Your Lie in April. I had to give my self a day on this one. I had to let my heart stop hurting when I finished it, and allow my mind to settle and think about all the care and emotion that went into this beautiful story.
The concept in itself isn't terribly hard to grasp. You have 3rd year middle school student Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy, who after his mother's death, can't find the will to continue playing, due to his inability to "hear the music" any longer. So for two whole years he stops playing the piano... that is until the day he became "Friend A". Upon meeting and befriending the beautiful Kaori, she all but drags him back into music, relentless and determined to show him its beauty again. Determined to make him hear it again.
Story 10/10
Genuinely outstanding. The plots course is a like a song in itself, its a simple soft start, into an explosion of emotion, character, and artistic beauty. I won't go into specific "plot points" in the show that make it so great because I don't want to give any hint of what happens. I'm going to be selfish here, and make you go find out for yourself. Which I truly hope you will, it's time well spent.
I will say though that throughout the story there is a lot of beautiful symbolism, and if you see it, (which it's not that hard to notice) it will only make the show that much more beautiful. For example the symbolic connection between Kaori and the black cat(s) that appear throughout the series, I won't say what they mean, because, again, if you watch it you will understand. If you allow this story to carry you, allow it to give you hope, make you happy, you won't regret it, because there is so much (I believe) to gain and learn from the life lessons this show has to offer.
Music 10/10
I mean... just from the synopsis you know that music plays a HUGE part in this story so ill judge the 3 different aspects of music that come into play here,
1. The OP/ED
This show has two outstanding OPs that really draw you in. I loved them, And also two beautiful and... heart wrenching EDs. When the last episode went into the ED, I will be honest and say I was crying a little, but when that music the to ED began... THAT is when I really lost it.
2. The background music is intense, its beautiful, it's life. That is all.
3. The actual classical pieces played throughout the show. I am by no means a classical music connoisseur. But I can appreciate beautiful music when I hear it. And it was very obvious to me that a lot of time went into choosing the pieces played throughout the show.
Art (10/10)
The animation to this show is INCREDIBLE. Or so I think. I think its just as beautiful as the music. I'm no pro at looking at "shadows and backgrounds and.... whatever" but I can say that the color pallet and brightness to the anime really brought out the beauty in the other aspects to the show.
Character 10/10
Why give it a 10? I wouldn't say specifically for character development. Even though there is plenty of it in the characters that matter and needed it. But its more than that, This also has to do with the deep connection between the characters. One thing you will come to notice in this anime that I think is pretty unique is that there is actually no real antagonist. Like at all. and THAT'S OK! Why? Because this show isn't about winning something, it's not about good vs evil. This is a show about overcoming the pain of loss, and finding beauty in something you love again. Also I just want to point out that I think the parallel between Kaori and Kousei's mother's character is awesome. So cool and deep. The relationships that are revealed throughout the show not only show us who they are as people, but why they strive for what they do, which of course it mainly revolves around how every character has been in some way deeply affected by Kousei and his music. It's the music that brings them to learn and love together. and that is a beautiful thing.
Enjoyment/ Overall 10/10
This has risen to the top as one of my favorite anime to date. It made me laugh, cry, and think deeply about the value of life. There wasn't a single moment when I wasn't hooked and I can say through watching this I have gained a new deeper appreciation for classical music. It is truly a wonderful anime.
If you have any interest in music, or love... or life... if you have a beating heart and you feel emotions. I highly recommend you watch this anime. I am 99% sure you will not be disappointed.
Kimi no Uso... here's looking at you kid...
