Story- The story of Sakamichi no Apollon is one of the strongest I've ever seen in only 12 episodes. It gives a great back story as to why the main character (Kaoru) is where he is now and immerses you in the time frame of the story immediately. Although it's in the 60's and I was very skeptical of such a time frame, it's essential for the jazz fueled story of friendship that takes place. The story is truly touching and special as it addresses the great value of a deep bond of friendship as well as coming of age into your own person. There's certainly romance as well, although the most prevalent romance lies not with the main characters but with two supporting ones who in truth, really have their own amazing chemistry and story unfolding. This was one of the few plots that kept me invested, thinking and connected to everything happening at all times, it made you feel really heavy and then full of joy the next episode because of how much meaning the plot held.
Art- The art I was sorely mistaken on. I went in thinking for some reason it was going to have outdated animation purely because it was based in the 60's. In reality it was great quality animation, though I can't really pick out any instance where I was amazed by its creativity or colors. It does what it needs to do in this anime and depicts the time period of the 60's amazingly well, although it wasn't the brightest of times in Japan so I can see why it wasn't trying to be something it wasn't. The best part is the character designs as they're all crisp and perfectly fit their respective personalities. All in all the art compliments the story really well, but it's nothing to really to gaze at in itself.
Sound- This is what makes the anime other than the plot. I'll come right out and say it, I just couldn't handle jazz before, it didn't please my ears you could say. However, the second I heard Sentarou and Kaoru's first jam session together I was not only moved at how this music brought together the two most unlikely friends, it really gave me a new outlook on the music. Jazz is the driving force of this anime and this is easily the most important section of the review as there are so many situations that these characters must get through with their music. They even communicate with each other simply by being in the same room and playing their improv jazz, pouring out all their emotions to each other in instrumental song. For anyone who hates jazz, this show will at the very least make you tolerate it, they bring meaning to the genre for people who don't care about it in the least. Not to mention the theme song is the most fitting I've ever heard and the soundtrack is really something so unique and beautiful it needs to be experienced. I can rant on about how great the sound is for an entire review's length so I'll leave it at this.
Character- The characters are very well developed especially for a series that only spans 12 episodes. All of the main characters are very different but they all become bound by one similar interest in Jazz. While the typical delinquent meeting the quiet exchange student has been done before, both of these characters are far from common beneath the surface. Sentarou is one of the deepest characters in any show, and you can tell this almost right after meeting him, he had a feel to him that compelled you to be drawn to his story as well as the pure friendship between him and Kaoru. The seiyuu really bring these characters to life and add a great sense of realism to them to. Even the supporting characters play vital roles and all help the main characters along in their own way, as well as progressing their own stories in the time they have. What can be said overall is that there is not one annoying character or overly common one either. Every single character whether it be main or supporting has their own unique personality and goals that sets them all apart yet binds them together and that's what I find so impressive about the,.
Enjoyment- As you can all tell I thoroughly enjoyed this anime. It truly impacted me on a few different levels and really makes you think because there are so many real situations and desires you can relate to, despite it taking place in 1966. It just goes to show you that no matter the time or place, people will always have these issues to go through, and this show goes to show you how valuable having a deeply bonded friendship can be through that.
Overall- I highly recommend this to anyone who has even a slight interest in romance/comedy/drama/slice of life or even music. People who actually go into this liking Jazz beforehand will be on cloud 9 the entire way through. It drives home a message that I believe resonates with the majority that it will definitely leave you thinking deeply about it after you've finished. The only reason I did not give it a ten is because (and this is nitpicking now) even with these wonderful aspects I just couldn't put it on the same level as Steins;Gate, Honey and Clover, or Bakemonogatari. That being said it's extremely close to Honey and Clover, however H+C had amazing art while Sakamichi no Apollon had enough to convey its message.
