I have no idea what I’m going to get from this film. While I was working yesterday I had a conversation with my friend about anime movies that we’ve enjoyed, and some that we haven’t enjoyed. Most of the enjoyed movies came in the form of more recent releases such as Your Name, Fireworks, A Silent Voice, and others (I think all of the Ghibli films were on our list, too).
However, this guy grew up in the 80s-90s, whereas I was born in 1993, so he has ten plus years of anime experience on me. While on the topic of psychological anime, he brought up Perfect Blue.
Now, Perfect Blue is something I’ve only heard of–I’ve never seen it. I don’t even know what it’s about to be honest. All I know is the name, and when I heard it’s a psychological thriller, I figured it was a must-see for me. With that said, I have no idea what to expect or what I’m even getting myself into in deciding to watch this film, but I’m excited.
I’m curious if anyone who reads my blog has seen this film and what they thought. I’d love to know your reactions and whatnot to its characters, their development, relationships, the plot and pacing, etc.
I will say this, though: in my 10+ years of watching anime (I started in the early 2000s when I was like 8-9), I have had trouble watching movies and shows from before 2000. I think I’m one of the only people in existence that struggled through the late-80s movie Akira and didn’t like it very much. It actually took me four tries to watch it all the way through (there are multiple reasons behind that, but that’s beside the point). You can hate me all you want for that, but it is what it is.
So yeah, Perfect Blue. What am I getting myself into? Is it going to be worth it? I sure hope so.
Alex 🙂
Alex's Arena 
One of my all time favorites from one of my favorite creators. It is however…an experience….
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I’m trying to keep myself from searching it online and running into spoilers because I want to go into it 100% unaware. I wonder how I’ll feel after watching, though. My buddy gave me a small plot synopsis, but didn’t give anything away. Hopefully I can get through it in one sitting.
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Oh I think you will. Unusual advice for me, this is a sober watch. Need to keep that brain nimble
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Have you heard of Black Swan? That movie was inspired by Perfect Blue. The difference? Perfect Blue is 1000x better. The film explores the theme of obsession and Idol culture in Japan. Being directed by the late Satoshi Kon means that this is a viewing experience, I will echo Irina and say that this is one you need to pay full attention to in order to best experience it. The visual style is what I’d come to expect from Kon, featuring trippy sequences and unique animation that blend fantasy and reality in a dream-like way.
Of course, I could go into this in greater detail, between Kon and Edogawa Rampo, I know a lot about them and their works but we’ll leave it at that for now. Personal notes, I thought Perfect Blue was his second best film because I liked Paprika (the inspiration for Inception) just a touch better. I have seen all of his works except for Millennium Actress (which I own, just haven’t gotten around to), not that there are a ton of them, but that’s high praise for this film.
Out of all his works I would highly recommend the only TV anime he made, Paranoia Agent as that is truly a masterpiece and my favorite thing from him by far. Hope that helps and looking forward to your thoughts on Perfect Blue if/when you decide to watch it 🙂
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I have heard of Black Swan, but never got around to seeing it. It’s been on my to-watch list for some time, I’ve just never done it. I’m now more interested having read your reply.
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Ah, I can get that. So many things, so little time you know? I’m glad my comment could be helpful and that I could kindle more interest in this for ya 🙂
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