It’s hard to like the main character Yu Azuma in Trapezium because she schemes to use other people to achieve fame. Even the trailer begins with an apology for her actions.
The anime is based on a book by Kazumi Takayama, and she insists that it is entirely fictional. People recognisable as other idols aren’t those people and are purely works of imagination.
Trapeziums are four-sided shapes, and the sides are not equal. Yu is determined to become an idol at a young age, so she sets about recruiting/making friends from the four cardinal points of her region and other PR stunts. The North, East, West and South aspect of her recruitment works, given the acronym NEWS, which sticks.
There’s the posh rich friend, the clever friend, the romantic friend and Yu. Will all four succeed in becoming idols? Do they even want to?
Trapezium look and feel
Trapezium is an engaging anime film that uses a vibrant colour palette and unique character designs to immerse viewers in the world of aspiring idols. The large cast is easily distinguishable.
The animation is fluid and expressive, especially during the musical performances choreographed with energy and flair. The overall aesthetic has a modern, polished look that reflects the glamorous and competitive nature of the idol industry.
The film establishes a unique atmosphere that encapsulates the thrill and pressures of chasing a career in the spotlight. The lively soundtrack, featuring catchy J-pop, enhances the visuals and adds to the film’s overall sense of youthful energy and ambition. Although the animation style may not be revolutionary, it successfully conveys the characters’ emotions and aspirations, resulting in an immersive and engaging experience for viewers.
The feel of the show swings with the characters’ moods, going from wholesome to worrisome quickly. Darn that Yu.
Plot and characters
Trapezium provides an intriguing glimpse into the ruthless world of idol culture, following the ambitious Yu Azuma as she manipulates and exploits her friends to achieve her dreams of stardom. The plot is engaging yet morally ambiguous, prompting questions about the cost of ambition and the genuine meaning of friendship.
The characters in the story are quite varied. Yu is an intriguing protagonist with significant flaws, driven by an insatiable desire for success that often blinds her to the consequences of her actions. Although initially portrayed as stereotypes, her fellow idols gradually uncover their hidden depths and vulnerabilities as they face the industry pressures.
The film’s exploration of its themes feels somewhat underdeveloped. Although Yu’s manipulative tactics are undeniably effective, they also render her a deeply unsympathetic character. This leaves viewers wondering whether her eventual downfall truly justifies the emotional damage she causes to others. While the supporting characters are intriguing, they are ultimately overshadowed by Yu’s domineering presence, hindering them from reaching their full potential.
Overall
Overall, Trapezium is a thought-provoking film that is only slightly flawed. Its exploration of the dark side of idol culture is compelling, but its morally ambiguous protagonist and underdeveloped supporting characters prevent it from being truly satisfying. It may also be what makes the film unmissable for some.
🍻 Sponsor: Cheers, Dusk Wave Arts and Barheim, the beer tower defence game, for enabling our Scotland Loves Anime trip.
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