Monday, September 24, 2007 - ANIME REVIEW: Paprika

Wow, two posts in one day! That's crazy! Well, I just watched Paprika, and in the spirit of my new review section, I figured it might as well get a review too. So, here we go!


Title: Paprika
Genre: Psychological Drama
Episodes: 1 movie
Year: 2007

Animation
Alright, the animation in Paprika really is interesting. The actual design itself isn't too out of the ordinary, and will look just like your average anime movie. However, once the movie starts getting wierd, which it does fairly early on, it will remind you of Alice in Wonderland, only with more mature content.

The movie makes use of interesting effects, but they don't show up too often. However, the way the movie is done will make you feel strange while watching it. Scenes that would seem scary to the characters may seem scary to you, but not in the "Ahhhh!" way. Really, there's no way to describe it. I can only imagine that watching this on a home theatre with surround sound wpould immerse you further, and that would truly be something to experience.

The only thing I don't like about the animation, and this is purely preference, is the seemingly old style of animation used in it. It doesn't look like its from the 70's or anything, but it doesn't seem like it was made this year, either. But, I won't deduct points based on this, simply because it is my own preference, as I said.
23 / 25


Storyline
So, now the story of Paprika. Oh boy, where to start. I don't want to spoil it too much for anyone, but the movie seems to take place in a very near-future, and is based on a new scientific discovery. The plot revolves around the theft of some prototypes, and the developing team trying to get it back.

The movie's main focus is on the concept of dreams, and how they can affect reality. It deals with many hypotheticals on this topic, and deals with the philosophical approach very well. It really is an interesting theme to learn about, and you will probably not leave this movie without taking one side of the argument presented in this anime or the other, or one completely of your own. If you can follow the whole thing, you are in for a treat. 
28 / 30

Characters
Characters play a major role in the plot and its development, and more importantly, on the analysis of the main theme of the movie.

The team that developed the new invention are the main focus of the movie, as they try to find the thief who stole the prototype. The other character, Paprika, after which the movie is named, is somewhat of a strange one. The only complaint I have is that they never explain Paprika, which I felt really needed explaining.
21 / 30

Music
The music used in Paprika is top-notch. The opening song while Paprika is dancing around in unexplainable ways sets the tone for the strangeness that is to come. The song isn't strange itself, but it seems to somehow fit Paprika's happy-go-lucky attitude.

Throughout, you'll hear a standard fare of thrilling music, and bouncy tunes, and in particularly fitting scenes, music that will remind you of the opening, but with more excitement. The music just never seems to go wrong.
15 / 15


GRAND TOTAL: 86 / 100

**As you'll notice, I removed the "Suitable Length" category for this review, since it is a movie, and has little relevance. Instead, I added its value to "Animation", which in a full-length movie is usually more important as compared to an ongoing series. I hope everyone sees why I made this change.