Andy’s gift to me in the gift exchange was the anime film Paprika, which, despite having been directed by Satoshi Kon (whose Perfect Blue and Millenium Actress I love), managed to slip totally under my radar until the moment I saw the DVD.

The film is fantastic, both in terms of quality and its embrace of fantasy. The story was solid, the characters clever and amusing, and the overall concept, to state the obvious pun, a dream. It had been a long time since I’d seen any new anime, and this is certainly one that I had indeed missed. It’s pieces like these that I wish I could always find in new anime, unique and distinct gems that bring something new both to the medium and to me (yes, those who have suggested series to me, I have not forgotten you).

This was also the first movie for which I got the Dolby Digital of my sound card and speakers working, and I must say that it was a treat. Paprika is a perfect film to arouse the senses, even if it can only reach two of them.

Great gift, Andy.