When Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira was released in 1988 it must have been something of a novelty; an ultra-violent, hyper-stylised, feature length cartoon for adults. Now re-released in cinemas some 20+ years later for an audience au fait with the wonder of Japanese animation it’s clearer than ever that novelty had nothing to do with the film’s success. Graphically restored and sonically remastered, it’s as staggering today as it ever was.

To celebrate the May 9th double play (Blu Ray + DVD) release of the Studio Ghibli anime classic My Neighbours The Yamadas, we have 3 x DVDs to give away! Competition ends 28 May 2011.

To celebrate the May 9th double play release of Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli anime classic, LAPUTA – CASTLE IN THE SKY, we have 3 x Double Plays to give away! Competition ends 27 May 2011.

Zac Efron to play Kaneda? All is not lost! Is Morgan Freeman set to join project?

October is, of course, a time dominated by ghouls, zombies and good ol’ fashioned frightfulness. But with All Hallow’s Eve not falling until the last day of the month, what on Earth are you supposed to do until then? Well you can stop fearing death by boredom and leave your demise to the demons, because here at Best For Film we’ve leapt on the case and compiled some of our favourite film events happening this month. After all, if you’re going to get shocked by skeletons and mauled by monsters, you might as well have some fun first.

Hyper Japan, a three day “pop culture” event made its way to The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane last weekend. Imagine all things Japanese under a London roof; food, art, gaming, fashion and technology (I saw my first 3D telly!) and you’ve got something a bit like it. But I had no time for Japanese tomfoolery, I was there with a purpose. So I tore myself away from the manga illustrators and Japanese fashion show, slapped on my film hat and went to be wowed (and a bit weirded out) by the joy and absudity of anime.

Over the next couple of months, cinema-going Londoners won’t be able to move for all the exciting events and festivals cropping up on their doorstep. We’ve sifted through the bad, the ugly and that odd Japanese thing in Brick Lane to bring you the very best of what’s happening over the next month and a bit. These are the filmtastic treats we’re most looking forward to…