A Chorus of Color, Energy, and Emotion

Read Time:5 Minute, 31 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
COLORFUL STAGE! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing (Gekijô-ban Purojekuto Sekai Kowareta Sekai to Utaenai Miku)
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Genre: Anime, Animation, Music
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director(s): Hiroyuki Hata
Writer(s): Yoko Yonaiyama
Cast: Saki Fujita, Asami Shimoda, Yuu Asakawa, Meiko Haigou, Naoto Fuga, Ruriko Noguchi, Karin Isobe, Reina Ueda, Yuki Nakashima, Yui Ogura, Mayu Yoshioka, Ai Furihata
Where to Watch: Available in select US theaters on April 18, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: COLORFUL STAGE! THE MOVIE: A MIKU WHO CAN’T SING is a vivid reminder of how sometimes, connections can emerge from unexpected places. Even for those, like me, who walked in with no previous knowledge of the franchise, the film strikes a chord that lingers well beyond its final scene. It's not always easy to follow, and the story does ask more of the viewer than it probably should—but once it finds its rhythm, there's genuine magic in how it brings music, identity, and emotion to life.

The film is based on the mobile game Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage! (known as Project Sekai in Japan), and it doesn’t spend much time explaining the lore behind its universe. That might sound daunting, but even without prior exposure, the film manages to carve out a space for its emotional themes to take center stage. At its core, this is a story about a version of Miku—one disconnected from her ability to sing or emotionally connect—seeking help from various music groups to rediscover her voice and purpose.

Instead of a linear narrative, the film moves through several arcs as different bands—each representing their own genre and dynamics—interact with Miku in their digital worlds. For franchise fans, these segments likely feel like celebratory expansions of beloved characters. For the rest of us, it's figuring out who’s who and how it connects. It can take effort, even when the structure feels overwhelming, but a consistent emotional throughline gives the movie heart.

The animation is a highlight throughout. It doesn’t rely on excess but instead balances 2D work with refined 3D elements. When the film reaches its larger musical sequences, the screen comes alive with creative choreography, bold lighting choices, and stylized staging that aligns with each group's identity. These segments aren’t just entertaining—they’re the film’s emotional core, capturing the essence of what these characters are trying to express better than any exposition could.

One of the film’s most impressive achievements is how it uses music to tell the story rather than just accentuate it. When Miku visits each band, she asks for guidance on communicating emotion through song—something they all do naturally. Instead of merely showing this transformation, the film builds toward a musical climax in which every group performs its version of the same track. It's a beautiful montage of reinterpretation, allowing the audience to feel the journey rather than just watch it. At that moment, the film is fully in place.

Of course, it’s fair to say the film isn’t without its hurdles. The large cast and rapid-fire scene changes can disorient new viewers. There's little in the way of a traditional introduction or even a moment to catch your breath before the next character or setting shift. The film was designed primarily for those already immersed in the game, which can make it feel exclusive. But as the narrative progresses, the emotional weight takes over—and that’s what keeps it grounded.

Despite the dense mythology, there’s something undeniably touching about the film’s message. Whether you're lost in a sea of uncertainty, struggling with communication, or just looking to be understood, music becomes the language that bridges the divide. The film leans into this theme without forcing it, using visuals and music to gradually pull the viewer into its story. Even when I wasn’t entirely sure what a particular group’s backstory was, I could feel what they were trying to say—and that matters more.

For longtime fans, this likely plays as a love letter to the game they’ve already invested countless hours into. For newcomers, it may feel like opening a novel halfway through and finding something worth reading. That balancing act is hard to pull off, but COLORFUL STAGE! THE MOVIE: A MIKU WHO CAN’T SING lands far more often than it misses

The final act is where everything finally clicks. When the scattered structure gives way to unity, and each group contributes to helping Miku find her voice, it creates a genuinely moving experience. There’s no need for a plot twist or grand reveal—just the power of collaboration and creative expression coming together at the right time.

COLORFUL STAGE! THE MOVIE: A MIKU WHO CAN’T SING isn’t perfect, but it’s never shallow. Its heart is in the right place, and even with some rough edges (for an outsider), it’s a visually exciting, acoustically compelling experience that knows how to connect where it counts. Whether you're a seasoned fan or someone who walked in cold, there’s a good chance you’ll walk out humming one of its songs—and maybe even feeling something deeper because of it.

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[photo courtesy of GKIDS]

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