Paprika

Yet another high recommendation that it took me forever to get around to, and just like those before, yet another splendid feature.  Unlike the previous recommendation and quick review, “Paprika” is a brighter and more upbeat film, so there’s a lot less depression and domestic issues this time around.  Which is a nice change of pace after sitting through a very bleak and depressing film.

To begin with “Paprika” is basically what “Inception” should have been.  It’s smarter, more intriguing, has stronger characters and actually does something worthwhile with the world of dreams.  Though, I do give “Inception” some credit for referencing “Paprika” in one of its own scenes.  Bottom line is, if the idea of invading other people’s dreams sounds cool to you and you’re looking for something with a little more imagination than a heist flick, “Paprika” will fill that void.

I’ll dive into the basic plot at best, because “Paprika” honestly doesn’t really seem interested in the plot.  It’s not that the narrative isn’t cohesive or anything.  This isn’t the kind of movie that seems to require multiple viewings to really process, but it is sort of all over the place.  Taking cues from its own premise on dreams, “Paprika” is less a sensibly plotted film and more a surreal experience, especially when it’s not always really clear when what we’re seeing is reality or just more dream.

The basic is that some weird shit is happening thanks to these devices called DC Minis, which allow one to see into another person’s dreams and act within them.  There’s theft, murder and some mild political/corporate intrigue and the title-character and some others gotta figure things out before dreams bleed completely into reality.  It’s a nice little plot with some great character moments and themes and the title-character is just awesome.  She’s not a badass by virtue of her physical abilities or anything, but is, instead, awesome based on her whimsical and imaginative nature.  Her big “Avengers” moment doesn’t involve a cool guy action pose set to the triumphant sounds of a booming orchestral score, no, Paprika is cooler than that.  Instead, she’s falling from the sky and gliding through the clouds.  There’s no kickass action or her doing mad sick Matrix moves while she fights the big bad, nope, it’s just her, gliding on the clouds while an upbeat pop tune plays over the action.  Nothing action packed really happens here or after, but her big “get hype” moment managed to have more impact than similar moments in more explosive and exciting pictures.

Seriously, when the scene transitioned to her falling from the sky and the upbeat music started, I got legitimate chills and had to replay the sequence right after. Not only because the animation during this bit is just breathtaking, but because it’s just so upbeat and whimsical that it’s hard not to get excited as our hero prepares for the road ahead.  This single moment, and the extremely impressive opening, really showcase the joyous and wonderful nature of “Paprika”.  Yes, the movie does get really heavy at times and it isn’t always the brightest, but it’s these moments that the movie is all about.  It’s exciting, surreal, joyous and upbeat in a way that few films really are.

What really sells these sequences is the fluid animation.  “Paprika’s” colorful landscapes are a joy to look at and the character animations and flowing camerawork really lend to the film’s surreal qualities.  I’m not as knowledgeable about animation techniques as I am film, so I can’t comment a whole lot, but what I do know is that everything in this film feels grand.  Similar to the impressive flight sequence in Disney’s “The Adventurers Down Under”, “Paprika” has loads of scenes that soar and dazzle.  It’s a breathtaking achievement and a glorious reminder of just how wonderful animation can really be as a medium.

“Paprika” is just a fantastic little film that excites in ways few movies do and thoroughly captures and represents the nature of dreams.  While it’s all stunningly animated and its lighthearted tone wells you up with all kinds of hope, it also happened to be the last feature by director Satoshi Kon before his passing.  I’m not all that familiar with his work, but based on this, the anime “Paranoia Agent” and his influence on both Christopher Nolan and Darren Aronofsky, I can say with certainty that he’s a man who will be dearly missed.