Perfect Blue

Perfect Blue is a mind-bender. I don't love movies that are confusing for the sake of trying to be "artistic," or just for the sake of being confusing. But here, there's a point. The audience is meant to be just as confused as the protagonist, Mima. She's going through a psychotic break due to the pressures of her acting career, her stalker, and a website that's pretending to be her, among other things. We're confused because she's confused. The lines between reality and fiction are blurring because Mima can't tell the difference anymore.

Perfect Blue acts as a critique of idol culture, and many of its practices are reflected in current day Japan as well as in how the US often treats its child stars. I'm no expert in the subject, and there are plenty of reviews and videos that can go into more detail than I can on this. But what Perfect Blue also critiques is how fans treat the celebrities they idolize, and I feel that's still very relevant too. While many of Mima's fans are supportive, many more criticize her for violating her own purity, or for betraying the image they had of her. How many times has an artist or creator stepped out of their comfort zone, only to be berated by those who dislike seeing their content change? How many people build up false, perfect images of others in their mind, only to be inevitably disappointed by the flawed human behind it? I see it all the time, and I'm sure you have too.

If you also have yet to be spoiled on the ending, do yourself a favor and watch it before you do. It's a great twist, and there's a fantastic final act. Be warned that some uncomfortable subjects, such as sexual assault, are covered in this movie. But if you can manage it, it's a great watch.