The animation of the film is slick and moving. It is beautifully colourful and some of the scenes are simply immense. Some critics have claimed that the animation is simplistic and less beautiful than the work of Miyazaki or similar filmmakers. While it’s incredibly difficult to emulate or even come close to producing something along the lines of Miyazaki, Kon’s piece, animated by the legendary Studio Madhouse, is as pure an anime as I’ve seen in quite a long time. The colours flush in and out of the scenes, the segues are tremendous, and the backdrops are absolutely stunning pieces to look at on their own. I found myself pausing the film quite a few times to gather the scope of it all.

Millennium Actress is a wonderful introduction to anime for those viewers who may not be comfortable with some of the more bizarre elements of the genre. It is a tender love story with depth, instantly relatable to anyone who has ever chased a dream. We accompany Chiyoko on her journey and celebrate her idea that the journey itself is incredible. Our heart breaks for her, time and again, and we long for her happiness as we trace the lines of her life. Chiyoko is not merely a two-dimensional cartoon character. She exhibits more life, more emotion, and more poise than several current “real” Hollywood actresses and we feel the depth of her moving journey on a deeply personal level. Kon’s film succeeds because it realizes the desire of the audience for connection and purpose, even in film.

Along with the deeply personal level on which Millennium Actress functions, Kon’s movie passionately gives us a shorthand vision of history through the eyes of Chiyoko. The backdrops, the scenes, and the characters reveal a rich tapestry of history and elegantly place importance on the smaller, subtle moments of Chiyoko’s life. Her career as an actress highlights her life, accenting her personal quest with the gloss of cinema.

As a quality introduction to anime and a wonderful film, Millennium Actress is a highly recommended work of art from one of my favourite anime filmmakers, Satoshi Kon. Along with Tokyo Godfathers, Kon has proven the ability to create uniquely human tales in a genre that often feels inhabited by science fiction stories and unbelievable ideas. Millennium Actress is the perfect starting point for those interested in opening up to the engaging genre of anime.