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Millennium Actress
Anime DVD Review
WOW! The second film by director Satoshi Kon and screenwriter Sadayuki Murai (Perfect Blue), this Dreamworks release is a more complex, subtle, and sophisticated work that is actually the total opposite of Perfect Blue in terms of it's tone. Using the main character's life as a metaphor for the birth, death, and rebirth of the Japanese film industry, the film weaves a colorful tapestry that blurs reality and the memories of a former film star. Kon's skillful direction and subtle use of color strengthen the intriguing story: Chioyoko's memories are rendered in shades of gray, with hints of muted color highlighting the overall composition.
A key scene from Akira Kurosawa's "Throne of Blood" plays an important role in the story, and even "2001: A Space Odyssey" makes an appearance. Half the fun of this film is spotting all the references to other films. Cultured cinema otaku will find their appreciation of this shimmering, spiral narrative deepens with repeated viewings. Millennium Actress has the stylistic sophistication of Perfect Blue with the empathy, warmth and truth of a Ghibli movie. A very powerful film, and one that belongs in the collection of every anime fan.
Below: The level of detail on this film is amazing, just look at the "movie within a movie posters".
Reviewed by Brian Cirulnick, November 2003
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