Ranked #244

Kaleido Star

A certain expectation arises for an anime series such as this, which takes the effort to build a unique premise and story. Without the telltale signs of pervasive cliché, like a harem or giant piloted robot, I had good hopes for Kaleido Star. The show wasn’t even approaching flawless or astonishing on any technical level, or even in the way its story was written and reared, but what I found is that it had an intoxicating charm and that it was far more vibrant and ‘energetic’ than most anime. When I say energetic, I don’t mean just a cast of genki characters relentlessly talking quickly, and running around, I mean it had a certain sparkle in its eye, or a skip in its step that elevated it above its content, and even its technical quality of production. Something intangible was born from the sum of its parts, its voice acting, colourful animation, charismatic score music, and its amalgamation of so many fascinating characters and relationships. Even when I was shaking my head in the second season at how incoherent and silly the story had become, I was simultaneously glued to the screen, and enthralled by the climactic stage performances. Even though I’ve never considered myself a fan of anything to do with the stage or of shows that rely mostly on drama to hook their audience, I thoroughly enjoyed this series, both in the sense that it was fun, laidback entertainment, and in that it was occasionally emotionally stirring.

The most prominent feature of Kaleido Star is undoubtedly its characterisation, and as such, each character is given a strong dream or ambition that they strive towards over the course of the show, as well as a heavily fleshed-out personality. Almost every character is likeable and easy to become attached to. If you find that you’re a sucker for getting behind your favourite characters and empathising with their hardships, then Kaleido Star is a good bet. By the end of the show, the real emotional impact lies not in the conclusion to the plot, but in the final send-off for a great cast of characters you’ve come to know and love. Relationships are dealt with, but almost always in the form of friendships, rivalries and companionships. Rarely does Kaleido Star tread in the thorny realm of romance, and when it does it’s usually just for a cheap gag. Don’t be deterred though, the friendships that are grown over the course of the series have more weight to them than most romantic relationships in anime. I’m not sure if the characters interactions are massively realistic, but they are believable and earnest enough to work. Really though, the rest of the series is in orbit around Sora Naegino, the heart and star of the series. Fortunately, she is really a great protagonist, particularly in the first season. She is portrayed very much as being a real person, with holes poked into her resolve to achieve her dreams, and struggles that she must overcome, not with superhero talent, but with hard work and perseverance. I must admit to being in admiration of her from time to time. Most importantly, through all the harsh training she endures, you end up really wanting to see her succeed, which really makes the stage performance scenes what they are.

The animation used in the stage show scenes themselves is certainly quite good. Although the level of detail in the cel animation is overall surprisingly low, the stage scenes are carried by a high degree of fluidity in the animation and strong use of artistic direction, such as the use of colour and dramatic camera angles. The music definitely helped to create the sense of tension and beauty required. I do think they could have been done better, and rendered in more lavish detail befitting the scope of the shows, but for a 51-episode tv series it’s production is definitely solid. Unfortunately, off-stage doesn’t allow for the same graceful movement to overcome the simple visual style. The background art lacks personality and detail. The character designs range from completely bland and uninteresting to memorable. Sora and Rosetta, fit into the latter category, while most of the other character designs leave little impression. The music had a very strong presence in the series, and it was definitely good quality, with rousing instrumentals and melancholic strings tugging at the heart when required. However, it was far too repetitive; far more music is required for a series of this length to stop the tracks from overstaying their welcome. The OPs and EDs were relatively good. I watched the first and second OPs every episode, but was appalled by the 3rd.

The plot, looked at in isolation, is very weak indeed, marred by inconsistency and incongruence, especially in the way the plot for season 1 is wholly confused by that of season 2. The way terms like “true Kaleido Star” were thrown about really annoyed me, in much the same way as the over-use of the Angel/Demon analogy in season 2. It all felt so contrived and silly, as though it was an attempt to give the stage some sort of misplaced mythology that ended up just being a distraction from the performances themselves. Furthermore, Leon Oswald’s backstory, and his frequent visions of Sophie grated my patience, because they were a symptom of the overall problem with the second half of the story, which is immature and simplistic plot development. Everything was given parallel and faux meaning with such forceful blatancy that it became a nagging irritation. However, unlike most series, the plot is not the backbone of the show, and with its strong characterisation and emotional themes, it can stand on its feet without the need for a concrete story to support it.

Kaleido Star is no great achievement as an anime series from a technical or cynical perspective. If you watch past the first season, the plot becomes haphazardly thrown together and nauseatingly unsophisticated. However, for its colour, vitality and charm, Kaleido Star proves to be a worthy entertainer/ Perhaps ones could look at the series for advice about why it is so enjoyable - like Sora’s stage play, it is unpretentious fun, and manages to keep itself at an arms length away from derivative clichés. And more than just light-hearted fluff, it has the potential to wet the eyes of all its viewers through Sora’s trials and mesmerising triumphs.
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Kaleido Star was a big surprise for me as I expected it to be a typical shoujo with probably many cheesy moments...
I was proven wrong..

Animation:
Overall, it was beautiful, bright colours and flowing movements that even appeared graceful, a very colorful setting that didn't appear too flashy....it totally captured the brilliance of a circus and the lovely performances that I just had to rewatch again. However it had its flaws, I noticed that several episodes had seemingly worse animation compared to the rest in which the characters looked distorted, thankfully this was hardly significant during the performances which kept their high standard throughout the whole anime.

Sound:
The opening and ending themes were ok and catchy enough but what i really loved was the background music, some tracks were sometimes quite repetitive but it totally created the magical feel for this anime and enhanced it a lot more (even though you may not realise it). So do turn up the volume whenever you watch any of their performances as 'swan lake', 'little mermaid' etc. would not be so astoundingly beautiful without the music

Story:
Kaleido Star can be divided into 2 parts, 1st being Sora's introduction to the circus and striving to be in par with Layla Hamilton. Whereas the second part introduces 2 new character, Leon and May in which might be a turn-off for most viewers due to Sora suffering the most, but of course this is only to build the wonderful finale.
The overall concept may not seem special as it is only about a girl striving to achieve her dream and encountering many hardships. But the idea about a circus and acrobats is very unique, I don't think there are many animes out there that have attempted this genre and managed to keep it so interesting and magical. Whats good is the emphasis on friendship, Sora gets through a lot mostly due to the help of the people around her, it is not a one-girl show, all the rest are equally important characters and do shine as well.
Even though this is a shoujo anime, romance is only hinted but barely there, truly not the highlight of the show

Character:
As mentioned above, all the characters are great, in fact it is impossible to hate either of them since even the bad ones turn good at the end. Although this seems rather idealistic, it leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling at the end

Overall this was a great ride, Satou Junichi's other creation, Princess tutu had left me in a bit of a trance when it ended, apparantly this had the same effect. It is hard to describe the truly magical effect this has, you have to watch it to know, and you won't regret it read more

Story -
Meet Sora Naegino. Her dream is to join the Kaleido Stage and become a Kaleido Star! Follow her and her many trials she must face to obtain her dream!

Directed by Junichi Sato and Series Composition by Reiko Yoshida, your going to get gold no matter how you look at it.

Art/Animation -
GONZO's finest work since I saw Gankutsuou. It's a stunning, breathtaking stunts(just don't try to do them at home), vibrant colors and gorgeous costume designs.

Sound -
The first OP is I really enjoyed. The second OP, not so much. The third OP, I really liked. The EDs were relatively nice and good. The inbetween songs were crazy good, the soundtrack is quite excellent overall.

Character -
You gotta love Sora. She's truly an inspiration and makes this series. Fool provides some great comic relief. You'll like Mia and Anna's undying friendship with Sora. You will even like Kalos, who will push Sora to do great things at Kaleido Stage.

Enjoyment -
I enjoyed every second, minute, hour and day I watched this. I loved to watch Sora try and try again to get to her dreams of being a Kaleido Star! It was a fantastic ride and I hope you'll take this review and join Sora on her amazing adventure to becoming a Kaleido Star!

Overall, I'd give Kaleido Star a 10/10. No question, despite the music/sound. Who knew an anime about a circus would be this much fun? read more

When I first heard about Kaleido Star (which was quite long ago due to how long this has been out) I didn't find much interest in it and dismissed it as another lame girl-who-gets-everything-and-helps-everyone cliche.

By the time I finally watched the first episode, I understood why this was popular. Sora not your average I'm the best and I can save everyone heroine. She fights hard and gives it her all which is quite inspiring to watch! It also goes to show that hard work pays off and there are good sides to many people, etc, etc. She also wasn't perfect and constantly failing at things, however that appeals to people more because its natural! The stunts are amusing, the stage absolutely breathtakingly beautiful, the music adorable. You'll definitely fall in love with this from the first episode.

Storyline: Although the concept of gymnastics is quite unique, Sora as the typical heroine is quite cliched. However, cliches are used because they work and it most certainly did for this series!
Music: Beautiful. It gives off a whole different meaning.
Characters: From Sora who you'll love, Layla the princess with a sad past, snotty show girls, loyal friends, Jonathan, and Ken's puppy dog love there's a character to love, hate and laugh with the entire time.
Animation: Breathtaking. There's no other way to say it. Kaleido Stage is beautiful, the shows unique. It compares quite well to Circus d'Ole.
Overall: It leaves a good feeling and you'll defiantly want to go watch the second season! Recommend! read more

this story is really good..
because it has a real life lesson, about faith, dreams and perseverance to follow your desires..
i also love its opening and ending songs especially Yakusoku no Basho e,
and Real Identity..
I really love it and recommend it to all^^

When i saw the cover of kaleido star i thought "it's going to be a girly anime with sappy sh@#!" and like everyone else i said to it "the hell with you". anime network changed my mind big time(there was nothing else to watch) *bam*. this anime slapped me across the face telling me "hey btch this is greatness". i never seen an anime that makes you feel so much determination. the animation is so good on the eyes and the story pulls you in so strong that you feel everything the main character sora is going trough. it makes those dreamers out there question themselves "how far will i go for my dream?". i'm sure everyone will love the series, just give it a chance and it will make you happy i guarantee it! read more

kaleido star is one of the most exciting and inspiring anime. You get to follow the times of Sora Naegino a japanese student who came to america to audition for a chance to be in Kaleido Stage. The reason why i fell in love with this anime so easily is because no matter what trials she faces sora never gives up on her dream to become a kaleido star. Another reason why this is such a good anime is because of the breath taking animation. Every show that they do leaves you breathless and wanting more and its so colorful and sparkling. This anime will make you wish that a Kaleido Stage really existed (it makes me wish that lol). So if you like gymnastics, circus like themes, breath taking animation, and inspiring characters than Kaleido Star is the anime for you read more

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! read more

If your in for a heartwarming, growing experience than Kaleido Star is for you.

Kaleido Star is probably the best show I have seen thus far. And I've watched my fair share of anime. And I don't particularly like all kinds of anime. I'm a very selective person. But Kaleido Star captured my heart from the first episode. Each new development and challenge that Sora faces, kept my heart racing, hoping that she would succeed. And her trials were so realistic I was moved by each new experience that she had gained. Every time she succeeded and failed, it moved her forward and she learned from it. It wasn't easy but it was so wonderful to watch that it made me want to become a Star of the Stage myself.

This story focuses on friendship, the growing of the heart and hardships faced, and if your looking for romance, or action, than you should rethink watching Kaleido Star for those reasons. But you should still watch it anyway.

Sora will capture you in every episode, and you'll laugh and maybe cry with her. But you will most likely grow just as she does.

And any anime that can make me feel this good, this happy about life, deserves the highest praise it can get and it goes on my top favorite list.

The art is simple and clean. There's nothing fancy about each of the characters. The music and the sound was perfect. If fit every element of each scene. But the development of the characters is what is most notable about the entire series. Every single person in Kaleido Star grows, and develops and the show does focus mainly on Sora but you do get to see the other important roles of Sora's life. The development of the characters is graceful, beautiful, sad and fun.

Through this journey of self-discovery, you will be moved.
Although, if you can't take the 'I can doing anything, no matter what, as long as I put my everything into it' than you should prepare yourself before watching. But if you can put that behind you, than you'll enjoy this every bit as I did.

Trust me. This is one anime, that you just shouldn't pass up. read more

This show is not your run of the mill anime type and allot of work has gone into not making it lame like most shows aimed at this age bracket have done in the past. Also those who are above the age bracket this show is aimed at who like things like circa de celebrity will like it also, I like the way the circus clowns are not horrid european circus clowns but instead are more like the one found in oriental circuses.

If only there were more shows aimed at this age bracket should be put together, if you compare other stuff in the age target market then you'll notice that most aimed for merchandise purposes like card game computer games rather than makes sense or is enjoyable to watch.

However this show is a delight to watch and those who watch most likely love even if they would not admit to liking it. It does remind me of the film Trapeze though even if main characters in Kaleido Star fundamentally different. read more