One of the most influential and beloved anime feature films, Akira, is returning to the big screen this week at Vue.

Originally released in 1988 from the game-changing mind of director Katsuhiro Otomo, this cyberpunk classic helped put Japanese animation on the global map and returns to Vue from Friday 17 April.

Set following the fallout of a third World War, Akira follows a group of rogue delinquents in Neo-Tokyo, led by motorbike toting Kaneda and his friend Tetsuo. Following a run in with a strange boy, Tetsuo is taken by the military to an experimental research facility, leading Kaneda on a daring rescue mission to save his friend. However, a series of tests awaken dangerous powers in Tetsuo that could put the entirety of Tokyo at risk.

With an impressive level of detail and a gripping, dark storyline, Akira has become a landmark, must-see animation for both anime fans and film lovers alike.

Rob Lea, Head of Screen Content at Vue UK & Ireland, said: “We’re always excited to showcase groundbreaking and iconic releases at Vue and, with anime more popular than ever, we’re thrilled to bring back Akira – a film that originally brought anime into the mainstream.

“Whether you’ve visited Neo-Tokyo many times before, or have yet to experience this iconic anime, we welcome you to enjoy Akira as it was meant to be seen, on the big screen.”