I heard that Satoshi Kon directed this anime, and some said that one who is unfamiliar with how he works will probably dislike it. As for me, I have seen only one of his work— Tokyo Godfathers.
Story
Paranoia agent starts off with a series of assaults allegedly made by what they call Shounen Bat. But as the story progresses, there is something deeper in the story as to why the events took place. Each episode was executed by focusing on different characters’ story of suffering, depression and torment.
Within the first seven episodes, everything was normal, but towards the final episode, reality and fantasy had mixed. Everything became surreal. And what we thought a common anime is really more than that.
If there is one point that I dislike about this anime is that there is some vague points that I really find difficult to relate to the wholeness of the story. It felt like it was intentional because if you scrutinize the dialogue of the characters, it seems like it they speak the story itself. What made it more difficult for me to accept is that it lacks causality. I mean, you’ll just be left puzzled how and why it happened because it just suddenly took place out of the blue, with no particular reason at all.
Even though it has many loose ends, I am somewhat satisfied in the final episode. Well, what I can say is that “That explains a lot” lol.
Characters
For the characters, who I really find intriguing is Ikari (the detective). It felt like there is something deeper in his dialogue. Something that describes the plot as a whole. I don’t know maybe it’s just me, or what, but I’m mystified by his lines.
Some characters are really amusing, and some are mysterious. To be honest, what hooked me up in this anime is one of the supporting characters there.
Art/animation
I am not really particular about the art and animation of an anime but I think, in this one, the animation is consistent and fits just right with the theme. The anime is slightly creepy for me and it fits the art of the characters since some of them have big mouths and devilish eyes.
Sound
Oh the sound. I really like the opening song of this anime.
Enjoyment
At first I thought I didn’t enjoy the anime as a whole but eventually I find myself thinking too much of what really it is about. Every episode, I always try to figure out what will happen next and made some guesses who’s who, but there are always plot twists and unexpected events so my hypotheses are all invalid lol.
By that, I think I’ve enjoyed the anime especially by deciphering what is the real meaning or the mystery behind everything.
