Many speculate that one Darren Aronofsky (Postcard From Earth) ripped off this anime feature for his 2010 movie Black Swan, but I find the comparison silly. There’s almost nothing as good as Satoshi Kon adapting Yoshikazu Takeuchi’s novel of the same name into a video animation horror about the internet age’s first horrifying steps toward its downfall. Former idol Mima attempts to pursue an acting career while a stalker imitating her via an online blog puts her in grave danger both emotionally and, eventually, physically. This is the work of a true master delivering a totally unique debut matched only by the tragically short filmography that followed. – James Scott
