i didn't like it because i didn't understand it

The film is an adaptation of a much larger, sweeping, complex storyline originally presented as manga in Japan. The storyline suffers from being converted down to a mere two-hour animated feature, thus persons unfamiliar with the world of 'Akira' are certain to encounter difficulty.

The film is noteworthy, however, not simply for its complex and adult tale about friendship, power, greed, corruption, and the redemption of the human soul; its animation, which was ENTIRELY HAND-DRAWN, is considered a benchmark for the period and remains a formidible bar of quality to this day. The film is an early landmark for the 'Cyberpunk' film genre and continues to be a strong influence on present projects. The film is one of several that have brought worldwide attention and acclaim to Japanese animated film.

I suggest you watch the film again, perhaps first having read a summary, either of the film, or its predecessor manga. Also, you might try itemizing your areas of concern or confusion in this forum, and let others try to explain it for you.

I just watched it for maybe the tenth time over 15 years or so. Something keeps drawing me back to it. Can't really say for sure what. The first time I saw it I had NO idea what I was seeing. The more you watch it, you put things together.

As the previous poster said, the animation alone is a great reason to see it. It really is spectacular, and once you know the basic premise, you can really focus on those different elements that make it great. I'd definitely advise seeing it again if you have the time. It's one that takes awhile to 'get'. But as you do, you'll no doubt enjoy it more. A very intriguing film that leaves you wanting to know more about what is really happening.

At this point I give it a 9/10.

Akira, more than any movie I can think of, is one that you don't have to understand to enjoy. The experience in and of itself is one worth having. No matter how many times I see it, that feeling never seems to fade.

PS - If you don't mind subtitles, watch it in Japanese. It's better that way, and you might understand it a little more. Though it is still very enjoyable with the English dubs.

Amoebas don't make Atomic Bombs. Fathom it. In order to have telekenisis, one must have "understanding" of everything. Like God. Imagine "knowing" EVERYTHING at once.