From director Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue, Tokyo Godfathers), we’re introduced to a new visual masterpiece, Paprika. It’s set following a researcher named Astuko Chiba, who uses a newly created device that allows the user to enter people’s dreams, and treat them. Chiba uses this device outside of her office to illegally treat patients, under her alter-ego, Paprika. With a thief in their midsts, soon the dream device falls into other hands, and unleashes the dream world into reality, where the two are blended into one, creating an orgasm for the eyes. This was a highly anticipated movie for me, and was very disappointed not to be able to find it playing anywhere around me. I live in Los Angeles - you’d think if it was released within the US, this would be one of the first places it hit. I viewed it through other, non-conventional means. (Shh).

Rating:

Directed by: Satoshi Kon

Staring: Megumi Hayashibara, Akio Ôtsuka, Tôru Furuya, Katsunosuke Hori

Written by: Seishi Minakami, adapted from the novel of the same name by Yasutaka Tsutsui

I haven’t seen an anime nearly as compelling visually or mentally since Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. From other reviews I have read, either someone hates it for being a confusing “psychedelic” anime, or claims to have it all figured out as being a comment about society, or breaking it down to a Freudian pseudo psycho-analytical thesis. I can’t say my opinion can fall under either of the aforementioned.


Although it was an intense movie to grasp all at once, it wasn’t due to it being an anime. I don’t believe I agree with the decisive opinions anyone has made about the movie yet, because I think the message lies somewhere in the middle, as portrayed through Paprika’s experiences and actions. We have the dilemma of not knowing if we’re seeing the movie through Paprika’s eyes, biased by her own characteristics, or if we’re actually seeing events unfold through a third person. I think this conflict convolutes the meaning of the plot, and causes the most confusion. It also creates a tension necessary for such a psychological, thrilling movie.

If you’re a fan of sci-fi/fantasy movies or anime, this is a must see.