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: 8.751 (scored by 14379 users)
Ranked: #202
Popularity: #125
Members: 25,049
Favorites: 1,286 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 Lesson
Sequel: Nodame Cantabile Paris Chapter
Other: PuriGorota: Uchuu no Yuujou Daibouken
Characters & Voice Actors
Staff
Reviews
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Touka
69 of 90 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 actually turns out to be on hell of a ride thanks to the actual focus of the series. What is the focus? Classical music. This is what makes Nodame Cantabile such an enjoyable and refreshing anime to watch. We know the basic plot, but the chances are we've never seen it done in this fashion. It makes a familiar but also original story, which is enjoyable beyond belief. The romance throughout the series is also wonderful to follow and simply be a part of - it's very heartwarming but also very dramatic at times... and I can't even begin to explain how hilarious the comedy in Nodame Cantabile is! 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.
With that said however, 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. It's as if you are actually there, and that's 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 every now and made 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 huge block of CG and then a huge block of still frames, they balance it well so there is a little differentiation - which is 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... it makes you realise how wonderful some things are in life. It is simply breathtaking. 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 by anything else in the entire universe. If you are a fan of classical and orchestral music, then Nodame Cantabile is like heaven for you. Well, it certainly was for me. Now read that whole paragraph again in a really epic voice and emphasize on certain parts to understand the passion and respect I have for the music in Nodame Cantabile. I hope the praise I'm trying to give it comes across good there. 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 thinking one thing after watching the first episode, and that was "Wow, this is pretty good so far, but it'll have to introduce a lot 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 progresses, 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.
Nodame Cantabile is what I like to call a feel good anime series. It makes you smile... it makes you happy just by watching it. It's aparrent in a lot of different series, but there wasn't a single episode in Nodame Cantabile where I did not let out a huge grin 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. The comedy in Nodame Cantabile was one of many aspects that took me by surprise. I started watching the series only knowing that it involved classical music. I knew nothing else about the series, so I was literally blown away when the comedy suddenly kicked in and had me laughing out loud again and again. I'm actually surprised to say that Nodame Cantabile is possibly one of the funniest series I have ever seen. If you're not a comedy kind of person however, then maybe the drama is for you... or maybe the music will provide every bit of satisfaction and entertainment you need. Everything in this anime 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'm 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've ever felt before. It's a beautiful feeling, yet also unique. I assume it's a feeling simply brought upon 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 - Nodame Cantabile is one of the best anime series I have ever seen. read more
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kiriska
76 of 103 people found this review helpful
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23 of 23 episodes seen
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| Overall |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
I've seen my fair share of music anime, but this is the first time the musical genre has been my first love: classical music.
STORY - "Work hard and you'll achieve your dream!" It's a very cliche and often-used storyline, right? Well, yes. Yes, it is, but that hardly means that the subsequent series has to be old and tiresome. I've said before that the best stories take something that's been done a thousand times already and somehow manage to tell it in a way that's better and more interesting. In a genre dominated by high school drama, Nodame Cantabile steps it up and uses college students, something I'd love to see happen more often. The storytelling happens in a mostly slice-of-life format, but it doesn't shy away from progressing significantly in time -- weeks pass, months pass, whole seasons and school years pass, and it's great to be able to follow the characters for these longer periods of time, especially since it emphasizes the fact that change and progress take both hard work and time.
Nodame Cantabile is very focused for a slice-of-life series in that almost all of the characters are very serious and motivated by their goals; there are notably few subplots that veer away from the main points. I think this can make it a bit more attractive to people that are generally bored by a wandering plotline, but it's pretty easy to get engaged in this series regardless. Reading summaries for Nodame Cantabile can only bring skepticism and doubt considering the frequency of the main plot, but watching it? I was charmed by episode one.
CHARACTER - Without a doubt, most of Nodame Cantabile's appeal is in its characters. Though it feels a little odd to use the adjective on him, Shinichi Chiaki is definitely gar: all the girls want him, and all the guys want to be him (actually, wait, some of the guys want him too). This most likely includes the members of the audience! He's a genius at what he does and furiously motivated; everywhere he goes, people throw themselves at his feet and do everything in their power to push him forward. You're compelled to cheer for him every step of the way. It's funny sometimes how that much charisma can make it through the screen, but it's there, and it's because despite Chiaki's exceeding excellence at everything, he remains a very accessible character. His weaknesses are just as glaring and significant as his strengths, and they're what balance him out. It's easy to imagine yourself in Chiaki's shoes.
Nodame, strangely enough, is very much the same. She's crazy, quirky, wild, and questionable, but once again, she's very human. Her antics are never so over-the-top that they're utterly unbelievable, and her hopes and dreams are notably muddled alongside her classmates' -- something a lot of people can also relate to. The differences between Nodame and Chiaki made them perfect foils, and it was really fun watching all the drama and interaction between the two. Despite the frequency of Nodame's claims on Chiaki, I really felt like this was one of the least forced-feeling romances I've ever seen. At no point did their relationship feel cheap, contrived, or overly convenient. Because so much time passes during the series, the relationship felt like it progressed at a much more natural place; it was great (and adorable).
All of the support characters are nice in their own way, and I don't think there was a single one I disliked. One of the reasons I loved that this series features college-aged students is the fact that they can all drink, smoke, and have sex and it isn't shocking or scandalous! It also added a nice bit of insight into the lives of Japanese college students and their hilarious nightlifes (clubs, arcades, and karaoke!) when they aren't busy studying.
ARTSTYLE & ANIMATION - Nodame Cantabile has a pretty damn simple and generic art style, but in that simplicity, it's hard to find anything to pick at. The only thing that stands out for me in the character design is that many characters look like they're perpetually blushing, which is a little confusing at times -- once I got used to it though, it really wasn't that big of a deal.
The most obvious critique of the animation in this series comes from the numerous still-frames used in the dozens of playing and concert montages. As an anime about music, there's obviously a lot of music-playing involved. Especially in scenes involving entire orchestras, the animation is minimal to none -- nine out of ten times you see a flute, a clarinet, an oboe, a french horn, or a cello, the players' arms and fingers aren't moving. The ratio is slightly improved for violin, and the piano gets the most attention with moving fingers maybe 40% of the time. It's understandable though; after all, animating individual fingers playing instruments with many keys is incredibly difficult, especially for the piano, when they make a huge effort to animate the actual notes that are being played.
Aside from piano, where we're sometimes lucky enough to get ten to twenty measures of music at a time, most instruments are only shown being played for seconds at a time, and it's often CG. This makes the rendering of the instrument perfectly accurate and shiny (especially the clarinets and oboes), and I loved catching those sniplets of action in between the panning shots. There are a lot of still shots, but I do think what they do show us is worth it. There is one concert near the beginning of the series that's about half an episode's worth of still montages, but that's the worst of it -- as the series progresses, there's gradually more and more actual playing. :3
MUSIC - Ah, classical music! And of such a nice variety too! I was happy to see that the selection of music in Nodame Cantabile represented more than just the select few scores and piano pieces known by the general public. Most of the composers are still familiar, but there are also lesser-known names such as Debussy, Ravel and Sarasate. Unfortunately, as much as I do love classical music, I don't have a trained enough ear to be able to tell whether or not the music played in the series was tailored specifically for it -- for example, when characters supposedly play a piece poorly, I really can't tell. When characters supposedly improvise and don't play exactly what the piece dictates, I can't tell.
I would think that a vast majority of the pieces would be professionally recorded pieces borrowed for the series though, and that they're all free of glaring errors. (I just can't imagine that they'd budget the money required to hire an entire orchestra to mess up.) Still, at least some of the piano solos (the Moja Moja Suite? The improvised piano version of some made-up show?) had to have been recorded for the show. Overall, all of the music is very pleasing to listen to and well-performed. Maybe you don't be moved to tears like the characters are, but if you're even a mild fan of classical music, you'll be fine. :)
VOICE ACTING - Seki Tomokazu and Ayako Kawasumi both do a great job with their leads. As both characters go through a full range of emotions, their voices had to match up appropriately, and they did! Especially for a character like Nodame, who habitually puts up one front while fostering other thoughts and feelings inside, it was really important that she have a good voice. The rest of the characters all had pretty nice voices as well, though no others really stood out to me as being particularly notable.
OVERALL - As a longtime fan of classical music, an amateur pianist, and a former clarinetist, Nodame Cantabile was both inspiring and nostalgic. It made me want to play more piano, and it made me really miss playing the school band or orchestra. It was educational, giving insight into the world and careers of classical musicians, and it was touching, allowing for a window in the lives of some very believable characters. It was hilarious and very silly at times, but I don't think it ever crossed the line into over-the-top territory. Even for those who aren't huge, huge fans of classical music, I think this series has enough merit to warrant a taste, and for those who are fans, you definitely don't want to miss this series. I already can't wait to move onto the sequel. :3
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Recommendations
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Both revolve around classical music.
This anime are similar becouse they're about music ;)
Nodame-chan is somehow more credible than the fairy skill of Kaho-chan :)
Classical music that they both have are very nice....
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
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.
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.
;)
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.
Similarities - classical music, romance, and the desire to become better
It uses classical music as the core element.
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 are related to music, and they are both classical musics. they bothe have romance in it too.
Both revolve around music related storylines with female leading roles.
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 revolve around music
Both series are about classical music, romance and comedy. As simple as that.
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 :)
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.
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.
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
Produced by the same company, both anime have similar storylines and great music.
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.
Peacefull atmosphere, same kind of graphic and almost the same humorous taste.
2 great dramas by the same studio. And they're both very funny! ^^
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. ^_^
definitly the same atmosphere.
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 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.
The other explanations are spot on, similar feel, similar brand of humour, if you enjoyed one, you'll more than likely enjoy the other.
Same theme. Comedy mixed with daily drama. Both anime are great in slice of life genre.
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.
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.
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.
The animation and the whole general mood of trying to succeed in an artistic field are both extremely similar to each other.
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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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