One thing I would like to raise is the Music tag. Although this show obviously uses musicians like pianists and violinists I personally believe this show covers the passion itself. These characters have undying passion for music, so much that this passion ebbs anywhere really. Whether it is a passion in your job, in your hobbies, anything. I think if you're suffering from a crisis or lack of motivation, this show works pretty well in inspiring. I know I was when I was considering this show. Inspiration doesn't come right away but comes as you become acquainted with the characters.
Story:
Since the main characters are in their middle school age, this makes this story a coming-of-age. There's probably at least one problem each character faces that they must resolve or come in terms with so they can mature. And honestly I can relate to all of them, every single one. Each and every one of the 22 episodes with have significant meaning but at the same time it paces in the manner that you'll get to see the characters shine or when they're at their low point. There's no rushing either.
You'll spend a hefty amount of time peering right into the minds of the characters as they play, looking at what they're thinking and what they're feeling. You'll even get a taste of what the audience thinks and feels, though it's mostly from major people like Seto or Arima's friends. Although the thoughts stream along pretty extensively, it doesn't detract from the impeccable music that's being played. There were some moments that the thoughts spoke much louder than the music to the point that the music is made less important, but that doesn't really hurt the atmosphere. In the end Arima or Takeshi or Emi will pour out all their feelings without any falter, and that'll translate beautifully onto the piano or whatever instrument they're playing. I wholeheartedly admired how well they delivered these thoughts and after every episode I wanted more.
There's a fair amount of comedy in this show as well. But it isn't overly intrusive or annoying comedy. Rather it's cute and pretty adorable. There's always at least one comedy bit in each episode, and honestly it helps lighten up the mood so I have no qualms with them. And there's no fan service either.
Romance is involved too, though it isn't hugely detailed. The romance aspect of this show develops around the middle and towards the end, but it isn't something to write home about. You'll get introduced to who's with who at the beginning but romance is dialed down until after you passed the halfway mark of the show. Honestly the romance works with the "lies" this show revolves around, where the characters aren't really with they should be with (love triangle). And it'll be done maturely when it's serious. In fact there are one or two confessions that are extremely well-executed, and the sorts of love this show adopts is a pretty grown-up one.
Speaking of the "lies", you can see from the anime's title Your Lie in April there's going to be a number of aspects that are taken to be "lies". You probably won't see it right away but the show seems to hint at it more and more as you progress, to the point where these "lies" determine where the story's going to fall. Like a few things Kaori will utter will most likely be very glaring once it's told to you
Characters:
These are some of the most realistic middle schoolers I've ever had a pleasure to watching. All of them have their ups and downs, and basically all of them are down-to-earth and passionate at what they do. And since they're middle schoolers, they will say quite a number of cheesy lines whether they're on-stage or off, but it adds believably to their personalities. They'll even think pretty naively too, and that will result in inner conflicts, for example with Arima dealing with her mother's death.
The anime will also explore a bit on each character's past. Much of the memories that are told seem to have little to no relevance to the present but in reality their memories piece together the character's self and also the bonds, like with Arima and his competition Emi and Takeshi. Some memories are nice and tranquil, others powerful, others quite jarring. These memories aren't in a any way forceful either. They're given at the perfect times and makes a bond or a character seem much more fleshed-out, like with Arima and Tsubaki.
One side character I thought was interesting was Nagi. All I'll say about her is that she's immensely important than you might realize once she's introduced midway through the show, because in a way she works as a foil and a reflection to a certain someone.
And of course there's Arima and Kaori. These two are quite the opposites, but you'll see that there's something alluring and charming about the bond with these two that it sets the stage as one of the best duos. And Honestly there's nothing in harm to say that Kaori suffers from a pretty chronic illness that Arima has to deal with knowing such a thing. This show won't be easy on you telling you this, nor will it be easy as Kaori's illness progresses. And you'll know by the sorrowful mood each episode seems to hang with once Kaori falls ill. But strangely enough the show still paces quite nicely in delivering this subtle sorrow, and gradually builds as you near the end, so you best be prepared.
This show doesn't neglect the other characters, fortunately. Tsubaki, Emi, Takeshi, Ryouta... All of them are pretty fleshed-out and have their own qualities to them. In fact what they say are just as neat as what Arima and Kaori say. Especially Tsubaki and Ryouta where unlike Arima and the others they aren't musically inclined but they still express themselves in terms of passion. But personally Tsubaki tends to be rather irritating as you'll soon see sometime midway of the show but even then I begin to like her as she circumvents her mishaps. The older cast like Seto and Ochiai serve as able mentors too.
Art:
The art is just impeccable. I don't think a single episode failed to deliver such beautiful art. And to work with it as imagery and visual metaphors at times make it much more than just eye-candy. One scene in particular was when Arima attempted to play the piano but instead falls into a vast ocean where the notes he hits are muffled and the only thing being heard are his thoughts and the force of the keys themselves, not the notes. I am not lying in saying that the art works like metaphors either. Some of the art can be seen as mere eye-candy, like when Kaori was playing her melodica at the park or the seemingly large number of cherry blossoms in some locations, but others just blare metaphors. One event near the end obviously displays this, and you'll probably see it too. The scenes where both the art and music come together are something to truly behold.
I personally thought drawing the lips was interesting. Usually in anime, characters' mouths are drawn with a simple line but this show has their mouths drawn with their lips too. Nice alternative approach to a common standard.
And since this show is music-based, there's quite a lot of it. In addition with classical music the characters play there's also the show's OST, which is an absolute joy to listen to. The tracks kick in at just the right time and it literally gave me goosebumps once it did. The OP and ED are actually pretty perfect with the show too. Though the 2nd OP and ED pull a slightly different mood from the 1st set.
Watch it?
Absolutely. This show left a pretty large mark on me once I finished, and there wasn't a single thing I can fathom that this show couldn't be presented any better than it already is. Enjoyed every last bit of it in spite of how emotionally draining it can be sometimes (the feels...) because it told its story quite brilliantly. And going back to my intro to this review, I think I drew a lot of inspiration from this show looking at the struggles and feelings each character shares with the viewers, and I'm sure you'll probably be able to as well. This show is even worthy of a rewatch, though it isn't hugely required as the anime presents its snuff in a concise fashion so you don't miss anything.
