Kita ze Inbou! - キタぜ陰謀!

Movie Information

ANN Encyclopedia | AniDB | AnimeNfo
Producers: MADHOUSE, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Psychological, Science Fiction
ED: [Byakkoya (白虎野)] by Susumu Hirasawa
Duration: 90 minutes
PAPRIKA | A FILM BY SATOSHI KON | A SONY PICTURES CLASSICS RELEASE

Many may remember that Youko did a review of this film some time ago so I’m not going to say as much as he did since I feel I’ll be saying a lot of the same things he did. So with that said, on with my thoughts!

This was one amazing movie that left me completely awed when the ending credits rolled in. Satoshi Kon made yet another masterpiece and this one is one of my favorites to date. One of his previous works, Paranoia Agent, are among my favorite shows of all-time and a similar feel in that could be found here in Paprika (just like with his other films). Much of that is in part, I think, to the amazing soundtrack composed by Susumu Hirasawa. All of the scenes from beginning to end are accompanied with music that fits the background and the action taking place. This is especially evident in the major chase scene in the movie (which is a common element in Satoshi Kon’s films). The animation, I think, it goes without saying that it’s beautiful and no number of screenshots can do it justice. Everything must be seen in motion to realize how much of a beautifully crafted film Paprika is.

The characters are excellently done as well. Atsuko and Paprika are hands-down my favorites of the entire cast. Though both might be the same woman but each possess a personality vastly different from the other that it’s almost impossible to believe they share the same body. One is quite cold and doesn’t tolerate nonsense while the other is quite carefree and very seductive in almost all things she says and does. The other characters are great as well, especially Konakawa, but these two are the ones that I feel makes the movie shine and shows how complex a character can be.

Lastly, I must say that Satoshi Kon’s imagination and storytelling techniques are above and beyond firstclass in my opinion. As a fellow writer it amazes me how much he is able to pour into one film and then moves on to create even more imaginative worlds rich in fantasy and psychological elements. This is hands-down one of the best films of 2006 and it’s a must-see and very recommended watch.