Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live
プリティーリズム・レインボーライブNaru Ayase is an 8th grader who can see the colors of music when she listens to it. For Naru, who is extremely good at decorating, becoming the owner of a shop like Dear Crown was her dream. One day, she finds out that the manager of a newly-opened shop is recruiting middle school girls who can do Prism Dance, and immediately applies. Naru begins to Prism Dance at the audition, and an aura she's never experienced spreads out in front of her. At that moment, a mysterious girl named Rinne asks her if she can see "rainbow music." (Source: ANN)
Reviews
ehansen - 2017-03-25 23:07:47
I’ve watched all 51 episodes, but I’m currently rewatching it.
So first, let me clarify: this is a KIDS show. It’s mainly for younger girls, so keep in mind that the show is overflowing with themes of friendship and positivity. However, Rainbow Live has some of the best characters and character development in the franchise (compared to its 2 predecessors) and is able to fully flesh out the world of “prism stars” that I previously found lacking.
Like most “idol” shows, Rainbow Live has a large cast of characters. But this does not mean that the characters are bland or one-dimensional. On the contrary, Rainbow Live succeeds in fleshing out each character with unique backstories and personal conflicts, tackling issues such as grief, broken friendships, and disputes within families. It’s amazing to see a show targeted for kids depict this level of maturity with just the right amount of drama and conflict.
As expected, the cast of characters is predominantly female, with the exception of a few male characters. There’s Naru, Ann, and Ito (who make up Happy Rain); Bell, Wakana, and Otoha (who make up Bell Rose); and Koji, Hiro, and Kazuki (the 3 guys who are more than just romantic interests). All of the characters are interconnected in some way, which adds to the complexity of the story and the character development as a whole.
One thing that bothered me in Aurora Dream and Dear My Future was that I never understood how the dance mechanics worked. Of course, it’s a magical kids show so it doesn’t have to be entirely realistic. But Rainbow Live exceeded my expectations by introducing more structure to the performances and the Prism World’s influence on society. Along with the addition of consecutive jumps and Prism Lives (playing instruments), we also get to see the contrast between an elite school for training Prism Stars and the more recreational street performances.
I loved Rainbow Live, and think it’s one of the better idol-genre shows out there. I’d definitely recommend watching a few episodes at a time whenever you’re craving something light, fun, and relaxing.