Customer Reviews

Kaleido Star - Great Expectations (Vol. 3)

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This is an animated series about a teenage girl named Sora who leaves Japan to join Kaleido Stage, a circus that seems to be inspired by the real-world Cirque du Soleil. It is primarily intended for a younger, female audience, and through the first three volumes, has no objectionable content worse than a lecherous spirit whose ploys always fail and the occasional shower scene comparable to TV soap and shampoo commercials. I would rate it PG verging on G, and have no problems showing it to children of any age.

The third volume of Kaleido Star marks a change from the initial volumes, which focus primarily on Sora's audacity and willingness to defy the rules of Kaleido Stage to prove her worth. Kaleido Star is at its best when focused on the actual performances; its animators' skill and imagination shine when portraying the show's gymnastic sequences.

In Episode #9, the volume's first, Sora is challenged to make her first leading role her own. Several previous episodes have contained heavy-handed lessons about show business; in this episode, the lesson is delivered more skillfully, and the overall result, combined with the fine show imagery, is satisfying.

Episode #10 deals with Anna, one of the supporting characters. It does a good job of fleshing out her backstory, and the dramatic device employed for the climax is effective, although I found myself wishing it had been directed by Kunihiko Ikuhara, Hideaki Anno, or another anime director with more skill at delivering emotional punch. The episode has the material, but does not execute as well as it could.

Episode #11 and #12 focus on Sora's relationship with Layla, the female star of Kaleido Stage, as they train for, and then execute on, their first cooperative performance. Here the show really begins to shine -- both Layla and Sora are portrayed sympathetically and in situations that fit the show's setting. In Episode #11, the pair compete; in Episode #12, the two learn to work together. The contrast in situations gives both characters a chance to define themselves. Combined with the episodes' focus on gymnastics and a hilarious side sequence with Miss Sarah, these episodes made for a great night of entertainment.

Overall Recommendation: if you've been enjoying Kaleido Star for the first two volumes, keep going! If you have found the show slow, but are still willing to watch more, this may be the volume that grabs your interest.