Paprika
Awe-inspiring and beautiful.
Review by Dack

If you've ever dreamed, you've experienced what it feels like watching the awe-inspiring and beautiful Paprika. A film by one of the most talented directors, Satoshi Kon, Paprika follows suit in the beautiful animation and thought-provoking trend set by his earlier films: Tokyo Godfathers, Perfect Blue and Millennium Actress. Having a story that is sometimes hard to follow, Paprika isn't as linear as Kon's earlier works, but that doesn't mean that it is any less unique, containing a deep plot that is possible to be interpreted in many different ways.

In Paprika, a new psychotherapy treatment called "PT" has been invented. Using a device called the "DC Mini", you are able to view people's dreams. The head of the team working on this treatment, Dr. Atsuko Chiba, begins using the machine illegally to help psychiatric patients outside the research facility, using her alter-ego "Paprika", a persona she assumes in the dream world. The DC-Minis are stolen, and now Atsuko and her team must try to find who stole them, who is using them to bring people into a state where dreams and reality are indistinguishable, causing them to become mad or die.

The main attraction to Paprika is its lavish and simply stunning animation. The film's constant shifts from dream to reality result in some bizarre scenes, such as a parade of toys and characters that change shape. You will find yourself impressed and surprised at many parts of Paprika, almost to the point where it could be considered a work of art; or at least one of the most beautiful anime films created.

A film this of this caliber deserves an equally fabulous soundtrack, and that is just what the composer, Susumu Hirasawa, delivers. The most featured song of Paprika, The Girl in Byakkoya, is a fabulous and unique song that fits perfectly with the dream-like inspired feeling Paprika has. Other songs have a trance feeling to them, and wonderfully combine with the visuals to create the perfect experience.

Paprika, a film that is likely to be studied by animators for years to come, is the perfect example of the anime masterpieces being created in Japan, while American animation remains mostly only for children. If you aren't an anime fan, Paprika is the perfect view into the fabulous world many are missing; if you are a fan, get ready for you new favorite film.

Final Score: 4.5/5