The Link
Notes:
The movie starts with Chiyoko determined to fulfill her goal
Immediately we get the merging of reality theme, with the rocket lift off and earthquake paralleling.
This intro is simply amazing
Examine the intro scene (rewind)
This funny moment also reveals Genya's passion and loyalty to her
In the tea scene, it's clear that Genya is just as taken with Chiyoko as she is with Painter
"The Key to the most important thing there is."
Three interpretations of the Key.
- Painter = Creativity
- Chiyoko = Her search
- Us = This movie
The editing is so fluid!
"What are we shooting?" Ida is our proxy
The music is so damn good
"I wanna know who that guy is!" Genya's obsession is revealed
"Peace will come to my homeland" Is Painter Chinese?
Penultimate moon means hope.
Genya catches the hat, he's interacting with more of the story, more invested
The initial chase to the train station is representative of her life-long search
"When did this become a movie!?" This is when things get screwy
Genya is playing along with Chiyoko
Chiyoko is now interacting with Genya, he's fallen further down the rabbit hole
Otaki takes the key, just like he removes Chiyoko from the search
Millennium Actress is really Genya's finished documentary
Ako makes like of the search now, just like later
"Just be the character" Chiyoko takes this a little too seriously
Love Ako in the background and the Teller's glance toward her
"I wish I were that dog."
Genya saves Chiyoko 1
"I've been asking that question all day!" Still our proxy
Genya saves Chiyoko 2
Ida is our comic relief too
He's already dead, such foreshadowing
"He awaits you there" Proof that Chiyoko continues her search after death
"One day you will understand." Hmm?
Genya saves Chiyoko 3
Perhaps Millennium Actress is really a collection of love stories, of which Chiyoko's is only similar. Samurai Chiyoko is the earliest chronologically, to perhaps Chiyoko is a proxy for the relationship. Tea of Life causes this relationship to be forever played out, even after Chiyoko's death (Genya as Chiyoko)
Soldier with gun is the policeman
Genya saves Chiyoko 4
Love this scene
The editing in the circle fight scene imitates similar movies
Genya saves Chiyoko 5
This is hilarious
Just in case you didn't realize Genya loves Chiyoko
This scene is awesome
Genya saves Chiyoko 6
"Chiyoko I-" "Need to pay attention" I love this line
Millennium Actress is the story of unrequited love, that's why we never see the painter's face
Genya saves Chiyoko 7
This is hilarious
Love this montage
Genya saves Chiyoko 8
Grave of Fireflies reference
Painter's scarf is red, red signifies passion and love
Chiyoko can't die, the old hag won't let her
Genya saves Chiyoko 9
The maid's glance at Chiyoko "Doctor's think old people are always sick" Hmm?
Godzilla reference 1
Genya's secret is out!
After the story was interrupted, it takes a while for Genya to become fully involved again
"We're looking for Chiyoko's key!" I love this moment
This scene is really depressing
"You went off an got married" Love the hesitation
Chiyoko is 46 when she finds the key again.
Chiyoko is wearing a red scarf like the painter!
"Look, the full moon!" This is Chiyoko's last chance.
The hag in the woods. Hmm?
Genya saves Chiyoko 10
Godzilla reference 2
We find ourselves at the beginning, but with Genya instead of a random guy
Genya saves Chiyoko 11
The hag has Chiyoko's mole!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Genya saves Chiyoko 12
Chiyoko is torturing herself! She's continuing on this unsatisfactory journey!
Love the non-verbal storytelling here, we know exactly what the doctor told him, but he never spoke a word, we didn't even see their faces.
"After all, it's the chase I really love."
Chiyoko had to realize her satisfaction came not from when she finds the painter, but in the journey.
The Space station looks like a lotus!
Chiyoko was born on September 1st, 1923
Hi! I just watched it as in minutes ago. I read your analysis as well. I truly agree that it is the best movie and Satoshi Kon is a genius for making it.
ReplyDeleteQuestions: hehe
What does the old lady(the one who gave the curse) represent?
Do you think that pursuing (or even waiting) someone is worth it? (Given that there is a promise, just like in the movie) with the cost of sacrificing something may it be time, career, expectations(from family) etc. Is love really that precious to be pursued?. (Coming from someone clueless about it and somewhat a hopeless romantic)
I believe that they saw each other in the afterlife. Do you think the same?
I love this movie so much, now its my top 1. Thank you for your analysis it gave me more insight about the movie. Last thing, what other japanese anime movie do you recommend? Thank You 😁