Perfect Blue Genre: Drama Suspense Shouryu's Overall Score: 9.0

Reviewer: Shouryu
Type of Review: General

The cover contains a quote: “If Alfred Hitchcock partnered with Walt Disney, they’d make a picture like this.” Both Hitchcock and Disney are high standards for any film to try to live up to, and Perfect Blue pulls it off, even if not necessarily aiming for such targets. A diabolical, mind-twisting thriller by Satoshi Kon, Perfect Blue is a psychological rollercoaster ride to and from the brink of insanity, brilliantly crafted from beginning to end. Mixing themes dealing with celebrity pressure, otakuism, career sacrifices, regret, and self doubt, the film becomes both a subliminal and overt tale of suspense and horror.

Pop idol Mima Kirigoe knows the path of typical pop idols: burn bright quickly, burn out even quicker. In order to give her career longevity, she leaves her vocal band and embarks upon an acting career, despite disappointment from some of her fans, and the warnings of her advisor, a former pop idol. Her management company sets her first role as a rape victim in a television murder mystery series, and from there begins a downward spiral in which Mima begins to lose track of herself, her character, and the Mima she used to be, the pop idol. As people involved in the television project begin to die in horrible murders, it becomes apparent to her that either someone is targeting her, or she herself is the murderer. Mima desperately tries to find a shard of happiness in her new career, while completely losing all pieces of reality around her.

Perfect Blue is, in a single word, disturbing. Yet, in its twisted, horrifying clothing is a gripping, chilling story that is guaranteed to leave a distinct impression on the viewer, whether it is positive or negative. Mima’s psychological breakdown is masterfully choreographed to the point that even the viewer becomes unsure of where dreams, fantasies, and reality lie. The lines blurred so expertly that I literally needed to finish the film, desperately hoping to find a resolution. Some may not make it to that point however, especially if one watches the uncut version. Although not graphic, the acted-out rape scene is at best, an unpleasant pill to swallow (even if it is vital to the plot), while the violence of the murders may have some viewers reaching for a bag. No matter what impression you get, even if you do not make it to the end of the film, something is sure to leave you disturbed.

The animation quality is of the highest class, with absolutely no blemishes or sags in quality, which is typical of a feature film. All the characters are beautifully designed without having the typical big-eyes-no-nose-tiny-mouth cliché that is common in anime, but instead, a realistic, human look, proportioned from head to toe. The voice acting is of fine quality as well, although Mima’s English actress tends to add a touch more “airhead” quality to the character (but not enough to be annoying or demeaning). The music is a mixed bag that is in no way bad. The background work is well suited to the moods the film creates: confusion, violence, darkness. The J-pop, however, is little more than standard J-pop fluff that does not really stand out. What does stand out is that the happy-happy J-pop sound actually takes on a distinctly sinister and frightening psychological aspect. It should be noted (perhaps as a warning) that like any kind of pop, it tends to be catchy, and as a result, a viewer might easily find themselves humming some of the music absent-mindedly for a few days afterwards.

As brilliant as Perfect Blue is, be warned: it is not an anime for all viewers. This is not simply a “not for kids” thing (which is completely true as well…neither the R rated version or the uncut version are suitable for audiences under 17), but it extends to anyone who might be too overwhelmed by the graphic images to find the complex and fantastic drama underneath of violence and sexuality. In truth, the violence and sexuality are the tools which create the chilling scenario, but it is not difficult to lose sight of the forest because of the trees in Perfect Blue’s case. Still, if you feel you can stomach an eye full of ice pick, then Perfect Blue is worth a watch. If anything, you’ll walk away disturbed.