Sennen Joyuu (Millennium Actress) --- Heartbreakingly Beautiful!



I worked for the first time in a week this morning and I must say, I missed working. hahah I was sick for several days, but I'm finally able to get back to work even just for a couple hours. The real busy work days would start again tomorrow, so I decided to just relax tonight and watch some anime.

I chose to watch another movie by Satoshi Kon, and this time I selected this intriguing story which is entitled, " Sennen Joyuu" (Millennium Actress).



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As a new millennium has started, the old and crumbling buildings of the once known Ginei studio were scheduled to be demolished. A former employee and film maker, Genya, alongside his cameraman Kyouji decided to create a documentary film focusing on one of the studio's biggest stars during the Showa Era, Chiyoko Fujiwara. (Well, she was actually the greatest actress in those years.)



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After filming her final film around thirty years ago, the actress lived a reclusive life in a secluded mountain. It's such an opportunity for Genya and Kyouji to be granted permission to interview the said actress and it was especially exciting for Genya since he's such a huge fan and has admired the actress even before he started working in the film industry. He couldn't wait to see his favorite actress in the spotlight once again, what more, he's to interview her.


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As the former actress narrated her past, the three of them were able to experience a wonderful journey through cinematic Japanese history that tells stories not only of the movies she acted in, but how everything interconnected with her real life.

It was like re-living her life in a series of films...


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Above is the trailer for the said movie...



The movie was so heartbreakingly beautiful. It allows viewers to travel back time and it was such an awesome experience. It's indeed not always about the destination, but the journey one took to get there that's important. It's what makes the destination worthwhile.

Despite being created in the early 2000s, the animation style was great. The way each scene transitioned one after another was phenomenal. I love how at one point, we're witnessing the actress's real life experience then it would suddenly transition to some scenes in her movies.

Being able to get from one movie to another and being able to experience Japanese history in a variety of era through her movies was an awesome ride. I don't really know how to explain it, but I enjoyed the journey.

The story is simple but was presented in a beautifully complicated way. You'll know what I mean when you watch it.


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Destiny can be pretty playful at times. We don't know how everything in our life would pan out, but whatever it is we're trying to do or achieve... wherever it is that we want to go, let's cherish every moment. :)

I hope you give this movie a shot. It'll definitely be worth your time. :)

Thanks for checking my post. See you around! (^^,)/



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11 comments
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se ve bueno, me llamo la atención. buena reseña!


looks good, it caught my attention. good review!

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I don't know why I get a horror vibe or maybe it's the tragic kind vibe? Not so sure. That's what I first thought when I saw the lead Image 😆. I noticed how good and clear the animation was, despite the anime's age. Maybe I'll add this one of my watchlist. Thanks for the share. Uwu

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It's not as dark as you think it is... And also, the video is a remastered version in 4K, this the quality... I hope you enjoy it! 😁

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I love how you managed to connect Chiyoko's life with her film career; that thing about being able to experience history through her films sounds fascinating. Also, the way you describe the transitions between her real life and the films makes me want to watch it right away - I'll definitely add it to my list!

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The film was amazing... very effective transitioning despite it being produced in early 2000s. :) Please do so... enjoy! ^^

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I'm sorry you lost your job and that you are sick. I hope you get well soon.
I don't know this movie, for a 20 year old, the animation is pretty good.
Good review, cheers n.n

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No worries... I have flexible schedule, so it's OK... I'm catching up with work from this week and it's been smooth so far. :) Thank you so much... Yes, the animation was great given its date of release... Thanks a bunch! ^^

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Personally, I prefer Perfect Blue to Millennium Actress, but the late Satoshi Kon didn't have any weak or at least good films. Each of them was valuable and good for some reason. What I liked most was the aspect you mentioned - the beautifully edited journey through different periods in Japan. Yeh, you'll have to watch it again :).

Thanks to your review, I came up with an idea for the last event post :).

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Perfect Blue was awesome!!! I reviewed it last time, too... I also prefer stories like Perfect Blue since I love plot twists and all, but I don't mind watching movies like Millennium Actress since there's also a certain charm to it. Thanks for dropping by... 😎✨

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I prefer PB for exactly the same reason :D. But you can't watch only such series or movies. Sometimes, for balance, you need to watch such simple stories. They also make you think, but on different levels. Have a nice day :).