Millenium Actress

[dr_tectonic]

We just watched Millenium Actress, an anime by Satoshi Kon, and I just have to say: WOW. It is a totally amazing movie that everyone should see! (We will have more Anime Nights, I swear, and we'll definitely show it at one of them.)

It's confusing at first, because it mixes history and fantasy pretty freely, but that's kind of what it's all about - fiction and memory and how we construct the narratives of our lives. And it's got some wonderful symbolism, and the end pulls it all together. Moving and wonderful and strange.

It's the kind of film that made me wish I'd seen it for a class, so we could have a rousing discussion about the what it all means and then maybe get to read some essays about it. Yes, seriously.

Highly recommended.

(Oh, and it's also completely for grown-ups: it's a drama about film and romance! No giant robots, no tentacles, nothin'. Although I have to admit that Gozilla makes a cameo appearance.)

Here's a quote I really liked from a review I found online: "Tracing the point at which reality begins and fantasy ends is beside the point of Millennium Actress: contemplating the futility of trying to draw that line when it comes to the weight of memory on an individual's psychic and emotional development is closer to the core of Kon's concerns."

Comments

[zalena.livejournal.com]

Hey, I've actually seen this one, and it disturbed me. A) It reminded me too much of a recurring nightmare I have. B) The obsessions of the persons in the film aren't really very healthy. Part of me very much rebelled against the enoblement of that kind of obsession, and pitied the poor woman because she was obviously cursed. (What was it this time, spinning wheels of fate instead of pinwheels?)

However, it was very beautiful, so I wasn't mad about it until the end. I really liked the way things weaved together, and was particularly moved by the part where she's older, but rides the train out to the middle of nowhere to rendezvous with a person who... well, I don't want to give it all away in the comments, now do I?

There was definitely an intensity to the reenactment of the relationship throughout the film and "history." Sometimes our experiences feel like we've lived through them a thousand times and still have to keep repeating them. *Sigh.*

When do I get to see more of Last Exile? If you've already watched the rest of it, I will borrow a television and go rent it from Video Station, or commit more violent acts involving a cutlass and an eye patch. Yar!

[dr-tectonic.livejournal.com]

Well, I don't think it particularly ennobles obsession, so much as remarks upon its power.

We have not yet finished Last Exile, though we've watched quite a bit more of it. How 'bout maybe the 18th?

[zalena.livejournal.com]

So far, so good, but it is the weekend of Jane Austen's birthday, so I hope there's parking for my barouche.

[ocschwar.livejournal.com]

Completely offtopic, how's the weather treating you over in CO?

[dr-tectonic.livejournal.com]

COLD. And we got some snow that's sticking, which means that the roads are fine, but the drivers are awful.

[aadroma.livejournal.com]

You know, I still have yet to see this film -- it drives me nuts, as I seem to be the last person with an interest in anime to see this damned thing ^_-

[backrubbear.livejournal.com]

I really enjoyed Paranoia Agent - I should look into this.

[dr-tectonic.livejournal.com]

And vice-versa, sounds like!

[backrubbear.livejournal.com]

Perhaps. It was an odd series.

There was a spot about 2/3 of the way in where you can't tell why you're being shown the story that you are. It does tie in, but it was hard to see when being shown the episodes a week or so at a time. Even so, I could have done without three of the episodes (or four) in favor of a more tightly woven story.

The series introduction song is one of my favorite anime theme songs. Depressing lyrics (in translation - I don't speak Japanese).

[fufachew.livejournal.com]

OK. I'm taking your recommendation and it is on my Netflix list. It sounds much more interesting when you explain it rather than the Netflix blurb!

[backrubbear.livejournal.com]

Upon your recommendation, I got this in my last amazon.com order. The cost of the DVD ended up being about $9, which was totally worth it.

Thanks for the recommendation!