Mind Game (2004)

In the exhilaratingly inventive film "Mind Game" (2004), award-winning director Masaaki Yuasa takes us on an incredible odyssey of self-discovery, inspired by Robin Nishi's underground cult comic of the same name. The narrative follows Nishi, a college-age underdog with an addiction to adult comics and a lingering infatuation with his childhood sweetheart. Nishi's seemingly innocent reunion with his past love spirals into an unexpected whirlwind of chaos, plunging him into an encounter with the Japanese mafia that catapults him on a journey to heaven and back. But heaven is not his final destination as he, along with some friends, find themselves ensnared in an even more improbable realm. Struggling to escape, they embark on an exploration of life's profound essence, discovering what it means to truly be alive. Set against the backdrop of a psychedelic spectacle filled with love, violence, redemption, and the boundless potential of the human mind, "Mind Game" is a tale that is as heartrending as it is humorous. Yuasa's groundbreaking animation techniques are a feast for the eyes, blending rough sketches, storyboards, and photographic elements into a hypnotic visual tableau. This film is a mind-warping journey that pushes the boundaries of animation and storytelling, offering a lighthearted yet profoundly touching narrative that is sure to captivate audiences with its unique blend of comedy and poignant introspection. "Mind Game" is not just a film, it's an experience that celebrates the human spirit in all its wacky, wonderful complexity.

Mind Game is an anime movie featuring Koji Imada and directed by Masaaki Yuasa.

Mind Game is currently streaming on AMC Plus Apple TV Channel , AMC+, AMC+ Amazon Channel, DIRECTV, Hoopla and Shudder Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Mind Game on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube or rent it on Apple TV.