Before you open the spoiler about the this review, give a video link a watch.
If you enjoyed it, then you can read my review.
► Show Spoiler
Be a glimmering star at the top of your own stageThe main reason why I doing spoiler thing is because I discover the song on Spotify first then I finally google the title of the anime. It is unusual anime song with various type of melody hence I was kinda hooked in the first place.
The series can be simplify as a story of a school that have stage play. Every year, they will conduct auditions choosing the best 8 to perform on stage, which the best performancer will be able to become top star. So rather than make typical idol type anime focusing on training & performance, it created a unique weird battle between 2 characters full of symbolism. The struggle, the clash between 2 people, the idealistic goal to become the top star created a tension & intriguing plot and make you want to keep watching more.
However, do take note that you cant simply take this anime from face value. It have its own nuasance & every episode have its unique theme that related to each character struggle. Hence why some music might sound epic, but other will sound weird. However, despite I love the stage play every episodes, the character interaction in real life feel very jarring. Almost all of the conflict can be solved with proper communication, yet you will find some episodes pretty annoying. Just stay until middle of the season before it revealed some of the important plots.
If you werent fan of idol / cute anime, please give this anime at least first 3 episodes a try. It would be something outside of out of the norm & unique experience. Just take note it wont explain whole story conflict or how it happened in the first place (you will know if you watch it).
Post series watch (watch this only after you finished the series), you will able to appreciate the art more.
EDITED:
It feel like a crime if I just shared you one song and expect you to get hooked with it like I did.
Some of the songs in the series are just too beautiful that you have to read lyrics to understand what I felt.
There is small hint of spoiler though, so I suggest only read after you finished the series.
Insert song playlist, with english lyrics.My fav : Insert Ep3, Ep1, Ep2, Ep 9, 12
Again the franchise is kinda start with stage / original anime, but now moved to mobile game and more live concert.
Below is the playlist for live action version. I dont expect everyone to like it, but it kinda nice comparison to anime version.
The live action also contain spoiler, as it is 1 to 1 revue adaptation.
Live Action 2 : Playlist.*I forgot to mention that I kept getting goosebumped during transformation scene.
EDITED 2:
I cant stop watch stuff related to this anime. Watch the post series review if you still confused about whole series, should be enough to get all those concept & theme from the series, at the end of the review in the spoiler.