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Similarities between BR and Akira

PostPosted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 8:47 pm
by Kaneda
Well, this is my first post, so I figured I'd post something interesting from a previous thread I started on imdb.

Most people familiar with Akira know about its comparison to Blade Runner. But I've found lots of interesting similarites besides the common atmosphere. Examples are:

*Blade Runner takes place after World War Terminus.
*Akira takes place after World War III.
*BR takes place in 2019, although the date varies with the workprint and novel.
*AK takes place in 2019, but the dates vary with each version of the manga.
*BR features a character named Roy.
*AK's streamline dub has a character named Roy.
*BR's police spinner has a distinctive lighting.
*AK's hover platforms have a distinctive lighting.
*BR has a photo-analyzing device called an Esper.
*AK has a group of psychic children called the Espers.
*BR novel makes mention of something named Sol (can't remember right now)
*AK has a weapons satellite called Sol.
*Both stories are about man misusing power. BR-man creates machine for slavery. AK-man wants psychics for military purposes.
*Japanese culture plays a part in the atmosphere of both films.
*Both films have different versions that are of differing opinion. BR has a theatrical cut, a director's cut, and the workprint (which few have seen, but those who have say its the best). AK has a Japanese, Streamline English dub, and a new English dub.
*BR features a 1940's style song called "One More Kiss Dear"
*AK features a 1940's style song called "Tokyo Shoe Shine Boy"

PostPosted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 2:52 am
by Centauro
Welcome to the BladeZone forums, Kaneda! Some of those similarities I had noticed, many I didn't (long time since I watched Akira), but it is clear that some of them are a direct homage to Blade Runner, like that building that looks just like the BR LAPD HQ.

PostPosted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 1:30 pm
by BR12819
dont forget visually both films are very similar escpecially the opening sequences