Review of 'Paprika (Papurika)'
From the director that brought us the poignant Christmas story “Tokyo Godfathers” and the earlier, disturbing, “Perfect Blue” is this story of a world in which dreams threaten to become reality.
In the not so distant future psychological therapy is making use of the “DC Mini” – a device that allows therapists to look at (and participate in) the dreams of patients. When one of the devices appears to be stolen by someone called “Paprika” things appear to be getting out of hand – Dreams begin to threaten reality with parades of kitchen appliances and giant walking robots abounding. Why is this happening? Is it Paprika that is causing it? Is she a terrorist? It is up to a Police Inspector (himself a patient using the DC Mini) and the psychologists to see if they can track down Paprika and bring the insanity to an end.
“Insanity” is indeed what we are treated to with this offering by Satoshi Kon. A visual treat is accompanied by a truly compelling soundtrack (one of the few Japanese Animation soundtracks I actually now own) in this wonderfully delightful movie. Lord only knows what the entire thing is actually about (I am on my fourth viewing and I still haven't completely figured it out) but it is certainly…different. I still find it an amazing and compelling hour and a half of viewing…
Rating: “Really good but I have some issues”
Review Date: 2007-12-30
Directed by: Satoshi Kon
Studio: Sony Pictures
Year: 2006
Length: 87 minutes
Genre: Japanese Animation
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0851578/