Cyberpunk anime classics you need to watch
Cyberpunk, a subgenre of science fiction, is known for its focus on "high tech and low life." It explores the complex relationship between humans, technology, and dystopian futures. Anime has embraced this genre, producing films with rich narratives and striking visuals. Here are five essential cyberpunk anime films that have left an indelible mark on the genre.
'Akira'
Akira (1988), directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, is a cornerstone of cyberpunk anime, portraying a dystopian Neo-Tokyo in 2019. It narrates the tale of Tetsuo, a teenage biker who develops telekinetic powers following a motorcycle crash. This seminal film has had a profound impact on anime and global pop culture alike, inspiring a multitude of works across various forms of media.
'Ghost in the Shell'
Ghost in the Shell (1995), directed by Mamoru Oshii, offers a thought-provoking exploration of identity and consciousness. The narrative follows Major Motoko Kusanagi as she pursues a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master. This film delves into existential questions about humanity in an era where advanced technology obscures the boundaries between the biological body and digital existence.
'Blade Runner: Black Out 2022'
Blade Runner: Black Out 2022 (2017), an animated short directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, is intricately set within the Blade Runner universe. Acting as a narrative prequel to Blade Runner 2049, this piece artfully melds noir and cyberpunk elements. It delves into the deep themes of memory and identity against the backdrop of a society on the brink of collapse.
'Psycho-Pass: The Movie'
Psycho-Pass: The Movie (2015), directed by Naoyoshi Shiotani and Katsuyuki Motohiro, builds on the Psycho-Pass series. It scrutinizes a future society managed by the Sibyl System, a mechanism that measures human impulses to foresee criminal acts. The narrative probes deep into the concepts of justice and autonomy, questioning their place in a world dominated by predictive technology.
'Serial Experiments Lain'
Serial Experiments Lain, originally a 1998 series, has been transformed into a feature-length experience for film audiences. Conceived by Yasuyuki Ueda with Yoshitoshi ABe's character design, the narrative probes into the profound themes of reality, identity and communication. The story centers on teenager Lain Iwakura as she navigates the Wired, an extensive virtual network that serves as a precursor to today's internet.
