Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
If you are a movie connoisseur who indulges in watching Hollywood classics, then chances are that you have watched Bruce Willis’ films. A name full of diverse films, which perfectly flaunts his acting range, making him the perfect name that bears the title of a ‘Classic Hollywood Movie Star.’
While everyone knows thatDie Hardis the most renowned work of the now-retired actor, there’s another film that has been quite popular to watch.Looperhas been one of the fan favorites, which was another Bruce Willisesque action-thriller.
With that said, fans may be surprised to learn that this film was inspired by another popular anime, which has contributed to the film’s success and appeal to a global audience.
Bruce Willis’ 2nd most popular film had an uncanny inspiration behind it
Rian Johnson’sLooper, which hit theaters more than a decade ago, is the next best thing in the sci-fi genre after George Lucas’ Star Wars franchise. This film is set in a morbid and dark future where time travel is possible, and Joe Gordon-Levitt, portrayed byJoseph Gordon-Levitt, is another target of the mob.
With a humble budget of $30 million viaThe Numbers, the film flaunted theDeath Becomes Heractor in a straight-up action role, which offers his most soul-stirring performances that deal with a man where abilities can transform an individual into a monster.
“The word Pig itself is used as an insult”: Hayao Miyazaki Made a Pig the Hero of His Movie For a Noble Reason
This never-before-seen plot was supposedly new for the Western audience, where they saw their favorite action star in yet another iconic role. However, they will be taken aback as they learn thatKatsuhiro Otomo’sAkirainspired Rian Johnson while making his 2012 film. This was evident when Cid, one of the characters fromLooper, flaunts the gifts of an individual.
The 1988 anime film creatively showcased various instances of how an individual’s powers can slowly transition them into a wretched creature. Despite the two works being vastly distinct, the striking resemblance between the works of art simply can’t be ignored.
Nami Has a Christmas Gift For One Piece Fans, Emily Rudd Shares a Sneak Peek into Her Christmas Celebration
Hence, if we overlook the fact that Willis’Die Hardhappens to behis highest-rated film, thenLooperwould indeed be the perfect title that currently has anIMDb ratingof 7.4/10 with a whopping collection of $170.4 million at the worldwide box office viaThe Numbers.
Katsuhiro Otomo’sAkirarevolutionized the sci-fi genre’s storytelling
Katsuhiro Otomo’sAkirawas released 36 years ago, and even in 2024, it continues to be a remarkable piece of work. Despite being such a vintage work, where new-gen anime viewers would not even dare to watch the series because of its animation quality and being so distinct for its time.
The film, which has been made specifically for adults, where the mangaka often felt restricted because of how limited everything was in the film. Even though the film was made on a strict budget, it silenced the critics by being absolutely flawless, resulting in a beautiful epic film that even got Western viewers hooked on the Japanese art form.
Otomo-Sensei’s movie was a perfect blend of violence, visually alluring, and a complex storyline that ensured it was the best anime film that was made solely for adults. Additionally, infusing technology and religion together in a futuristic world not only brought forward a complex theme but also created a model that featured social evolution.
Hence, even with a not-so-great animation quality like the new-gen titles likeDemon Slayer, JJK, Attack on Titan,and many more,Akiracontinues to feature a work embedded in absolute chaos in the distant future and how it challenges to change an entire genre altogether.
Loopercan be rented on Apple TV; meanwhile,Akiracan be streamed on Prime Video.
Tushar Auddy
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1784
Tushar Auddy is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, primarily covering WWE. He has contributed to anime, MCU, DCU, animation, and TV Series, giving sharp insights and coming up with his own unique theories, which take the fandom by storm.
