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AKIRA script analysis

AKIRA script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

AKIRA opens with a cataclysmic explosion that introduces a hidden psionic child, setting up a dystopian New Tokyo where military and street gangs collide. A reluctant hero, Travis, navigates alliances with Kaneda and Kay as they confront the deadly psionic experiments and government pursuit. The stakes escalate through violent chases and betrayals until Travis’s powers unleash an all-destructive climax. In the aftermath, survivors reckon with the cost of power and loss.

60 Save the Cat fit score 75% analysis confidence / 38 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / 1% target

80%

The film opens with the devastating explosion in Manhattan, establishing the world’s stakes immediately.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / 5% target

70%

Kaneda’s warning about watching out for new kids hints at themes of trust and fear among outsiders.

Those punks are like that with all the new kids. Place like this, we gotta watch out for...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / 10% target

75%

We meet the destroyed city, the rescued child, and Travis’s arrival at the orphanage, grounding the characters and world rules.

4

Catalyst

Scene 9 / 12% target

70%

The Reapers–Red Devils bike gang conflict escalates street violence and draws Travis and Kaneda into open rebellion.

Smile now, you fat fuck.
5

Debate

Scene 14 / 20% target

70%

After Travis crashes pursuing Thomas, his allies question whether to press on or withdraw, highlighting his internal conflict.

We have to stop. He’s going to hurt him!
6

Break into Two

Scene 15 / 25% target

70%

Thomas’s revelation about Akira’s dream signals a shift into the central conflict of psionic powers.

But this wasn’t my dream. It was Akira’s.
7

B Story

Scene 19 / 30% target

70%

Travis’s hospital recovery introduces Kaori and deepens his personal stakes beyond the street gang world.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 7-13 / 40% target

65%

Travis, Kaneda, and Kay evade authorities, navigate protests, and form alliances amid New Tokyo’s underworld.

9

Midpoint

Scene 24 / 50% target

80%

Travis’s brutal escape and psionic killing of doctors marks a point of no return and reveals his dangerous power.

No... more... doctors!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 25-27 / 65% target

70%

Shackleton triggers alarms and security forces close in as Kaneda and Kay infiltrate the skyscraper to find Travis.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 33 / 75% target

80%

Kaori’s sniper shooting seems to kill hope and shatters Travis emotionally—arguably his lowest moment.

I told you they couldn’t be trusted. This was all just a-
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 34 / 80% target

70%

The psionic children’s silent reaction to Travis’s outburst underlines the emotional weight and uncertainty of what he’s done.

13

Break into Three

Scene 35 / 85% target

70%

As the crater begins to explode, the survivors decide to flee and seize a final chance to stop the destruction.

We have to go... now!
14

Finale

Scenes 31-35 / 95% target

75%

Travis survives orbital strike, destroys the satellite, and confronts military forces in a climactic display of power.

15

Final Image

Scene 38 / 99% target

80%

Akira emerging from the chamber echoes the opening crater image and suggests a new era beginning.