BanG Dream!
Synopsis
When Kasumi Toyama was out camping as a child, she heard the rhythm of the "Star Beat" while admiring the starry night sky. This sparkling, heart-pounding sound left a lasting impression on her, and since then, she has constantly been seeking to rediscover that exciting thrill. Now, as a newly enrolled student of Hanasakigawa Girls' High School, Kasumi is more determined than ever to find that long-lost sensation again. She attempts a myriad of school club activities, and even considers taking up a part-time job, but none of these feel suitable for her. That is, until she chances upon a star-shaped guitar in the storage room of an old pawn shop. It leads her to a live house, where she is captivated by watching a live performance for the first time. Spurred from the adrenaline, she instantly decides to form a band without even really knowing why. However, such a venture requires her to confront various hurdles with new friends she makes along the way, all in her pursuit to encounter that twinkling, heart-throbbing ardor once more. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is mixed. While some find the music and characters enjoyable with heartwarming moments, others criticize it for being generic, predictable, and a blatant advertisement. Ultimately, enjoyment seems heavily tied to investment in the broader BanG Dream! multimedia project.
Strengths
- Music quality, especially outside of the show itself, is a major highlight.
- Characters are likable and have flaws, leading to relatable interactions.
- The show touches on realistic themes like family issues and self-discovery.
Weaknesses
- The story is generic and predictable.
- Animation quality can be inconsistent and sometimes feels cheap.
- The anime feels like an advertisement for the game and other multimedia projects.
- Some characters are stock and cliche.