Film Review: Paprika (2006)

Fig. 1 Paprika (2006) Movie Poster/DVD Cover

 
 Satoshi Kon's Paprika (2006) is a Japenese animation that is based on Yasutaka Tsutsui's novel of the same name. It's story revolves around one device - The DC Mini. This device allows the user to look at someone else's dreams. When such device is stolen from, it is up to the Title character to retrieve it. Through it's complex narrative structure, it forces you to pay attention to everything that is happening, although it will still require another viewing to fully comprehend it.
 

Fig. 2 Paprika

 

 If you're familiar with Christopher Nolan's Inception (2010), then this film will be somewhat easier to understand. However, Paprika is so much more mind-bending and obscure than Inception could ever intend to be. Of course, the fact that it's an animation allows for the dream sequences to be so much more surreal, but even the meanings and structure of said sequences are a lot more unique. We are taken to many different scenarios, where the world is being broken write in front of our eyes. In some instances, they break down the film entirely and demonstrate the characters' knowledge of their existence in the film, as well as in their dreams.

 

Fig.3 Toshimi Konakawa

 

The Film's abstraction is pushed even further through the use of anime and the bright colours that are used. The key events are so magnificently observed and grab your attention instantly. Although there are some moments in which the animation feels a little still and stiff, it does an unbelievable job at creating such a high level of surrealism. Like an optical illusion, it twists and turns the World to it's own desire, with the characters trying to escape and understand it's obscurity.

 

Fig. 4 Parade

Due to the dream sequences, there are so many layers within the film's structure. It wants you to travel through them with the main characters and that is a phenomena in itself. It takes you on a journey which you shall not forget and will be dreaming about for some time.

Personally, I am not interested in Anime films, but Paprika is a magnificent film, with a revolutionary narrative, that makes me want to watch Inception.

Illustration List:

Fig. 1 Paprika (2006) Movie Poster/DVD Cover - https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/5c/9b/21/5c9b215c4b3b1cb16cc64590da7357c9.jpg - (Accessed 21/01/2016)

 

Fig. 2 Paprika - http://read-n-buy.ru/upload/p/paprika_high_resolution_desktop_1280x688_wallpaper.jpg - (Accessed 21/01/2016)

 

Fig.3 Toshimi Konakawa - http://media.animevice.com/uploads/0/3695/315109-paprika_14.jpg -  (Accessed 21/01/2016)

 

Fig. 4 Parade - http://basementrejects.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/paprika-2006-movie-review-parade-animals-dolls.jpg - (Accessed 21/01/2016)