Review of Paprika

While being somewhat typical of Satoshi Kon's oeuvre and style, and feeling slightly overlong, Paprika is still a masterpiece of art and imagination. The story is an excuse to explore a deep visual dreamscape that often blurs the distinction between the real and the non. Overall, the story is great, only seeming slightly overlong. Partly, the playfulness of the movie misleads us a little bit and, quite masterfully, Satoshi Kon turns out the story's true message. To any extent, the story plays out well. In part, this is due to the strength of the art. The art is sharp and fluid and, indeed, quite masterful -especially in its interplay between light and shadow. As well, there is great depth, detail, and ingenuity in its depiction of dreamscapes, which truly allow the strength of the art to show through. In turn, this supports the story well and keeps it engaging. The art is, in short, outstanding. Another exceptional area of the film that deserves highlighting is the music.

The music, like the art, is one of the strongest areas of Paprika and certainly shines throughout. Playful, imaginative, strange - and yet quite catchy - musical themes abound showcasing the unusual events of the movie.

Overall, Paprika is outstanding and has only very minor faults. Indeed, it is an excellent example of Satoshi Kon's strength at bending reality and stands apart as a modern masterpiece.