FILM SCREENING
Focus on Kon Satoshi: Perfect Blue

This event is fully booked.

Continuing the exploration of Kon Satoshi’s filmography, Japan House London is delighted to present two free screenings of Perfect Blue (1997), an animated psychological thriller exploring the themes of identity theft, delusion and insanity viewed as some of the threats imposed by the internet and media on their users. The screenings are held as a part of our latest film season Focus on Kon Satoshi, which runs until December 2022.

The film tells the story of Mima Kirigoe, a talented young woman, who leaves her career as a J-Pop singer to star in a crime drama show Double Blind. When offered a lead role as a rape victim, Mima accepts it despite reservations from her manager. However, very soon she becomes concerned with an unexpected backlash from fans over her career change and an appearance of a strange and disturbing website called ‘Mima’s Room’ launched by an identity thief. When Mima starts being stalked and people involved in the Double Blind production team begin turning up dead with all the evidence pointing towards her, Mima gradually slips into a state of confusion, paranoia and madness. 

Created in 1997 by Kon Satoshi and critically acclaimed as one of the finest examples of an animated thriller, Perfect Blue still sends an awakening message about the serious threats imposed by the internet. Many critics point out its influence on the filmmakers such as Darren Aronofsky or Christopher Nolan, while others stress the importance of the feminist theme. Although more than 20 years have passed since its first screenings, Perfect Blue continuously leaves viewers astonished about how prophetic Kon’s vision turned out to be. It is painfully accurate in its exploration of idol culture and an-impossible-to-sustain pressure on young female artists. It is also dreadfully up to date as a story of the cyber-stalking, sexual abuse, and cyber-safety in general. And what’s more, Kon discusses those issues without compromising the grand artistic vision and visual mastery.

This film is in Japanese with English subtitles. Duration: approx. 90 minutes. Please note that this film is classified 18. Guests must be aged 18 or over to be admitted.

Booking tickets

Please choose your preferred screening date and time and click on the button to book your free ticket. 

Guests who are booked to attend the screening can also enjoy 10% off drinks at The Stand on their way in.