---
title: "Perfect Blue"
year: 1998
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/perfect-blue-1998"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 10494
imdb_id: "tt0156887"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 81
community_rating: 8.3
vote_count: 3260
content_rating: "R"
---

# Perfect Blue (1998) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/perfect-blue-1998

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

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.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A pop star transitions to acting but finds her reality fracturing as those around her are murdered."

### Why Watch
- intense psychological exploration
- striking visual storytelling

### Caveats & Content Note
- disturbing subject matter
- complex narrative structure
- Tone & Suitability: This film contains intense sequences of violence and psychological distress.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: psychological, suspenseful, surreal, claustrophobic

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, HBO Max | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Sky Store |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Crunchyroll Amazon Channel | None | None |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Satoshi Kon
- **Networks / Studios**: Madhouse, Rex Entertainment, Kotobuki Seihan Printing

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Junko Iwao** as *Mima Kirigoe (voice)*
- **Rica Matsumoto** as *Rumi (voice)*
- **Shiho Niiyama** as *Rei (voice)*
- **Masaaki Okura** as *Mamoru Uchida (voice)*
- **Shinpachi Tsuji** as *Tadokoro (voice)*
- **Emiko Furukawa** as *Yukiko (voice)*
- **Yosuke Akimoto** as *Tejima (voice)*
- **Yoku Shioya** as *Takao Shibuya (voice)*
- **Hideyuki Hori** as *Sakuragi (voice)*
- **Emi Shinohara** as *Eri Ochiai (voice)*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the film about?
It follows a singer attempting a career change to acting while facing a series of dangerous incidents.

### Q: What genre is this?
It is a psychological thriller.

### Q: Is this film animated?
Yes, it is an animated feature.

### Q: Does the film feature music?
The story centers on a character who was previously a pop star.

### Q: Is the story linear?
The narrative explores a blurring of reality and fantasy.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Perfect Blue — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/10494)
- [Perfect Blue (1998) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/10494-perfect-blue/cast)
- [Perfect Blue (Movie 1998) - Characters & Staff - MyAnimeList.net](https://myanimelist.net/anime/437/Perfect_Blue/characters)
- [Perfect Blue - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfect_Blue)
- [Perfect Blue (1997) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0156887/fullcredits/)
- [Perfect Blue (1998-Japan) - AsianWiki](https://asianwiki.com/Perfect_Blue_(1998-Japan))

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*