18 Years Later: Reflecting on Millennium Actress

We've looked at the work of Satoshi Kon's work previously on the channel but really focused on the darker sides. With the upcoming theatrical re-release of Millennium Actress, I thought it was time to take another gander at this 18 year old film and examine yet another take on how Kon liked to portray reality in his films.
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#Anime #Discussion #MillenniumActress #SatoshiKon #AnimeAnalysis #Analysis #Opening #OP #ED #GlassReflection #PerfectBlue #ParanoiaAgent #千年 女优

[@danbuter]

This is one of the best movies ever made. Not just anime, but any movie type.

[@willruler8614]

danbuter definitely one of my favorite movies ever

[@alexanderv.8961]

Indeed

[@vitraartist2622]

ok. Is this semi horror like perfect blue. there are people sensitive to violence in my house and I wanna know if I can watch this with them in the room edit: I'm asking because this is a Satoshi Kon work and your supposed to go into these things blind

[@danbuter]

@@vitraartist2622 It does have some difficult parts.

[@ceciliaw1065]

yes

[@decusq]

I'll never forget how much i cried at the end of Millennium Actress when she said "It was never the man i fell in love with... it was the chase itself." Satoshi Kon was such a unique and one of a kind director and story maker. I loved Tokyo Godfathers and his take on the different characters trying to help a baby. I loved Paranoia Agent for it's surreal story telling and what it means to face head on your problems and not shove them onto someone else. Paprika was such a visual marvel to enjoy about the beauty and terror of dreams blending in with reality. And Perfect Blue was such a mind screw that i'll never forget the ending and the subversion of expectation he created with that film.

[@paoloangelino24]

My interpretation is that Chiyoko's story shows us that our journey in life is sometimes more important than the goals that we try to reach. We may or may not get the future that we want, but as long as we do our best in the present-- we have lived a fulfilled life. :)

[@harmoniaSINGS05]

I wanted to also add how technology plays a form for Chiyoko in terms how she wanted to communicate to the Mystery Man. She lived in a time where there was no cellphones or Internet. Writing letters and phones were the few forms and the message takes a while to be received. Chiyoko used her publicity as a way to inform the Man that she's alive and hopefully have him watch any of her films during her career.

[@danielleal1705]

👏

[@juicyyuuji4726]

The ending is what makes Millennium Actress my favorite Kon movie.

[@Jay-pd2pz]

Also soundtracks by susumu hirasawa are amazing.

[@Groaker]

Just like Steven Spielberg has John Williams, Satoshi Kon had Susumu Hirasawa. One of the many tragedies of losing Kon so early is that we also, to a degree, lost Hirasawa.

[@rossenator101]

Video Graham him Nobuo uematsu and Yoko Kano are my favorite japanese composers

[@fajarshodiq440]

In my opinion, Kon's works were a reflection of the journey of life itself. Either we took it for granted or we enjoy every second of it. Sometimes life is more than meets the eye. There's always something in there for us to take and learn, whether it's an easy way to take those lessons or the hard way, and it shows in his works.

[@jvogler_art4708]

This is my favorite movie of all time. So surreal in the way he bends reality and there are so many moments of hidden symbolism and things i've picked up on after multiple viewings. When the artist says "The full moon is the last day of hope" and her last day of searching for him was on a full moon. Or when he talks about the frozen tundra of the hokkaido being like the surface of a far away world, and the viewers are shown the moment of her finding his easel on the surface the moon, Her last film that she made (the sci fi film). Which is the film where Genya saves her and she realizes she is too old to be chasing him because he will no longer recognize her. There is so much going on in this movie on so many layers that i could talk about for hours. I love how the documentarian represents the younger generation, not caring about an old washed up actress, but as he re experiences her life through her films he is slowly swayed and ends up with a new found respect for her. It's a film about a person's final days being reflected on in the beauty of their life experiences being conveyed through the art of film. Our lives are a lot like movies themselves, high and low points, love, despair, regret and everything in between. In the end of it all, all we have left is the memories that we've experienced. I loved seeing those memories become analogous to moments in a famous actress' films. There are points in which her real life and her films completely intersect and you can either take this literal as in she's an old woman with a failing memory, who's life has just sort of blurred together with her films, or you can take it as symbolic in that her movies WERE her life. They represented her and everything she lived through. They were her art and her art was her. But i love how the film touches on age and mortality. Sometimes we forget just how much older generations have lived through, and that they were so very much like ourselves. It's one of my absolute favorites for sure. I wish we could've seen more stories come out of the genius mind that is Satoshi Kon. I'm a forever fan and he will always be one of my biggest influences in pursuing art.

[@HenSt-gz7qj]

Satoshi Kon is a genius when it came to story making and directing a movie. RIP Satoshi Kon (1963~2010).

[@pokemongolico1045]

After Perfect Blue, this is my favorite Satoshi Kon film.

[@bennichol1510]

I think I heard him say in an interview that that movie is an accompany piece to perfect blue. Whilst perfect blue focus on the dark side of fans millennium actress focused on the positivity of fans.

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

Watched this as a little kid, hard to believe that it's been almost two decades. This makes me feel old, even though I'm not.

[@rina123456]

I literally screamed when you announced the English dub! Oh my god! This is my favourite movie of all time. I was thirteen when I first watched it and in a very dark place in my life. My father had abandoned my mother and I. Mom worked four jobs to keep a roof over our head, but it was never really enough. So I sat on the floor of our house in the dead of January, with an eviction notice on the door, no heat and wrapped in a blanket. And just... got lost in this creative world. For the first time in months, I felt something other than numb. This movie spoke to me in ways I never could have imagined, and even though I am now an adult, this movie continues to speak to me in new and different ways as I age. So thank you Satoshi Kon for making this amazing movie.

[@darksecrets3005]

I hope that you are doing okay now.

[@keiichimorisato98]

Oh hey! I was the same age when I first saw the film, Md I too was in a really dark place in my life. I was abused by my father and later mom's ex boyfriend, bullied in school and in the neighborhood. When I was 13 I got into anime thanks I my sister insisting I watch Naruto, but I never became a huge fan until I saw two films, spirited away and millennium Actress, those two films shaped who I am today, even now I cry everytime I watch the film, and Kon's death devastated me, even now I become a wreck when I remember he is no longer with us. I hope to visit his grave someday.

[@user-jz8dd3zj8e]

keiichimorisato98 you okay too?

[@keiichimorisato98]

@@user-jz8dd3zj8e Yeah I'm.fine.

[@khakikohii]

My favorite Satoshi Kon movie along with Tokyo Godfathers. ♥

[@GlassReflection]

I do enjoy the lighter tone films of his. Perfect Blue and things like Paranoia Agent are phenomenal, but this has a nice charm.

[@lewa3910]

Definitely agree. It was my 1st and introduced me to his impeccable list of works. It may not have as deep or impactful a plot or arc as perfect blue, paranoia agent or paprika but it has stuck with me as a rlly engaging character journey (that and i find there arent enough animated movies with leading older women too)

[@khakikohii]

@@lewa3910 I recommend Moribito, Ghost in the Shell, Beast Player Erin, Juuni Kukoki if you haven't watched them. They have great female protagonists.

[@chinwenduizenwata6763]

@@khakikohii thank you I'm always looking for great anime

[@robotechjb1]

I agree - those are my two favorites of his as well.

[@leviathan5207]

every time when people tell me anime is for kids, i show them a satoshi kon movie

[@andrasnelhiebel6726]

Well done, mate :D Jin-Roh and Ghost in the Shell are also good candidates for such task.

[@mitchie2267]

I am still of the opinion that most anime is garbage, I loved this film however.

[@TinkerGrape]

@@mitchie2267 Yeah most modern anime are trash 🗑 not normal person could enjoy such things meant for kids and teenagers try Just ghost in the shell 1995 i think it’s one of the few things that even if you hate Japanese products in general it’s very worth to watch

[@mr.gamerkabir8142]

Berserk as well

[@mr.gamerkabir8142]

@@TinkerGrape there are others as well Berserk Vagabond Monster (Mangas) Serial experiment lain Evangelion Plus Modern anime are good(60%are trash 30% are mediocre) Look at Vinland saga for example

[@devrathreddy7185]

I swear, I just watched this movie today and hours later this video pops up in my notifications. the universe is weird.

[@davidjacobs8558]

Google knows your every move. be very very afraid.

[@Bluestar-nn2uh]

It happens to me sometimes too.

[@zeemod1556]

Respectable use of the Obra Dinn soundtrack ;) nice!

[@StephenStaver]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who picked up on it. It is so good!

[@Groaker]

Well done. Millennium Actress is a masterclass in film-making and you've provided one of the best primers for it I've ever seen.

[@fieryapple7020]

I cant describe how much I cried whole watching this movie. Its just something strongly resonates with my feelings.

[@Zelkiiro]

Assuming we're not counting On Your Mark because it's a 6-minute music video, Millennium Actress is flat-out my favorite anime film of all time. It's not even a contest. From the gorgeous animation to Susumu Hirasawa's legendary soundtrack to the ethereal blending of reality and memories and movies to Chiyoko's captivating life story to Genya's infectious enthusiasm, Satoshi Kon crafted a perfect film...or at least, a film as close to perfect as any film can possibly be. Absolute mastery in all areas.

[@jonathanrobinson8926]

Kon is my favorite director. So hard to choose a favorite, but this is a strong contender.

[@SerifSansSerif]

After perfect blue, kon always seemed to imbue his films with a certain warmth of humanity that millennium actress seems to exemplify. The final scene clinches it. It was about the chase, not the destination.

[@waltworks8389]

An ode to cinema! Very open to interpretation, but each of them fascinating and equally appliable! Thanks to the sponsor and to you for reminding me of such a subtle masterpiece!

[@grapemandudette4232]

I absolutely fricking love this movie, I will never forget this beautiful masterpiece.

[@LBAW]

Saw it last night, and it was great. I interpreted it as a film about what pushes an artist to do their art. In some way, I think all artists experience something before and are trying to relive or recreate it through their work. However it's just an idea and something not tangible so they never truly get it.

[@augustandjune]

Watched Millennium Actress for the first time a few months ago, and it’s now one of my favorite films of all-time. Satoshi Kon really was a genius.

[@rwbymoonrose3417]

This was my first satoshi koin movie and filled me with a love of fantasy and I now enjoy this even more now that I'm older. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!

[@JoeJoeJoe25]

It's about obsession. Chiyoko's obsession for the idea of love. The painter's obsession about peace after the war. The documentary director's obsession for her beauty and legacies. Even the main antagonis, Eiko, is obsessed over youth. It's about the pursuit, an unhealthy dreams, but the one that keeps propelling us further. In the end, it became kind of a mirror even for the audiences itself, who's obsessed over spectacle

[@arunawalker]

I had this movie on my to watch list for years and today I finally got around to watching it , together with my mother. What an amazing movie. I wanted more so now I am here to listen to the words of someone hopefully more skilled in media analysis than little old me so I can gain even more appreciation for it. I will definetly have to check out more of Satoshi Kons work, having only seen Paranoia Agent and now Millennium Actress.

[@tapir.lepirodae]

It's already 20 years ...

[@lauraacevedo1308]

i have to talk about this film today in class. seeing your video here is perfect timing.

[@pkeros]

As of August 2019, I was able to find Millennium Actress available on Amazon Prime for streaming in the US.

[@sakunaruful]

Same here. It was available with English subtitles.

[@Mr_Movie_Fan]

18 years later? This movie is as old as me!

[@ChimeraGuy4]

Then again, from another viewpoint maybe you are too young~

[@TheKiroshi]

Did you get permission to be online today, sonny?

[@Ω3103ζ]

this movie is older than me! I am a dirty zoomer!

[@Mr_Movie_Fan]

@@TheKiroshi I've had permission for years

[@TheKiroshi]

Oh youre such a good boy. Tell ya what lad, imma buy you a new xbox!

[@RudiTheMan]

I remember watching Paprika, and at the end of the movie where the cop was standing in front of the theater, there was Kon's previous movie posters on the wall, I notice it because I watched every single one of them except one, and I still hunt that movie,

[@pyrophobia133]

RIP Satoshi Kon

[@maattthhhh]

Satoshi Kon is my most favorite anime director :)

[@hydreamc853]

Never recovering from this movie, I cried so hard

[@jamesliu8101]

I believe the last line's correct translation is "the person that I really love is the me who is chasing him", though my wording is not 100% correct. Here's the original line: 「だって私、あの人を追いかけている私が好きなんだもん」. If I'm not mistaken, in a interview(2002, some Italian media) Kon mentioned there were certain backlashes in Japan due to this final line, many people were upset because they think Chiyoko was being too self-willed and self-loving/narcissist. But in the foreign audience were generally acceptable of this line. Personally I think this line is quite crucial, it might be the viewer's "key" to the whole film. The whole story/build-up leads to this final point, and then unlocks the final answer by specifically clarifying/confirming Chiyoko's mindset of her whole life.

[@Vicioussama]

God, I love Millennium Actress. One of my all time favorite anime movies.

[@kira.5607]

It's one of the best movie ever, not just animation Features a captivating narrative style and sophisticated animation

[@aliegan2109]

I recently saw this movie on your recommendation and I have to thank you so much. The film is basically a masterpiece

[@surprisinglyblank2392]

This is my favorite Satoshi Kon film. I'm sad that the American distributing company with the rights is no longer active. Thanks for the review.

[@MiloTheFirst1]

well Ark, give yourself a pat in the back because you absolutely made me want to watch this film

[@CelShadedMusicTheory]

SO PUMPED to see this in theaters! I've been waiting for a legal way to watch it for like 8 YEARS.

[@technosubbots2483]

It's actually been legal to stream from TubiTV for some time now, though the service isn't as mainstream as others. There's a catch that I don't believe there's any real way to get rid of the advertisements, as there's no option to pay for the service.

[@CelShadedMusicTheory]

@@technosubbots2483 Wow, no kidding?? I've never heard of that! Well I'm glad that such a landmark film is going to escape the realm of obscure streaming services in the US.

[@alejandroarbelaez634]

I think its so strange how its only your content that actually makes me feel something deep inside, please try to never stop making videos

[@erizzo8543]

Dude watch the movie

[@NotOrdinaryInGames]

Nice way to review without spoiling while spoiling.

[@IceQueen975]

On the literal 10-yerar anniversary of Kon's passing the year- to the day - I realized Paprika, Paranoia Agent and Perfect Blue were all made by Satoshi Kon. I won't lie, the last few days I've been down a pretty strong rabbit hole. It's surreal to realize that while CLAMP heavily influenced the themes I like to watch/read/write about, Satoshi Kon is the influence that spurred me to blend reality and fiction so much in my writings. I'm just sad I realized far too late.

[@bratmanlol2190]

This and Paprika are also on the fantastic Criterion Channel for all you film buffs.

[@DarthXentus]

Good use of the Obra Dinn soundtrack :)

[@harmoniaSINGS05]

Love the Millennium Actress film when I first came across it after Every Frame A Painting does a Kon film essay. I was so shook by the ending when like many, but there's something symbolic of Chiyoko (whom went thru multiple historical traumas and loss) that the chase and journey kept her motivated to live across her life of changing timelines. Coming back now, I think if my own grandmothers who have experienced similar traumas of their time to still find fulfillment and love. I dont think I've came across a film that has touched my heart like this one. It's truly one of a kind from our unique filmmaker.

[@jrobertlysaght]

What a tremendous Review/Reflection. You really captured the magic of this film. Thank you.

[@superjack1000]

1:53 Return of the obra dinn... i love it... very hard

[@elmorris237]

Watched two years ago in a theater, it was such a delightful experience, totally worth the price of the ticket.

[@Bluestar-nn2uh]

As an aspiring actress this is truly an inspiration.

[@skyeo4963]

Thanks to you, I went to the screening from Fanthom Events. It was more beautiful than I expected. Again, thank you so much for recommending this film.

[@TheMetalHeadbangger]

A heartfelt video essay. Thanks arkada, awesome stuff. BTW SuperDerek said that he totally digs your presentation style on your vids.

[@AskAScreenwriter]

Satoshi Kon is one of the all-time greats, taken all to early. I'm hoping to make one, or both, of the re-releases near me, too.

[@kh884488]

Nobody does animation with as much innovation as the Japanese and nobody does Japanese animation like Satoshi Kon.

[@CheriSmoke]

I F***ing LOVE this movie!!! Plus I think the key was (metaphorically) the key to her memories.

[@nicholasdavidson6448]

Just got back from the screening. First time seeing it oddly enough. Quite happy to have waited to see in alone on the big screen. wow!

[@robbg6928]

Satoshi Kon, the Stanley Kubrick of Japanese animation.

[@thirtyyearoldmulberryfield]

Not the most apt comparison, I'm say Kon was more similar to guys like Michel Gondry or Charlie Kaufman, who if you aren't familiar with, absolutely deserve checking out.

[@waltworks8389]

@@thirtyyearoldmulberryfield Speaking about filmmaking influences, don't you think SE: Lain has a David Lynch and Tarkovsky vibe to it, especaally in the sound editing?

[@waltworks8389]

He's actually been compared to Hitchcock for Perfect Blue, and David Lynch for the surrealistic tone; but I personally think he's just unique. Kaufman's a legit comparison though

[@thirtyyearoldmulberryfield]

Yet to see Lain so I won't comment on that; I make the comparison w/ Gondry due to the similar editing choices, especially when looking at MA or Paprika and Eternal Sunshine.

[@waltworks8389]

@@thirtyyearoldmulberryfield Have yet to see any Gondry film (thanks for recommending), and from Kaufman I've only watched Anomalisa (great), whose take on a distorted reality really reminded me of Kon's storytelling style, though pause-paced!

[@Caitlynn552]

I had a lot of confusion and even was a bit annoyed with the ending for Millenium Actress when I first watched it as a teenager. I think I may take another look soon to see if I can appreciate it more after so much time has passed. Thank you Arkada. Drink plenty of tea and I hope you're feeling better soon.

[@Eshcole]

Ooooohhh, someone's been playing Return of the Obra Dinn! Loved how you mixed the soundtrack into the video.

[@Ω3103ζ]

You played return of the obra dinn recently huh? I love it too!

[@rii1286]

Aged like a fine wine. There are anime that I used to fanboy a lot like Code Geass, Attack on Titan or Angel Beats! that loses their ratings I watch more and more anime (and reading more books, watching more movies), but some keep rising like Millenium Actress, Mushishi, Mononoke Hime, Nodame Cantabile etc. Also, for me Chiyoko run is the greatest anime sequence I've ever watched.

[@lumpython5351]

I was 13 When I watch this movie for the first time, I wasn't old enough to fully understand what's the movie is really about, to me it was a Japanese version of Forrest Gump in some way, however, I watched it again when I growing up, somehow I can't help myself crying in the end, like I even didn't even notice there are tears on my face.

[@RobotsWithKnivesCartoons]

Kon is honestly one of the greatest directors in the last 50 years, all genres and mediums, not just anime. I lost my first copy of Millennium Actress to, well I think, a room mate stole it when he moved out, so I ended up buying a Thai print on eBay as it was out of print in the USA, would really like to pick it up on blue-ray through.

[@riffgroove]

I wish they'd hurry up and put this out on blu-ray already.

[@riffgroove]

@Ryan Scates Lol... bought it the day it came out! They finally put Tokyo Godfathers out on blu-ray as well.

[@moisessalazar4432]

Thanks for the head-up. I just saw the movie, here in NYC. Genuinely enjoyed the experience and its homage to japanese films of all ages.

[@pragyan394]

I think this is Satoshi Kon's magnum opus. Perfect blue is amazing, but the cinematography and amazing characters present in Millennium Actress makes this my favourite Satoshi Kon movie. Edit: What's the music used throughout this video?

[@grapeshott]

Millennium actress felt more satisfying to me. Brightened my next two days even

[@dogfood142]

MA is about unrequited love.

[@CW-hq2qr]

Glass reflection ur a dope guy

[@jarodcleveland4053]

He is, indeed, cultured.

[@jordanpatricia991]

Growing up I’ve always loved anime and tried to get my mom to watch it with me. We once rented this movie from a blockbuster and she agreed to watch it with me that night. She actually loved it. There is anime out there that can be for everyone.

[@Rav3r916]

Glass reflection reflecting. That's some meta shit right there.

[@rolandsteiner5064]

I just watched it the day before you posted the video-so yesterday-.I didn't get the hype surrounding Satoshi's work until I watched perfect Blue and this movie.I loved both of them.I think the protagonist is very relatable in a way and repulsive in an other.On one hand,many of us have at least once in our lifetime a romance/love/obsession directed to someone.In here it's the unhealthy obsession one,so I can relate.She's chasing an ideal/feeling rather than a "definite" person.I'm not even sure that the painter existed at all,he's really not that important storywise rather than a vehicle to move her forward.On the other end,she just left her husband like they never been together and on top of that went full recluse cause of...I think the whole movie is more of a metaphor for the whole experience of unconditional and romanticised love vs. the everyday life and real commitment of two adults working it out together.So choose the unknown in hope of romantic love vs. stay put in the comfortable and predictable.Basically the journey of life.

[@itsreelydalin]

My favorite anime/Japanese film of all time

[@Jerome-iwnl]

Just watched this a month ago.

[@ska4666]

Arkada my Bro..h u Always convince Me enough to watch what ever New u Find. 👏👏👏

[@sara.cbc92]

Many of Hollywood top directors have plagiarized Kon's works Perfect Blue - Black Swan Millenium Actress - Big Fish Paprika - Inception

[@kingsleycy3450]

Didn't like Millennium Actress all that much when I first saw it, thought there wasn't much to grab onto. But years go by and I still think about many of the scenes: Chiyoko finding her portrait amongst the ruins, the secret police atoning for his sins. Sometimes we need reminder that plot isn't the most important thing in a film, but the feelings the film provokes are

[@jamsters6430]

millennium actress is a movie that realy reflects to our own daily life.. the Question really is WHAT IS THE PORPUSE OF YOUR LIFE AMD WHAT MAKES U LIVE DAY BY DAY

[@DennisTamayo]

It was the final anime film to use traditional cels.

[@missladyhaha]

Couldn’t have said it any better

[@grapeshott]

Had watched it some 8 years back. Liked it

[@kozad86]

This is on Prime. Satoshi Kons's movies can be hard to track down online, so go watch it while you can.

[@TheCreepypro]

love this film didn't realize it was that old I haven't seen it in a while maybe I'll go see it in theaters like you suggested

[@sara.cbc92]

This movie was a masterpiece Oscar worthy

[@TomatoBroth]

Such a wonderful video

[@aiwash2766]

Just finished this movie and damn..... that ending was fantastic

[@chadmiettunen]

Hopefully this means that a physical version will be rereleased in the near future so I can add this film to my collection. My copies of Perfect Blue and Tokyo Godfathers are lonely without it.

[@youcancallmekamisama4548]

What a coincidence they got this movie in theaters this month

[@MartyrLoserKing]

Comments are sleeping on Paranoia Agent. Imo his greatest work(s?)

[@Fatfudgiedoodoostains]

As and actress she plays a major role in every part of Japan's historical events. She is "popular" or famous not for her acting skills but for what she represents. She portrays who they are she portrays Japan. She is in hiding because she feels shameful and unwanted due to one period of time which made her feel awful but she still wants to be heard. They run to interview her to reclaim who they are as a country and society. The key represents what the country, people, society are capable of "unlocking" if they understand and learn about their past.

[@MrMjike]

If you like or liked this movie, might I recommend the manga "Spirit Circle"?

[@timmeyer9191]

I love this movie. I was actually lucky to get a DVD copy.

[@5kastubh5]

I have paused video at 2:44. I'll come back after watching the movie in some days and update this comment. As always.. thank you for being frosty 🙏

[@lekanraposte6732]

Bought the -blue ray- some years ago. Very good movie. The ending made me cry like a little bitch. *EDIT:* Oh... I'm getting old. I mean, the original DVD. And I just found it. Time for a re-watch.

[@TheOneWhoisDrunk]

Bless, the movie is near me, like a 10 minute drive.

[@thatspoonybard8013]

It's also free on Pluto TV.

[@nao_tomori]

one of my favorites!

[@alexanderzhukov3773]

We should own our narrative like Chiyoko does despite all the odds and fate itself. Thats the main message. Dont be a an extra in someone's life, forge your story.

[@TheChiefRockah]

yeah I'll watch that - allright!