It's very difficult to discuss Perfect Blue without spoiling the shit out of it, and I honestly recommend everyone watch it completely blind. I LOVE media that messes with my head; media that I can't see the direction of. Media that doesn't let me predict it. Perfect Blue is one of the best examples of this. It's an effective commentary on the nature of the self and identity that will leave you in shock and awe for most of its runtime. #Perfect Blue redefines what a movie can be.
Perfect Blue provides a commentary on Japanese society, specifically the entertainment industry, which, from what I understand, really has not changed a whole lot in the 25 years since this movie released. It's a harsh and unforgiving world ready to swallow up the ones who can't take it. The film does an excellent job at portraying this and really sucks you into Mima's world. She's a believable and sympathetic character who is easy to root for. And that's where they get you. As Mima gradually ends up with problems far greater than her stalker and seemingly wrecked career, both you and she will start to wonder if what you're seeing is even real. The collapse of one's identity and concept of self leads to the collapse of the world around them, for the world is yours. It is the subject of your own personal observation. So without a self to observe it... what is left? Nothing? Incomprehensible nonsense? A mess of scenes, like a tv show with its episodes scrambled?
> Nobody cares for you anymore. You’re tarnished and you’re filthy.
The cast of Perfect Blue can be best described as being perfect for the movie. Mima is one of my favorite protagonists of all time, and the cast around her does a great job of pushing her up. Ultimately though, this movie is about Mima, and the vast majority of its 80 minute runtime is spent on her. The only aspect of this film that I feel doesn't stand the test of time is the production. It's... not pretty. At all. Faces have a tendency to look inhuman, even when still, and apart from a couple scenes of sakuga the animation is pretty rough. It somewhat makes up for this with decent directing but if you're looking for a visual marvel you won't find it here. That being said, considering this movie is the work of MADHOUSE during the same year they animated Trigun and Cardcaptor Sakura... it's erm, easy to overlook. If you want to watch something that'll make you think and want to immediately watch it again, Perfect Blue is the movie for you. It's easy to see why it's as influential as it is. Despite its age, it holds up extremely well and remains painfully shocking, relevant, and relatable even today.
