Paprika is a 2006 science-fiction Japanese anime that’s packed full of intense sequences and unpredictable twists. It was based on the novel written by Yasutaka Tsutsui, and directed by Satoshi Kon. The plot of the film revolves around Dr. Atsuko Chiba and the DC Mini, a device that allows people to access others’ dreams. Despite being designed for psychiatric use, the DC Mini is a device that could be dangerous in the wrong hands, and when the prototype goes missing, Paprika goes an adventure to recover the DC Mini before things go south.
The film presents us with an amazingly and vibrantly animated film that paints a wonderful picture of their visualization of the dreamscape, which is often accompanied by chaotic scenes, which sometimes confuse the audience as well. With the frequent changes between the dream world and reality, the audience may occasionally loose the plot.
Despite this however, Paprika offers an excellent storyline with twists and turns, like the revelation that Paprika is actually Dr. Atsuko Chiba. It also touches on interesting ideas revolving around the relation between dreams and reality that is sure to interest fans of science-fiction plots and anime films.
The film won the Best Feature Length Theatrical Anime Awards at the 6th annual Tokyo Anime Awards in 2007, and later inspired Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed film “Inception” in 2010.
Paprika is definitely a show to put on your watchlist if you enjoy anime and science-fiction films.