- Released on August 20, 1999
Perfect Blue is a Japanese animated psychological horror film that was released in 1997. The movie, which was directed by Satoshi Kon, is a masterful exploration of the darker side of fame, identity, and mental health. The characters in Perfect Blue are brought to life through the talented voice acting of Shin-ichiro Miki and Kisho Taniyama, who play the roles of Taku and Blue, respectively.
The main character of Perfect Blue is Mima Kirigoe, a young and talented pop singer who is encouraged by her managers to take on a recurring role on a popular TV show. Mima, who is eager to expand her horizons and try new things, agrees to the opportunity, believing that it will help her to grow as an artist and reach a wider audience. However, things take a dark turn when Mima's handlers and collaborators begin turning up murdered.
As the bodies pile up, Mima becomes increasingly paranoid and isolated, unsure of who she can trust. She is plagued by nightmares and hallucinations, and begins to question her own sanity. As the lines between reality and fantasy blur, Mima must confront her deepest fears and insecurities in order to uncover the truth and clear her name. Perfect Blue is a gripping and suspenseful film that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes, it is a true masterpiece of anime storytelling.
Full Cast of Perfect Blue
Junko Iwao
as Mima Kirigoe (voice)
Junko Iwao's performance as Mima Kirigoe in the movie 'Perfect Blue' is nothing short of exceptional. She brings a nuanced and layered portrayal to the character, capturing Mima's vulnerability, determination, and eventual descent into madness with remarkable skill. Iwao's voice acting is so convincing that it adds an extra layer of depth to the animation, making Mima's emotional journey all the more impactful. Her performance is a testament to her talent and is a significant contribution to the overall success of the film.
Rica Matsumoto
as Rumi (voice)
Rica Matsumoto delivers a captivating performance as Rumi in the psychological thriller 'Perfect Blue'. Her voice acting skills bring depth and emotion to the character, making Rumi a complex and intriguing figure. Matsumoto's ability to convey a range of emotions, from anxiety and fear to determination and strength, adds layers to the character and enhances the overall viewing experience. Her performance is a testament to her talent and versatility as a voice actress.
Shinpachi Tsuji
as Tadokoro (voice)
Shinpachi Tsuji's performance as Tadokoro in 'Perfect Blue' is a standout example of his voice acting skills. As the obsessive fan who becomes increasingly unhinged as the film progresses, Tsuji brings a chilling intensity to the role. His delivery of Tadokoro's lines is both menacing and sympathetic, capturing the character's descent into madness while also hinting at the underlying vulnerability that drives his obsession. Tsuji's performance is a key factor in the film's exploration of the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, and his voice work adds an extra layer of depth to this complex and thought-provoking anime.
Emiko Furukawa
as Yukiko (voice)
Yoku Shioya
as Takao Shibuya (voice)
Yoku Shioya delivers a captivating performance as Takao Shibuya in 'Perfect Blue'. His voice masterfully encapsulates the character's complex personality, shifting seamlessly between charming and manipulative. Shioya's nuanced portrayal adds depth to Takao's character, making him a fascinating and unsettling presence throughout the film. His performance is a testament to his skill as a voice actor, contributing significantly to the movie's psychological thriller atmosphere.
Hideyuki Hori
as Sakuragi (voice)
Hideyuki Hori's performance as Sakuragi in 'Perfect Blue' is a standout, capturing the character's complexity and dark nature. Hori's voice acting brings to life Sakuragi's manipulative and controlling personality, making him a truly menacing figure. The nuanced delivery of his lines adds depth to the character, making him more than just a villain, but a fully realized character with his own motivations and desires. Hori's performance is a testament to his skill as a voice actor and his ability to bring out the best in the characters he portrays.
Emi Shinohara
as Eri Ochiai (voice)
Emi Shinohara delivers a captivating performance as Eri Ochiai in 'Perfect Blue'. Her voice acting is a standout element of the film, as she brings to life the character's complex emotions and motivations with a nuanced and powerful delivery. Shinohara's performance adds depth to the character of Eri Ochiai, making her a memorable and impactful presence in the movie. The way she balances the character's professional and personal struggles, as well as her intense rivalry with the protagonist, is truly impressive and adds to the overall tension and suspense of the film.
Masashi Ebara
as Murano (voice)
Masashi Ebara's performance as Murano in 'Perfect Blue' is a standout aspect of the film. Ebara brings a sense of gravitas and intensity to the character, making him a compelling and enigmatic figure. His deep, resonant voice perfectly captures the character's mysterious and manipulative nature, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the already complex narrative. Ebara's performance is a testament to his talent as a voice actor and helps to elevate 'Perfect Blue' to its status as a classic of anime cinema.
Kiyoyuki Yanada
as Kantoku (voice)
Kiyoyuki Yanada's performance as Kantoku in 'Perfect Blue' is a standout aspect of the film. His voice acting brings a sense of authority and gravitas to the character, making him a commanding presence in every scene he's in. Yanada's ability to convey a range of emotions, from stern determination to subtle vulnerability, adds depth to Kantoku's character. His performance is a testament to his talent and contributes significantly to the overall impact of the movie.
Shin-ichiro Miki
as Taku (voice)
Shin-ichiro Miki's performance as Taku in 'Perfect Blue' is a standout aspect of the film. His voice acting perfectly captures the character's complexities, from his seemingly friendly and supportive demeanor to his more sinister and manipulative side. Miki's ability to shift between these tones with such nuance adds depth to Taku's character and keeps viewers on edge, never quite sure of his true intentions. It's a testament to Miki's talent that Taku remains one of the most memorable and chilling characters in the film.
Akio Suyama
as Tadashi Doi (voice)
Akio Suyama delivers a noteworthy performance as Tadashi Doi in 'Perfect Blue'. His voice brings a sense of youthful determination and vulnerability to the character, making Tadashi a relatable figure in the film. Suyama's ability to convey a range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety, adds depth to Tadashi's role as a devoted fan of the pop idol turned actress, Mima Kirigoe. The nuances in Suyama's performance contribute to the overall complexity of the film, making it a captivating watch.
Koichi Tochika
as Red (voice)
Koichi Tochika's performance as Red in 'Perfect Blue' is a standout in the realm of voice acting. His ability to convey the character's obsessive and unhinged nature is truly commendable. Tochika's voice adds a layer of intensity and menace to Red, making him a chilling antagonist. The way he modulates his voice, sometimes soft and almost seductive, other times harsh and threatening, perfectly encapsulates the character's complex personality. Tochika's performance is a testament to his skill and adds significantly to the overall unsettling atmosphere of the movie.
Soichiro Hoshi
as Green (voice)
Soichiro Hoshi's performance as Green in 'Perfect Blue' is a standout aspect of the film. Hoshi brings a unique energy and intensity to the character, making Green a memorable and impactful presence. His voice acting is particularly impressive during the more intense and emotional scenes, where he is able to convey a wide range of emotions with subtle nuance. Hoshi's performance adds depth and complexity to the character, making Green a truly compelling and engaging character in the film.
Kisho Taniyama
as Blue (voice)
Kisho Taniyama's performance as Blue in 'Perfect Blue' is a standout aspect of the film. His voice acting brings a chilling and unsettling quality to the character, making Blue a truly unnerving presence. Taniyama's ability to convey Blue's obsessive and manipulative nature through his voice is impressive, and it adds a layer of complexity to the character. His performance is a testament to his talent as a voice actor and his ability to bring depth and nuance to animated characters.
Shokkâ Ôno
as Chairman (voice)
Rofuto Purasu Wan Burazâzu
as Audience (voice)
Makoto Kitano
as Reporter (voice)
Takashi Nagasako
as Additional Voices (voice)
Takashi Nagasako's performance as Additional Voices in 'Perfect Blue' is a testament to his versatility as a voice actor. His ability to seamlessly switch between characters and emotions adds depth to the already complex narrative. Nagasako's voice work, while not in a lead role, is integral to the movie's overall atmosphere, providing a sense of realism and immersion in the animated world. His contribution, though subtle, significantly enhances the viewing experience, making him a valuable asset to the film's voice cast.