Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight At first this show seems like an unholy mess staplered together into a cutegirls anime. Or is it a musical? Theres a transformation sequence? Wait so theyre physically fighting? Huh a giraffe? But beyond the original confusion youll find an endearing story of growth which packs as much fun as it has emotional weight. https://i.pin.com/originals/4d/05/c3/4d05c30d9755e25d33620002cdc07749.png The story centers around Karen a student in a prestigious music academy. When a childhood friend transfers into the school with whom she had made a childhood promise her world is stirred to motion. Karen is brought into a musical and possibly magical audition called revue vying for the position of top star through song and dance and a bit of fighting. By its premise alone it sounds like a wacky twist on the idol formula. As someone who generally dislikes idolesque maletargeted allfemale shows I expected to be put off but boy was this show a complete surprise. For me its success boils down to how it manages to appeal to various audiences without compromising the show as a whole. To those who simply want an allgirls anime will find plenty of shippable relationships. Those who crave action will find its revue fight scenes dynamic. There is plenty of drama featuring characters better developed than the show would lead you to believe. The show works in each of those layers. But what sets it apart is how all those layers builds up on each other to form a fascinating narrative. We are introduced to the characters their wishes and see how their relationships are affected by pursuing their goals. We see them deal with problems of jealousy the pressure of remaining ahead the feeling of being left behind the fear of moving forward. And the revue reflects all of that. The way each character fights shows their personality each revue insert songs carries their character and struggles so well. Its something both set design and cinematography also conveys well. https://i.pin.com/originals/6d/25/ba/6d25bad1b8176f5908efcced2360f32b.png Oh and did I forget to mention that they look gorgeous. The show invest needed time in showing how each individual characters progress making each development believable while also sowing the seeds of future conflicts. When an arc reaches its climax we understand why things go where they do. It doesnt feel rushed. This respect for its characters is what makes the show stands out and it does so without bogging down the narrative as a whole. So by the time the show nears its conclusion we have a good understanding of why each character performs. The show treads a fine line between goofy day to day life moments of serious character development and the dramatic tone if its revues. Its a balancing act that holds out well all the way to its final episodes. Heres a pretty spoiler heavy look into one of many character arcs in revue starlight and why it works Thats not to say that the show is not without its faults. The few words of spoken french are jarring to hear. But then again so is most spoken english in any anime. While the show may seem too absurd at times it never gets in the way of the overall narrative as long as you dont question the details. Things like.. So are they like allowed to kill each other? Is the stage of fate a hidden part of the school or does it materialize every time? Is the academy secretly aware of the revues? Are the teachers the previous victors? Are the revues actually battle duels or only interpreted as such? Do Karen not take fall damage? In summary Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight is many things. A high school drama an action musical a cutegirls show a story of growth. It does each of these things well. But most of all it manages to be ALL these things very well without seeming pretentious. Is this show a fun watch? Yes. Is this show good? More than it should be. Do I recommend this show? Absolutely.