This review reportedly contains spoilers. I can handle the truth.

Wow. Satoshi Kon made some truly beautiful films in his career before his untimely death in 2010. As with 'Paprika' and 'Perfect Blue', 'Millennium Actress' blurs the line between reality and fantasy to tell a touching and memorable story of a documentary filmmaker investigating the life of a reclusive, elderly actress. She consents to an interview, which explores her extraordinary life.

Interestingly, the actress is based on Setsuko Hara, famous for her work in Yasujirō Ozu's 'Late Spring' and 'Tokyo Story', both of which I have watched just recently. Known as a symbol of the golden era of Japanese cinema in the 1950's, she quit acting the same year as Ozu's death and has since led a secluded life in Kamakura, refusing all interviews.

Another wonderful piece of animation and cinema from Satoshi Kon that's absolutely magical from minute 1 to minute 87. The film is simple in its content but incredibly rich in its form. It's accessible to both young and old and it hits all the right spots emotionally. It is an incredible joy to watch with all of its stunning visuals, charming characters and its simple but captivating storyline. What's also admirable is that the film is essentially an homage to Japanese cinema and art. The film is riddled with dozens of references to highly influential films, iconic characters and remarkable shots from the past. Most notably the Godzilla series, Kurosawa's Throne of Blood and Hokusai's 36 Views of Mount Fuji and other paintings from that period. Highly recommended.

Beautiful Anime from master director Satoshi Kon about a film crew making a documentry about a retired actress. They find out she met a mysterious man when she was young who gives her a key to protect as he flees the law, and how her life paralells her films in trying to track down the keyholder.

A wonderful tribute to Japan's cinema of the past.

STEREOGRAM.

Satoshi Kon at his very best.

This review reportedly contains spoilers. I can handle the truth.

The only reason I give this film a 4 is because I haven't watched it in years, but I remember distinctly that I loved it when I did. I want to rewatch it before jumping to conclusions.

I didn't enjoy this as much as Perfect Blue, but people tell me it is a better movie.

Another wonderful piece of animation and cinema from Satoshi Kon that's absolutely magical from minute 1 to minute 87. The film is simple in its content but incredibly rich in its form. It's accessible to both young and old and it hits all the right spots emotionally. It is an incredible joy to watch with all of its stunning visuals, charming characters and its simple but captivating storyline. What's also admirable is that the film is essentially an homage to Japanese cinema and art. The film is riddled with dozens of references to highly influential films, iconic characters and remarkable shots from the past. Most notably the Godzilla series, Kurosawa's Throne of Blood and Hokusai's 36 Views of Mount Fuji and other paintings from that period. Highly recommended.

Wow. Satoshi Kon made some truly beautiful films in his career before his untimely death in 2010. As with 'Paprika' and 'Perfect Blue', 'Millennium Actress' blurs the line between reality and fantasy to tell a touching and memorable story of a documentary filmmaker investigating the life of a reclusive, elderly actress. She consents to an interview, which explores her extraordinary life.

Interestingly, the actress is based on Setsuko Hara, famous for her work in Yasujirō Ozu's 'Late Spring' and 'Tokyo Story', both of which I have watched just recently. Known as a symbol of the golden era of Japanese cinema in the 1950's, she quit acting the same year as Ozu's death and has since led a secluded life in Kamakura, refusing all interviews.

This review reportedly contains spoilers. I can handle the truth.