Transcription: Film Review on Paprika (2006)

Fig.1: Film Poster

 Director: Satoshi Kon

Producer: Masao Takiyama

Year: 2006
Country: Japan

Filmmakers have always been fascinated by dreams and hallucinations, psychological states that are universal and remain enigmatic. Satoshi Kon's Paprika (2006) is a fascinating journey to the dream universe, a place where our craziest visions come to life inspired by our experiences that take place in our real life. It is a great example of Japanese, surreal imagery and a real animated masterpiece. 

Fig.2: Paprika

The film is set to the  future where great technological advancements enable psychotherapists to enter their patients dreams with the help of a device called DC Mini.Three of the devices were stolen with one of the technicians involved becoming a suspect.The team that got together for its recovery involves Tokita, the giant scientist that contributed to its creation, the professional Dr. Atsuko Chiba and detective Konakawa whose past has left him with bizarre dreams. The team takes the risk to enter nightmares which emerge into the real world and delusions disintegrate causing patients to become victims of their own dream worlds and as  Justin Sevakis suggested:  "Dreams are a potentially happy thing, and those who have been subverted by the “psycho-terrorist” are almost drunk on the possibilities of this new world that has none of reality's rules." (2006.Sevakis) This postmodern twist to the film raises questions like the link between dreams and reality, a subject matter which remains mundane every day magic. 

Possibly the most interesting trait of the film is the connection between Dr. Atsuko and Paprika, a young and energetic therapist who plays the role of Atsuko's alter ego when she enters the dream world of her patients. The relationship between the two characters is expressed in the most subtle way which is almost subconscious, communicating trough reflections. These reflections signify the films postmodern nature, the ability of reflecting upon your own nature and self recognition.(Fig.3)

Fig.3: Atsuko's self reflection.

 An other interesting issue that Satoshi Kon raises in the film is the link between dreams and cinema. Konakawa's dreams were similar to action films which suggests the influence our dreams can have from visuals we are bombarded by daily from the media.

Of course, what is Paprika worth talking about it its visuals. Kon's directory is oddly playful, full of action and weird viewpoints through the characters' eyes.. The colours, the detail and cinematic style of the animation is a real treat for every film lover, a rich visual eye candy.

Fig.4: Dreams merged together.

Paprika is, other than a very successful film in its visual aspect, an interesting examination of how dreams and movies can have impact on one's life. It is a film well worth watching, which will not dissapoint any anime or film lover.

Bibliography

Sevakis, Justin (2006) Film Review At: http://www.animenewsnetwork.co.uk/review/paprika (accessed on 17/2/2012)

List of Illustrations

Fig.1: Film Poster At: http://ca.isohunt.com/release/Film+Paprika+Di+Tinto+Bras (accessed on 16/2/2012)

Fig.2: Paprika  At: http://alloveralbany.com/archive/2011/07/31/the-week-ahead-38 (accessed on 16/2/2012)
Fig.3: Atsuko's reflections At: http://tedpigeon.blogspot.com/2008/01/hidden-gems-of-genre.html  (accessed on 16/2/2012)

Fig.4: Dreams merged together http://ohcoolyailikethat.blogspot.com/ (accessed on 16/2/2012)