RIP Satoshi Kon ( dang )

As wonderful as Paprika is, Millenium Actress is the Kon movie for me.

Its a magical realist love letter to Japanese cinema. While it is among the best anime ever made, what it really rewards is a love for the classic live-action films of Kurosawa, Ozu, Mizoguchi and Kobayashi.

Heck, there's even a scene set in the Taisho era where the color palate reflects the hot pinks and greens of the new German aniline dyes which were being introduced as Ukiyo-e gave way to the Shin Hanga. Its a subtle touch, unnoticeable to those who don't follow the convergence of art and history in Japan. But the film's amazing research enhances the story.

Kon, Oshii and Miyazaki. While there are a few other great anime directors, these three are arguably the only true auteurs that the industry has produced.

Only a handful of films and he's gone. And barely older than me.

He will be missed.

Dante