Alternative TitlesJapanese: のだめカンタービレ
Information
Type: TV
Episodes: 23
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jan 12, 2007 to Jun 15, 2007
Duration:
22 min. per episode Rating:
PG-13 - Teens 13 or older
L represents licensing company
StatisticsScore: 8.661 (scored by 29393 users)
Ranked: #432
Popularity: #144
Members: 52,362
Favorites: 2,183 1 indicates a weighted score
My Info
Popular Tags
comedy music romance shoujo |
SynopsisShinichi Chiaki is a first class musician whose dream is to play among the elites in Europe. Coming from a distinguished family, he is an infamous perfectionist; not only is he highly critical of himself, but of others as well. The only thing stopping Chiaki from leaving for Europe is his fear of flying. As a result, he's grounded in Japan.
During his 4th year at Japan's top music university, Chiaki happens to meet Noda Megumi; or as she refers to herself, Nodame. On the surface, she seems to be an unkempt girl with no direction in life. However, when Chiaki hears Nodame play the piano for the first time, he is in awe at the kind of music she plays. To Chiaki's dismay, Nodame moves into the apartment next to his and finds out that she is head over heels in love with him.
Nodame Cantabile tells the story of Chiaki and Nodame, as they not only learn to deal with each other, but learn lessons from one another as they strive for the top of the musical world.
[Written by MAL Rewrite] |
Related AnimeAdaptation: Nodame Cantabile
Side story: Nodame Cantabile Special
Sequel: Nodame Cantabile Paris Chapter
Other: PuriGorota: Uchuu no Yuujou Daibouken
Characters & Voice Actors
Staff
Reviews
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Archaeon
181 of 237 people found this review helpful
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23 of 23 episodes seen
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| Overall |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Character |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
Gyabo!
I'm not sure why, but for some reason I've found myself reviewing certain franchises in reverse order. Then again, given the nature of Nodame Cantabile and its heroine Noda Megumi, maybe doing things in a not so normal manner is the way to go.
For those of you who don't know the series, Nodame Cantabile is based on the bestselling manga of the same name by Ninomiya Tomoko, and while I do like that particular work, the anime is a little bit special in that it's one of the rare occasions where the adaptation is as good as, or in this case better than, the original.
We'll talk about that in a moment though.
Now, many people have been raving about the current Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood series because of how faithful it is to the manga, but what many people seem to have forgotten is that there were already a few shows around that were almost completely true to their manga counterparts (and that didn't include much in the way of filler episodes) - Genshiken, Air Gear, History's Strongest Disciple and Nodame Cantabile to name but a few. In addition to this, many of the long running shounen franchises like Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, etc, generally stay true to the manga for much of the main story, but have a tendency to provide "anime original" tales and filler episodes too.
Regardless of what one may think of a given show though, the surprising thing is that many faithful reproductions of the original manga are pretty decent, especially if the source material is good. When the tale is something like Nodame Cantabile though, then something special happens, something that doesn't happen very often in anime.
As with the manga, the story follows the "adventures" of the eccentric musical genius Noda Megumi, and her love interest, the handsome Chiaki Shinichi. The two meet by complete accident and Nodame quickly falls in love.
What follows is, well, a roller coaster of laughs, many of which you won't see coming.
Unlike many other romantic comedy anime, the action in Nodame Cantabile doesn't take place in a high school but instead centres around Momogaoka College of Music, and the difference in not only the mentality and personality of the characters, but the overall approach to the story and plot, is actually quite telling. When one watches the series, it becomes obvious that the characters are no longer children, and while they may not yet be out of full time education, their attitudes to life, the world, and to other people, are actually very different from what one encounters in the hordes of high school romantic comedies around.
Now one of the main issues when it comes to adapting a manga is that of pacing, in particular how the plot flows from one episode to the next, and from one story arc to the next. With manga, as with anything written, the pacing is dictated by the reader, whereas with anime the pacing is already there, and it's up to the director to find the balance so that viewers and fans of the original work will warm to the adaptation. Thankfully, Kasai Kenichi (Honey & Clover, KimiKiss Pure Rouge, Major), managed to get the formula very close to what many viewers find acceptable.
Okay, some of you may be confused by all this talk about pacing issues, but there's actually a good reason for bringing it up. Many shows can get by when the pacing is a little bit off from what you would prefer (Bleach, for example, with it's annoying recaps at the beginning of each episode), however Nodame Cantabile is a special case as problems with pacing and timing would have had disastrous effects on one's enjoyment of the show, and the reason for this is because the series lives, and dies, by its music.
Earlier I mentioned that this anime is one of the rare occasions where the adaptation is better than the mange, and the reason for this is because of the music. Where the manga made do with track names and examples of written scores, actually hearing the music played in the anime brings the whole series to a new level. While there are a number of thematic tracks on offer, the heart and soul of Nodame Cantabile are the various pieces of classical music that are played throughout the series, whether it be solo or with an orchestra. In addition to this, unlike other classical music based anime like La Corda D'Oro ~Primo Passo~ and Piano no Mori, as well as the more pop/rock style shows like K-On, Beck, etc, one of the things that sets this series, indeed the whole franchise, apart is the aspect of musical appreciation.
Confused? Well it's fairly easy to explain. One of the aspects of Nodame Cantabile that can heavily influence whether one enjoys the series or not is whether you, the viewer, actually listen to, and appreciate, the music itself. People may find that in order to better understand the character's passion for music, they will in turn listen to the track in a way that they may not have done with other shows, and while this may not seem obvious to most at first, a good question to ask come the end of the series is whether your opinion of classical music has improved over the course of the series. Nodame's antics may help things along with a good dose of comic relief, but the music is the glue that holds everything together.
Given the heavy musical emphasis, one would be forgiven for thinking that something was sacrificed in order for the whole thing to work. It's surprising then that Nodame Cantabile is actually pretty close to the manga in terms of plot and story, and although some alterations to the tale do occur, these are barely noticeable as they don't really contribute to any major changes in the plot or characters.
Now, while the music is a hugely important factor when deciding if one will enjoy Nodame Cantabile, one other aspect will determine whether you love the series or not - the characters.
Unlike many other romantic comedies the show has opted for a slightly more whimsical approach to love, life and relationships, and the characters are generally the epitome of this ethos. Noda Megumi (the titular Nodame), is not simply an eccentric musical genius, she is also thoroughly otaku, has a tendency to stalk her love interest, and hates cleaning. Chiaki, on the other hand, is a talented but arrogant musician who is widely regarded as the "prince" of the college.
What sets this series apart from other romantic comedies is the manner in which the characters are used. While the two leads may be the focus of the show, there is considerable development on the part of several other supporting characters as they strive to become better musicians, and in keeping with the sentiments of the franchise, this never really occurs in the way one expects.
Actually, at heart Nodame Cantabile is simply a different take on the "Beauty and the Beast" format, with classical music and a bit of role reversal thrown in for good measure.
That said, there's nothing beastly about the looks, although there is a slight "cartoon" element to the facial features of the characters, something which is used to good effect during the funny moments. The overall design of the characters however, errs on the side of realism in respect of their movements, and while there's an over-the-top element to the actual animation of their movements during certain scenes, the majority of the time the characters move how one would expect a normal person to move.
The backdrops and settings are pretty well realised for the most part, although there is a watercolour feel to some of the scenery, and the colour palette seems more understated than in most other anime. The combination is strangely elegant in its own way, and makes the visual comedy and parodies of typical shoujo manga scenes funnier for some reason (but that may just be me).
The one issue I do have with the animation is this - why on earth choose such bad CG for the orchestrral scenes. Granted the animation is technically astute when it comes to finger movements and hand positions, but the overall execution is poor, and does not mesh well with the general feel of the show.
One of the reasons why I was attracted to this series is because I like classical music, however even I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Nodame Cantabile. The series plays fast and loose with the typical perception that such music is staid and proper, and the comedy is often surprising in both its accuracy and its execution. Much of the humour is easily accessible to those with no knowledge of music, especially Nodame's notorious "Fart Song" and "Moja Moja Suite". This strange but well executed combination of classical music and comedy is a far cry from other shows, and the approach is far more tongue in cheek than one might initially expect.
In addition to this, the depiction of student life is easily on a par with the like of Moyashimon and Genshiken, with everything that entails too. It's nice to see students doing things that students would actually do (like going out as a group and getting hammered).
Given the current glut of high school romantic comedies, Nodame Cantabile is a breath of fresh air because of its more mature yet whimsical take on love and life. read more
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Touka
129 of 174 people found this review helpful
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23 of 23 episodes seen
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| Overall |
10 |
| Story |
8 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Character |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
"Let's go have some fun by playing some music."
If you've never seen a music themed anime before, then Nodame Cantabile is a perfect series to start with. You have your typical story right here - you're good at something so practice at it to be the best. However, the story turns out to be on hell of a ride thanks to the actual focus of the series, and that focus is classical music. This is what makes Nodame Cantabile such an enjoyable and refreshing anime to watch. We know the basic plot, but there aren't too many series that have tackled it in this fashion. It makes for a familiar but also original story, which is enjoyable beyond belief. It doesn't stop there, either. The romance is another interesting factor that is a joy to follow and simply be a part of - it is very heartwarming but also very dramatic at times. Add to that some carefully placed ounces of comedy, the story is presented to the audience perfectly, and in a mature, enjoyable manner.
To match the story, we are presented with rather soft animation. Deep down the animation is like a much better developed Azumanga Daioh or School Rumble. The colours are very similar, as is the movement. The animation would be the only aspect of the series I would really cast a critical eye on, however. During many of the performances and concerts thoughout the series, there isn't much movement in the animation at all. An orchestra is usually very lively, the conductor is always filled with energy and there is endless movement throughout, but it is often the opposite in Nodame Cantabile. Instead of the movement we expect to see in an orchestra, we are given still frames with music plastered over the top. Which is quite a disappointment. Although at the real big, important, climatic performances in the series, that movement in the animation is at least half there. There are close-ups of each instrument while being played, there are effects than enhance the moment, there are panning shots of the audience in awe, just how you would imagine them to be and the animation manages to catch some of the passion of the conducter - although unfortunately it's still quite far off.
There is much room for improvement, but with that said the concerts really do drag you in and present you with a feeling as if you are actually part of the audience, watching and witnessing the performance at hand, even with the half motionless animation. Perhaps the animation actually has quite a charm to it to have that effect - although it's probably down to the fact that it blends so well with the music, depsite however much motion it has. The performance scenes that do decide to move are usually done using computer generated animation rather than the traditional style. It looks rather dodgy most of the time, but it's a lot better than having still frames constantly. They intertwine and mix up the CG animated and still framed scenes, so there is never a time where either overstays its welcome. They balance the animation well so there is a little differentiation - which is very good. Performances aside, the rest of the time the animation does it's job with ease, the style is very fitting to the series, it works well with the dialogue and characters, and is simply very enjoyable to watch.
I don't think I can give the music in Nodame Cantabile enough praise as it deserves. The music in the series inspires you, it touches you, it reaches you. You lose yourself in the preformances, you do not do anything but watch the screen and listen to the magic the whole time it's happening. It takes you to a different world. Classical music has that kind of power and feeling that just simply can not be matched. If you are a fan of classical and orchestral music, then Nodame Cantabile is definitely your cup of tea. If you have yet to be introduced to the classics, Nodame Cantabile will do the job and then some.
Like the insert music, the background music is also comprised of different classical and orchestral themes that match the moods and moments presented. The opening and ending songs are also way above average, and mix well with the other music throughout the series. Quite simply, it's all beautiful. The music is enough to bring tears to your eyes - in a good way of course.
I remember praising Nodame Cantabile after watching the first episode, but thinking it'll have to introduce more characters to keep me interested, and that it did. If the two main characters aren't enough for you, there is a huge supporting cast that just keeps getting better and better as the series progresses. Each character brings a unique and intriguing element to the series, and they all add to the enjoyment as if it wasn't enjoyable enough already. The characters in Nodame Cantabile grow, mature and perfect their individual skills as the series continues, and we get to follow their lives while all of this is happening. Which is a nice break from the characters in various other anime series who lack progression and all stay exactly the same throughout.
I couldn't count the amount of times I let out a huge grin during Nodame Cantabile because of how much fun I was having watching it. If following the characters and story isn't interesting enough for you, then maybe the comedy will keep you watching. Only knowing the series was about classical music when I started watching, the comedy took me by surprise. It always hit the spot and had me laughing out loud again and again. If you're not a comedy kind of person however, then maybe the drama is for you, or perhaps the music will provide every bit of satisfaction and entertainment you need.
Everything in this series just adds to the enjoyment and as soon as one episode has finished, straight away you want to watch the next one. Even months after finishing Nodame Cantabile, I am still thinking about it. It's a series that stays with you and one that you won't forget in a long time. The feeling I got from watching this series is akin to nothing I have ever felt before. It's a beautiful feeling, yet also unique. I assume it's a feeling simply brought about by the outstanding presentation of this series... a feeling you can only get by watching Nodame Cantabile. Complete with a decent story, eccentric and interesting characters, mind-blowing music, enjoyment like no other and fantastic dialogue and presentation to boot - Nodame Cantabile is one of the best anime series I have ever seen. read more
Recommendations
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Both series focus on the «discovery» of the true concept of music by music students. While the theme might be the same, these two shows have completely different moods. In Nodame you'll spend half the time laughing, while in Corda d'Oro it's mostly a serious mood sometimes bordering on depressive. Not to say that Corda is a bad anime... I liked it very much. It's just that it has a completely different take on music. Other major difference: in Nodame there are many interesting and different characters and many plot twists... while in Corda there are less characters, who aren't very different, and the story isn't that unpredictable.
This anime are similar becouse they're about music ;)
Both revolve around classical music.
Classical music that they both have are very nice....
La Corda DOro similar to Nodame Cantabile most because of the music in both of them. The characters are alike, exept the part that in LCD there is the magic touch... I enjoyed both of them because of the music~
they both revolve around classical music and have the main characters learning so that they become good in their chosen fields. though nodame cantabile is more of a love story then Corda d'oro (reverse harem). both are excellent shows
They're both in essence about music, although they have somewhat different approaches. Nodame is more comedy while La Corda is more drama / romance. I'd also say that Nodame is a bit more serious about the music part since there's no magic involved and all that but basically both series are passionate and stresses the joy of playing it.
They are both centred around classical music. Though Kaho plays the Violin and Nodame plays the Piano. There's also a lot of romantic moments in both of the animes.
If you liked La corda d'oro, you sohuld definitely watch Nodame Cantabile. It is funnier, but it also has to do with classical music and it has a pretty good story. I recommend it to the ones that like that sort of anime.
;)
Both revolve around music related storylines with female leading roles.
Both are romance+comedy genres but I would say in Nodame Cantabile comedy thread is more important than romance, while in La Corda it's just the other way about. Both are about music. Action takes place in high school. Character sets are similiar. Both series are really enjoyable, especially if you like classical music :)
Similarities - classical music, romance, and the desire to become better
they both are related to music, and they are both classical musics. they bothe have romance in it too.
It uses classical music as the core element.
One of the main themes is classical music. Both are romanctic comedies, but La Corga is more shoujo, while Nodame is more josei.
If you love classical music, then you'll enjoy watching both anime. :)
Both of the anime are about clasical music which ia so elegant. Besides,both of them are full of comedy...hehe.So,everytime you watch it,you will feel the excitement ^_^
Both series are about classical music, romance and comedy. As simple as that.
both revolve around music
both of them are musical, romance, and light comedy.
Just think of Nodame Cantabile as La Corda d'Oro with a mature spin to it. Both anime revolve heavily around Classical music, although Nodame Cantabile is more serious about it. Both of the main characters play violin also. Both anime take place in school (a music conservatory for Nodame Cantabile).
If you're looking for a more mature and "grown-up" La Corda (minus magic fairies), then this anime's for you.
Nodame-chan is somehow more credible than the fairy skill of Kaho-chan :)
both are romances about musicians, subtle comedies and very nice to watch.
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Both are really well done slice of life series that focus on students attending college focusing on artistic subjects (fine arts for Honey and Clover and classical music for Nodame Cantabile). The artistic style in both series is similar as well with well rounded humor to balance things out. I also can't help but see similarities between Morita and Nodame. I keep thinking that Nodame is the female version of Morita. :D
Peacefull atmosphere, same kind of graphic and almost the same humorous taste.
Produced by the same company, both anime have similar storylines and great music.
2 great dramas by the same studio. And they're both very funny! ^^
Both are produced by the same studio. Both are hilarious, dramatic, and share a unique cast of characters with a particular appeal that captivates the audience.
The other explanations are spot on, similar feel, similar brand of humour, if you enjoyed one, you'll more than likely enjoy the other.
Nodame Cantabile is a great anime, especially if your fond of music. many people actually judge this anime directly because of its art, but it really has a great story. On the other hand Honey and Clover is the kind of anime wherein you could really appreciate the story as a whole especially the season II, despite the similarities of the art it really has a great story. I really recommend you watching it because I know you will really appreciate it. ^_^
Same theme. Comedy mixed with daily drama. Both anime are great in slice of life genre.
definitly the same atmosphere.
Both produced by J.C Staff, with similar art styles and featuring amazing music. Although the plots are entirely different, both animes will definitely appeal to you if you're looking for good slice of life anime that is both thought provoking and infinitely stirring while maintaining a light-hearted mood.
Two slice of life/comedy shows that focu on college students, rather than highschool. They have a similar feel since one takes place in an art college and another in a music school.
The animation and the whole general mood of trying to succeed in an artistic field are both extremely similar to each other.
Both are about college life and arts (music and art). Love, life and friendship. Wonderful feel good animes. Not to mention both have comedic moments too.
both anime has hilarious comedy going around college/academy students. honey and clover may be a bit more romantic, but nodame has it too...oh and they have good soundtracks.
similar feel, similar humour, if you enjoyed one, you'll likely enjoy the other anime too.both are slice of life.
Both produced by J.C. Staff, Honey and Clover and Nodame Cantabile are romantic comedies with elements of fine arts (more so with Nodame Cantabile, in my opinion) and a similar comic style. Although they may have comedy elements, the romance in both of these is extremely powerful. A must watch for almost anyone.
original storys!
Funny!
shoujo!
Nodame Cantabile:music and Honey and Clover:arts.
Both story focus on the life of college students. They both have an amazing story and character development. They both have an amazing romance comedy story.
and most of all, they are both great anime..^_^
If you like Nodame Cantabile, I suggest you watch Honey and Clover. Both deals on being a college student and developing one's skills.
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Opening Theme"Allegro Cantabile Sound" by SUEMITSU & THE SUEMITH
Ending Theme#1: "Konna ni Chikaku de..." by Crystal Kay (eps 01-12)
#2: "Sagittarius" by SUEMITSU & THE NODAME ORCHESTRA (eps 13-23)
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