Why you NEED to see Satoshi Kon's Millennium Actress

[@DongHuaReviews]

This is actually my favourite anime movie. It's so great to see it getting so much love thanks to the new screenings. "What I really love is the chase" may be one of the most tragic and beautiful quotes of all time

[@rickylovesyou]

And also one that is used quite frequently in many many forms of media.

[@junpeiiori4720]

Oh my god I thought I was the only one to love this movie so much and that quote touches me everytime. It is just beautiful from beginning to end.

[@SerifSansSerif]

@@rickylovesyou Yeah, but few movies truly, truly show it. Millenium Actress is a nonstop chase through her life, and full of emotions in such a way that you honestly feel those words..

[@innotech]

same. Literally just got done rewatching it for the.....Ive honestly lost count

[@Mastertaima]

It's been my favorite movie for over 20 years, and I have yet to find someone who will really watch it with me. If they could only see its not just, 'an anime movie'. It really, means so much. I'm so glad people still appreciate this masterpiece of animation so many years later. ❤

[@snoot6629]

Alfred Hitchcock : there shouldnt be 2 or more coincidences in movies Satoshi Kon : *TOKYO GODFATHERS* watch me

[@Valanathos]

I think when Hitchcock was saying that he was talking about how everything that the viewer sees should be a conscious decision on the behalf of the director. There shouldn't be accidental extra readings and so on because they just threw in any old prop or line. When it comes to that, I think Kon is a great example of that.

[@brentleylegend8964]

a tip: you can watch series at Flixzone. Been using it for watching a lot of movies these days.

[@houstonvihaan7972]

@Brentley Legend definitely, I have been using flixzone for since december myself =)

[@wongpentelglobal]

isnt that site dangerous

[@EddyTheMartian]

His worst movie

[@AnimeTopScholar]

Millennium Actress was the first Satoshi Kon movie I watched. It's such an amazing movie and really highlighted Kon's talent for making films, not just anime. It's truely a special movie

[@keiichimorisato98]

Same! I saw it when I was 13, and it was incredibly impactful.

[@Ehh97]

I watched this once when I was younger. I dont remember a lot of it, but I'll always remember Chiyoko's final line: "Its the chasing him...that I love" I don't know why, but that line always stuck with me. Also, beautiful video. I nearly teared up. X3

[@angellover02171]

I guess it's because her life isn't wasted. Before the ending her life seems tragic because she didn't get the guy and it seemed she lived her life for others. In the end she lived the life she wanted.

[@AndreNitroX]

Your pic is everything. This is Art!

[@lospamuk]

Me too. That line hit me.

[@fs2300]

Maybe because that was the only time she had purpose and goal in life. Before met him, she doesn't have goal or anything.

[@cocoapixels]

@@fs2300 + the times in her life when she lost sight of her love were moments she described as leaving an empty gap inside of her. in the end, she rekindled the love of that chase and chased him until the end; ergo, doing what she loved most to the very end.

[@TheDudeSmashTrash]

"The shadow that Chiyoko pursues is perhaps Cinema itself." Wow. What a line.

[@michaelmiky11]

Millennium Actress is a great film for anyone. But it's even better for those familiar with Japanese cinema. The sensation I get from seeing the homages next to the original Japanese films is incredible.

[@snowfrosty1]

Alyosha Agreed

[@saltyt3311]

Hey where did watch this movie millennium Actress?

[@michaelmiky11]

@@saltyt3311 I think I downloaded it from piratebay. But you can watch it on kissanime too. Legally it's not available in my country but maybe thats different where you live

[@saltyt3311]

Thanks and this illegal in my country too

[@dmac4804]

So, to everyone who stuck with me through this long document, thank you. With my heart full of gratitude for everything good in the world, I'll put down my pen. Now excuse me, I have to go. -Satoshi Kon

[@liukang85]

:(

[@projectfear22]

If only he had a few more movies, such a legend. Rip :'(

[@Jdjwjdjzbsjwbb]

My all time favorite anime movie. Such an underrated masterpiece. We will never have another Kon.😔

[@BPagan]

I have seen Perfect Blue and Paprika in theater. I will finally see this masterpiece. Thank you, this is much appreciated.

[@projectfear22]

Are they also recently in cinema or did you wait this long for Ma to get to cinemas?

[@bruschetta6302]

I love how for the new release KZbinrs are praising Kon's beautiful art by advertising his probably most underrated movie.

[@reso7675]

Millennium Actress? Underrated? Maybe Tokyo Godfathers, but not Millennium Actress.

[@gab_gallard]

@@reso7675 Is not underrated for fans of Sathoshi Kon and critics with knowledge about his work. The rest if they know the man will only tie his name to Perfect Blue and Paprika.

[@MrVonSchiller]

@@gab_gallard Nah, not really. Many of my friends who don't normally watch Anime know about Millennium Actress.

[@bruschetta6302]

Honestly, it might depend on where you live, I'm from Italy and most of my friends don't even know about Ghibli or stuff like Akira, let alone Kon. The few that I know, are mostly fans of Perfect Blue, Paprika or Paranoia Agent, and I've known fans of Tokyo Godfathers, so I'm used to considering MA his most overlooked movie. But that's just anecdotal evidence probably, I can see it being different in other places for other people.

[@kkgt6591]

KZbinrs are one of the most manipulative bunch out there.

[@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 for 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, who's obsessed over spectacle

[@KOTEBANAROT]

I dont think its obsession. I think ultimately its true love. Satoshi kon portrayed unhealthy obsession in perfect blue, and then showcased what truly loving an artist means. These characters live rich lives, leaving legacy and inspiring others, the director is a big fan of her but he isnt a stalker shut-in, hes a creator in his own right. Ultimately the difference in Kons mind is creator vs consumer, symbiote vs parasite.

[@xingjiehuang6771]

I am replying to you now, I wonder if you can still see it? A foreigner replies to you. What this film makes me feel is not the pursuit of love, but the pursuit of dreams and hope for the future throughout one's life! And also feel the reincarnation in Eastern culture

[@xingjiehuang6771]

I am replying to you now, I wonder if you can still see it? A foreigner replies to you. What this film makes me feel is not the pursuit of love, but the pursuit of dreams and hope for the future throughout one's life! The film uses love as its theme and tells a lot. And also feel the reincarnation in Eastern culture

[@hoangnguyen-ik4nx]

Just watched the movie, im happy that people still discussing about the movie till this day

[@FancyTophatDude]

Satoshi Kon was a master and should be held up with the greatest directors of film. I only saw his work recently and I was blown away with everything he did. It really openend up my horizons on what is possible in film.

[@cy5434]

Bruh I’m just starting that movie, no need to convince me brother.

[@williamwoolf8072]

"after all, it's the chase that I REALLY love"- so beautiful

[@mechajay3358]

_"It's about the Journey, not the Destination"_ Thank You Satoshi Kon 🙏

[@suryastephen5174]

when saw this movie for the first time, I couldn't stop crying. I feel as a fan of Chiyoko, feel her loneliness, and chasing the man that always meets dead end. it's true on the last of your video. somehow i feel that Chiyoko lives inside of me.

[@josiepkat]

I took my mother to see this last month. We could only go to the Japanese screening and having seen other works by Kon, but never this one, I was unsure if we could follow fast visual transitions while reading subtitles, and if my mom would even like it. Needless to say, we were both so moved by the film. Afterward my mom look at me and said, "there should have been more people here, people need to know that cinema can be THIS GOOD." Though there are fast visual transitions one never loses the story because Kon is a master storyteller. He is able to convey the feeling, the experience, of love in a way that speaks to all human beings- it transcends language, culture, generations.This is what great art is capable of, and Kon is an artist of the highest order.

[@omeshsingh8091]

A few years ago I saw Millennium Actress for free on KZbin Movies, and when it finished I immediately ordered it on Blu-ray so that I could always have it on hand regardless of online availability. Over the next couple of months I watched it eight times. It's such a creatively-constructed and richly-layered work of cinema: from the narrative, themes, symbolism and filled with Easter-eggs that fans of classic Japanese cinema can appreciate. It is my favorite animated film and one of my favorite films in general.

[@wokeil]

I watched Tokyo Godfathers as a child and remember being really interested in the feeling it gave me. It wasn't like normal animation, or like acted film. It was a another universe. When I started watching anime I saw paprika and perfect blue and didn't even know they were by the same guy. Satoshi was a once in a century artist.

[@anotheryoutubeuser]

I think this might be my second favourite anime film, behind The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.

[@DavidJay93]

This movie made me cry. Multiple times.

[@Sampsonay]

I went to the theater tonight and watched this for the first time and it was truly something else. I actually had to take off my glasses and cried a bit towards the end.

[@Thunderbird148]

I couldn't tell you why, but watching Under The Scope videos always brings me to tears. Something about the anime he choose to showcases is so inspiring and full of love for the medium.

[@kaije7art]

Sometimes I hate having to have a job that keeps me from watching anime in the theatre.

[@Katt1721]

Already bought my ticket! This is my favorite Satoshi Kon film and I'm so excited to see it on the big screen for the first time.

[@NeonAtary777]

Very very underrated. Absolutely a masterpiece. So beautiful and touching.

[@reinaldofernandez]

Millenium Actress is a masterpiece

[@willruler8614]

Reinaldo Fernandez one of all time favorite movies ever

[@cormano64]

Thank you for sharing your passion and reverence to his work.

[@omdubey8340]

Perfect blue and this truly are the opposite sides of the SAME COIN the concept that the viewer is confused whether what we are seeing is the work life or the real life of the protagonist is what they have in common and the factor they are opposite in is the way perfect blue actually made me anxious meanwhile millineum actress made me feel so euphoric and peaceful. Satoshi kon isn't one of my favorite artists.... He is the BEST ARTIST for me and I can even explain why... Amazing video btw💗

[@MyThoughts19902X]

One of the greatest movies I would say based on smart direction, beautiful storyline, mesmerizing music and untainted emotions. It's a masterpiece from Satoshi.

[@gab_gallard]

I wish they would do a screening here in Berlin. This is probably my favorite animated film of all time and one of my favorite films ever made, period. Satoshi was simply a genius and his films will become timeless classics of our era. I'm pretty sure about that.

[@gabrielp9646]

Definitely one of the best movies (animated or live action) that Ive ever watched.

[@jamesfidler1818]

Wow you know how to sell a movie. Thanks. I’m a new fan of anime so I didn’t know who Kon was. I’m happy to see this

[@MrThebeast115]

Can't wait to see this in theaters!

[@missrebel634]

Just watched it in cinema. Loved it.

[@SAarumDoK]

I just watched Satoshi Jon works a year ago and I just fell in admiration for his work. Thanks for covering it. :)

[@QuyNguyen-mv1gl]

Beautiful review! I didn't get the history of Japanese cinema during the first watch since I wasn't familiar with it. But how Kon signified everything through Chiyoko's journey, with her last dialogue line, will definitely be eternal. This is one of the few titles that still make me respect the industry.

[@SullyGutierrez]

Funnily enough I just watched this movie on a whim. I was bored and decided to go to the movie theatre. Turns out they had a single showing. It was great. I frickin loved it.

[@airplanetowardsthesky3265]

I’m sold. I missed the perfect blue screening and regret it

[@snowfrosty1]

TheNorangeOne28 I went to the Perfect Blue sub showing last September locally and frankly it was one of the best psychological horror movies I've ever seen, it being an anime movie was a plus. Just got back home from watching Millennium Actress and it was outstanding, make sure not to miss it.

[@OneMoreMeme_INeedYou]

So beautiful.... this film and your comments on it. That quote from the actress is so spot on. I love how you tied the kyoto animation event into it as well, as I was thinking the exact same thing while in the theater earlier this evening. Thank you Jack. Let us continue to pursue our loves and hold our loved ones in our heart. Also want to commend the extra effort of including all the film references

[@alextituslam4931]

This has to be one of the best reviews i’ve ever seen. Truly understand the feelings. Thank you. Going to watch MA for the 100th or so time this weekend

[@headachebaby]

Beautiful review and great analysis that I actually cried. You actually have to think when watching Kon's films because there's so many layers. I love his work and Millennium Actress is my favorite. Went back to rewatch this and I cried during the introduction and ending. Wow...it's more emotional now than when it came out because of Satoshi Kon's passing. Just imagine how many more great films he could have graced us if he was still alive.

[@coloh9928]

it's the pursuit Chiyoko loves, as she says at the end. it's like to have a creative career as a woman she needed to trick herself and the world into thinking it was all about the pursuit of an absent man, an artist, she's chasing - when really it's all about her and the art she made along the way. i think this is why she freezes up or runs whenever anyone asks her about this man - her recount of him acts as the front her reason for living, her desire and joie de vivre made vicarious. her life was never about the end goal really - that was a kind of trick she was playing to keep pursuing what she wanted. the spell of pursuit cast by the ghost turned out to be a blessing and a curse. Chiyoko is an artist but her upbringing was too restrictive for her to be forthright with that truth. she seemed just as hung up on the painting she never saw as she was with the man. in covering over her desires with more socially acceptable ones, she gave her heart to creative pursuit and still managed to be perceived as having (sexist notions of) virtue by the standards of the people around her.

[@Jack-rk7jc]

what do you think the key represents?

[@coloh9928]

@@Jack-rk7jc the key could represent a few things imo, which change over the course of the story. initially, it could represent potential, freedom, desire and choice, but sublimated into Chiyoko's urge to variously avoid/chase. things of more substance (behind the hypothetical door the key of desire opens) that would actually sate what it is that makes her pursue seem unknown to her and after a lifetime of going between chasing and avoidance she might have lost the capacity to actually sit with these things. the key and its eventual disconnection from her own stories about what it means come to represent the irrelevance of what actually lies beyond the door. having space in her life for an absent man acts as a key to freedom in some settings, even if it's just a key to escape from what she doesn't want - like when she learns about how the key was really stolen and this becomes a cue for her to leave her marriage, or how for a time the key and the story that went along with it kept her from succumbing to her mother's pressure regarding marriage and the earlier pressure to take over the running of the family business after the passing of her father. some of this points to the key representing potential, since Chiyoko uses this part of its meaning both to account for and stall elements of life that are commonly considered normal or are desired for her by the people around her but not her - and that she might never have wanted or felt ready for if she questioned further. the key acts as an indirect method of refusal and a placeholder for these normative milestones and in this sense could come to represent absence increasingly over time as the potential for them slowly diminishes. i wonder whether she filled the void she left in her life for the man she never found, whether she needed to and if chasing was enough to live well. i can't really decide whether it was a fulfilling life, since even though it seemed exciting in many ways, there was a sense that she didn't really belong to or become a part of the places she was in. she always seemed to be passing through but separate, and literally acting for much of her life. there was never a sense of her coming home at any point, and even her death is represented by her beginning yet another journey with no specified end. there's something ouroboros-like about the key - in terms of what it represents it kind of consumes itself and leaves questions that point to a void. Genya might have had some role in easing the meaninglessness of Chiyoko's void as a superfan of her work. i remember reading somewhere that millennium actress shows more of the benevolent and positive elements of being a fan, whereas perfect blue describes more of the alienating and dehumanising parts and i agree with this. anyway, this was interesting to think about :))

[@retrofuture1989]

Thank you much for making this video, I'm buying some tickets to see this right away. I remember watching Perfect Blue in theatres and it was an amazing experience. I've already seen this movie a couple times and I love how I end up seeing a new perspective every time.

[@wxlurker]

This is one of my favourite Kon works and anime movies. After watching it for the first time, there was this great sense of fulfilment. Personally, I find it is Kon's simplest work ( I don't mean that in a bad sense) but that it was the most direct thematically when compared with his other films. This video really reminds me to rewatch it again.

[@theclawless1225]

I’ve seen this movie like 3 or 4 times because people keep uploading it to KZbin... I’m really excited to watch it the way it was always meant to be seen.

[@timmeyer9191]

This was such a beautiful film. One of my favorite animes.

[@garyk2629]

Saw this a long time ago, and I recently saw it again on the Kanopy streaming service. Great film. It's sad that Kon only got to make four films.

[@DustinHern]

I'm fortunate to have had the distinct pleasure of seeing Kon's work on the big screen before. That was when I was introduced to Kon's ouvre by seeing Paprika in a little theater in my hometown. Since then, I've managed to catch Perfect Blue (bought it on DVD) and Tokyo Godfathers (it was on Netflix at one point I think), but I still haven't got around to seeing this one. I look forward to rectifying that this week at that same little theater. Or it might be a different one, but the story's cooler if I say it's the same one so let's pretend I'm certain of it. I have mixed feelings knowing that this Tuesday will be the day I culminate my viewing of Kon's filmography. Maybe, subconsciously, I've been putting it off on purpose.

[@danjalwaziri1657]

Have you also seen his anime series Paranoia Agent? Imo it's just as important as the movies in his body of work, and no less brilliant :)

[@DustinHern]

Danjal Waziri Seen it! What a trip. It’s been a while though, I should rewatch it. I think it’s been rereleased on blu ray recently. Might have to pick it up - definitely one worth owning.

[@RossardJames]

This is somehow the only Satoshi Kon film I’ve never seen. Grabbed tickets for a subbed showing near me, though. Can’t wait!

[@AnthonyKeydel]

took your recommendation and saw it last night THANK YOU

[@darya.winterhalter]

This is my favorite love movie ❤

[@AnointedFlow]

Just finished watching this for the first time. I enjoyed it and its eclectic method of story telling. It can be hard to follow at times but it really is a sad but beautiful piece of work.

[@artemicionkupo4367]

I still have the 2002 DVD. One of favorite films. I also have Satoshi Kon other films because of this masterpiece.

[@CodeBlazeFate]

I saw this in theaters with the girl I love, subbed on August 13th. I loved it so much, and I was glad to see that she enjoyed it alongside me, as we watched our first Kon film in the grandest, most potentially immersive setting for a movie. Fitting given that two of the main characters of Millennium Actress are sucked into the movies and life story of Chiyoko Fujiwara, the titular Millennium Actress. I wrote a loving piece about the film the next day.

[@KoolMB]

I'm so glad I caught it in theaters. So good!

[@rolandkatsuragi]

The beauty of animation, is that everything within the shot is a deliberate decision.

[@jeddulanas9262]

I just finished watching it on KZbin. It's so wonderful!

[@jayoungr]

Thanks--I was unsure about seeing this movie, but this video convinced me, and I am SO glad I went.

[@AndreNitroX]

I just watched this movie and it’s everything you said and more. This is a love letter to cinema

[@JasmineTeaEnjoyer]

why the fuck are your videos by far the best on youtube. literally makes me cry every time.

[@gregorydeacur3622]

Even hearing the main theme almost makes me tear up a bit. Such a great movie that I hope continues to be appreciated.

[@martinlagrange8821]

I have seen it in 2008 - and it is utterly superb.

[@reipea1951]

Susumu Hirasawa's music amplified this movie's feeling of nostalgia and yearning. What geniuses those two are.

[@xpavpushka]

If anyone asks me what movie to watch, this is the first movie that I recommend. It's just beautiful on so many levels. True art

[@swagikuro]

The ending always chokes me up, beautiful story

[@cycyforshort]

That was beautiful, one of my favorite films!

[@therealmerryjest]

This movie stabs me in the heart every time. And I always come back for more, it is so glorious.

[@lawo3917]

Kon's films are gorgeous!!!

[@mitchie2267]

I wonder if Setsuko Hara ever saw this movie? The first time I saw Tokyo Story it felt as if she was staring right at me ... Damn, the ending of Millennium Actress really made me choke up. Chiyoko was chasing the unattainable objet petit a in the form of the key.

[@PandaGirl991]

Just saw it today. Was an absolute master piece.

[@phantomflower6749]

I finally got around to watch this movie, and boy I can't describe everything I felt watching it, but I can say that I was very moved!

[@keima1110]

Just watch in a cinema. This is so great and lucky that I can watch it in a cinema.

[@ygsr]

This film is beautiful. I've only seen it once, so I don't think I can call it one of my favourites just yet, but it really touched me.

[@danjalwaziri1657]

Watched Tokyo Godfathers yesterday. Only this movie left and then I will have watched his full body of (animated) work.

[@kamiko8021]

Its hard to pick between this and garden of words as my favourite movie it's just soooo good

[@karnetik]

already seen it. tis a masterpiece

[@doomsdaydevice1234]

Love all of Satoshi Kon's works, they will always have an affect with me. Great video essay! Gave a great explanation of the feelings and what was expressed in Millennium Actress ! ^^

[@Turtleproof]

I feel so bad for people that disdain public funding for the arts or just hate it in general.

[@reneepeters5051]

I'm sad I'm now discovering this. I'm soooo gonna watch it.

[@Zombiefan226]

Going to see this with a friend Monday.

[@dapovi]

I honestly love your channel. Thank you so much for your content.

[@DavidJay93]

This movie made me cry. Twice.

[@Catsincradle]

This movie actually made me tear up a bit

[@savvysmiles1104]

Saw this on the 13th with my mom and a friend!! Definitely one of my favorite movies now :]

[@reneepeters5051]

Bro. Disney is SOOOO missing out on making some badass animation in such a new yet familiar way.

[@寂び侘び-b6s]

Excellent analysis.

[@HN-fb6md]

Just saw this in Theaters yesterday and wow, I'm truly blown away. Nothing beats hand drawn animation. That story was absolute gold.

[@SunnyRacc]

Still can't believe how immersed i was in paprika. One of my favorite films of all time

[@Sarah.J.Jacobson]

Wow this video shows up in my recommends after I saw the Dub in the theater.

[@ozoneic]

I love this movie so much

[@PrinceMallow]

I managed to score this on DVD at Anime Weekend Atlanta for $20 and loved it. But I will absolutely take the opportunity to catch it in theaters. Here's hoping that, like Perfect Blue, this leads to a proper bluray release in the West. And I'm hoping Tokyo Godfathers get the theater treatment next, it would be perfect to release around Chirstmas.

[@starhunterterra9849]

I watched it once, wonderful and moving film a classic film for sure.

[@augustandjune]

There’s so much more to the story than Chiyoko looking for the painter.

[@Pacal_II]

Do you maybe have a list of the movies the film references. When I was watching it I picked up a few obvious ones like Seven Samurai, Throne of Blood, Godzilla or Tokyo Story. But I see you used footage from a few other movies. Mind listing them out?

[@kh884488]

Aside from the films you mentioned, I think one could add: Rashomon, 24 eyes and 2001: A space odessey.

[@MATTierial]

This film is masterpiece. Kon's work straddles this barrier in the industry where it's not the kind of film most American Anime fans would enjoy but, as an animation, is treated as lesser by the critical minds that would normally eat up this kind of storytelling. Honestly, if this film were made in Hollywood in live action, it would easily be nominated for all sorts of critical awards, and would feel right at home at the Oscars. Yet, to make this film in live action would be both taxing on the editors, and expensive for the acting, set design, location, and travel. And, I think it would lose something if it wasn't animated. Kon really had an eye for how to push this medium to its fullest potential. Something few have ever come close to replicating.

[@Osprey1994]

It’s on Amazon at the moment.

[@yelloweyeball]

I cried when I first saw the end of this film lol.

[@DTBluesreviews]

I would love to see this film in theaters but the closest one to me is a three hour drive away and I can't afford to go