Millennium Actress - Characters & Cast

Chiyoko's primary motivation is to find the mysterious artist who gave her a key and return it to him. This singular goal propels her into an acting career and dictates the course of her entire life. Her love for him is the wellspring of her artistic passion and her resilience in the face of adversity.

Chiyoko's arc is not one of dramatic change but of steadfast dedication. From a young girl who experiences love at first sight, she becomes a celebrated actress, using her fame as a means to find the man she loves. Her journey is a cyclical one of pursuit, loss, and renewed hope. As an elderly woman, she comes to the profound realization that the chase itself, the act of loving and pursuing her ideal, was the true essence and joy of her life, rather than the man she was chasing.

Genya's motivation is twofold: to create a documentary honoring the career of the actress he idolizes, and to return the lost key to her, which he has kept for decades. He also harbors a deep, respectful love for Chiyoko and feels a sense of responsibility to protect her, both in her memories and in the present.

Genya begins as a devoted fan and filmmaker seeking to document the life of his idol. As the story progresses, it's revealed that he has a deeper, personal connection to Chiyoko, having worked as a studio assistant and even saved her life during an earthquake on the set of her final film. He transitions from a passive observer to an active participant in her memories, often taking on heroic roles to protect her. By the end, he becomes the guardian of her story and the one who facilitates her final, peaceful reflection on her life's journey.

Kyoji's motivation is primarily professional: he is there to film a documentary. He is driven by a desire to get the job done and is often comically exasperated by the surreal events he finds himself in. His pragmatic nature provides a humorous counterpoint to Genya's and Chiyoko's romanticism.

Kyoji starts as a cynical and detached cameraman, often questioning the fantastical nature of Chiyoko's story and Genya's emotional involvement. He serves as the audience's anchor to reality, frequently pointing out the absurdity of being pulled into the past. However, as he witnesses the depth and sincerity of Chiyoko's lifelong love story, his cynicism gradually gives way to a grudging respect and understanding. He remains the pragmatic observer but is clearly moved by the tale he is documenting.

His motivation is to fight for his political beliefs against the wartime government and to return to his hometown in Hokkaido to paint. He gives Chiyoko the key as a promise of his return and a symbol of what is most important to him.

The painter is less of a fully developed character and more of an idealized figure who sets Chiyoko's story in motion. He is a political dissident and an artist who values freedom and creativity. While his physical presence in the film is brief, his ideals and the memory of him serve as the catalyst for Chiyoko's entire life. He represents a perfect, unattainable love that inspires a lifetime of art and pursuit.