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Perfect Blue (1997)

Director: Satoshi Kon

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1 review

Movie review

From Time Out Film Guide

Based on a novel by Yoshikazu Tekeuchi, this unusual animé follows Polanski's Repulsion into some fairly grown-up areas: the vulnerability of one's sense of self, the flimsiness of a public persona, the price to be paid for female complicity with male fantasies. Mima, lead singer with a teen-idol group which has had its statutory 15 minutes, as usual submits to her manager's instructions by going solo and taking a 'bad girl' role in a TV soap. But then she finds her private diary posted on the Internet, imagines herself stalked by a slasher movie monster and is harassed by her own shadow double, a malign version of her popstar self. The old Diaboliques question arises: is she 'merely' cracking up, or is someone really out to get her? The denouement isn't very surprising or enlightening, but at its best this works as both a critique of Japan's pop culture system and an effective woman-in-peril psycho-thriller. (The animation director was Hideki Hamazu.

Author: TR

Time Out Film Guide

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User reviews of this film

Sara said...

Posted on Apr 16 2011 17:49 One of the most unique movies I have ever seen. A beautifully done animation to twist your brain into knots and enjoy it. It can be confusing at times for those who don't pay attention. A must see for any animation fan.

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