Satoshi employs various techniques to immerse the audience in the protagonist Mima's deteriorating psychological state. One such technique is the use of colour theory, as the predominant blue theme gradually shifts to red throughout the movie, evoking feelings of anger and fear (Benchafi, 2023). Additionally, Kon utilises blocking and overlaying different scenes within the same frame to create a sense of hallucination and confusion experienced by the protagonist (Benchafi, 2023).

The film received acclaim both nationally and internationally, earning nine awards and establishing itself as one of the premier works in its genre. Its impact extended beyond animation, influencing live-action films such as "Black Swan" (Aronofsky, 2010). However, controversy arose when Kon accused another director of plagiarising his work in "Requiem for a Dream" by Darren Aronofsky (Obsessive, 21 C.E.).

Through "Perfect Blue," Kon masterfully follows the original idea of the light novel (Takeuchi, 2018) creating a visually stunning hand-drawn animation that not only captivates audiences but also prompts profound introspection into the human psyche.

The film transports the audience through various time periods, showcasing Tachibana's performances in different settings. Satoshi Kon utilises this plot device to explore the intricate details of each era through artistic expression. Employing techniques such as cel layers for background and scene elements, the animation team painstakingly integrates hand-drawn cells to create vividly detailed scenes with vibrant colours.

One notable aspect of the animation process involves the depiction of a running scene featuring Chiyoko. The team used real-life footage of a woman running as a reference, adding further realism and detail to the animation. This innovative approach yielded remarkable results, as evidenced in the final scene. “The result is shown in the scene where Chiyoko runs to a station. We can see that. They don’t usually check how they run. They draw from their drawing experiences. I had never tried that before. To see a girl running…and to see that image we learned something new” (Maagdnmornr, 2020; The Making Of Millennium Actress (English + French Sub)).

"Millennium Actress" garnered acclaim worldwide, earning 11 awards (Madhouse.co.jp, n.d.). Its international appeal was a deliberate strategy, especially given the simultaneous release of "Spirited Away" by Hayao Miyazaki, which dominated the Japanese market. As a result, the studio actively participated in numerous international film festivals, securing several accolades along the way.