Watch Shonen Hollywood: Holly Stage for 49
- 2014
- 2 Seasons
Shonen Hollywood: Holly Stage for 49 is a musical anime series based on the original concept by Ikuyo Hashiguchi. Produced by TBS, NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan and Frontier Works, the series premiered on July 5, 2014, and aired on Tokyo MX. The show follows the journey of a group of five boys who aspire to become idols and make their mark in the entertainment industry. They are part of Shonen Hollywood, a talent agency that has groomed several successful actors and idols in the past. The five boys are Kakeru Kazami, Ikuma Amaki, Shun Maiyama, Kira Saeki, and Daiki Tomii. Each of them has a unique personality and skillset that makes them stand out from the rest.
The series begins with the boys being selected from a pool of hundreds of applicants to undergo rigorous training under the supervision of veteran idol and actor, Norihito. The boys are put through grueling dance and singing sessions, as well as acting workshops to polish their skills. They all have their own struggles, both personally and professionally, and must learn to work together as a team. This dynamic creates a lot of interesting subplots throughout the series.
As the boys train and become more confident in their abilities, they are given the opportunity to showcase their talents on a variety of stages. These range from small local events to large televised performances. Each show is a chance for the boys to prove themselves and gain more fans. The competition is tough, but their hard work pays off as they slowly but surely gain traction in the industry.
The show also delves into the behind-the-scenes world of the entertainment industry. The boys must navigate the complicated relationships between performers, fans, and industry executives. They also experience the highs and lows of fame, and the pressure that comes with it. The series does an excellent job highlighting both the good and the bad aspects of fame, as well as the sacrifices required to achieve it.
The overall tone of the series is lighthearted and fun, with lots of catchy music and dance sequences. The animation quality is high, with vibrant colors and fluid animation. The character designs are also well-done, with each character having a unique look that matches their personality. The voice acting is solid, with the actors bringing life to the characters and their emotions.
One thing that sets Shonen Hollywood apart from other idol anime is its focus on male idols. While there have been other male idol anime in the past, they are few and far between. Shonen Hollywood does an excellent job portraying the struggles and successes of male idols, and the show feels fresh and unique because of this.
Overall, Shonen Hollywood: Holly Stage for 49 is an excellent anime series for anyone who enjoys music, dance, and drama. It has a well-developed cast of characters, an engaging storyline, and fantastic animation and music. Fans of other idol anime, such as Love Live or Idolm@ster, will definitely enjoy this show. However, even those who are not necessarily fans of the genre may find something to love about Shonen Hollywood. It is a well-crafted, enjoyable series that is sure to entertain.