Continuing the exploration of Kon Satoshi’s filmography, Japan House London is delighted to present two free screenings of Paprika (2006), the animation regarded by many critics as Kon’s masterpiece. The screenings will be held within our new film season Focus on Kon Satoshi, which takes place from September to December 2022.

Based on the science fiction novel by Tsutsui Yasutaka, Paprika explores the themes of the subconsciousness and the relationship between the realms of dream and reality. It tells the story of Dr Chiba Atsuko, a genius scientist by day, and a dream warrior named Paprika by night. In the near future, a revolutionary new psychotherapy treatment has been invented. Through a special device therapists can enter people’s dreams and explore their unconscious thoughts. When one of the prototypes is stolen, Dr Chiba sets on a mission to discover who is behind the plot to undermine the new invention. In the wrong hands, the potential misuse of the devise could be devastating, allowing the user to completely annihilate a dreamer’s personality while they are asleep…

Kon’s psychedelic film overpowers the viewer with its visual grandeur, inviting the audience to indulge in its eccentric world. Following the heroine into two realms, it demands constant switching between aesthetics and images, varying from detailed, ultrarealistic urban panoramas to whimsical characters derived from popular culture, Japanese tradition and the surreal imperia of nightmares and dreams.

This film is in Japanese with English subtitles. Duration: approx. 90 minutes. Please note that this film is classified 15. Guests must be aged 15 or over to be admitted.