Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Akira

film

Akira

1989

A secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath that only two teenagers and a group of psychics can stop.

Ages 16+Source checked

Why this age? Graphic animated violence, disturbing transformations and injuries, frightening dystopian imagery, sexual material, strong language, drug use, and emotionally intense themes make it unsuitable for younger viewers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age16+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes5/5
  • Violence5/5
  • Death of a character4/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The film does not promote specific consumer brands or product lines.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Multiple important and incidental characters die violently; death and mass destruction are central to the story.

Graphic injury4/5
Why this rating?

Blood, severe injuries, crushed bodies, dismemberment-like imagery, and graphic mutations are shown in disturbing detail.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Strong profanity, insults, threats, and aggressive language occur regularly, especially among teenagers and criminals.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Religious groups and messianic ideas appear in the story, especially around Akira and Lady Miyako, but faith and worship are supporting themes rather than the main focus.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

There is limited romantic or sexual relationship material; romance is not a central focus.

Frightening scenes5/5
Why this rating?

The film contains frightening psychic powers, monstrous transformations, apocalyptic destruction, and sustained dread and peril.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Brief sexualized imagery, nudity or sexual references, and suggestive material appear, without explicit sex being central.

Alcohol or drugs3/5
Why this rating?

Teen characters use pills and other drugs; substance use is tied to delinquency and danger rather than presented as harmless.

Violence5/5
Why this rating?

Frequent, visceral, and intense depictions of combat, destruction, and death.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters confront overwhelming danger, tyranny, and destructive powers, although bravery is often mixed with impulsiveness and violence.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Highly imaginative world-building and industry-defining animation style.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a predominantly Japanese cast reflecting the setting; limited diversity otherwise.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It offers social and political ideas about technology, authority, urban inequality, and scientific ethics, but is not instructional.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Friendship and loyalty appear, but compassion is often overwhelmed by fear, violence, exploitation, and institutional cruelty.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The film explores responsibility, uncontrolled power, militarism, corruption, inequality, friendship, and the consequences of treating people as experiments.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Characters show loyalty and courage, but many also engage in reckless violence, crime, substance use, or abusive experimentation.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Akira would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Akira, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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