A psychologically complex anime thriller, Satoshi Kon's (Millennium Actress) Paranoia Agent concerns a young and sometimes murderous assailant on inline skates who appears randomly in the dark, bludgeoning victims with what appears to be a bent baseball bat. The criminal himself, small in stature and presumed to be a boy, inspires cascades of erroneous rumors among the public and baffles the authorities. Meanwhile, his victims endure real horror, particularly (in episode one) a young but renowned designer of popular toys, for whom the villain seems to be an extension of deep, subconscious fears. Narratively sophisticated, wonderfully directed, and as engrossing as many live-action contemporary noir features, Paranoia Agent, rated 13-up, debuts in this dual-language opening volume collecting the first four of 13 episodes. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)
Paranoia Agent, Vol. 1: Enter Lil' Slugger
(2004) 100 min. DVD: $29.98. Geneon. Color cover. Volume 19, Issue 6
Paranoia Agent, Vol. 1: Enter Lil' Slugger
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