Aikatsu! The Movie Explained

Aikatsu! The Movie
Native Name:
Child:yes
Hide:no
Header:none
Kanji:劇場版 アイカツ!
Revhep:Gekijōban Aikatsu!
Screenplay:Yōichi Katō
Starring:see below
Cinematography:Yōichi Oogami
Editing:Yoshihiro Kasahara
Music:monaca
Studio:Sunrise
Distributor:Toei Company, Ltd.
Runtime:89 minutes[1]
Country:Japan
Language:Japanese
Gross:US$834,831[2]

is a 2014 Japanese animated musical film based on an anime television series with a same name co-created by Hajime Yatate and Bandai. The film is directed by Yuichiro Yano with Ryūichi Kimura as chief director, written by Yōichi Katō, and produced by Sunrise. The film was released in Japan on December 13, 2014.[3]

The film focuses on Ichigo and the others preparing for "Ichigo Hoshiyama Super Live" event.

Plot

After performance at a live concert goes successful, the school headmistress, Orihime asks Ichigo and her friends backstage to hold a special live event: "Ichigo Hoshimiya Super Live". After the press conference, Akari decides that she wants to help Ichigo and the others for the event. Ichigo asks Naoto to write a song for her, but declines and suggest Kanon, a local singer and songwriter. Kanon agrees, and briefly bonds with the girls with a supreme strawberry parfait.

Later that night, Ichigo receives a message from Mizuki to meet her at a stadium, who surprisingly tells her that she'll stop being an idol. While disappointed, the girls continue to plan the event with help from others. As the three are practicing, Kanon comes and tells them that the song is ready. As Ichigo realizes that the song shouldn't be just for the fans, she hopes that it'll convince Mizuki to continue being an idol.

During the performance, Ichigo's crystal mic gets stolen by Swallow Thieves, which Shion helps it get it back in time. While Kaede, Sakura and Yurika manages to get the premium cards back in time, Akari also brings Mizuki in time, after searching for her in fourteen places. During Ichigo's performance, Akari tells Mizuki to join the performance, but she asks Akari to join with her. After the event, Mizuki tells Ichigo that she'll continue being an idol, and as a thank you gift, Ichigo gives Akari her crystal mic.

Voice cast

Production

In February 2014, it was announced that a first film for the Aikatsu! series was in development,[4] with an original story focusing on the main three characters: Ichigo, Aoi and Ran.[3] [5]

Release

The film was released in theaters in Japan on December 13, 2014.[3]

Reception

Box office

The film opened at number 5 out of top 10 in the Japanese box office in its opening weekend, and ranked number 1 on viewer statisfaction ratings on its first day.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 劇場版アイカツ!. "Aikatsu! The Movie". eiga.com. ja. December 13, 2014.
  2. Web site: "Aikatsu! The Movie". Box Office Mojo. July 16, 2015.
  3. Web site: 『劇場版アイカツ!』、12・13公開日決定. May 29, 2014. Oricon. ja. May 29, 2014.
  4. Web site: Aikatsu Franchise Gets Film in December. Nelkin. Sarah. February 22, 2014. Anime News Network. February 22, 2014.
  5. Web site: 劇場版「アイカツ!」、本予告編を公開 美月が意味深な一言を漏らす. October 10, 2014. Anime! Anime!. ja. October 10, 2014.
  6. Web site: Live-Action Blue Spring Ride Film Opens at #1 in Box Office. Ressler. Karen. December 16, 2014. Anime News Network. December 16, 2014.