Evening all
I've been away from posting for a bit due to illness but I'm on the mend so here's to hoping I can come back more often in the future!
Today we are looking at the beauty that is Paprika.
I originally watched this back in late 2007 and it has stayed with me till this day. So last night I was having a better day and feeling a bit more alive. So as I was browsing for something to do, I came across Paprika on a streaming service I use. The soundtrack for Paprika is a regular on my playlists so I thought I'd have another watch and oh boy did I enjoy it just as much as all them years ago when I watched it for the first time!
Year of release: 2006
Studio: Madhouse
Genre: Avant Garde, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Suspense, Psychological
Film run time: 90 Minutes
Age rating: R
My rating: 9.1 out of 10
Onto the story now.
Paprika starts with the world of dreams and how they can be a window into the mind of the dreamer. Being able to show the dreamers aspirations in life, their deepest desires and even repressed memories is something amazing but also dangerous.
A genius lab tech, Kosaku Tokita and his colleague Atsuko Chiba have been working on a device known as the 'DC Mini'. A device that will enable the user to delve into the dreams of other's. Their hope is to use the DC Mini to explore the deepest reaches of their patients minds with the aim of helping them overcome issues in the lives such as psychological disorders.
As you may have guessed, such a device brings a ton of responsibility to the user, as it is allowing them access to their patients deep and dark corners of their minds. Used in the wrong way, the DC Mini would be capable of out right forms of abuse. Psychological terrorism being the form of abuse would have the potential to cause severe issues within people, from mental breakdowns to full loss of their minds!
The DC Mini is stolen and it is up to Kosaku Tokita and Atsuko Chiba, along with the help of a patient, Officer Konakawa, to find the culprit and stop the terrorist from continuing to use the device.
Now normally I would give a bit more info, but if I do it really does ruin the story and it's a great but disturbing story that makes you go what the fug at times.
The artwork is brilliant, parts are so bright and vibrant that I actually forgot that the story is a bit grim and thoroughly enjoyed the visuals more than I probably should have. The song Parade by Susumu Hirasawa plays in a great part of the film and the visuals are utterly mad but brilliant at the same time.
Here's a clip that shows exactly what I mean, it's bonkers!
Now let's focus on the musical side of the film. It is a work of art, pure brilliance that has stuck with me since I first saw it. Susumu Hirasawa is an amazing artist, and how he weaves his magic is stunning to watch. I recommend you to check him out if you already haven't.
The films kicks off with the track Mediational Field by Susumu Hirasawa. Just from the first few seconds I was hooked and remember getting comfy on the sofa to watch a great movie that I knew would leave a lasting impression just from the beginning of the movie!
I can't recommend Paprika enough, but it definitely isn't for kids, some of the subjects within the film are not kid friendly and may even disturb some young viewers. Heck I reckon some adults would be just as disturbed by some of the scenes, it really is a great film though and deserves all the awards it won.
Produced by the legend that was Satoshi Kon, the producer behind many perfections such as Perfect Blue and Paranoia Agent. If you have seen them be prepared for a similar style and you know what you are in for.
Let me know what you think and If you haven't seen Paprika, what are you waiting for?
Images from MyAnimeList
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