It's worth looking at Satoshi Kon's work - I don't think he's ever put in an ordinary effort. In Millennium Actress, two documentary film makers visit an aged actress from the Golden Age of Japanese cinema, not only to tell her story, but to explore her connection to the mysterious key that defined her life. Her life and movies blur together in the narrative, with actors/characters playing different parts, and one wonders if her films were all, in a way, about her personal quest. Having the documentarists follow her into memories as if filming them is a great conceit, one that takes on new life when the older film maker reveals a hidden connection to the actress. And of course, it's beautiful. The acting is nuanced, and the there's an encoded tribute to Japanese films of the 40s though the 60s (and perhaps beyond - the samurai film sequence is part 1957's Throne of Blood, part 1985's Ran, for example). The more you know about Japanese film, the more you'll get out of it, but it's not needed to get into this tragic love story and its mix of straight drama and fantasy.
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Comments 1 - 9 of 9
soraxtm
Nice animation, pure corn.Ebbywebby
There is no way this is among the 366 weirdest movies ever. Otherwise, I thought it was...passable.Windill
Beautiful story.Sensitive filmmaking.
Siskoid
It's worth looking at Satoshi Kon's work - I don't think he's ever put in an ordinary effort. In Millennium Actress, two documentary film makers visit an aged actress from the Golden Age of Japanese cinema, not only to tell her story, but to explore her connection to the mysterious key that defined her life. Her life and movies blur together in the narrative, with actors/characters playing different parts, and one wonders if her films were all, in a way, about her personal quest. Having the documentarists follow her into memories as if filming them is a great conceit, one that takes on new life when the older film maker reveals a hidden connection to the actress. And of course, it's beautiful. The acting is nuanced, and the there's an encoded tribute to Japanese films of the 40s though the 60s (and perhaps beyond - the samurai film sequence is part 1957's Throne of Blood, part 1985's Ran, for example). The more you know about Japanese film, the more you'll get out of it, but it's not needed to get into this tragic love story and its mix of straight drama and fantasy.Miss Jitterbug
One of the best anime movies ever! Should definetely be in more toplists!!!Mudskipper
very nice moviecoral_ck
I found this movie so beautiful. Keep chasing!palefire
An earnest exploration of a (young) girl's infatuation. This is unrequited love done right.Culex
One of the best anime movies I have seen. Beautiful animation and story.