Will A Live Action "Akira" Work?
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If you're a frequent reader on this site, then you know one thing about me. I HATE LIVE ACTION HOLLYWOOD ANIME MOVIES! I especially hate it when the plot is dumbed down.
Recently for the past couple of months there have been rumors, speculation of the next big Anime live action "Akira." For those who don't know "Akira" is one of the Anime's that made me into an Otaku. "Akira" is one of the Anime's that made Anime into a household name. Now Warner Bros will take their shot on making this a two part movie for American audiences. Below is the rumored synopsis for the film and rumored stars. Keep in mind nothing is confirmed yet, however based on this synopsis I can tell you I'm not happy.
Possible Synopsis
Kaneda (Garrett Hedlund) is a bar owner in Neo-Manhattan who is stunned when his brother, Tetsuo, is abducted by government agents led by The Colonel. Desperate to get his brother back, Kaneda agrees to join with Ky Reed (Kristen Stewart) and her underground movement who are intent on revealing to the world what truly happened to New York City thirty years ago when it was destroyed. Kaneda believes their theories to be ludicrous but after finding his brother again, is shocked when he displays telekinetic powers. Ky believes Tetsuo is headed to release a young boy, Akira, who has taken control of Tetsuo’s mind. Kaneda clashes with The Colonel’s troops on his way to stop Tetsuo from releasing Akira but arrives too late. Akira soon emerges from his prison courtesy of Tetsuo as Kaneda races in to save his brother before Akira once again destroys Manhattan island, as he did thirty years ago.
Thoughts
Okay I know this is an Americanize Akira and some of you won't like me for saying this. However if your going to keep the names of Asian characters, can we at least get Asian actors? I know there are plenty of Asian actors that will fit this film. It's kind of hard to see someone that's not Asian as a guy name Tetsuo and Akira. Let's talk first about the location it will take place in Neo- Manhattan. I have no real problem with this since this will be an American adaption of the Anime/Manga. However I do have a problem with the possible story. Tetsuo and Kaneda brothers? Really! If this is the synopsis did anyone read the Manga or watch the Anime. Kaneda and Tetsuo are best friends and Kaneda is leader of the bike gang "The Capsules." Where did the idea of brothers come along? Also when did Kaneda run a bar? I know this is just a rumor, but if this is the direction the film is going, from the adaptation standpoint and fan point of view it's failing.
The rumors of actors supposedly being approached to do the film is a long list. First it was Keanu Reeves, but he turn it down. Now it's TRON Legacy star Garret Hedlund as Kaneda that is swimming in the rumor pool, but according to IMDB he's been confirmed and so has Ken Watanbe as The Colonel. My biggest concern is the complex plot, will it be reduced for a wider audience? Will people understand who Akira really is? Also what about the violence level in this movie? I think if this is going to work the movie will have to be Rated R. Let's face it "Akira" is violent, dark and has a great theme that if explored correctly can make this film outstanding. The only way I see this film working is sticking to the source material, marketing it to the target audience, and for the love of Otakus everywhere keep the spirit of the Manga and Anime. An Americanize "Akira" is only going to work if it sticks close to the material, if it goes the fan fiction route that Dragonball Evolution took, then we will see another failed attempt of an Anime live action. What do you think? Do you think a live action "Akira" will work? Or should it not even be attempted? Sound off in the comment section.
Recently for the past couple of months there have been rumors, speculation of the next big Anime live action "Akira." For those who don't know "Akira" is one of the Anime's that made me into an Otaku. "Akira" is one of the Anime's that made Anime into a household name. Now Warner Bros will take their shot on making this a two part movie for American audiences. Below is the rumored synopsis for the film and rumored stars. Keep in mind nothing is confirmed yet, however based on this synopsis I can tell you I'm not happy.
Possible Synopsis
Kaneda (Garrett Hedlund) is a bar owner in Neo-Manhattan who is stunned when his brother, Tetsuo, is abducted by government agents led by The Colonel. Desperate to get his brother back, Kaneda agrees to join with Ky Reed (Kristen Stewart) and her underground movement who are intent on revealing to the world what truly happened to New York City thirty years ago when it was destroyed. Kaneda believes their theories to be ludicrous but after finding his brother again, is shocked when he displays telekinetic powers. Ky believes Tetsuo is headed to release a young boy, Akira, who has taken control of Tetsuo’s mind. Kaneda clashes with The Colonel’s troops on his way to stop Tetsuo from releasing Akira but arrives too late. Akira soon emerges from his prison courtesy of Tetsuo as Kaneda races in to save his brother before Akira once again destroys Manhattan island, as he did thirty years ago.
Thoughts
Okay I know this is an Americanize Akira and some of you won't like me for saying this. However if your going to keep the names of Asian characters, can we at least get Asian actors? I know there are plenty of Asian actors that will fit this film. It's kind of hard to see someone that's not Asian as a guy name Tetsuo and Akira. Let's talk first about the location it will take place in Neo- Manhattan. I have no real problem with this since this will be an American adaption of the Anime/Manga. However I do have a problem with the possible story. Tetsuo and Kaneda brothers? Really! If this is the synopsis did anyone read the Manga or watch the Anime. Kaneda and Tetsuo are best friends and Kaneda is leader of the bike gang "The Capsules." Where did the idea of brothers come along? Also when did Kaneda run a bar? I know this is just a rumor, but if this is the direction the film is going, from the adaptation standpoint and fan point of view it's failing.
The rumors of actors supposedly being approached to do the film is a long list. First it was Keanu Reeves, but he turn it down. Now it's TRON Legacy star Garret Hedlund as Kaneda that is swimming in the rumor pool, but according to IMDB he's been confirmed and so has Ken Watanbe as The Colonel. My biggest concern is the complex plot, will it be reduced for a wider audience? Will people understand who Akira really is? Also what about the violence level in this movie? I think if this is going to work the movie will have to be Rated R. Let's face it "Akira" is violent, dark and has a great theme that if explored correctly can make this film outstanding. The only way I see this film working is sticking to the source material, marketing it to the target audience, and for the love of Otakus everywhere keep the spirit of the Manga and Anime. An Americanize "Akira" is only going to work if it sticks close to the material, if it goes the fan fiction route that Dragonball Evolution took, then we will see another failed attempt of an Anime live action. What do you think? Do you think a live action "Akira" will work? Or should it not even be attempted? Sound off in the comment section.
