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brendalaI finally got around to watching the copy of Satoshi Kon's Paprika that I got for Christmas and it's awesome. I went in not knowing if I would like it because it has a plot centered on dreams; which typically means you're getting a pretentious mindfu*k movie. And I HATE pretentious mindfu*k stories (Evangelion, I'm looking at you). Thankfully that wasn't the case.
It's hard to describe the plot without giving anything away. So all I'm going to say is that the whole "dream invasion" concept is handled very well. And the characters are great, too.
The dub version had a neat surprise. In this movie, Yuri Lowenthal FINALLY breaks out of the "leading teenage hero" rut that he's been stuck in for the past couple of years and plays a character that is...very different that the type he always plays. I actually didn't know it was him until I checked the credits. Seriously, if the guy did more stuff like this, the internet wouldn't be full of angry dub fans insisting he take a damned vacation (or retire).
After seeing all of Satoshi Kon's movies, I'm going on record and saying that it's terribly unfair that Hayao Miyazaki gets all the mainstream attention (and John Lassester man love) while only hardcore otaku and a few film buffs know who Kon is. Miyazaki is great. But Kon is equally skilled and could very easily surpass him one day.
In short, if you're in the mood for an original, fun ride; pick this movie up. Even if you don't like the story, the amazing visuals and animation will make up for it. Just keep in mind that the movie has some nudity and violence (just in case that sort of thing squicks you out).
It's hard to describe the plot without giving anything away. So all I'm going to say is that the whole "dream invasion" concept is handled very well. And the characters are great, too.
The dub version had a neat surprise. In this movie, Yuri Lowenthal FINALLY breaks out of the "leading teenage hero" rut that he's been stuck in for the past couple of years and plays a character that is...very different that the type he always plays. I actually didn't know it was him until I checked the credits. Seriously, if the guy did more stuff like this, the internet wouldn't be full of angry dub fans insisting he take a damned vacation (or retire).
After seeing all of Satoshi Kon's movies, I'm going on record and saying that it's terribly unfair that Hayao Miyazaki gets all the mainstream attention (and John Lassester man love) while only hardcore otaku and a few film buffs know who Kon is. Miyazaki is great. But Kon is equally skilled and could very easily surpass him one day.
In short, if you're in the mood for an original, fun ride; pick this movie up. Even if you don't like the story, the amazing visuals and animation will make up for it. Just keep in mind that the movie has some nudity and violence (just in case that sort of thing squicks you out).
