Unfortunately I am only able to review the dubbed VHS version of Perfect Blue (DVD in the pipeline). There was so much hype over this Manga as it was such a *huge* leap from the average Manga film. It's been a while since I first saw it (and I watched it twice to make sure ^_^) so the only way to do this film justice was to watch it again, so I did. I must say it is a great purchase for any Manga fan, but if you're looking for blood and guts try Fist of the North Star. This is a psychological thriller which centers on the pop idol phenomenon, fame and its consequences on the performer. It does, however,

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include some blood and nudity, but not to the extent to gross out the viewer, these themes are used to enhance the each situation and are stomach churning (try keeping still during the rape scene, it's not nice).

Perfect Blue is set around Mima, a pop idol who's career change to actress takes a turn for the worst. Friends and associates fall under mishaps (and murdered) at the start of Mima's career change. Mima begins to feel reality slip as her day's become blurred and almost inseparable and her squeaky clean image becomes a thing of the past. What is real and what is not become harder and harder to tell apart for Mima (and indeed the viewer) this of course

allows for some awesome direction on certain scenes which pleased me to no end. This leaves the viewer asking 'was it or wasn't it a dream?' - great. Mima's role as an actress is not as clean cut as desired, but non the less she agrees to it. Reality goes out the door when Mima begins to imagine her identical twin who hasn't given up singing. From here on Mima slips into a delusional state of paranoia and danger. The quite disturbing rape is the cue for disaster, yet during the cut and the attacker (stuck above Mima) apologises for his caught fly during the scene which enables the viewer to determine between what is real and what is fantasy.

I

can't say I've seen a Manga similar to Perfect Blue before. It is quite unique (if I'm wrong let me know >_<;). The direction is superb, I can't say I've seen better animation, except of course Akira. The direction is eerie and depicts every scene magnificently, especially during Mima's confrontations with 'herself'. The English voice overs are great especially during the singing at the start. The choreography of the dances is so real it's unbelievable (I tell you this movie got me into J-pop!). The music is great and the animation is above par, this title is very important to Manga as a whole and a stable brick in the wall of Manga, one that everyone should own.

10/10