PERFECT BLUE ****½

Japan: Satoshi Kon, 1997

(Watched in Japanese with English subtitles)

IMDB reference

Satoshi Kon's PERFECT BLUE was a remarkable film which I'm not sure I fully comprehend on a single viewing. Up with the best Anime I've seen without question. Beautiful art work, mesmerising score and strong thematically: expertly playing around with reality and fantasy.

The Count's Verdict: A great film whether you watch Anime or otherwise with a complex but compelling plot full of emotional intensity. Can see the comparisons to BLACK SWAN and if you liked Aronofsky's film you owe it to yourself to give this film the time of day.

GHOST IN THE SHELL ****

Original Title: Kôkaku kidôtaiJapan: Mamoru Oshii, 1995

(Watched with the English dub from the Manga DVD release)

IMDB reference

GHOST IN THE SHELL is both impressively cinematic and philosophical. A compelling story of ideas played out in a perfectly realised Baudrillardian cyberspace.

The Count's Verdict: I agree with the Anime aficionados (unlike my response to AKIRA) GHOST IN THE SHELL is essential to any would be fan of Japanese animation or smart SF cinema.

AKIRA ***

Japan: Katsuhiro Ohtomo, 1988

(Watched with the 'Original English Dub' from the US Pioneer Special Edition DVD release)

IMDB reference

AKIRA begins with images and sound to justify its omnipotence atop of the pantheon of Japanese animation. The opening in Neo Tokyo and the first drum thud as the camera pans into a crater is immense.

However, once the film proper begins and events develop I must confess to feeling a little underwhelmed by it all. The plot seemed rather muddled and any dramatic dimension to the characters quickly dissipates into a script comprising of repetitive shouting of each other's names (this issue wasn't helped by my mistake of watching AKIRA with the 'original English dub' as I'm told it has even more of the kids shouting).

I certainly don't mean to deny the film's merits: the art design and moreover the music are sublime. And despite my ignorance of Japanese animation I'm able to appreciate its historical significane and influence on the genre. Although having finally seen the film I'm left with a sense that several potentially interesting ideas and themes are ultimately not fully realised leaving the film to be good rather than great.

The Count's Verdict: A highly influential anime undoubtedly but merely a good film despite its classic status. Definitely worth seeking out if only to be able to see where modern anime began and how it has evolved - plus that soundtrack is simply stunning.