Satoshi Kon’s world is one that compels viewers to think deeply. This visionary anime director knew his way around evoking emotions through his unique and intense storytelling. Through this listicle, ComingSoon explores four of the best Satoshi Kon movies that have overtaken the world of anime with their surreal plot and overarching characters. With brilliant visuals and profound psychological narratives, Kon takes his audiences on a journey from thrillers to mind-boggling cinematic drama.
Paprika (2006)
Paprika is a thrilling story that explores the private world of dreams. In this world, a huge change takes place, making dreams penetrable. This happens when doctors come up with a new technology, the DC-Mini, that lets them enter their patients’ dreams.
Though the invention is used for the purpose of therapy, someone steals all the DC-Minis and causes chaos. The thief uses these devices to manipulate dreams, control minds, and to mix real lives with people’s dream lives. Chiba, aka Paprika, comes to rescue and strives to repair the damage caused by the intruder. As Paprika ventures to bring the world back to order, the story narrates the challenges she faces as a young researcher.
Millennium Actress (2001)
Millennium Actress involves Chiyoko Fujiwara, who mysteriously withdraws from the limelight one day. Once a renowned actress, she became the center of Genya Tachibana’s documentary. Chiyoko’s story is set against the backdrop of World War II and navigates her diverse roles during her entire career.
Tachibana unveils Chiyoko’s narrative, which is filled with passion, love, and sacrifice. Her volatile journey does not treat her well when she finally succumbs to her tragic fate. However, the journey is one of determination and inspiration that keeps the audience at the edge of their seats.
Perfect Blue (1997)
Perfect Blue features Mima, a newcomer in the field of acting who was a previously a famous popstar. As she delves into her journey in Satoshi Kon’s debut movie, she faces challenges ranging from a stalker to the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. Mima also grapples with her past and reflects upon her decision to ditch her fame in order to start a journey as an actor.
Additionally, she finds herself clinging on to her previous identity and the narrative blurs the line between reality and fiction. The protagonist tackles paranoia and attempts to survive as she struggles to separate the two. Perfect Blue is one of the best movies for audience looking for psychological thrillers, and it is undoubtedly one of Satoshi Kon’s top films.
Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
Gin, Hana, and Miyuki have remarkable pasts, and Tokyo Godfathers is a story of their lives. The narrative unfolds as the three characters discover an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve. To see an alcoholic gambler, a former drag queen, and a runaway teen team up and return the baby to her parents is surely a treat for the audience!
The journey that awaits the three rescuers reveals things that they did not expect. In that way, they come face-to-face with their pasts and find their way through Tokyo’s harsh truths. As such, this tale of comedy and tragedy makes the movie one of the best Satoshi Kon movies.
Special mention: Paranoia Agent (TV series)
Paranoia Agent ventures into Lil’ Slugger and the havoc he wreaks on society as he plagues Musashino in Tokyo. When Lil’ Slugger targets Tsukiko Sagi, two detectives team up to reveal the secrets behind the assailant’s identity. Moreover, his assaults strangely improve the life of his victims, thereby adding mystery to his character.
Things take a strange turn when Lil’ Slugger’s identity comes out in the open. Thus, this psychological thriller gives exposure to a world where reality meets fiction, and the combination causes huge commotion.