Oshi no Ko Vs. Perfect Blue, Which Is Better?

2024-04-27
Oshi no Ko Vs. Perfect Blue, Which Is Better?

Many anime series and movies focus on the idol industry, but "Perfect Blue" and "Oshi no Ko" compete for the top spot in viewers. To settle the debate once and for all, let's review which of the two best shows the world of idols: Oshi no Ko or Perfect Blue?

About Perfect Blue

"Perfect Blue" is a popular psychological thriller film released in 1997. Follow Mima, a member of the well-known Cham trio. The group wasn't famous, but they had a strong and solid fan base. When Mima decided to withdraw from the girl group to focus on her acting career (on the recommendation of one of her managers), her fans had mixed reactions to her decision.

Oshi no Ko Vs. Perfect Blue, Which Is Better?

She started receiving threatening letters, having a creepy website about her life, and receiving obscene phone calls. She realized that her acting roles were beginning to replicate her real life, causing her to confuse about what was reality and what wasn't. It also got to the point that people around him started dying. What makes this thriller anime movie famous is its approach to engaging viewers.

The animation does a splendid job of bringing each scene to life. Viewers identify with Mima as she begins to wonder what's going on in her life. The narration is so accurate that the viewer doesn't know what to expect next. It has several layers and a great focus on illusion and the dark side of obsession. As the horror film progresses, the viewer wonders if they are watching it from the point of view of a lunatic or a murderer.

About Oshi no Ko

"Oshi no Ko" knows how to reach the hearts of viewers. It starts with a popular idol, Ai Hoshino, who surprisingly gets pregnant. Despite her lack of knowledge about motherhood and love in general, she decides to stay with her children, even though it may affect her career. The supernatural anime adds a mix of reincarnation by giving birth to twins; one turns out to be her fan, while the other turns out to be the doctor who helped her during the pregnancy.

Oshi no Ko Vs. Perfect Blue, Which Is Better?

Although the series seemed to be going well, as Ai started getting more performances and projects, one day she was murdered by her fan after finding out the truth about her pregnancy. The series, once bright and lighthearted, took an incredibly dark turn when one of the twins, Aqua, vowed to find out who was behind Ai's murder. He believed his biological father had caused the incident. Oshi no Ko offers a refreshing insight into the entertainment industry. Through the twins, she tries to highlight the world of idols and the acting industry equally.

Although its colors and hue are bright and cheerful, the anime shows viewers that becoming an idol or actor requires a lot of work. The hard work, sacrifices, and even criticism that celebrities have to endure are unbearable. Not to mention, they must please their fans at all times. The animation was perfect for conveying the message and narration, giving each character a chance to explain their thoughts and emotions.

Which is better?

Out of all the anime series and movies released, "Oshi no Ko" and "Perfect Blue" have realistic approaches to the idol world. Both are not afraid to expose the dark and horrific side of the idol industry, which makes them very interesting. However, if we had to pick one, the real-life attack of "Perfect Blue" best shows the world of idols.

Being from Mima's own perspective, viewers can see how the industry is unfolding through her eyes. The anime shows Ai's perspective, but it seems that "Oshi no Ko" focuses more on Aqua's revenge than Ai's experience. Don't get me wrong, both "Oshi no Ko" and "Perfect Blue" are amazing works. Both have unique approaches and a punchy narrative that stays with the viewer even after the end.

Oshi no Ko Vs. Perfect Blue, Which Is Better?

But overall, the haunting and creepy lens of "Perfect Blue" makes for a pretty exciting and harsh critique of idol culture that will make viewers care about their favorite celebrities (if they have any).

© 赤坂アカ×横槍メンゴ/集英社・【推しの子】製作委員会
©1997MADHOUSE