No better word decides Kimi no Uso than beautiful, simply beautiful. Ever since episode four, Kimi no Uso has been a standout anime from the last season.
*Plot: 8.0/10-* Kimi no Uso's setup is simple: a love-triangle with Kosei, childhood friend Tsubaki, and the free-spirited violinist Kaori. Despite the few clichés, the execution is superb. Kosei's backstory of an abusive mother is a controversial topic to cover in anime, and his mother's constant presence in Kosei's mind is often haunting, which creates compelling conflict for him to overcome.
*Characterization: 9.2/10-* One of the series' main draws is its emotional storytelling. Throughout the series you will be sucker-punched with moments of tragedy, and if you also enjoy this type of anime, then Your Lie in April is highly recommended (for a discussion about each character, please read the full review).
*Direction: 10/10-* Kimi no Uso's audio and visual presentation sets it well apart from the entirety of the genre. Combining the beautiful visuals with the emotionally charged piano and violin performances, the viewer is presented with an audio visual experience like no other. Each performance conveys the emotional of the character through the music, symbolic visuals, and poetic inner monologues that is reflected in the exquisite pieces of classical music. When including the context of each scene, the emotion is increased even more. Director Kyōhei Ishiguro and the various episode and music directors should be given special praise for crafting one of the most impressively directed anime in recent years.
*Overall: 8.8/10-* Potentially melodramatic for some viewers, Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso) is a truly beautiful anime that uses audio and visuals to produce an experience that is both pleasant and emotionally resonating.
