An anime’s plot can easily be its weakest point, but this is not the case for Shigatsu: its plot, though not original, is rather likeable and eye catching. The way the plot is handled, though, is another matter entirely. Every scenes is exaggerated, thus becoming excessive and unrealistic. This is evident especially in the countless dramatic scenes, that after a while become melodramatic and annoying. Among all the tear-jerking themes, one of the worst is Kousei’s childhood trauma: it is presented again and again for almost half the series, obsessively. Some of the scenes are way too rough and brutal, and end up feeling very out of place. To make things worse this theme is treated with superficiality, which is a paradox given how much they insist on it. The lack of depth of this anime is always lurking behind its illusory seriousness though, and we have proof of this in the second half of the anime, which focuses on Kaori more. She has had her run of bad luck, just like Kousei, and her problems are treated in a very shallow way, like you would expect after enduring twelve episodes of flat drama.
But let’s explore another weak point of this series: the supporting characters. Calling them this is perhaps too kind, as they are more plot devices than actual characters. This is especially true for Tsubaki – Kousei’s childhood friend – and Ryouta – the popular guy friend. Each time the plot lingers on them, it is only because they have something to do with the main character. They do not exist per se, because they are supplementary to the main character. Some have said that Kaori herself is subordinate to Kousei and his development, and even if this statement should be taken with a grain of salt, I don’t feel like denying it completely.
The psychological characterization of the supporting characters is also terrible. We could say that there is only one female character in the entire anime. Kaori, Tsubaki, Nagi and Hiroko are the main female characters, and they are all, ALL similar. It is indeed baffling how the creator of this series, in the making of the characters, started from a basic tsundere girl, and then added some irrelevant additional traits here and there to create some diversity. But in the end they all have the same personality – tsundere, as mentioned above – and even the same relationship with the main character – all love him but struggle admitting it, thus choosing to punch him and shout at him for most of the series. Ryouta has not had a better fate: he does not show much throughout the series, but when he does it is only to fulfill the rival role, vital to the plot.
A positive note, however, goes to Kousei’s musician rivals: Takeshi and Emi. They both have a more original characterization. Even if they do not appear much in the series, they seem to have a personal role, not subordinated to Kousei’s character. I should mention however how forced and unrealistic their long-lasting admiration for Kousei is.
You would think Shigatsu’s flaws ended here, but nope. This anime fails at what was probably its main aim: transmitting to the viewer the beauty of classical music. The musical scenes are so boring they seriously compromise the anime’s pace. The public is lead to think that the director didn’t know how to make the viewer appreciate classical music. Instead of simply showing how beautiful a classical track can be, the director chose to add long interior monologues and exaggerated reactions of the public. Thus long minutes of beautiful classical music are weighed down by long soliloquies and the “omg, marvelous, I can see the colourful notes happily dancing in a flowering field!” of the public.
In the end: is this anime worth watching? All things considered, it is not: its flaws outnumber its merits by far. If you like tear-jerking scenes and are willing to turn a blind eye on the problems I’ve mentioned, though, you might enjoy it. At the very least you will love the animation and the wonderful soundtrack.
★★★ SCORE ★★★
- Plot: 1/3, unsatisfactory. Clichéd elements, exaggerated scenes, total lack of originality, unrealistic events.
- Characters: 1/3, unsatisfactory. Clichéd traits, undifferentatied personalities, flatness, lack of personal development.
- Art: 3/3, above average. Good soundtrack, beautiful scenes, fluid animation, perfect framing. Direction overdid things a little in some scenes, but the final product is good nonetheless.
- Total: 5/10.
★★★ OTHER ★★★
About my scoring system: http://myanimelist.net/blog.php?eid=772131
Thank you https://www.reddit.com/user/atown1z for proofreading this! English is not my mother tongue but I did my best.
