This ’80s Body Horror Anime Paved the Way for ‘Akira’

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As a cinephile who has spent countless hours delving into the intricacies of various film genres and sub-genres, I can confidently say that “Wicked City” stands as a testament to the boundless creativity and audacity inherent within the realm of anime.

Having grown up in the 90s when anime was just beginning to gain traction in the United States, I remember vividly the impact films like “Akira” had on ushering in this cultural phenomenon. However, it was films like “Wicked City,” released a year prior, that truly showcased the potential of this medium and pushed the envelope of what could be achieved within its confines.

This film is a masterful blend of cyberpunk, tech-noir, and body horror, set in a stylized version of Tokyo where humans coexist with demons under an uneasy alliance. The animation, freed from the limitations that live-action productions face, delivers a visually stunning world teeming with fast-paced action and provocative content that is sure to captivate audiences.

While some critics may have found the film’s content “gratuitous,” I believe that art should always provoke a reaction, and “Wicked City” certainly does not disappoint in this regard. The fine line between artistic vision and senseless transgression can be subjective, but one thing is undeniable – the sheer amount of design, suspense, and stimulation found within this film is nothing short of remarkable.

In a parallel universe, “Wicked City” might have been the one to ignite the anime craze in the U.S., but alas, it was overshadowed by “Akira.” Nevertheless, for those who appreciate cyberpunk, tech-noir, body horror, or simply outstanding animation, “Wicked City” is a must-watch.

And to lighten the mood, let’s not forget that if you can handle the violence and sexual content in “Wicked City,” then you’re probably prepared for just about anything… except maybe a plot twist as mind-bending as one of those regenerating demons!

Japanese animation, commonly known as anime, is one of Japan’s major and widely appreciated exports. Its distinctive style encourages numerous directors to explore innovative storylines that resonate with diverse audiences. Among the groundbreaking anime titles, “Akira,” released in 1988, made a significant impact in the United States. The release of “Akira” opened doors for other successful anime productions like “Ghost in the Shell,” “Ninja Scroll,” and the “Evangelion” series. “Akira” blended elements of body horror and cyberpunk, offering a futuristic Tokyo setting that captivated many viewers, especially those who were fans of other tech-noir films such as “Blade Runner” and “Terminator.

Prior to Akira making a splash in American waters and sparking the anime craze we’re familiar with today, Wicked City, released a year earlier, merged tech-noir and cyberpunk aesthetics with a gripping tale of an uneasy truce between mankind and a realm inhabited by demons. Wicked City, characterized by elements of body horror, sensuality, mystery, and the pulse-pounding allure of tech-noir, ventured into uncharted territories. Initially met with unfavorable reviews upon its debut, it later garnered a devoted following among fans and achieved cult status.

A Cyberpunk City and an Uneasy Alliance

In the visually captivating setting of an exaggerated Tokyo, the series titled “Wicked City” unfolds. On the outside, it resembles the typical portrayals of Tokyo in movies, shows, and popular media. But beneath this familiar facade lies a hidden reality teeming with mystery and the clandestine activities of various agencies. This hidden dimension is the battleground where two worlds collide: the world humans inhabit and an invisible realm inhabited by demons and powerful entities. The fragile truce between these realms is maintained by a secretive organization called the Black Guards, to which Renzaburo Taki belongs. With the delicate balance of power at stake and the treaty between both worlds in peril, Taki is tasked with protecting Giuseppe Mayart, a 200-year-old mystic. Assisting him in this mission is his partner, Makie, a Black Guard member who hails from the demon realm.

In the opening act, the atmosphere of cyberpunk and tech-noir genres is swiftly set. The dominant role of corporations controlling people’s lives in cyberpunk narratives is a recurring theme in various media. In tech-noir, we find the focus on agencies handling advanced weaponry and dealing with unusual adversaries, notably the inhabitants of the underworld who can assume human form. Characters that Taki and Makie meet might pose threats, and due to Mayart’s insatiable curiosity for the perverse, they frequently have to rescue him from the predicaments arising from his interactions.

Style, Design, and Pushing The Boundaries of Extremity

Since Wicked City is an animated production, it doesn’t have the constraints that typically come with live-action films. Instead, it uses animation to its full potential, crafting an intensely stylized universe filled with rapid action. In this way, it explores and stretches the boundaries of adult themes like violence and sexuality in a bold manner. Some critics initially criticized Wicked City for content like this, labeling it as “excessive.” However, these assessments may not fully appreciate that great art, no matter its purpose, should always elicit a reaction from viewers. The distinction between artistic expression and unabashed transgression can be subtle, often depending on personal perspectives.

In the enthralling film “Wicked City”, a blend of cyberpunk and tech-noir styles captivates viewers, but what truly sets it apart is its daring exploration of body horror in animation. The portrayal of flesh manipulation, grotesque depictions of demons transforming into humans, and their subsequent regeneration surpass the usual boundaries often found in animated stories. The complex relationship between demons and humans, as well as the mission of Taki and Makie, forms a significant part of the narrative. The explicit content, be it sexual or violent, serves to captivate the audience and maintain their attention, which it does effectively. By the time the credits roll, even those with initial reservations about “Wicked City” cannot deny its impact in terms of design, suspense, and overall stimulation.

A Remarkable Exercise in the Capabilities of Animation

In a different scenario, it’s possible that the anime “Wicked City” would be universally acknowledged as a benchmark, sparking significant interest in the genre when introduced to the U.S. market. However, the delay in its American release until 1993, well after its initial run and long past when “Akira” had already gained considerable fame, might have somewhat diminished its potential impact.

As a film enthusiast, I found the critical reception of “Wicked City” to be somewhat mixed due to its mature content and striking resemblances to other works. However, I firmly believe that the opinions of critics do not always reflect the true quality of a film. Instead, “Wicked City” is a bold endeavor that transcends conventional boundaries, challenging expectations in uncharted territories. If you’re a fan of cyberpunk, tech-noir, body horror, or anime, I guarantee you will find much to admire within the unique confines of “Wicked City”.

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2024-12-29 01:36