Reviews

To start off, finding an anime series like this hardly happens. There is a very small majority of anime that has jazz music, slice of life, and school genres included. Sakamichi no Apollon is one of those gems that hardly comes along in anime. Since it is directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, you know it's gonna be be good. So, I'll begin with the story. In a nutshell, our protagonist Kaoru Nishimi has been transferred to a school. He finds our major secondary character Sentarō Kawabuchi and spark a really bromantic relationship. They then start jazz sessions at Ritsuko Mukae's, who is also a major character, session room. To let you know, if you can tolerate episodic episodes here and there and pacing shifts then you should be good. If you can't, well try anyway. The story is original which also makes the story twist and turn. Also, there is... about 2 love triangles and some awkward social moments too that will make you cringe. All in all, story deserves a 9. The art is amazing. If you have watched Honey and Clover, which I strongly recommend you do, you'll find there are similarities. Though it is uncommon, there are times when it fails. So, I give the art a 10. The sound is not for everyone. I love jazz, but it is really uncommon to find other people who do. If you don't, don't watch it, because it is very heavily influenced by jazz. If you have watched Baccano! or Cowboy Bebop you shouldn't have a problem. After all, it is composed by Yoko Kanno. I give the sound a 9. I'm not gonna get deep into the characters, because there is a lot. Each one is unique and are probably one of the most realistic anime characters I have experienced. Like I said previously, there are 2 love triangles. If you can't deal with unrequited love and awkward social moments, your cringe meter is gonna go off the charts. I give the characters a 9. I would give it an overall rating of 10, but that's my personal enjoyment, so I give it a 9.