Satoshi Kon Archive

  • The irony is that this is the first episode to center around the younger detective, Maniwa,  after he is no longer a detective, but an insane vigilante, viewing himself as […]

    Episode 12: Radar Man

    The irony is that this is the first episode to center around the younger detective, Maniwa,  after he is no longer a detective, but an insane vigilante, viewing himself as […]

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  • Confusion and ambiguity are different, but are easily mistaken for each other. It may be an oversold notion that an ambiguous narrative is superior to a clear/fully realized narrative, but […]

    Episode 11: No Entry

    Confusion and ambiguity are different, but are easily mistaken for each other. It may be an oversold notion that an ambiguous narrative is superior to a clear/fully realized narrative, but […]

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  • There’s a certain disconnect, or lack of understanding, when it comes to meta. Meta means self-commentary, self-awareness. But the simple acknowledgement of a medium within the medium is not interesting, […]

    Episode 10: Mellow Maromi

    There’s a certain disconnect, or lack of understanding, when it comes to meta. Meta means self-commentary, self-awareness. But the simple acknowledgement of a medium within the medium is not interesting, […]

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  • “ETC” is an excuse to do a bunch of Shonen Bat short stories, weird half-formed ideas to explain the normal unpleasant goings-on of urban life, placing the Bat at the […]

    Episode 9: ETC

    “ETC” is an excuse to do a bunch of Shonen Bat short stories, weird half-formed ideas to explain the normal unpleasant goings-on of urban life, placing the Bat at the […]

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  • The title of this episode is only revealed at the very end, after all of its secrets have been divulged (or, at least, implied). Happy Family Planning, on a condom […]

    Episode 8: Happy Family Planning

    The title of this episode is only revealed at the very end, after all of its secrets have been divulged (or, at least, implied). Happy Family Planning, on a condom […]

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  • Paranoia Agent is odd, in that the storytelling, the story, and the apparent intent changes from episode to episode. I was going to begin this review by saying it was […]

    Episode 7: MhZ

    Paranoia Agent is odd, in that the storytelling, the story, and the apparent intent changes from episode to episode. I was going to begin this review by saying it was […]

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  • Paranoia Agent has used interconnected plot lines from the start, but never as assuredly as it does here. “Fear a Direct Hit” mixes two storylines expertly (replete with flashbacks), letting […]

    Episode 6: Fear a Direct Hit

    Paranoia Agent has used interconnected plot lines from the start, but never as assuredly as it does here. “Fear a Direct Hit” mixes two storylines expertly (replete with flashbacks), letting […]

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  • One of Satoshi Kon’s major concerns has always been point of view. Paprika, his final film, could be seen as depicting a world where point of view is shared like […]

    Episode 5: Holy Warrior

    One of Satoshi Kon’s major concerns has always been point of view. Paprika, his final film, could be seen as depicting a world where point of view is shared like […]

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  • “You don’t need a character to be sympathetic, just compelling.” It’s become an old saw, at least since anti-hero characters have been mainstreamed (something that happened in American cinema in […]

    Episode 4: A Man’s Path

    “You don’t need a character to be sympathetic, just compelling.” It’s become an old saw, at least since anti-hero characters have been mainstreamed (something that happened in American cinema in […]

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  • Does Satoshi Kon have contempt for his audience? Fat, ugly Otakus have infested a couple of his shows – one is a potential stalker in Perfect Blue, and this episode […]

    Episode 3: Double Lips

    Does Satoshi Kon have contempt for his audience? Fat, ugly Otakus have infested a couple of his shows – one is a potential stalker in Perfect Blue, and this episode […]

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