IDOL Bu SHOW

Alright, let’s dive into “IDOL Bu SHOW” – the 2022 anime film that’s like a wild mix of Sengoku-era drama and idol culture. First off, the premise is insane in the best way possible: after the top idol group “Fool’s End” breaks up, three new groups emerge, each led by a reincarnated Sengoku commander turned music producer. Think Oda Nobunaga but with a mic instead of a sword, or Tokugawa Ieyasu managing a girl group’s social media. Yeah, that’s the vibe.

The film, directed by Shingo Kobayashi and produced by Amineworks Inc. and ORENDA Inc., dropped on June 24, 2022, and it’s a 63-minute rollercoaster. From what I’ve seen, the animation is bright and flashy – perfect for idol performances – but there’s also this undercurrent of historical tension because, let’s be real, these commanders hated each other back in the day. Now they’re fighting with chart positions instead of armies. The music? Catchy as hell. The opening number had me bopping, and the character-specific tracks feel like they could be on a real J-pop playlist.

But wait, what do fans think? Let’s check the tea. On MyAnimeList, the film has a 3.627/5 rating – which is… mixed. Some viewers loved the creativity. One user said, “The concept is genius! Who wouldn’t want to see Sengoku warlords producing idols? The humor is spot-on, and the songs are bops.” Another praised the character dynamics: “The interactions between the producers and their groups are hilarious. Nobunaga’s no-nonsense attitude vs. his group’s chaotic energy is comedy gold.”

On the flip side, others found it a bit shallow. A reviewer wrote, “It’s fun, but it feels like they didn’t fully commit to the historical angle. The Sengoku stuff is just window dressing for a standard idol story.” Another criticized the pacing: “At 63 minutes, it’s too short to develop all three groups properly. Some characters feel underused.”

I get both sides. The idea is so unique, but maybe they tried to cram too much into a single film. Imagine if this was a series – we could have deep dives into each commander’s backstory, more rivalry between the groups, and maybe even a few historical Easter eggs. But as a standalone, it’s a fun, mindless watch. The voice acting is solid too, with Hisayo Abe, Maki Hanatani, and others bringing the idols to life with energy and charm.

Visually, the film pops. The concert scenes are vibrant, with dynamic camera angles that make you feel like you’re in the crowd. The character designs are cute but distinct – each group has its own style, from the edgy rebels to the sweet, innocent rookies. And let’s not forget the producers: their designs blend historical flair (like samurai-inspired outfits) with modern producer swagger. It’s a visual feast.

Is it worth watching? If you love idols, historical references, or just want something light and fun, absolutely. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s entertaining. The blend of genres is fresh, and the music will stick in your head for days. Just don’t go in expecting a deep historical drama – this is all about the glitz, the glamour, and the occasional Sengoku-era burn.

In conclusion, “IDOL Bu SHOW” is like a bubble tea: sweet, colorful, and a little chaotic. It might not be for everyone, but if you’re in the mood for something different, give it a shot. Who knows? You might end up stanning a reincarnated warlord’s idol group. And hey, if nothing else, the soundtrack is worth the watch alone.

Rating: 3.5/5 – fun, but could’ve been more. 🎤⚔️