PAPRIKA is very much a film that relies on dream logic and visuals. On these levels, PAPRIKA is a viual masterpiece open to lots of discussion. It starts with a police detective being helped in his dreams by Paprika (the dream alter-ego of a woman who wants to use a dream machine called the DC Mini as a therapy mahcine). Things start to go wrong for the makers of the dream machine when the DC Mini is stolen. People are being attacked in their dreams and it has real world consequences for the people. Reality and dreams start to merge over the course of the anime.

PAPRIKA is one of the best anime out there. I love the story threads. Character development services the story. The detective has nightmares that revolve around an unfinished film he directed in high school which his friend finished in college. Paprika is a wonderful character who is free to do what she wants. She is an outlet and a different side to another character. Paprika isn't restrained. She is the fun one who can manipulate the dream world. One of my favorite parts is where Paprika becomes a doppleganger free of her waking counterpart. PAPRIKA is a mind-blowing experience. Lots of credit go to director Satoshi Kon who made the novel his own without strictly adapting it. The novel's author, Yasutaka Tsutsui, put his faith in Kon and he wanted Kon to do it. That faith paid off with this fantastic visual work.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
TSUTSUI AND KON'S PAPRIKA- making of documentary. covers the novel, hothe anime dveloped, the long pre-production process, voice acting recording, and the premieres of the anime.

A CONVERSATION ABOUT THE DREAM- the author, director, and two main voice actors discuss the film.

THE DREAM CG WORLD- the use of CG to enhance various sequences.

THE ART OF FANTASY- interview with the film's art director.

Also there is an audio commentary for the film. It brings up many things including how females feel uneasy when they hear the music and how non-fans love it.

FINAL ANALYSIS- PAPRIKA is a visual masterpiece that has a dream logic. It's a must see.

this movie review is (c)1-30-2008 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission. send all comments to lord_pragmagtic@hotmail.com  

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