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Perfect Blue
Perfect Blue
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Perfect Blue

Perfect Blue

1998
Suspense/Thriller, Horror
1h 21m
A retired pop singer turned actress's sense of reality is shaken when she is stalked by an obsessed fan and seemingly a ghost of her past (imdb)

Perfect Blue

1998
Suspense/Thriller, Horror
1h 21m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 70.96% from 2780 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(2817)
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Rated 25 Mar 2023
95
91st
A captivating, Lynchian mindjob of a movie that pitches us diabolical curveballs throughout. The biggest flaw is an ending that's a little too neat and tidy for what's come before.
Rated 29 Jan 2011
90
97th
A mindfuck of near-unrivaled intensity with intertextual references to gialli and slashers, satire of fandom and celebrity culture and metatextual exploration of the boundaries between diegetic world, the fiction in that world and character psychoses. We share Mima's anguish and are thrown with her into the downward spiral of an ever-twisting story which breeds 'Mulholland Dr.' and 'Black Swan', albeit prefiguring both. Superb direction by Kon. Such a shame that he only got to make four films.
Rated 17 Mar 2009
99
98th
One of my all-time favorite films, not just in animation, thriller, or some other arbitrary genre pigeonhole. This is my gold standard because it is assured in subject matter, theme and moral, while its more mature elements serve the story, not the other way around.
Rated 19 Aug 2018
86
92nd
Beautifully deranged thriller that deconstructs its entire narrative according to some increasingly relevant psychosocial horrors. Takes what it needs from giallo (& Lynch?) while grounding itself convincingly to the world of Japanese ent.ind. & maintaining a strong personal voice. Damn near flawless in its structure as every scene, edit & design choice is meaningful, transformative & supports the whole. I didn't really buy the therapeutic final scene but yeah, this was my kind of fucked up.
Rated 26 Jun 2018
84
81st
I always wonder about animated movies. Somewhere, someone came home to their spouse and kids and when they asked, "What did you do at work today?" they had to lie because they spent all day drawing a closeup of an exposed female crotch. I really liked the deterioration of reality that takes place which means it's time for my annual recommendation of Uncle Kent 2. Nobody's listening.
Rated 18 Jun 2009
4
74th
Creepy. At times it's a bit tough to decipher in literal terms, but in general it works very well as a desperate and paranoid depiction of an identity crisis. The animation itself is not particularly awe-inspiring, but there are plenty of beautiful images scattered about. The film is technically rather audacious, boasting a very complex editing structure to demonstrate the blurring of reality and illusion, but this never becomes overwhelming.
Rated 27 Jan 2021
98
97th
I'm not sure my mind has ever been toyed with this much in a movie. I was so invested and entertained that I watched it again an hour after the credits rolled. Very original, extremely well directed and edited, and exceptionally told. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but everything was unsettling and creepy and strange that I couldn't turn away. I loved every second of it and I'm already excited for when I watch it again.
Rated 06 Aug 2022
100
98th
*puffs on bubble pipe and leans back in easy chair* ... Yo, CHAM slaps! This is a nightmare. It's a good thing the original investors wussed out, this would've sucked live action - those floaty chases guhhhh.
Rated 14 Apr 2014
72
47th
This is why Aronofsky never directed episodes of "Jem and the Holograms".
Rated 20 Aug 2012
4
70th
The obvious highlight here is the editing, which does a brilliant job of blurring the line between reality and dreams, as well as fiction (the primary narrative) and metafiction (Mima's films). I can see why people are quick to invoke comparisons to Mulholland Drive. It's hard to say whether Kon is employing some rather unfortunate anime cliches or commenting on them, but fortunately it's not too indulgent. It's a hell of a ride, though I think I prefer Paprika.
Rated 17 Sep 2011
74
49th
It's anime giallo as Satoshi Kon channels Argento and Bava in this psychological thriller. It gets a bit repetitive at points, but it provides a few surprises and is sufficiently entertaining. The short running time is a big asset, any more of this and it would wear out its welcome. I did think most of the animation was rather mechanical and unappealing, though. Also, despite the quasi-feminist viewpoint, there's an awful lot of rape. However, I enjoyed it more than the other Kon I've seen.
Rated 02 Oct 2010
82
86th
More interesting than I expected. The blurry line between reality, illusion and acting was pretty neat, and I didn't see that end reveal coming. At times successfully creepy.
Rated 10 Apr 2010
83
96th
for a film about identity crisis and confusing fiction with reality, this is actually more coherent than your average j-horror. really well done retro slasher with a lot of relevant commentary on big japanese cultural issues, and some ambiguous arty dream sequences thrown in for good measure. the animation is not high-budget but is really well-directed and effective.
Rated 27 Feb 2021
87
95th
"The Internet? Oh, it's that thing that's become really popular recently, right? What is it?"
Rated 28 May 2021
92
93rd
Selena as giallo anime. Manipulative in the best way, the sleight-of-hand editing adds layers to the narrative and involves the viewer in the delusion. Lends itself very easily to a second watch in quick succession.
Rated 22 Sep 2020
85
84th
Great animated flick for the kids.
Rated 05 Sep 2020
7
84th
I be tripped out by what I just seen
Rated 27 Sep 2018
85
85th
One of the most suspenseful anime films I've watched. Some parts were hard to digest.
Rated 27 Sep 2018
80
72nd
I've always had an affinity for films with shifting perspectives that constantly melt into one another. There is no difference here -- as masterful editing and a tricky use of metafiction kept me on my toes the entire time. The film is an identity puzzle that's fun to chew on, though lacks the emotional resonance of the films it went on to inspire (Mulholland Dr, Black Swan). Kon was a step ahead of everyone else and I look forward to exploring the rest of his labyrinths.
Rated 23 Mar 2015
87
92nd
Hot take: the Mima that won in the end isn't "old" mima nor "new" mima, but a third one. Her problem all along was her inability to contain her own opposing parts: past vs present, expectations vs authenticity, purity vs sexuality, sanity (blue) and insanity (red). Her victory is in achieving a new mode of being: Synthesis Mima - one that contains her multitudes and has gained sanity and agency for it, as stated in the last shot by her being behind the wheel at last and engulfed in blue.
Rated 24 Jun 2011
93
93rd
Grows more and more fascinating as each new layer is revealed, laying every potential reality out on the table for the viewer to decide upon. A masterful psychological thriller. The film didn't necessarily need to be animated, but it might be all the more beautiful for it.
Rated 29 Aug 2010
69
80th
Takes the best giallo elements and puts them though Japanese perspective. The result is really fucked up mind blowing detective story with multiple layers of dreams, reality and imagination. After a while you start questioning what is real and what's not. Very re-watchable.
Rated 11 Aug 2009
85
75th
This movie pretty much single-handedly changed my perception of anime.
Rated 01 Oct 2022
99
99th
Holy shit, the most intense thriller I've ever seen. The spiral from paranoia into psychosis sucks us in through a first perspective fever dream. We never know any more than Mima does, and as an audience we experience the same disorientation and confusion as Mima. It blurs the line between acting, delusion, and reality. Phenomenal editing, some beautiful compositions, and top quality hand drawn visuals. I've never felt so uncomfortable/uneasy when watching a film before, genuine sense of dread.
Rated 01 Oct 2022
92
98th
DAMN, what a mirage dream film which sucks you in so far that you yourself begin to forget what reality is like. This film was the pinnacle for many thriller films like whiplash are made. The animation and story is so perfect that you honestly forget its animated. I won’t lie it is confusing but the story keeps ramping up you dont have time to figure it out which keeps on adding to the ever anxiety inducing soundtrack. Which to add the soundtrack is quite sureal as it fits perfectly to the film
Rated 16 May 2020
82
80th
Fandom, celebrity, identity, and losing one's youth is just the tip of the iceberg of topics covered in Satoshi Kon's haunting depiction of Japanese pop-culture. The film develops into physiological horror as the main character losing her sense of reality, which gives way to some quite shocking stuff. Really impressive.
Rated 25 Sep 2014
95
86th
Strong animated visuals and a quality blending of horror and suspense drive this great, creepy modern classic. I was reminded of Hitchcock, Lynch, and Argento.
Rated 14 Mar 2014
65
37th
Perfect Blue moves way too fast for its own good, and is too discernible where it tries to be confusing and thrilling. I found most of the revelations to be pretty obvious, and the final one comes out of nowhere for the sake of being shocking. The main character is also stupid and annoying. Some cheap animation quality and ugly faces here and there that's far below anything else of Kon's. Still worth seeing, but I like the story concept more than how it's carried out.
Rated 04 Mar 2014
85
98th
#14#, [Unrated version; Original audio], story, ratings, director Kon
Rated 04 Jul 2013
87
86th
I haven't seen many movies that so adroitly weave their themes and motifs into the narrative and aesthetic. Like most of the best stories, this one uses a specific situation (in this case, a pop idol undergoing a career change) to comment on a general aspect of human nature (in this case, aging). It helps that Satoshi Kon did practically everything right along the way.
Rated 03 Apr 2012
60
15th
An overly lauded anime movie that I had a hard time paying attention to, much less following it's confusingly nonsense plot. It definitely doesn't help that a major plot point in the beginning involves J-pop which I have a strong distaste for, and inevitably gets brought up every three and a half minutes.
Rated 16 Dec 2009
90
91st
Fantastic psychological thriller. The animation isn't breathtaking but is sufficient and doesn't hinder the sense of realism. It's short, captivating and terrifying. It really does convey the sense of helplessness, the loss of surroundings and lack of reality that the main character finds suffering. I've heard it compared to Mulholland Drive by Lynch but for me it has a similar feel to that of Inland Empire. Even if you aren't a fan of anime, this is a fantastic film.
Rated 01 Dec 2009
8
79th
A good mind fuck movie to put it bluntly. Despite coming out three years earlier and being animated it does have a fair bit in common with 'Mulholland Drive" so if you like that you may like this.
Rated 04 Aug 2008
80
73rd
Actress in trouble & reality. A bit like Lynch, but I would say more like Inland Empire than Mulholland Drive. Overall a great movie, but there are some little gaps in storytelling: the Real is seen as a reflection in the mirror etc.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
83rd
The film explores a lot of interesting themes about the nature of reality. Unlike later movies that were similar, this movie can pull of its cliches and deceits with lots of style and aplomb. There are some brilliant scenes and one stupid scene, but ultimately, in the end, it manages to keep itself together and finish in a tight and satisfying way. Perfect Blue is almost perfect.
Rated 28 May 2024
80
85th
A very messed up, twisted story with fantastic animation. Sometimes it's easy to get drawn to the confusing, trippy side of it so it can be tricky to tell what is real and what is not and that's a great thing in a thriller like this. Also, perfectly paced and not too long a runtime for the story. Lynch-like feels were had here. Creepy tutu girl is chasing you with an icepick. Nopeee.
Rated 22 Sep 2023
55
57th
bu tarz animelerden nefret ediyorum. çizgi film çekeceğine reel çeksene bunu hangi çocuk izleyebilir. bana bu durum kendimi bildim bileli çok komik geliyor. onun dışında animasyonun konusu klişe bir kişilik bölünmesinden fazlası değil. içerisindeki anlamlar ve atmosferi de başarılı buldum. en başarılı bulduğum da black swan gibi iyi sandığımız filmin bu filmden çalıntı olması, malesef çok sevdiğim mulholland drive'ın bunun konusuna özenmesi.
Rated 28 Mar 2022
55
30th
It took half the movie before it started to actually be interesting but by then I didn't really care anymore. I did finish the whole thing but can't see why anyone raves about this.
Rated 15 Jun 2021
90
87th
Satoshi Kon's feature debut is sort of an anime giallo. It was originally intended to be a live action film, but the move to animation seems to have made it a far better film. Kon uses animation to render Mima's fractured sense of reality in ways that would be very difficult in live action. It allows him to sell the film's somewhat implausible final reveal in a fairly convincing manner. It's really the only film of it's kind, but makes you wish there were a lot more like it.
Rated 30 Apr 2021
100
99th
Had to watch this twice for the full experience, but this is so good guys. The only movies I can really compare this to were inspired by it, so know that this is completely original and unlike anything before it. Give this a watch if you're into movies that fuck with your brain.
Rated 12 Oct 2020
75
78th
Psychological thriller that mingles between fiction and reality. Probably on top-list among Aronofsky and Lynch.
Rated 23 Aug 2020
89
89th
Terrific! Perfect Blue asks the question that we desperately need to answer to ourselves: What happens when we lose control of our avatars when they become an entity of themselves, and they start shaping who we are? ~ People perceiving us in ways that we don't choose and that perception becoming reality. If you take away someone's identity then what's left?
Rated 24 Apr 2020
96
97th
While watching the first part, I thought that I'd be bored and could't finish it but the second part was astonishing! So dark and ominous... I can hardly believe my eyes. Absolutely brilliant!
Rated 13 Feb 2020
70
54th
Mima Kirigoe: "No, I'm the real thing."
Rated 25 Sep 2019
88
71st
ok but what the hell happened
Rated 16 Jul 2019
83
85th
God, if only this were 20+ minutes longer.
Rated 10 Mar 2019
84
75th
This a great psychological thriller. Black Swan copies too much form this film.
Rated 17 Jun 2018
90
90th
Perfect Blue is an intriguing yet terrifying dive into maturity, identity, and the dangers of becoming a pop culture figure. We see our main character mentally deteriorate as scenes bleed into other scenes making the experience like a break-less exercise, showing what great editing can really do to a film. The line between reality and fantasy is blurred to such an extreme that I began to wonder how much, if anything, of what I was seeing was real, only adding to the anxiety-inducing atmosphere.
Rated 01 Jun 2018
85
74th
After re-watch, still equally manipulated and left on an ambiguous note in this psycho-thriller. One theory is not enough for me to conclude what is actually going on. The madness of Mima's character immerses you into this nightmare that almost never ends. Some obscurities that i'll forever look forward to viewing and thinking about again.
Rated 28 Jun 2017
70
77th
f I feel down on Perfect Blue at all it's not because it's an ineffective thriller. In the moment, it works really well; it keeps you guessing from the second the trauma happens right up until we find out exactly what's going on. But it doesn't have a ton to chew on and its ending feels too "Hollywood" for the rest of the production. Still, it looks great and it's more than entertaining enough. It just leaves on a disappointing note and doesn't have a ton of staying power.
Rated 20 Nov 2013
87
98th
Incredible. Unnerving. Eye-opening. I've never seen a film be so real and surreal simultaneously. I wasn't so keen on the whole [SPOILERS] "It was the crazy manager all along!" but the rest is pretty much intense, psychological perfection.
Rated 11 Oct 2013
76
94th
Absolutely immaculate editing.
Rated 15 Jul 2013
8
98th
an animated mulholland drive, prior to mulholland drive, and in some ways even better than mulholland drive
Rated 19 May 2013
90
98th
I'm almost afraid of praising this movie, because I only checked it out of skepticism of the enthusiasm my Kumpels showed for it. But I was promised delicious mind-fuckery, and I left satisfied. And I heartily hope you will too.
Rated 07 Apr 2013
84
77th
Interesting examination of star culture, social pressures and an ensuing mental breakdown. Except for a couple of plot points it's very engaging and well put together. It commits to putting you in the mind of this pop idol turned actress and the slowly consuming break from reality becomes all the more interesting by the consistent perspective. Animated cinematography is easy to overlook, but there are some very well done compositions which combine with good editing to heighten the atmosphere.
Rated 19 Aug 2012
8
80th
Mima the protagonist's high pitched shriek of a voice, big tits and completely clueless nature was definitely off-putting, but other than that this movie plays a clever game of identity crisis. I liked it. The tongue-in-cheek ending made me laugh.
Rated 16 Apr 2012
90
87th
Yet another masterpiece from Satoshi Kon. The amazing illusion that fools everyone, both characters and the audience. Totally didn't see it coming. It's maniacal and insanely fun at the same time.
Rated 05 Feb 2011
90
92nd
If you liked Black Swan then this is definetely worth a watch.
Rated 31 Dec 2010
85
90th
Psychosis, madness, paranoia, lost of identity...Pure genius.
Rated 08 Dec 2010
86
82nd
My favorite Satoshi Kon work, the main characters paranoia and loss of reality is amazingly conveyed to the viewer.
Rated 11 Sep 2010
81
81st
Pretty well-made Anime. The animation is really good and it's a strange but good story
Rated 04 Sep 2010
90
83rd
An excellent Lynchian look at reality, fame, and identity.
Rated 28 Aug 2010
41
10th
It seemed like it was way more confusing than it needed to be, as the disorientation really didn't seem to contribute to anything. Three minutes in, I thought that it was going to go in a different direction, and I was disappointed that it didn't.
Rated 18 Jun 2010
89
95th
A captivating piece of adult anomation. This disturbing psychological thriller reaches a level of intensity that can keep up with the best.
Rated 03 Jun 2010
54
54th
OH MY GOD! I'M FAMOUS! I'M GONNA GO KILL PEOPLE BECAUSE I'M SO DELUDED BY MY FAME! LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
Rated 17 Jul 2009
90
97th
A masterpiece of both horror and anime. Eat shit, Black Swan.
Rated 11 Jul 2009
95
82nd
Worth watching more than once.
Rated 20 Jun 2009
48
35th
An anime thriller so trite it can't be said to have ripped off anything in particular, but violent and titillating enough to entertain.
Rated 14 Dec 2008
50
28th
yay more underwater yelling for aronofsky to copycat
Rated 29 Sep 2008
70
77th
Innovative, unpredictable and chilling.
Rated 22 Sep 2024
60
55th
The decent into madness is rushed and the ending strains believability, but it's still an interesting film.
Rated 08 May 2024
60
20th
One of those twists that’s so dumb and obvious that you guess it in the first few minutes but dismiss it out of hand because it would be too silly and would ruin the plot. Can’t believe people see ambiguity in this; comparing it to subsequent Lynch films is truly deluded
Rated 19 Feb 2024
25
8th
Not a huge fan of this brand of psycho-thriller.
Rated 13 Dec 2023
70
71st
What in the David Lynch… This has been on my radar for a long time. Finally seeing it, I’m not sure what to think. It’s very well animated for its time, the score is odd and memorable, and it’s equally weird and disturbing. It’s also interesting to watch it now and see how heavily it influenced Darren Aronofsky, especially with certain scenes being mirrored in Requiem for a Dream and Black Swan. I dunno if I’d say it’s “enjoyable”, but it’s certainly very well done and impressive.
Rated 30 Nov 2023
80
79th
if black swan was a good movie
Rated 26 Nov 2023
94
93rd
Its either the best or the worst movie I ever saw....I am not sure
Rated 27 Oct 2023
72
60th
I have some issues with this film but overall very impressed by Kon's dark and twisted imagination. There is undoubtedly groundwork laid for the big twist but there are also inconsistencies, and this bothers me. Nonetheless, it's disturbing, impressive, and incredibly creative.
Rated 12 Oct 2023
68
65th
intriguing, mind-bending thriller with a twist i kicked myself for not seeing coming. not the best looking animation, but i'm a sucker for that 90's aesthetic.
Rated 02 Oct 2023
85
86th
Japanese animation has been a blind spot for me for far too long. I can count on one hand the number of anime movies I've seen. Perfect Blue was the first that 100% worked and enthralled me
Rated 15 Sep 2023
80
85th
Solid movie, lovely animation, cool chase, messed up ending.
Rated 26 Jun 2023
92
96th
Profoundly disquieting to watch. A film that feels like you are losing your shit along with the main character, being yanked between all of your personas/identities that exist in the modern technological world: the you that is real, the you created by you as you try to reinvent yourself, the you that is a performer, the you that others create. I'm going to go re-watch Paddington now, thanks.
Rated 12 Jun 2023
86
91st
Animation is not a genre, it is a medium.
Rated 14 May 2023
78
57th
It becomes an entangled mess without making you lose interest. There is merit in that.
Rated 11 Sep 2022
72
43rd
Props to Kon for telling what is ultimately a fairly standard SWF slasher story in a unique way, by utilising the form of animation to more effectively portray Mima's fracturing mind-set, Ultimately seems more derivative of De Palma's brand of Giallo than really striking out in its own direction, but it's still a largely engrossing watch, with the animation design striking at times, and the murder scenes well-staged.
Rated 29 Jul 2022
100
99th
So many ways to interpret this movie and many feel fresh and poignant even today. I like to think of it as a movie about the transition from being a young adult to a full-fledged adult and the psychological damage that occurs when you realize doors are closing, you cannot do everything you ever wanted, and the distance between the life you dreamed of as a teenager and young adult becomes further and further away from the reality that is becoming more clear. Satoshi Kon was a treasure.
Rated 28 Jul 2022
100
99th
Genuinely amazing mind bending film I was entranced the whole way if you know how to read subtitles I do recommend as the voice acting is superb
Rated 25 Jul 2022
90
68th
One of My Favourite 90's anime Films
Rated 18 Jul 2022
6
95th
Sitting on this one has me liking it more and more. A great balance of psychological thriller (the editing of it all really really do be gaslighting you) and warning about intertwining our entire life to the internet. He did this in 1998 too. imagine what the writers would think of what our relationship to the net has become in 2022.
Rated 08 Jun 2022
100
99th
What could easily be mistaken for a trashy stalker-slasher actually morphs into something far more high brow. Kon's script and direction elevate this high above the source material and the original intent for the film, speaking directly into Japanese culture, celebrity culture, the internet age, exploitation, identity, the film industry, obsession... the list goes on. It's a tightly packed and profound piece of animation that is virtually impossible to absorb on a single watch.
Rated 19 May 2022
100
0th
Mükemmel, gidin izleyin. Başka diyecek şey yok.
Rated 06 Apr 2022
90
96th
A mesmeric blend of fragmented realities, disconcerting visuals and social commentary. Some of the best editing I have ever seen, conflates reality and illusion with ease and verve all the while culminating to a deceptively simple finale. Splendid yet trauma inducing animation. Also shines a light on the dark side of fame and celebrity culture and the dissociation of identity someone might feel working under the lime light. Satoshi Kon at his best, we lost him too soon.
Rated 06 Aug 2021
70
45th
7????????????????????/?????????????????????????????????????????…/??????????????????
Rated 11 Jul 2021
100
93rd
when will this "there is no reality" films end?
Rated 23 Jun 2021
70
82nd
Astonishingly relevant & ahead of its time, this movie basically predicted the 2010's & even the 2000's in a way that I'm not sure any other of its time did. It also serves as an eerily true-to-life portrait of celebrity life & specifically Japanese pop idol life- these women are objectified by society & stripped of their selves, just like Mima. It does have a few moments that remind you you're watching an anime in the worst way, but besides that it's genuinely pretty terrific. Worth seeing.
Rated 20 Jun 2021
75
65th
rvw
Rated 26 May 2020
96
80th
kafa yakan bir öykü. Kim neyi yaptı gibi bir soruyla hikayeyi takip etmeye çalışmak nafile.
Rated 08 May 2020
70
38th
An early exploration of the identity- shaping and challenging effect of digital technical traces, smartly doubled by the illustration of an idol as living in a perpetual tension between her synchronised fantasy image and her diachronisation (here depicted by the increasing exposure of her sluttishness), and of cultural industry as relying on both hypnotising effects of synchronisation and shocking effects of diachronisation. Challenging visual style, though a sense of melodrama in how it ends.
Rated 03 Aug 2019
75
50th
Paprika pre-loaded
Rated 07 Jun 2019
89
85th
É um excelente filme de fato, mas eu esperava mais devido ao hype em torno dele. Uma coisa todos concordam: Aronofsky pode ir dormir na casinha do cachorro. BlurayRip no MakingOff.
Rated 24 Dec 2018
100
57th
Great and psychotic film. Reminds me a lot of Paranoia Agent. R.I.P. Satoshi Kon

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