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Personal Critique

5 stars (of 5)

A true masterpiece. Just like "Only You" and the Urusei Yatsura TV series, this was also directed by my one of my all time favorite directors, Mamoru Oshii. His distinctive style is more evident in this movie than in the first one. Well paced, lots of attention to detail, fantastic animation direction, a strange yet thought provoking plot, beautifully orchestrated music.

I might have liked them to use Ran, Benten, Oyuki or Rei. But leaving them out actually works better in this case. This movie focused much more on the earthlings than the aliens, which is okay since "Beautiful Dreamer" has nothing to do with outer space but rather the world of dreams.

This is one of those movies where the plot appears to be going a certain way but then it throws you off guard and goes in a completely different direction. Beautiful Dreamer does this repeatedly throughout the film and that's part of what makes it so intruiging. During the movie there is a constant atmosphere that is forboding and just so darn eerie that it's rivoting. I already mentioned the music and I should repeat that this is an amazing orchestra soundtrack. You really have to hear it for yourself. It's a huge part of why this movie is so absorbing. With the music, the bizarre imagery and insightful dialogue, Beautiful Dreamer really does draw you in like some hypnotic device.

But I really can't find anything to complain about. This is a fantastic movie whether you're a UY fan or not.