Review of the ‘Trapezium’ Anime Movie

Main Points

Trapezium offers an authentic portrayal of the idol industry’s challenges, steering clear of extravagant resolutions.
The narrative delves into the manipulative aspects of a protagonist determined to create an idol group, challenging the boundaries of ambition and friendship.
The visual and auditory elements of Trapezium embody contemporary J-pop influences, appealing to idol anime enthusiasts, though it may lack depth for those new to the genre.

For decades, the idol music sector has stood as a cornerstone of Japanese pop culture, intricately shaping a multitude of anime narratives. From the lively, cheerful performances in Love Live! and PriPara to the scandal-driven plots in Oshi no Ko and the psychological intricacies of Perfect Blue, the portrayal of young, heavily marketed musical talents consistently captivates audiences, intertwining anime and manga.

A recent film emerging from one of Japan’s leading anime studios delves into the idol phenomenon by contrasting the vibrant music with the stark realities and aspirations involved in achieving fame.

Trapezium and Its Place in Idol Anime

Trapezium, a feature film produced by Cloverworks—renowned for hit anime series like Spy x Family and Bocchi the Rock!—comes with significant expectations as it enters the idol anime domain. One might wonder how Trapezium fares amidst the diverse elements of idol culture, and true to its name, it finds a way to harmonize these aspects.

Notably, Trapezium avoids major “twists”or shocking revelations, leading to a degree of careful consideration regarding potential spoilers. The film centers on Yuu, a first-year high school student whose passion for idols inspires her to assemble a group of friends with the intent of forming an idol girl group. Each girl’s school represents a cardinal direction—North, East, West, and South—culminating in the group’s name, “NEWS.”As they come together, conflicting ambitions and desires complicate both their musical aspirations and their friendship.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXhZtFmAqAs

Trapezium | OFFICIAL TRAILER | In Theaters September 18 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXhZtFmAqAs)

Ambitions and Aspirations

While the aforementioned plot summary suffices for promotional purposes, it barely scratches the surface of Trapezium’s essence, which is primarily a character exploration of an intensely ambitious aspiring idol. Yuu meticulously crafts her friendships around an imagined group dynamic, shaping her motivations to present their relationships as genuine rather than driven by self-interest.

The group members—an affluent tennis-loving girl from a prestigious Christian school, a shy robotics enthusiast from a vocational school, and a childhood friend recently reunited—appear suitable as idol group members at first glance. However, Yuu’s prolonged efforts to feign interest in their aspirations for the sake of steering them toward her idol dreams shift from passion to uncomfortable manipulation. The film acknowledges these complex dynamics without fully condemning them, presenting multifaceted characters whose motivations challenge their musical harmony, yet it struggles to focus on the specific tensions it wishes to depict.

Though Trapezium sheds a harsh light on Yuu’s impulsive behaviors towards her friends and navigates the resolution of their differences, it hesitates to delve deeper into the authenticity of their friendship, despite its evident sincerity mixed with ulterior motives. A shift towards emphasizing Yuu’s internal challenges or insecurities relative to her ambitions could have rendered it a compelling character study, perhaps even a modern spiritual sibling to Perfect Blue. Ultimately, by maintaining a cheerful tone in the group’s performances, the film appears to attempt a balance between showcasing flawed dynamics and embracing feel-good idol moments.

Visuals and Soundtrack

From a technical standpoint, the film’s animation and artistry are commendable. Directed by Masahiro Shinohara, who has a history of directing television anime, he successfully brings the characters to life, providing vivid expressions that enhance the interactions among the girls. The animation showcases a clean visual style interwoven with emotional characterization, capturing both subtle facial expressions and significant storytelling moments.

While CGI is utilized throughout, it is not overwhelming. Some 3D environments may feel somewhat out of place with the 2D characters, though these instances are infrequent. The CGI, however, blends more seamlessly during the dance performances, which constitute a significant portion of the film’s visual appeal.

Music is crucial in any idol-themed film, and Trapezium delivers an upbeat modern J-pop sound that complements the girls’ idol journey. Composer Masaru Yokoyama, who previously worked with Cloverworks on Her Blue Sky, effectively merges high school drama sentiments with lively J-pop rhythms, crafting a delightful soundtrack and an especially captivating opening theme. The opening sequence marries dynamic visuals with music, setting a delightful tone from the start.

While Trapezium is likely to be a delight for dedicated fans of idol anime, it may not serve as the ideal introduction for those unfamiliar with the genre. The film contains hints of engaging and intricate character relationships, but it tends to prioritize sentimental conventions over the nuanced depth that could have been more prominently featured in the source material. Nonetheless, for idol enthusiasts, Trapezium may present an entertaining equilibrium between entertainment and thematic exploration.

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