Anime Review: Paprika (2006)

Paprika (パプリカ), is a Japanese animated science fiction film, based on Yasutaka Tsutsui's 1993 novel of the same name, about a research psychologist who uses a device that permits therapists to help patients by entering their dreams. It's directed by Satoshi Kon, who has produced other anime like Tokyo Godfather and Millenium Princess.

And it is, no doubt, the most confusing and puzzling animation I have ever seen. For once, I am actually getting a headache trying to follow the storyline. One gets the feeling that the animation was produced merely for the sake of producing an anime on Blu-ray.

The video quality is typical of most Blu-ray animations, not something to write home about. The style of animation is reminiscent of the famous Japanese animations such as Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle, both by Hayao Miyazaki, though very much lacking the finese.

Personally I find the animation as a whole, sadly disappointing. The storyline is confusing at best, and the characters are easily forgettable. The main character, Paprika (which is a spice made from the grinding of dried fruits of Capsicum annuum (e.g., bell peppers or chili peppers) has nothing much to do with her namesake except that she is wearing a red top, and has a saucy demeanour.

All in all, is this animation worth buying?
No, not really...
Should you be getting this anime on Blu-Ray?
Hell no..

2 out of 5 stars.

Where to find it

Visit the links below to read more reviews on Amazon. There are other disc formats available also. Do note the region code for the disc and your player before buying.

Country-specific Amazon links for Paprika [Blu-ray]:
Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.fr | Amazon.de | Amazon.co.jp - DVD