I try to be as non-bias as possible when I write a review, but Kageki Shoujo/Opera Girl is factually top tier, is one of the best shows of the summer season and has definitely cracked the top 10 anime of 2021 list for right now, so you're just going to have to forgive me whilst I indulge myself this one time.
The story follows Sarasa Watanabe a tall, happy go lucky cinnamon roll and Ai Narata an emotionless, cold, former J-pop idol as they enter into an all female opera school producing some of the finest Musical and Theatrical Artists Japan has to offer with the goal of becoming the main stars of a famous all female Musical Theatre Troupe. To get there they'll have to learn to overcome their sort comings whilst learning with and competing against a cast of success hungry classmates and bitchy sempai's in a brutally competitive environment which expects nothing but perfection from them.
This is not an idol anime. Kageki Shoujo is a school/performing arts anime on the surface, but it's cast of very complex characters and it's commentary on the extreme and sometimes cruel teaching methods utilised by the performing arts institution (especially towards women) is the real hook of this show. Episode 1 and 2 might give you a soft opening to get you settled in, but episode 3 and beyond presents realist depictions of child grooming, sexual assault, eating disorders, sacrifice and questions of self worth. Seriously Ai's back story in particular is very hard to sit through and the rest of the show doesn't hold back on these difficult yet excellently written subjects either.
On the flip side, the show is REALLY funny. Once Ai starts to open up she has some of the best gags in the entire show which are helped with certain moments animated with sakuga. Ai's monotone yet shy personality bounces off Sarasa's ganki-ness well and they have fantastic scene chemistry. They have both very quickly become two of my favourite characters. These moments of humour really help with the shows excellent pacing without undermining the heavier moments of the story.
The animation is solid overall. The sports festival episode was the only time I felt the animation suffered a bit, but honestly it really doesn't matter too much in a show like this. The colour pallet is bright and crisp, excellent camera shots make the characters pop off the screen and scenes flow smoothly.
Amongst all the shit I've watched this season this show feels like finding a diamond in the rough. I understand that not everyone will agree with my rating or enjoy it as much as I did, but I really hope it gets a second season because it's certainly the most deserving.
10/10 Practically Perfect
