Perfect Blue 1998
“"excuse me... who are you?"”
What is Perfect Blue?
Perfect Blue is a Japanese animated film directed by Satoshi Kon. The film is loosely based on the novel Perfect Blue: Complete Metamorphosis by Yoshikazu Takeuchi.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 1998
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 81 minutes
- Release date
- Feb 28, 1998
- Original language
- JA
- Origin
- Japan
- Studios
- Madhouse, Rex Entertainment, Kotobuki Seihan Printing
- Budget
- $830,442
- Revenue
- $2,743,097
- Genres
- Animation, Thriller
- Updated
Where to watch
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Trailer
Overview
Perfect Blue is a Japanese animated film directed by Satoshi Kon. The film is loosely based on the novel Perfect Blue: Complete Metamorphosis by Yoshikazu Takeuchi. It is a psychological horror film that explores the themes of identity and reality. Rising pop star Mima Kirigoe quits her music career to pursue a new path, taking up a role on a popular detective show. As she navigates her new profession, her reality and fantasy begin to blur, and she is haunted by visions of her former self. Her handlers and collaborators start to turn up dead, further blurring the lines between her reality and fantasy. The film is a frenzied and intense portrayal of a character's descent into paranoia.
Should you watch it?
“A pop star transitions to acting but finds her reality fracturing as those around her are murdered.”
- intense psychological exploration
- striking visual storytelling
- disturbing subject matter
- complex narrative structure
Watch it if you enjoy psychological thrillers that challenge the boundary between reality and hallucination.
This film contains intense sequences of violence and psychological distress.
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Cast
Frequently asked questions
What is the film about?
It follows a singer attempting a career change to acting while facing a series of dangerous incidents.
What genre is this?
It is a psychological thriller.
Is this film animated?
Yes, it is an animated feature.
Does the film feature music?
The story centers on a character who was previously a pop star.
Is the story linear?
The narrative explores a blurring of reality and fantasy.