Forum - View topicHow "risqué" is Kaleido Star?
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ailblentyn
 Posts: 1688 Location: body in Ohio, heart in Sydney |
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I'm hoping I can get some help on this subject.
I have often in the past given my now eight-year-old niece anime DVDs as presents. Ghibli films and Sugar: A Little Snow Fairy have all been great hits, and what I know of Kaleido Star (including the Junichi Sato involvement) makes me think it might be a great next gift for her. But I'm wondering after reading the age recommendation on Amazon that mentions "minor risqué humor". It seems to me that those words cover a huge range. And at one end of that range are things I might not want to be giving my eight-year-old niece. After all, Fruits Basket gets the same "minor risqué humor" warning on Amazon, and I definitely wouldn't be comfortable explaining the Hatsuharu pubic hair joke to her. (And bear in mind that buying something for someone else's child is different from buying for your own.) It's annoying that I still haven't seen Kaleido Star myself. It's part of my substantial backlog. And due to circumstances beyond my control I won't be able to watch it by any means legal or otherwise before the next present to my niece falls due. Hence my request for help. How "risqué" is it? Perverted characters? Breast-size jokes? Specifics please! Thank you. |
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PetrifiedJello
Posts: 3782 |
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Kaleido Star would be perfect for an 8 year old. The "risque" is more likely directed at the "butt shots" of girls doing gymnastics, which no 8 year old will focus on (and neither did I, if this helps).
I recall no breast size jokes or any sexual innuendo. There is one scene where Fool (a spirit about the size of a fairy) makes a comment about Sora taking a shower, but nothing your niece should inquire about. I've let family members borrow this series and the latest were to two girls (ages 10 and 8) and both enjoyed it immensely. The "worst" comment I heard was one said they didn't do enough of the gymnastics (I concur). I don't believe anyone will find anything in this series risque unless they're pervy teenage boys who watch the summer Olympics because of the gymnasts. 
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ailblentyn
Posts: 1688 Location: body in Ohio, heart in Sydney |
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Excellent.
That reply makes me very happy, since every clip and still I've seen made me think it would be the perfect present for her --- but for that unknown quantity. Thank you so much, o Petrified One. |
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zawa113
 Posts: 7394 |
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I agree with PJ, I think the closest we get to risque is that Fool does peek in on Sora when she's bathing whenever he can. And we don't see what he sees or anything, just him going into the room and Sora throwing things at him and yelling til he gets out sort of thing (she wises up and shoves him in a drawer before she goes later on).
Yes, everyone runs around in leotards half the time for shows or practice, but they don't sexualize it or anything. Congrats on giving your niece anime for gifts! That in of itself is awesome! When she gets a bit older (maybe 12ish), give her Princess Tutu (it is a little dark at times)! Also, Avatar: The Last Airbender and Oban Star-Racers are a great choice for future gifts too (and when she can read subs well, Aria!) |
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ailblentyn
Posts: 1688 Location: body in Ohio, heart in Sydney |
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Thanks so much for the confirmatory opinion, and for the suggestions.
I can definitely see Aria in her future. Princess Tutu as well for sure --- and as it happens your thoughts on delaying Princess Tutu are spot on in her case. Kiddie-moving-into-shoujo anime seems like a natural kind of present for her, since she adores cute things, and also identifies with stories about girls doing their best, and overcoming obstacles, and so on. And it's something I can give that relates to an interest of mine. I'm ashamed to admit I haven't seen Oban Star Racers either. (And I know that Avatar is a shameful gap in my knowledge.) So much to watch! Speaking of which I'm off to watch some more Sailor Moon R. |
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4750G
 Posts: 546 |
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I don't think there's anything you have to worry about. I watched Kaleido Star when I was a child as well and I don't recall any inappropriate content for children. In fact, I loved watching it because to a child, seeing Sora try so hard for her dream is very inspiring. You should watch it, it's a nice show, if you like those anime that talk about perseverance and stuff to get your dream.
 And btw, you're so nice for buying something for your niece. 
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yuna49
 Posts: 3804 |
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Sounds like a candidate for Angelic Layer to me; it's on Crunchyroll so you can take a look. I'll add Tweeny Witches to the list of options for when she's a bit older. Saiunkoku Monogatari would be another excellent choice at around age 12-14; sad that's it's become unavailable in R1 after Geneon's distribution deal with Funimation came to an end. |
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PetrifiedJello
Posts: 3782 |
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*cough*Sister Princess*cough*
Yeah, well I liked it, so there!
*runs away from moderators who think this may turn into a recommendation thread and sorry for doing so but this title deserves more emphasis to audiences filled with children. 
*poof* |
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Anymouse
 Posts: 685 |
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It could be worse. You could have recommended Chokotto Sister.
*shudder*
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ailblentyn
Posts: 1688 Location: body in Ohio, heart in Sydney |
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Thanks for the valuable thoughts. Some are ones I had had also, and some are not.
When this thread comes to a natural end (or an unnatural, moderator-assisted one), I'll add a note to the official child-friendly recommendation thread. Some of these shows aren't already on it, I think. |
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Shiroi Hane
Encyclopedia Editor
 Posts: 7595 Location: Wales |
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I don't have the series but I did watch an episode or two that was on a Newtype DVD (and had previously seen a fansub of the first episode). IIRC the line was changed in the dub anyway. I think it was some comment about girls showering together. |
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ShinobiX
 Posts: 889 Location: NY |
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Old anime long time. Good one too. Back when I saw it, if I recall, the TV ratings ranged from TV-PG to TV-14 when it came on The Anime Network. No, not ANN.
Kaleido Star is anime. Literally, by definition, you should expect some lewd jokes and violence. Some are subtle, some are not. Kaleido Star is no exception. If you really care though, just do research or watch I think it's 52 episodes? Positive note though, Kaleido Star mainly about the little engine that could and romance. I'd say it's 80/20 respectively. Ball parking now. Can't remember, but the cast IS comprised of only adults and one 16 year old girl/ brat. Consequentially, the relationships in the anime are more adult like so.... If you care, pretty sure the 8 year old wont, you'd have to explain like idk: Stress Divorce Marriage Boyfriend Break ups Jealousy etc. The typical grown up crap that goes on in a real life relationship. Again, the kid probably wont even pay attention to that side of the anime. She'll probably just idk drool over the unrealistic acrobatics. Also, the cast of characters are like twice her age or more? You're gunna have to explain a lot because socially, an 8 year old girl is inept. Moreover, if she doesn't like gymnastics bad choice. The anime is just about well acrobatics, unrealistic circus life, and I think ice-skating well couple episodes. IMO think you should just ask her what she wants or even if she wants anime. I remember when I was 8. I had a brain, but no one asked. They just gave me a bunch of crap I had to accept and....smile. Loved the ones that just gave me cash though :] What I asked for. |
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EricJ
 Posts: 876 |
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Fool is pretty much the only running element of comedy-relief on the show--And even then spends half his time as a wise/mysterious mentor, until the odd moment when he lets his basic instincts slip. For ex., when the heroine asks how she should deal with a competitor she wants to become friends with, the character replies, with wise deadpan "I think you should invite her for a sleepover, and--" (He never gets to finish the sentence, before being dumped headfirst into a wastebasket. )
That's about as "risque'" as it ever gets--For the most part, it's a Junichi Sato "girls'" show, which means most of the plot will be about an optimistic heroine "doing her best", like Usagi from Sailor Moon or Duck from Princess Tutu. (And can't speak for "Aria" yet, as I haven't seen that one.) |
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PetrifiedJello
Posts: 3782 |
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Aria is, to me, the Greatest Anime Ever Made, because it's so simple, elegant, and gorgeous. There's no antagonist to worry about, no drama, just simple, relaxing episodes. Too relaxing for most, sadly, as many find the series boring. Okay, it is boring, but I rue anyone says it sucks despite being a safe alternative to "No Doze". Sato's masterpiece and I thank him every day (cause I have a few Aria trinkets hanging on the wall) for it. I wish there were more of it. 
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Veers
 Posts: 1197 Location: Texas |
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Aria is indeed a masterpiece, and utterly harmless. However, Aria requires a certain mood and/or a certain amount of patience and appreciation for the scenic route that I'm not sure a little kid would have. |
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