Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004):

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004):

"When their relationship turns sour, a couple undergoes a medical procedure to have each other erased from their memories."

After a breakup, Joel and Clementine have a medical procedure that erases them from each other's memory. They soon find that the memories keep popping up, and regret their decision. They try to hide their happy memories in repressed childhood experiences, and soon find that their meeting is inevitable.

Surreal visuals, and heartfelt drama. Definitely a strange film. It raises questions about fate, love, the purpose of pain, and heartbreak. And also proved Jim Carrey can do more than comedy! Directed by Michel Gondry. Watch it if you can.

Paprika (2006):

"When a machine that allows therapists to enter their patients' dreams is stolen, all hell breaks loose. Only a young female therapist, Paprika, can stop it."

This magical tale centers on a revolutionary machine that allows scientists to enter and record a subject’s dream. After being stolen, a detective and brilliant therapist join forces to recover the device — before it falls into the hands of a “dream terrorist”. It really needs to be seen to be believed. There's a beautiful contrast here between dreams and mundane reality. Plus, many secrets the characters have are only expressed in dreams.

As the movie goes on, the dreams become darker and more surreal. People start talking nonsense and killing themselves. And eventually the nightmare visions infect reality. Only Paprika, who appears to be a happy-go-lucky therapist can stop them. Paprika's early scenes have a great sense of limitlessness and flight, in contrast to drab waking life, highlighting the theme of magical realism. Check it out, whenever you can!