Loading...
 
Review of Palermo Shines in the Setting Sun / Asian Winds! (Flower, 2005-06)

by Chioco


My Grades:

Story: (B)
Starring Performances: (A)
Supporting Cast Performances: (A)
Music: (B+)
Staging: (A)

Overall Grade: (A-)

Thoughts on the Story

Well... very typical of a Takarazuka musical. It features the lowly Vittorio (Sumire Haruno) falling in love with the noblewoman Anrietta (Miyo Fuzuki). Of course, Anrietta is already engaged to Count Rodrigo (Sei Matobu) and her family will not permit her to marry below her rank. But luckily, Vittorio's nobleman father decides to name Vittorio as his heir, so it's a happily-ever-after kind of story. But (let me be honest), I never really watched a lot of flower troupe before this, but this musical made me a huge fan! Because even if the story is predictable, the acting is wonderful.

Thoughts on the Performers

Sumire Haruno: I never watched a lot of Osa's performances, but she really shines. The show seems to be made entirely for her. I especially love the scene where Vittorio remembers his mother's suicide and sings "Rosario's Prayer" (Rosario no Inori).

Miyo Fuzuki: I think Anrietta's a bit of a bland character, but Fuu pulls it off with the right combination of cuteness and strength.

Sei Matobu: Her character is the antagonist, but she protrays him so well. She's a very hot Rodrigo!

Mao Ayabuki: Yumiko has the most boring character, I think. She plays Vittorio II, who acts as more of a narrator than an actual character. She does do a good job of playing a kind and concerned fiancee.

Tomu Ranju: All I can say is... wow. Her Niccola is excellent. She only majorly appears in one scene (the kidnapping of Anrietta's sister), but she really acts like a man. Which is a good thing, of course. I was completely won over!!

Asuka Tono: Played a calm, dignified, Jewish actress fleeing from the Nazis. The balance between her and Yumiko was perfect. My favorite scene though, is "Can Can Musume" in "ASIAN WINDS!". She's adorable. I'm sure she'll be an excellent star-troupe top star.

Kiho Kashiro: For me, the surprise in this show. I'd honestly never heard of her before, but her acting of Vittorio's mother is so touching. She has a great voice and sings a cute solo in "ASIAN WINDS!"

Ayane Sakurano: The current top-star of flower troupe makes a pretty minor appearance, but it's solid. In "ASIAN WINDS!" you can see her as a rockette!

Thoughts on the Music

My favorite song, by far, is "Rosario's Prayer" (Rosario no Inori) sung by Osa. The other songs are a little forgettable, in my opinion.
In ASIAN WINDS!, all of the songs are catchy, so it's more than made up.

Thoughts on the Staging

I think the staging is farely normal. I do like the scene where Vittorio I and Vittorio II, along with all of the other character, sing together.

Conclusion

This DVD is completely worth it. I like "ASIAN WINDS!" more than "Palermo Shines in the Setting Sun". "ASIAN WINDS!" is a kind of sequel to 2000 "Asian Sunrise" (the tops were Mire Aika and Rei Otori). But I think this new one is much better! The "Korean Dream" scene, where Yumiko and Osa (representing old and new) come together and sing, is so adorable. And all of the younger members of the troupe have some sort of feature in the Ryoichi Hattori medley.

The introduction scene to "ASIAN WINDS!" is incredibly catchy. I really have to restrain myself from watching it.

Registration