Just a few minutes into the latest Hatsune Miku anime film, which debuted in theaters on April 17, I realized I was in over my head. The movie, titled Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing, represents the iconic virtual idol’s first venture onto the big screen. Even though Miku has been featured across games like Fortnite, a manga series, and even a Domino’s Pizza app, she had yet to star in a theatrical release until now. I also knew that the movie is based on the popular rhythm game Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage.
In the game, Miku isn’t the central focus. Instead, it revolves around characters who venture into pocket dimensions called Sekai, allowing them to express their true selves through music alongside Miku and other lesser-known Vocaloids. The official synopsis for the movie mentions guitarist Ichika and her band, leading me to assume that the narrative would focus primarily on them.
However, I was taken by surprise. Instead of just Ichika and her band, director Hiroyuki Hata presents all 20 characters from the mobile game, spanning five distinct musical groups. This left me scrambling to keep track of the complex web of relationships: who knows who, and who is aware of the Sekai. Characters maintain their connections through school, though each group keeps their Sekai a secret, even from their siblings who are in different groups.
The movie rapidly shifts between characters and groups, making it challenging to keep them distinct amidst the vibrant colors and unique designs, especially since names and group identities are rarely mentioned. Yet, the intrigue deepens with the plot involving each group encountering a malfunctioning version of Hatsune Miku. Miku appears throughout the real world, attempting to sing an original song to reach lonely souls, but glitches result in only 20 musicians being able to see her properly.
In order to fully appreciate the film, I had to resort to using the game’s wiki as a guide. This research helped me understand the distinct backstories and musical genres of the five groups, enhancing my enjoyment of their portrayals in the movie as they reconnect with Miku.
The five groups are Leo/need, consisting of childhood friends and forming a rock band; Wonderlands x Showtime, a theatrical group set in a theme park; More More Jump!, a group of former idols with a newcomer; Vivid Bad Squad, street musicians meeting in trendy spots; and Nightcord at 25:00, a mysterious ensemble of goth and alt girls who connect via their version of Discord.
Understanding these dynamics made me better appreciate how each group relates to the malfunctioning Miku. They use their personal connections to music to help convey Miku’s message of hope and perseverance. As the story unfolds toward the climactic musical sequence, the diversity of styles and interpretations enrich the experience, emphasizing how music can connect disparate people.
The film is expansive in scope, covering all five groups, and could arguably be more focused by centering on just one. Nevertheless, this breadth underscores music’s unifying power across different genres and personalities.
By digging into the film’s background, I could fully enjoy and comprehend the unfolding narrative. Whether you’re a Miku enthusiast or simply eager for anime viewing, taking the time to understand the characters and their connections is highly recommended. Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing is showing in select theaters from April 17 to April 20.
