Sep 1, 2011
Nodame is one of my favorite animes. Here's why:
Story: 10/10
Nodame Cantabile has just enough plot quirk to keep you intrigued as these characters take their emotional journeys. The story is your basic opposites attract plot for the most part. But, what is an aspiring classical conductor to do when he's afraid to fly (or sail) to Europe where destiny beckons and is instead landlocked in Japan? What do the fates have in store? This is a major point of the plot and it flows together rather well up to its resolution.
Art: 10/10
Simple character art, but not off-putting. The best part that makes this a
...
10 for me is probably the CG usage with the instrument close-ups. Some of Chiaki's CG conducting ventured a little into uncanny valley at times, but it did not detract terribly. This overall made what could have been bland (to some) orchestral scenes "sing".
Sound: 10/10
Well, obviously given that this is an anime about classical music students, the music is the driving force. Of course, the music was absolutely beautiful in this anime. (My personal favorite is Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No.2, but all of it was perfect).
Character: 10/10
In Chiaki, the aspiring conductor, you have your good looking, talented, intelligent guy that everyone (even the guys) want...but he's a perfectionist to a fault thus doesn't really relate well with others. Enter Nodame, the aspiring...kindergarten teacher...who is unkempt, chaotic and of average intelligence...but she plays amazing (albeit "sloppy") classical piano by ear/memory with all of the vim and vigor she has for life and love. The supporting characters were fleshed out and they complimented the main cast well. For example, there's a great moment during the S-Oke's first performance between Mine and Chiaki. You'll have to watch it to see. I think it'd be hard not to smile.
Enjoyment: 10/10
Your mileage may vary on this, and I think it depends heavily on your tolerance for classical music. Again, this is an anime about aspiring classical musicians, so there are many many scenes at recitals, concerts, competitions etc... The characters are well developed however and if any anime can convert a non-believer in classical music, this is the one. With just about every piece presented, there is information and background given by Chiaki's inner voice that makes it all more understandable to the viewer. There is however, great humor and great drama between the characters. You really feel for them and want them to succeed.
Overall: 10/10
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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