Courtesy of Netflix
Kaguya and Iroha conquer the virtual world Tsukiyomi as they compete to perform with the idol Yachiyo.A story about a girl from the moon becoming a virtual idol isn’t usually my cup of tea — too many sparkles and not enough plot — but the many nuances and themes from traditional Japanese folktales make “Cosmic Princess Kaguya” worth its two-and-a-half-hour watch time.
Released on Jan. 22 on Netflix, the animated movie is a blend of sci-fi, music, with a modern take on the “Legend of Princess Kaguya.”
Directed by Shingo Yamashida, who has previously worked on hit anime like “The Ranking of Kings” and “Chainsaw Man,” and produced by Studio Colorido, the film features six original songs by prominent Vocaloid producers.
The story follows Kaguya, a girl from the moon, after she meets Iroha, a normal high school fan of the virtual idol Yachiyo; Kaguya enlists Iroha’s help to become an idol in the virtual world Tsukiyomi, becoming fast friends along the way. When Yachiyo announces a competition with a featured side-by-side performance as a prize, Kaguya and Iroha join with the hope of meeting her.
The plot and setting of the movie is reminiscent of the 2021 anime “Belle,” since they both feature idols who make songs in a virtual world. The film features many intertwining plotlines that ultimately resolve in through the major plot twist at the end.
“Cosmic Princess Kaguya” is a lighthearted and whimsical anime that plays into the drama and sparkles of idol movies while staying above the tropes. Often, scenes are so dramatic that they seem cringy– like when Iroha and Kaguya first meet through a glowing rainbow telephone pole. While the movie occasionally has serious and emotional moments, be careful. Starting the movie expecting philosophical enlightenment and deep emotional impact will only lead to disappointment.
The art matches the bright energy of the characters, with a vibrant color palette. Tsukiyomi, in particular, stands out with bright neon colors against a dark sky that allows for dramatic lighting and emphasis on the traditional Japanese architecture scattered around the world. The characters are equally well designed, with Kaguya’s coral colored kimono and Iroha’s dark purple outfits embodying their differing outlooks and personalities.
I initially found Kaguya’s personality aggravating — she is dramatic, airheaded and has no self-awareness. However, it is undeniable that Kaguya and her personality, however exasperating, push the story forward and motivate Iroha’s character development.
While I still wasn’t her biggest fan by the end, I did eventually see her as somewhat endearing, as opposed to exasperating, though that has more to do with my desensitization than her development.
As a (sometimes) fan of J-pop, I thought that the songs from the film were fairly good as well. While I wouldn’t compare them to J-pop cornerstones like Yoasobi and Mrs. Green Apple, they fit the movie’s energy. There are six original songs featured in the film, composed by Vocaloid producers “Ryo(supercell)”, “Yuigot”, “Aqu3ra”, “HoneyWorks”, “40mP” and “Kz(livetune).” My favorite is “Reply” by Kz(livetune), with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo that is captivating and memorable.
The bottom line: “Cosmic Princess Kaguya” is a lively anime with beautiful art and animation, but a sprawling, sometimes ridiculous plot. While I feel like it has less emotional impact compared to similar anime like “Belle,” it does manage to be a fun and interesting watch.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Falcons
