Gravitation - Stars on the Rise (Vol. 2)
As this popularshounen-ai("boy love") story continues, the filmmakers streamline Maki Murakami's popular manga while preserving its essence. Bad Luck is preparing to release their first single under their take-no-prisoners American manager K, when Shuichi's life is derailed by the arrival of Ayaka, the fiancée Yuki's family has chosen for him. As Bad Luck's popularity grows, Taki of the rival band Ask, has Shuichi savagely beaten, then blackmails him, threatening to reveal his relationship with Yuki. Bad Luck guitarist Hiroshi remains the lone pillar of sanity in this increasingly fractured world. Voice actor Rich McNanna captures Shuichi's mercurial personality, effortlessly shifting from repentant stumblebum to adoring boyfriend to charismatic performer. Rome Elliot is appropriately sullen as Yuki: when he tells Shuichi, "I'll be your lover," his voice sounds like ice cracking. (Not rated, suitable for ages 14 and older: violence, alcohol and tobacco use, suggested homosexuality)--Charles Solomon