Perfect Blue

Perfect Blue is one of those films that sticks with you long after you've seen it. It's an animated psychological thriller, but calling it just that feels a bit limiting. The movie dives deep into the darker sides of fame, identity, and the haunting nature of the choices we make. Mima Kirigoe, a pop star who's trying to transition into acting, is at the center of this wild ride. You can really feel the weight on her shoulders as she leaves behind her singing career,and it’s like the film constantly hovers over her choices. What’s fascinating is how the story explores the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. Mima takes on a challenging role in a detective show, and soon after,things take a turn for the bizarre and terrifying. As her collaborators start turning up dead, you can't help but wonder how much of this horror is really happening versus what might just be in her head. it’s like the pressure of stardom morphs her perception of reality into something sinister. Does it work? Mostly. The gradual unraveling of her sanity is portrayed with such intensity that you can’t help but feel for her, even when it gets,well, really weird. Visually, the film is striking,blending realistic character designs with surreal imagery. Some scenes will make you feel uneasy,especially as Mima starts seeing a younger version of herself her pop idol persona. That dichotomy speaks volumes about how the entertainment industry can manipulate and reshape identities.

And isn’t that a bit relatable? We all have those parts of ourselves that we feel pressure to hide or change, depending on what society or our careers expect of us. The pacing is something I think about often. In the beginning, it’s almost leisurely, which can feel off for a thriller. But as the plot thickens, you get this mounting sense of dread that grips you tighter. It’s strange because while it feels slow at times, that gives you space to absorb Mima’s emotional turmoil. You start to realize that the creeping fear isn’t just about the murders; it’s also about her internal struggles. It's like the film is saying,"Hey, you think this is just a horror story? Nope, it’s also a deep dive into self perception." Characters are a mixed bag too. Mima is compelling, of course, but sometimes her reactions seem,I dunno, a little inconsistent? Like, there are moments where she feels almost robotic in her responses,and then out of nowhere,she’s bursting with emotion. That’s not necessarily bad,but it made me think about how pressure can change the way someone behaves. The supporting cast has their moments, but they often feel more like tools to drive Mima’s narrative rather than fully fleshed out people. maybe it's just me, but I wanted to know more about them; their roles felt a bit surface level. Then there’s the soundtrack, which is just as haunting as the visuals. the eerie score and songs create an unsettling atmosphere that wraps around you like a fog. Mima’s pop songs play in contrast to the darker moments, reminding us of her dual existence she’s both a bright star and a victim of her choices.