Bright characters that made their mark on anime history.
In Satoshi Kon's anime, surrealism collides with real-life issues such as loneliness amidst a crowd and the impact of technology.
By blending dreams, illusions, and psychology, Kon's works often convey poignant narratives about women. His heroines face bullying, stalking, and self-loathing.
1. Millennium Actress (2001) – Chiyoko Fujiwara
Chiyoko Fujiwara was an outstanding actress. One day, her producer and chronicler visited her high-altitude villa while working on the history of her life and career. He brought with him a small, old key that unlocked the secrets of her past.
In her old age, she left the industry and locked herself away, but many fans still remember her bright roles. One such fan is director Genya Tachibana, who is making a documentary about the actress.
Chiyoko happily tells Tachibana the story of her life, intertwining real events with those experienced by her on-screen heroines.
2. Tokyo Godfathers (2003) – Miyuki
In this anime, Satoshi Kon tells the story of lost souls who have a chance at redemption and highlights the themes of growing up and parent-child relationships.
Miyuki, the youngest of the main characters, is the only one expected home. The teenage girl ran away after fighting with her father after her cat disappeared. Miyuki thought her father stole the pet out of jealousy.
Her escape is not an attempt to hide from her old life and start over, but rather a protest and a challenge to herself.
3. Perfect Blue (1997) – Mima
The young singer Mima feels stuck with her good-girl image. She found success as a member of a J-pop girl group, but she grew tired of the short dresses and simple songs. She decided to leave the group to try her hand at acting.
Mima accidentally discovers Mima's Room, an online page run in her name. When the author of Mima's Room shares an exact list of her purchases at the store and describes her room, she becomes truly scared. It seems that someone is watching her.
Mima faces the dark side of the industry: colleagues' and friends' envy, cyberbullying, and mental health issues. Throughout the movie, she fights for the right to make her own decisions and manage her own life.
4. Paprika (2006) – Chiba Atsuko
Brilliant scientists created the DC Mini to cure patients' mental disorders. This gadget allows you to invade other people's dreams or watch them.
Chiba secretly uses the DC Mini during sessions to interact with patients more effectively. She introduces her alter ego, Paprika, into their dreams to do this. One day, however, an unknown person steals three DC Mini devices and uses them to drive people crazy with one obsessive nightmare.
Now, Chiba must not only find the perpetrator and save the innocent but also understand the difference between herself and Paprika.