

Viewing note: We’re watching the English-subtitled Blu-ray version, not the dub. Good god, not the dub. Also, in case you don’t know, this cartoon is definitely not for kids.

Oh, here we come with the tentacles … but it’s not headed just for orifices.

Podcasters: Robert, Tim, David, H.P., Joanna

• 00:00 Intro and Memories
• 20:08 Really Rapid Recap
• 22:34 Anime-tion
• 27:25 Cultural Context
• 35:35 Tropes and Sound
• 46:17 Lots to Say, Lots to Show
• 53:39 The You-Don’t-Have-a-Family Feud!
• 59:59 “Brazil” and Bad Guys
• 1:09:24 The Vote

Next Week’s Assignment

They’re heeeeeere — “they” being Poltergeist.

Comments? Questions?

Check us out on Twitter (@hiddendeadly or #oldvgold).

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