When my friend asked me to see the new Miku movie with her, of course, I said yes. Did I know anything about the Hatsune Miku franchise? Not at all but several tears were shed.
Please note this article will contain spoilers for the movie, and is not a review of the movie. I also know nothing about the franchise, aside from what I learned while watching the film.
The movie Colorful Stage: A Miku Who Can’t Sing is inspired by the game HATSUNE MIKU: COLORFUL STAGE!. As the title suggest, A Miku who can’t sing is introduced. This Miku appears through electronics and is desperately trying to have her song reach everyone so her SEKAI isn’t destroyed. The movie focuses on 5 different bands all trying to help Miku save her world.
If you’re like me, you’re probably like….wtf is a SEKAI?
What I learned is that there are different kinds of SEKAI’s. According to Sekaipedia “There are different SEKAI worlds, each one answering the wishes of creators who want to turn their feelings into songs. The feelings of a person are put in physical form inside the SEKAI.” I took it to mean different universes where only those from a said universe can interact with it. I also assumed this because each Miku had a unique aesthetic, as well as with the other virtual singers. This made it easier to gauge the personalities, and genres of the different groups.
Basically, SEKAIs are pretty freaking important! This “other” Miku’s home is being destroyed since she can’t reach the people that need to hear her most. Miku’s song seems to need to reach those who show signs of depression and anxiety. Honestly, it does get a little intense at some points. I didn’t expect the plot to have dark undertones. Miku is constantly singing to get people’s attention. But to those who can’t hear her, she is nothing but static and annoying feedback. Her presence only makes things worse for those she’s trying to save. She’s met with anger and frustration, leaving our Miku desperate and guilty.
The whole time I just wanted to pick her up and give her a hug.
To save her crumbling world, the five bands unknowingly band together to throw a concert everyone is bound to hear. I don’t know if I’m just dumb, but I was NOT expecting this much music. At least, I didn’t expect it to sound so good. Before the concerts, we learn more about each band and their dynamics. It’s not hard to find a favorite group while watching *cough Vivid Bad Squad*, but hearing each performance solidifies it.
There’s Vivid Bad Squad, more of a grunge feel. Leo/need is a Jrock band made up of childhood friends. The idol group is JUMP JUMP MORE, and as a former idol lover, my heart was full when I saw their performance. Wonderlands x Showtime, a performance-driven group, and the mysterious 25-ji, group are also in the race to save Miku’s Sekai! The groups have different music styles and they all killed it! It was nice to see how the different SEKAIs, and the virtual singers that inhabit it, enhanced each performance!
The movie is definitely for the depressed girlies out there.
I left the theatre feeling a little better, and a little more self-aware. I related to some characters that couldn’t hear Miku’s song. It made me think how there could be someone out there trying to make me feel better, but I’m too blinded by my own anxiety and depression to properly listen. I also liked how the movie doesn’t gloss over how things can get terrible. So much so that your world actually comes crashing down. Sometimes we really can’t do things on our own and need help. The 5 bands working together somewhat unknowingly shows how any action could cause a huge reaction!
The movie was a sold 9.5/10! For someone who knows nothing I left the theatre fulfilled. The music was great, and so were the characters. I had low hopes for the plot going into it and was happily mistaken. I was deeply invested in Miku and her mission. And invested in those helping her complete it!
If the movie alone wasn’t enough to solidify my experience the concert was. Yes, concert! After the movie, there was an on-screen concert featuring Miku and the other vocaloids. I was doing my best to suppress my excitement during this surprise concert. Because what do you mean I’m at a Hatsune Miku concert right now? Even though Miku’s song played at least 10 times throughout the movie, it sparked great joy to hear it one last time.
I have already added so many songs to my playlist and am even contemplating playing the game! Have you seen the movie yet, what are your thoughts? Tell me in the comments below! If you’re looking for recommendations on what to watch next, see our full list of recommendations!
