Review of Millennium Actress (2002) by Roberto A — 25 Mar 2008
Disappointing follow-up to the classic "Perfect Blue", "Millennium Actress" is an overwrought, clunky story of an actress who is chasing after a mystery man. The film attempts to make itself a novelty by telling the story as a series of film shoots, with the interviewers in the midst of the action.
The result is goofy and not particularly mind-bending. Halfway through the film I stopped caring if Chiyoko would find her man. Instead, I was cringing at the Japanese cliche of the weepy, wimpy little woman-girl.
Why do Japanese filmmakers hold women in such contempt? Oh well, I guess us gaijin's track record ain't so hot, either. Coupled with "Paprika", this film shows anyone with any sense that Satoshi Kon is the most over-rated anime director out there.
The animation team Madhouse (Patlabor, Demon City Shinjuku) does a stellar job as usual, but pretty art is no substitute for a solid story.
This review of Millennium Actress (2002) was written by Roberto A on 25 Mar 2008.
Millennium Actress has generally received very positive reviews.
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