Millennium Actress (2002)

In the backdrop of a once-glamorous movie studio teetering on the brink of demolition, seasoned TV journalist Genya Tachibana manages to unearth the reclusive starlet of yesteryears, Chiyoko Fujiwara. A legend wrapped in mystery, Fujiwara has been living a secluded life since bidding adieu to the silver screen three decades prior. An ordinary key, presented to her by Tachibana, unchains a whirlpool of memories, compelling her to journey back through the phases of her illustrious career. As Fujiwara narrates her tale, Tachibana and his perpetually beleaguered cameraman find themselves increasingly enmeshed in her story. A simple key, a memento from her teenage years, symbolizes an unfulfilled promise and a lost love. It was gifted by a fugitive artist and revolutionist whom she aided in evading the law. This encounter ignites in her a relentless quest to locate him, leading her to the world of acting. Through a multitude of roles across genres and eras, her pursuit persists, her performances becoming a living testament to her enduring search. Thus, "Millennium Actress" weaves a tale that transcends time, blurring the line between life and art, reality and fantasy, in a captivating exploration of love, longing, and the magic of cinema.

Millennium Actress is an anime movie featuring Miyoko Shoji and directed by Satoshi Kon.

Millennium Actress is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Cineverse, Freevee, Kanopy, Peacock, Peacock Premium, Plex, Plex Player, Shout! Factory TV and Tubi TV and it's also available on AsianCrush, Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, Hoopla, Retrocrush and Viewster Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Millennium Actress on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Vudu.