Kaleido Star

Kaleido Star is a performance arts anime that combines many different performance-based crafts and puts them into one. The show takes elements of western theatrics, gymnastics, acrobatics, and combines them all into a unique product that has never been seen before. The main character, Sora Naegino, moves to America to pursue her dreams in being able to perform on stage, and eventually try to rise to the top. The premise of combining multiple performance arts is already cool, but the most interesting thing about the show is how they go about showing these different aspects to the audience. A whole show can be dedicated in going into the nitty-gritty of the structure of an individual craft, but that's admittedly very boring for viewers who aren't super interested to begin with. What Kaleido Star approach this problem is by showing the general ideas of each craft, and dances the line between what's realistic and not realistic, while also driving up the drama to have the show still remain interesting for the target audience. For viewers who have an idea of the roles of the backstage crew and the actors, you might find that the accuracy of how each role is presented is maybe only half accurate, but the directors simultaneously also mention such intricate details that're so realistic that there's no doubt that the directors didn't what they were doing, and are deliberately withholding details to maintain interest for the casual viewer. At least for me, my immersion for the show for the most part wasn't broken (Sometimes the show gets a little absurd). Further following the uniqueness train, Kaleido Star approaches failure in a very interesting way as well. Most modern anime (shonens especially) follow a general success-to-failure rate of around 25% vs 75% at best, and 15-20% to 85-20% (just ballparking) at worst. This means that most main characters succeed more than they fail, which isn't very realistic. In just about everything and anything that can be improved upon through practicing, failure is more common than success. There's obviously a reason for why animes tend to not show failure as much; many viewers watch shows for escapism, and admittedly, watching someone fail all the time isn't very fun or entertaining to watch. So, such a question is now presented: If a show that has a 10% success to 90% failure rate on top of being 48 episodes long, will it be enjoyable to watch? The answer to this question will definitely feel subjective, but in my experience, the show at times hurt to watch, but it wasn't as painful as I initially thought. There were some instances where the characters fail so catastrophically that it made me wonder whether the target audience of this show was actually for sadists. At certain parts of the show, it just wasn't enjoyable simply because the characters were failing so frequently. However, there are many other instances that counteract that feeling with the most satisfying wins that're showered with absolute glory and fame. If you are a person that doesn't like this kind of format, it's completely understandable to be put off by the show, but I do still urge to give the show a shot because the end result of all the hard work outweighs the constant suffering that is seen constantly throughout the show. Other than some minor nitpicks, the most glaring issue with the anime was that formula for the plot was very predictable. After seeing a few episodes, it becomes very obvious how the mini-arcs will go, and seeing more episodes will only make it more obvious. Even before observing the patterns, many parts can still be very predictable. For example, in the first episode, Sora receives an ultimatum to either succeed in this gymnastics maneuver that was impossible for her skill level, or go home. Obviously the show has 47 other episodes ahead of it, so there's no way that she was going to fail. If she did fail and was forced to leave, we knew that there was some other way for her to get back. Trading short-term dramatic effect in exchange for the quality of the show is a trade that's never worth it, and there's many instances of this happening, and it almost never comes to a surprise for the viewer when it doesn't work, so why do it? Idk All in all, Kaleido Star has a heart and soul, and stuck the landing while maintaining its thematic vision all throughout the entire run. It's a fantastic watch, and is without a doubt a hidden gem that’s worth a watch despite its oddly lower ratings.

Here's something that's hard to find; a shoujo anime that doesn't have magical girls or romance in it. Kaleido Star follows the adventures of a girl named Sora on her quest to become a great trapeze artist. Story 7/10 Every episode, or story arc, involves Sora having to overcome some kind of challenge or learn a lesson on her way to becoming a star. What I like about the story is how the show has a lot of likable characters and funny moments, most of them with Sora, which make watching an episode a lot of fun. Furthermore, because the show has a whole 51 episodes to work with, we get to see Sora's quest to become a star from beginning to end. In the early episodes, Sora only gets bit parts in the circus's shows and has to start from the bottom, but by the later episodes Sora's getting the lead role in shows! Also, the show tries to answer some difficult questions you may not think of: What do I do after I fulfill my dream? What do I do if the dream I thought I wanted wasn't really what I wanted? Is my new dream even possible? Characters 9/10 Sora: Sora's best quality is how determined she is to achieve her goals; she'll literally keep training until the soles of her feet are bruised and bleeding. Seeing how hard Sora works to achieve her goals, also, makes her more likable because when she does eventually achieve her goal I'm cheering her name and feel so happy for her because I saw how hard she work. However, the show isn't just a training montage of Sora, it also has a lot of good comedy and most of that comedy comes from Sora. Layla: Layla is the top performer at Kaleido Stage and serves as a role model for Sora. Throughout the show, Layla serves a goal for what Sora wants to become and helps Sora achieve her dream. What I like about Layla is she may seem cruel and cold hearted, but she only acts that way to Sora to push her to do her best and get stronger. Also, as you learn more about Layla and her relationship with her father you begin to see why Layla is so cold hearted and sympathize with her. Sarah: Sarah's another performer at Kaleido Stage and what I love about her is how there's this running joke throughout the show that Sarah loves karate which is funny because nothing about her says "karate master". Anna & Mia: Anna and Mia are Sora's best friends and are in almost every episode, but there isn't really much to say about them. There's this running joke that Anna wants to be a clown, but can't seem to make anyone laugh, but I never thought it was funny. There basically just the token supportive friends. Fool: Fool is the "spirit of the stage" that only Sora can see; he occasionally gives Sora advice, but mostly the writers just use him as a plot device to foreshadow what'll happen next using these magic tarot cards Fool has to predict the future. Also, they make a few pervert jokes with Fool, but because this anime is really more for kids they don't really go anywhere and feel out of place. Art 8/10 What I like about the anime visually is how whenever the circus performs a new show the stage gets a brand new set and characters all get new costumes which both keep the anime feeling fresh and appealing to look at. Also, the performances are fun to watch, especially performance like the Legendary Great Maneuver, and make me wish there was a Kaledio Stage in real life. However, my biggest problem with the show would have to be with the animation. It's obvious that the animators saved their budget for the performing scenes and had to cut corners in other areas. For example, except for Sora, many of the characters have extremely limited facial expressions. Especially with characters like Layla, Ken, and Marion's dad, it's like there face's are paralyzed and they'll say they're angry or sad, but you couldn't tell by looking. Overall 8/10 At its center, Kaleido Star is about dreams and really goes through the entire cycle of having a dream: your dream is born, you fall and get back-up, you achieve your dream, you find a new dream. However, Sora doesn't instantly become a star and we see how hard Sora works to become stronger and do what everybody thought was impossible. Along the way, the show introduces a lot of likable characters and funny moments that make every episode very enjoyable.

This was so cool, I wish circuses were real. All kidding aside, I came in with high hopes - you can't be a shoujo fan and NOT watch the anime CrunchyRoll says was directed by Junichi Sato. So I expected it to be, at least, good...and it was so much better. Seriously - they just don't make 'em like this anymore. For those of you that are into shoujo but not boy-meets-girl type stuff, this one's for you. I think this could most accurately be described as a shoujo sports anime. The pacing here is incredible - the writer has a great sense of how to create the perfect amount of tension. Sora will usually pick up a big win at the start of the episode - but it will always be chased by some new, crueler failure. Sometimes we're forced to sit with that failure for multiple episodes...which makes it so satisfying when she finally overcomes it. They do a good job of putting the viewer in Sora's shoes - some obstacles really look impossible to clear, so when that finally happens, it's really inspiring. Sora in and of herself is an extremely interesting protagonist - she's determined, confident, and stubborn to a fault. She has a one-track mind to her ultimate goal, no matter what jumps into her path. She's fiercely independent - sometimes to her detriment, as she can be so focused on getting results that she forgets to speak up and ask for help. The rest of the cast is very colorful as well, and actively help carry the story. Sora's friends have rich motivations of their own that brought them to Kaleido Stage that have nothing to do with being "the best". One friend wants to incorporate acrobatics with the comedy her father taught her to love as a little girl. The other begins as an acrobat but learns she has a flair for writing and directing. There's not a single character in the primary supporting cast that feels disposable or forgettable. It was a delight to get to watch this group of friends help each other grow toward their goals. If you're an artist of any kind, I especially recommend this show. It just feels true to the trajectory of how these things happen - to get briefly real, I've been struggling with some self-doubt as an writer lately. I've been putting off work on writing the next episode of my audio play (hence, why I was watching this to begin with) and was thinking I might not be cut out for it at all. But then I watched this and it reminded me that not so long ago, my big challenge was finishing the script for the second episode, or getting the voice actors' lines for the first. Every challenged looked big and bad until the next big bad challenge pops up. The bigger they are to more exciting the view when you jump over them is what I'm saying I took away from this, I guess. ((Also lost it when Anna said "Rosetta went to bedda :3"))

This is a classic for me, I loved every bit of this show, it had suspense, drama, comedy, and everything that I adore in an anime. From the opening music, to the ending music, I just could not get enough. I cried in some parts, and then found myself laughing in others. It's long but well worth the watch, the beautiful art work was eye catching, and very appealing. Each episode contains so much detail when it comes to the story and character development that its no wonder I became addicted to the show, and still to this day I would recommend this to anyone.

Hello everyone my name is BuxGunny and this is my first review kaliedo star is one of my favourite anime and its really great it gives you a nice look at working hard to suceed and shows you how you can change your fate with it I find it very entertaining though it may be childish the art and the story are flawless I reccomend giving it a try

This is one of those animes where you'll never know if you'll enjoy it or not. Personally I liked it for it's humor, the plot was a little basic though. The story was that the main character, a girl, has dreams of joining the famous Kaleido stage. She eventually enters the cast of Kaleido, and begins to create enemies and friends. Then the story takes a predictable turn, her friends have their backgrounds explained through personal problems that she has to solve, and then towards the ends of the seasons, she has to go through some giant climax. The main problem for me was that the little romance in here, is completely disregarded and makes it seem like the lover is a loser. Poor Ken. Over all I give this a 8/10, nothing special, but it won't hurt to watch!

Can’t talk on behalf of anyone else, but successive quarantines were rough on me; however, I believe they also acted as a catalyst to a sort of rebirth. As I tried living life no matter what, faced much of my darker nature and reassessed my life and its direction, I realized that outside survival I often did not truly live. So, what did I need for my life to have better quality? I craved reclaiming and redefining what truly matters to me. To experience again what I considered foregranted. To face challenges bravely rather than feel like running a pointless uphill struggle. To give birth to a newfound joy for living and to direct my moral compass towards what truly matters. How Kaleido Star is even related to this? I believe there might be few shows that encompass everything on what it means to live as we truly wish. Note: there will be no spoilers. ~~~ [1. Beginning with story…] ~~~ (a.) The story is divided into two halves: the 1st focuses on the protagonist arriving at California in order to live her dream of being part of the namesake circus, akin to real-life Cirque du Soleil. After a certain misadventure-turned-blessing, it becomes apparent it won’t be all rainbow and sunshine, and that she will struggle in order to earn the respect of the staff. The environment is almost cutthroat and the stakes are very high, for Kaleido Star is portrayed as both an entertainment center and a business. Failure or mediocrity is not an option for it costs in tickets and attendance, apart from holding performers back. I cannot praise enough how those stakes feel like they actually matter. I’ve watched quite some sports and game fiction, but almost nothing could rival the agony I felt during various stage plays. One even holds the honor of being in the only sport/game episode where I closed my eyes and then paused. (b.) I won’t dig into too many details on the 2nd, for I believe it is best experienced and may also spoil details on the 1st. Skip its first two episodes, they are recaps. I don’t find this half to be as consistently good as the 1st, for parts can feel too frustrating and unnecessarily melodramatic, but the feeling of stalemate and its ups and downs were something much appreciated. Plus, it’s characterization and growth on its finest and leads to a fascinating thematic exploration of what it means to have a dream, and its value. Is it something made to be imposed by others? Does an old dream continue to serve us well? Is it truly aligned with our innate, core desire and what brings meaning to our life? (c.) On both arcs, they by no means are limited to stage plays. E.g. some episodes can have a more slice-of-life feel, ideal to prevent the pacing from becoming breakneck, or some are parts of training mini-arcs (with some of the most brutal training regimes I’ve witnessed in fiction). There are some persistent romantic and fantasy elements, but nothing that derails the show, although the fantasy elements were not handed well combined with the first OVA. Entertainment industry is displayed as equal parts dark and uplifting, and overall this show keeps a healthy balance between realism and idealism (despite some stunts that require quite some suspension of disbelief), yet ultimately it is an inspirational and cathartic experience. It makes clear though that living one’s dreams and treading one's personal path is no easy task. You will displease, struggle, question yourself and bleed (sometimes literally). Life will present hurdles, and not all will make their dreams a reality. But should you give up and live in fake comfort? Should you despair over each and every obstacle if it’s within your capabilities to overcome? Should others define what matters to you and turn yourself into a pawn to fate and expectations? ~~~ [2. Continuing on characters…] ~~~ The protagonist Sora is in certain aspects much like many typical shounen heroes (I cannot speak on shoujo heroines). She’s upbeat, determined to live her dream, somewhat ditzy and naturally talented in her field. However, there’s more than meets the eye, and consistently shows to be a character with legitimate flaws. She can be clingy, lack self-confidence and be self-destructively stubborn. She’s not my favorite by any means, but she holds merit. My favorite starlet is the deuteragonist, Layla Hamilton. She is one hell of a performer, and one hell of a personality, being blunt, and competitive individualist, yet also with more vulnerable aspects and full of genuine passion. Her chemistry with Sora is one of the main drives of the show, and one of its greatest charms. Other characters include a varied cast, e.g. some rather byronic and antagonistic characters, some others that are more cooperative and cordial to Sora, and various reoccurring ones usually limited to around 2-3 episodes. Like lesser Kaleido Stars in a wide sky, they may shine brightly albeit for a little while, and contribute to its themes. ~~~ [3. And last, on technical aspects…] ~~~ (a.) Although its art style is modest, it’s by all means functional. Character designs are smooth to the eye, easily distinguishable and never stand out like a sore thumb. Background artwork is usually average, but of consistent quality. Both are amplified where stage plays are involved, with charming costumes and stage settings, and animation and direction as well is on its finest there. Animation is mostly limited or even stilled outside those, but it works well within its more slice-of-life parts. b.) On sound, the 1st OP is decent and the 2nd is great (and also functions as the last ED), but always skipped the 3rd and three out four EDs. Of course, it’s a matter of preference whether one favors another OP or ED. Insert music is functional despite the rather limited number of tracks, and matches each scene in question harmoniously, and in general its sound direction is one of the very strong cards for each sound fits on its right place. Another sound aspect I appreciated a lot is voice acting, equally including female and male roles, from both less known seiyuu and more famous. My favorite voices include Fool’s (Takehito Koyasu) and Layla’s (Ohara Sayaka). ~~~ Hope you enjoyed my review! ~~~

Sora has dreamed of being a performer since childhood and never gives up this wish, even after the tragic death of her parents. But when she arrives in America, she gets lost at the airport and is late for her big audition. Sora's great role model, Layla Hamilton, of all people, ice-coldly slams the door in the girl's face. Only assistant Ken Robbins turns out to be a friendly contemporary and allows Sora to stay in the tent during the evening performance that is just starting. Suddenly, the opportunity arises: When one of the artists fails due to a mishap, Sora is supposed to step in as a replacement according to director Kalo. Full of high spirits, Sora seizes the opportunity to prove herself. But when she finally appears on stage, the performance turns out to be more difficult than expected. Stage fright? In the end, however, Sora is allowed to stay despite an amateurish performance. The obscure Kalos seems to find something in her, much to the annoyance of top artist Layla, who refuses to acknowledge Sora's existence. But it's not just her, the rest of the artists don't care for Sora either, because they think she's been given special treatment by Kalos. So the atmosphere is not exactly pleasant. Nevertheless, Sora does not want to give up her dream and tries to please everyone. Not an easy task, but our girl has at least one ally. One evening, a small, strange figure appears in Sora's room, calling himself 'the Fool'' and claiming to be a spirit of the stage and that Sora has been chosen to perform the so-called "legendary maneuver". This is an incredible trapeze act, the performance of which has brought death to many skilled performers. But before that, months of hard training and hot-headed rivals stand in Sora's way. Kaleido Stage is basically a sports anime without actual sports. It is about physical feats and also about competition and rivalry, but not about any teams, points or prizes. Everything revolves around magic; the magic to enchant his audience and that with the help of artistic body figures and tricks, which were previously perfected through hard training. In principle, a well-known pattern is used, because every spectacular climax (usually a trapeze maneuver, of course defying all laws of nature) of a new show requires several episodes of hard preparation beforehand, which are occasionally spiced with self-doubt, depression and eventual (re)-self-discovery. As obviously unoriginal as it sounds, Kaleido Stage still feels fresh and can be addictive under certain circumstances. With the consistently likeable characters and the overdramatized production, the time flies by in no time.

A meu ver Kaleido Star fala de sonhos e de como a estrada (ou caminho) para fazê-los se tornarem reais é árdua. Dolorosa. E muitas vezes nos faz questionar se realmente vale à pena ir a fundo com algo, com esse desejo, essa ambição, que chamamos de "sonho" e digo isso pois assistir Sora empenhada em realizar seus sonhos - um após o outro pois essa garota é empenhada e mal termina um objetivo sem ter outro em seguida! - com tamanho afinco me fez querer fazer um pouquinho como ela. De alguma forma, esse anime com uma apresentação (e como o comecinho e final de cada episódio é gosto de ser assistido e não pulado!) um tanto infantil trouxe a criança que habita em mim e me fez buscar por sonhos a serem realizados. Sonhos que guardava no fundo da alma e já até mesmo havia me esquecido sobre. Ver a garra, a alegria, dos personagens nesse anime em especial é contagiante demais para deixar de se sentir inspirado por eles e por isso mesmo desejo que mais pessoas possam serem tocadas pela magia que Kaleido Star traz consigo! Sim, são cinquenta e um episódios mas acreditem em mim, vocês nem vão senti-los passar. Principalmente quando se verem fisgados pelo dia a dia e a rotina intensa de treinos do pessoal do Kaleido Star, que é tão determinado quanto a própria Sora. Imaginem ter isso temperado com algumas intrigas e rixas para dar aquele "thãn" especial a trama de um arco a outro, quando derem por si vão estar cantando a abertura de cor e salteado tentando plantar bananeira e dar uma estrelinha :)