Country: Japan
Genre: Thriller
Year released: 2006
Running time: 1 Hour 33 Minutes
Director: Satoshi Kon
Cast: Megumi Hayashibara / Toru Emori/ Katsunosuke Hori
Review by: M. Douglas
Date of review: 01/12/08
Director Satoshi Kon’s latest excursion into the realm of cinematic weirdness is entitled “Paprika” While dealing with a Satoshi Kon film, I always go into it with an open mind (as well as an being aware of the “eccentric” nature of his previous outings) and preparing myself what is to eventually come. “Paprika” is probably Satoshu’s most ambitiously and visually stunning film thus far.
“Paprika” follows a group of scientists who develop a device known as the “DC Mini”—a device used to delve into the mind of an individual—to provide psychotherapeutic treatment to patients in dire need. When the device unexpectedly goes missing and is apparently in the hand of a self-proclaimed “dream terrorist” the scientists seek the assistance of a young woman by the name of Paprika—somebody who can understand the dream realm better than anyone else—to find the culprit and recover the stolen DC Mini. This leads into a barrage of ventures into the sub-conscious to discover the true interpretation of dreams.
“Paprika” is an engaging and visually stimulating animated feature film that does not hold back in its deliverance. Right from the beginning, when we are introduced to our protagonists, we are brought forth into the bizarre atmosphere that encompasses “Paprika”. Director Satoshi Kon has never been one to back away from providing the viewer with a strange experience, but he also delivers an introspective look into the subject he is trying to portray. In the instance of “Paprika”, Satoshi bringing into the similarities between dreams and the internet—evaluating them both as a place where the subconscious lies undisturbed by outside entities. It’s this sort of interpretative analysis that gives “Paprika” its pivotal strength.
Overall, “Paprika” delivers an enthralling experience that is sure to please fans of Satoshi’s work. This is probably his most accomplished work thus far, and hopefully he will continue this trend. I highly recommend it.
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Final Score
A
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Popularity: 10% [?]
