Kenshi Yonezus 2023 Concert Film Rocks

Key Takeaways

KENSHI YONEZU 2023 TOUR / FANTASY offers a 23-song setlist, including hits like “M87” and “KICK BACK”.
The concert film features stunning staging and directing that enhance Yonezu’s music and immerse viewers in a fantasy experience.
The concert culminates with hits like “Lemon” and “Uma to Shika”, offering a diverse and climactic conclusion to the event.

As a dedicated fan of Yonezu Kenshi and a connoisseur of live concerts, I must say that “Fantasy Brings The Hits” was nothing short of a mesmerizing spectacle! The way they transformed the intimate atmosphere into something grand and ethereal during “Machi” left me spellbound. The dancers added an extra layer of emotion to the already captivating performance.

For years now, I’ve been captivated by the music of Kenshi Yonezu, resonating not just in anime and films, but also on television screens and within video games. Beyond these pop culture touchpoints, his discography is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Last year, his tour, “Fantasy,” left audiences spellbound across Japan, and starting this week, Crunchyroll is bringing the concert film to select theaters globally – an event that no fan should miss.

The KENSHI YONEZU 2023 Tour / FANTASY event offers a chance to attend a recording of the final concert on July 2, 2023, held at the Yokohama Arena in Japan. The performance features a total of 23 songs, including “M87” from the 2022 movie Shin Ultraman, “KICK BACK” from Chainsaw Man (2022), and “Chikyuugi – Spinning Globe” from Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron, along with other popular tracks.

Theatrical Dates

September 24	Los Angeles, London, Paris
September 25	Los Angeles, New York, Toronto
September 26	Sydney
September 28	Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile (cities to be announced)

Entering A Fantasy

The set serves as the framework or base for Yonezu’s music, effortlessly constructing dreamlike landscapes on top of it.

In various ways can a theme like “fantasy” be understood, however, the concert’s initial ambiance strongly suggests the term “dreamy.” As the event commences, a gentle piano melody harmonizes with the blue and red stage lights, while the band members make their entrance and settle into place. This tranquil beginning subtly intensifies as the opening songs fill your ears, yet it’s the visual spectacle that immediately captivates.

Behind the stage, soft, celestial lights shine, revealing the outline of Yonezu and his band, while also illuminating the stage itself. At first, it might seem simple, even bare, but it’s the foundation upon which Yonezu effortlessly constructs musical landscapes. The real show starts when the backdrop transforms from a skeleton to a canvas.

The Staging and Directing Are Fantastic

This show shines brightest when viewers get to enjoy the powerful melodies harmonizing with the stunning visual effects created by the lighting.

As a gamer, let me tell you, the third track, “Kanden”, is where the real fun kicks in! The jazzy tunes and electrifying dance moves of these performers make the fantasy feel like it’s leaping off the screen! Even though you might yearn to be there live, the camera work adds a layer of immersion that could easily get missed otherwise.

In the realm of gaming, I find myself immersed in a fantastical world crafted by director Daisuke Shimada. His vision is impeccable; every dance move synchronizes flawlessly with each pan, zoom, and off-kilter angle. He masterfully captures the atmosphere, pulling me further into this enchanting world. The stage itself seems to bend and warp to accommodate the ever-shifting whims of the dream.

When “Machi” kicks off, it feels like the stage is closing in around us gamers, with the lights dimming like a descending ceiling. But just as Yonezu and the band get going, that ceiling magically lifts, opening up to this expansive, mesmerizing spectacle. It’s during these moments, where I feel like I’m part of the music itself, thanks to the harmonious dance between those powerful instrumental surges and the stunning lighting effects.

Fantasy Brings The Hits

Among Yonezu’s hit songs, “Lemon” stands out, and the escalating strings leading to the song’s opening create an even more magnificent entrance. The overall arrangement elevates the already impressive track to a level of triumphant sound. To top it all off, the dancer expresses her soul just as powerfully as Yonezu does vocally. In fact, every dancer delivers an exceptional performance.

M87″ exudes a celestial and cosmic atmosphere, fitting perfectly for the “Ultraman” movie it was designed for. As “Loser” follows immediately after, the stage’s support structures become more prominent, offering lots of height that Kenshi Yonezu eagerly uses to entertain an increasingly animated audience. The energy is palpable, and the potential directions the show might take next feel boundless.

Chainsaw Man’s Theme Does NOT Disappoint

Yonezu’s live performance of the “Chainsaw Man” opening theme, “KICK BACK”, exceeds all expectations for a live version. The stage is immersed in red, with flames erupting from torches that circle its perimeter, creating a surreal dreamscape. However, this fantasy quickly transforms into a terrifying nightmare. It’s like a journey to the depths of hell. On the other hand, “Tsuki wo Miteita – Moongazing” from “Final Fantasy XVI”, immediately following, is serene; it provides a sense of tranquility and peace.

At the end of the show, “Uma to Shika” provides an incredible finale. Yonezu, accompanied by dancers, strides across the stage, pouring all their energy into this performance. It represents the best moments of the concert, and it’s just the beginning of a joyful encore with “Chikyuugi” from The Boy and the Heron, followed by “Pop Song”, “Flamingo”, “Shunrai”, and “Lady”.

Fantasy’s Final Notes

If there is any gripe to be had with the film, it’s that it might outstay its welcome somewhat after an otherwise immaculate concert that finds such a solid conclusion in “Uma to Shika.” With that said, it is a mercifully minor gripe in a show that consistently offers such a diverse and enticing atmosphere thanks to excellent directing, incredible visual effects, and mesmerizing lighting. If you’re lucky enough to have the concert playing near you, it is a no-brainer.

2024-09-23 22:34