Let me tell you something about this anime , Perfect Blue is an anime movie that makes you question everything you just saw, this is not an anime where you can easily guess what will happen next, the more you watch the more confusing it becomes, Soon you begin to wonder what is real and what is happening inside someone’s mind.
The story follows Mima Kirigoe, a woman who is part of a popular Japanese pop idol group called CHAM!, Mima decides to leave the group and pursue an acting career, she wants to grow beyond being a singer,but unfortunately not everyone is happy about this decision, some of Mima’s fans love her innocent idol image much that they cannot accept that Mima wants to become something different.
Mima starts taking acting roles, including some disturbing scenes that make Mima question Mimas choices. Mimas manager, Rumi is also worried about the direction of Mimas career, Mima tries to move but the pressure around her keeps getting worse.
Things become more frightening when Mima discovers a website called Mimas Room, the website contains entries about Mimas daily life, written as if they came directly from Mima, The scary part is that Mima never wrote those things.... Someone is watching Mima enough to make it seem like someone knows everything about Mima.
Then comes the stalking the appearances of Mima’s former idol self and a series of brutal murders involving people connected to Mimas acting career.
At this point Mima begins losing her grip on reality. Mima sees the pop star Mima used to be appearing before Mima almost as if that version of Mima is accusing Mima of becoming someone else. Sometimes Mima cannot even tell whether Mima is awake or dreaming.
Honestly imagine trying to live your normal life while wondering whether you are losing your mind or whether somebody is deliberately trying to destroy Mima. That is exactly what makes Perfect Blue so disturbing.
As the murders continue Mima starts suspecting Mima herself. Mima cannot properly trust Mimas memories and the events around Mima become increasingly confusing. The movie cleverly mixes scenes from the television drama Mima is acting in with Mimas life making it difficult for both Mima and the audience to separate fiction from reality.
Now here comes the major twist....
The person behind much of the madness is Rumi, Mimas manager. Rumi has become so attached to Mimas idol image that Rumi cannot accept the changes in Mimas career. Rumi begins identifying herself as the Mima believing that the actress Mima has betrayed the innocent pop star everyone loved.
Rumi is responsible for the website and the murders trying to protect the image of Mima that exists in Rumis own mind. Eventually Mima discovers the truth leading to a confrontation. Rumi pursues Mima. Mima manages to survive and saves Rumi from being hit by a truck. Rumi later receives care.
By the end Mima has continued her acting career. Seems more confident in who she is. When people question whether Mima is really Mima, Mima looks at herself in the mirror. Confidently declares that Mima is the real thing.
For me one of the things about Perfect Blue is how it explores fame, obsession, identity and the danger of people believing they own a celebrity simply because they admire them. Mima deserves the freedom to change and grow, the people, around Mima struggle to accept that.
The animation and storytelling also deserve credit, even though this movie was released in 1997 its themes still feel relevant today with social media, online stalking and people becoming obsessed with celebrities.
My verdict? Perfect Blue is a disturbing psychological thriller, it is not the kind of movie I would recommend to someone looking for an anime night, It contains themes, disturbing violence and sexual content.
If you enjoy mystery, psychological horror and stories that make you think long after the ending this movie is definitely worth watching, just be ready because your brain will be doing overtime!
Rating: 65/100
Originally posted through scrobble.life/anime.
