Jun 30, 2015
Ok, so there are quite a few reviews on Hibike! Euphonium which are quite long, so I wanted to make my review pretty short and concise. With as little additional, unnecessary information as possible.
Don't get discouraged by its length, majority of it is just spacing.
Note, this anime is extremely nostalgic if you have a long experience in being in school concert bands. For me, I could really relate to some of the experiences and events that happen.
I'll start with a quick plot summary as to not spoil too much of the story, which for me had quite a few twists.
Plot Summary
Main
...
Character Kumiko joins a not musically known high-school to avoid accidentally meeting up with Reina, a girl who she had disagreements with at her old school.
So there is no surprise when Reina is actually at Kumiko's chosen school and they both join the high school's concert band.
From then the characters go through the usual highschool events, love, disagreements with other characters, etc, etc.
I won't rate the story as to not give any hints that could spoil it.
But I will comment this.
On a deeper level, the story is about the main character discovering and reawakening her love for music.
But again, that's my personal opinion, so take it for what you may.
Art:
Outstanding KyoAni styled art. All characters look vivid and great.
Nothing much to say here, just watch the anime and see. Obviously if you dislike KyoAni's art style then you'll rate this lower.
Rating: 10/10
Sound:
KyoAni usually gives all of its works a great soundtrack and Hibike! Euphonium is no exception.
Both opening and endings sound excellent and don't deviate from the theme of high school concert music.
Rating: 10/10
Characters:
I might have to go on a tangent here and write more than usual.
Main Cast:
Kumiko: The main character, whole show revolves around her high school band experience and how it changes her.
Reina: The catalyst to Kumiko's change in perception towards music and actually trying hard and being 'special'. Slight Yuri love interest but KyoAni won't let the ship set sail.
Midori and Hazuki, at times I feel that certain supporting characters have more impact than these two. But I guess they help and encourage Kumiko down her journey. Hazuki is new to music while Midori is a veteran at the contrabass Cello/Double Bass.
Secondary Supporting:
Asuka: While Asuka doesn't directly have impact on major events in the show, she does subtly affect Kumiko by being a fellow euphonium player and a senpai.
Aoi: For me, Aoi represents a future Kumiko who didn't meet up and reconcile with Reina, etc. She would lose her fuel and drive and quit playing.
Hence her role in the show was to show Kumiko a possibility of the future.
Natsuki: Her role is quite similar to that of Aoi but in Natsuki's case she revives her desire and love for music, however it is too late for her.
Kaori: Slight antagonist along with supporting character Yuuko. Contests Reina for soloist position. Again, she helps reignite Kumiko's desire to be special through her own desire.
Haruka: The captain of band, she plays minor roles in the majority of important events.
With notable mentions to Taki-Sensei, who is basically the catalyst for all events in the show.
Overall + Personal Enjoyment.
9.5-10
A solid anime from KyoAni with no major flaws. Definitely one to put in your list to watch if you're a KyoAni slice of life fan.
P.S: 2nd Review, hope I did ok.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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