Paprika countdown

[baavgai]

Satoshi Kon is the director / writer of a film that will be released to an embarrassingly small number of theaters this week, Paprika. If you've never heard of this guy, you're not alone. His work is not the mainstay of frothing American anime fandom, so he doesn't seem to have the attention he deserves. Let's hope this release changes that, because his stuff is amazing.

Satoshi Kon makes anime that, well, isn't. Perfect Blue is a psychological thriller to make Hitchcock proud. Millennium Actress is an artsy "life of" production that reminded me of Memoirs of a Geisha. Tokyo Godfathers is, quite simply, one of the best comedies I've seen in years.

These films are notable in their lack. They're not the fantasy / scifi genre that's the norm for our beloved Japanese imports. They're almost more suited for live action than animation. And none really would need a special FX department.

Ok, now that all the anime geeks have left in befuddlement... This is the material I always knew was out there, somewhere. Well told stories that I can show people who hate anime and say, look, here, it's just a good movie, you'll like it, really.

I'll try to review all three of the movies I've mentioned before Paprika comes out. Maybe some of the other stuff, too. I doubt the "limited" release will make it to anywhere I could get to or want to be, but we'll see.

Comments

[tashadandelion.livejournal.com]

I loved Tokyo Godfathers. Hey, you forgot to mention the best one of all that he's done: Paranoia Agent (a TV series). That story (well, hard to call it one story, really) is one that has stuck with me since seeing it. Can hardly say that for any film or TV show I see...

Thanks for the tip about Paprika, though I'm unlikely to see it in theatres. :^(

[baavgai.livejournal.com]

Lol, I thought I'd save Paranoia Agent as a final review. It makes more sense if you've seen his big stuff. He's actually admitted PA is a collection of ideas he couldn't let go of from prior projects. This wikipedia link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranoia_Agent) has some fun background.

Since you've seen Tokyo Godfathers, consider the PA episode with the suicide pact trio. I found that one strangely delightful and believe it's one of the spare stories spawned from the three Godfathers' creation process.

[h3salthea.livejournal.com]

'Paprika' is available, just hard to find.

But not for Grimm.

Soundtrack is by Susuma Hirasawa and just loverly...also available.

Susuma did alot of the work on 'Berserk'...series and games. He takes his work from personal albums and just twists is ever so gently to fit the genre of the anime work he is comissioned to work on...really very talented!

He released the base-song of the music on 'Paprika' for free...his words. Check out my link on my LJ to YouTube...neat video, no Paprika spoilers..(it's his 'The Girl in Byakkoya'..original track from album of the same name)

[baavgai.livejournal.com]

It was released last year in Japan, which means the fansubs have been readily available since, well, last year. However, I've consciously avoided spoiling the fun of experiencing it in a real venue.

If they're willing to put it where I can legitimately see it, I'm willing to vote with my wallet. If they don't even bother releasing it to my country, I have little problem watching the pirated fansubs; it's not like they wanted my money anyway.

Susuma did alot of the work on 'Berserk'.

While this doubtless is an endorsement, the music that most readily comes to mind from Berserk is the opening theme. Sung in engrish, it's heavily accented to the point of unintentional comedy. At times, the singer sounds just like Elmer Fudd!

Found it on YouTube! Tell Me Why by the Penpals (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtXEOytFG_k). Singing starts 30 seconds in. Horribly non PC of me, but it still makes me chuckle.