Given its beautiful color palette, catchy opening theme, and incredible OST; I had given it the benefit of the doubt, ultimately making the show's outcome worse for me.
Characters:
Firstly, the anime centers around the overly-melodramatic life of our protagonist, Kousei. After his mother's death, Kousei refuses to play the piano any longer. Yes, I understand losing a family member is hard, but this melodramatic dialogue is prominent throughout the entirety of the show.
Oh, someone mentions piano? "Sorry, I don't like piano, nor do I play it anymore."
Take a drink every time he mentions the reasons why he refuses to continue playing, or anytime he makes a dramatic, or depressing line. You'll die.
He's the typical tragic-backstory-protagonist. Nothing unique, honestly.
Secondly, Kaori. She's the cliche tsundere love-interest that we've seen everywhere. Hitting the protagonist multiple times out of spite for "comedy". Which, ironically enough, is a trope this show tries to play out, and ultimately fails at. Her character isn't as likable as others put out. She's aggressive, rude, and bipolar, to say the least. Her character literally centers around her lies. Lies towards Watari, and her interests towards him. And lying about her terminal illness. Which, in itself was incredibly predictable for the outcome of the anime.
Tsubaki is more-or-less, the familiar childhood friend character. A sensitive, clingy, and caring side-character that'll never get the protagonist. And, that's how it plays out. Tsubaki hurts herself by clinging onto Kousei, although she knows that he doesn't have the slightest bit of interest in her - only seeing her as a friend.
She's a forgettable character that's only there for the sake of the plot "development".
Watari. There isn't much to say about him, other than; the only reason he's in this show is to make Kousei feel uneasy about his and Kaori's relationship, and is only posed as a friendly rival that ultimately has no other purpose in the show.
Art:
Nothing spectacular, the opening is decent, at the very least. But, nothing
extraordinary as a contrast to other shows. The only part I like is the pastel color scheme that fits perfectly for the anime's setting set in spring.
Sound:
By far, the only part I deem worthy of this show. The OST is beautiful, and fits the show. The classical hints throughout each piece are great. I love classical music, so this was a hit for me.
Story:
Oh, boy. Where do I start? This show is overly cliched, and I fail to even see how it has gotten such a high score. I cannot begin to fathom the overuse of cliches and easily predicted scenes.
The typical tragic backstory, overly melodramatic dialogue, are all factors that decreased my enjoyment for the show.
Kaori is rude towards Kousei because he refuses to play for kids, knowing about his mother's death. And even so, she is continually rude towards him, yet he chooses to accompany her with her performances.
He's known for "not being able to hear the keys", and repeatedly states the problems with his mother. This show attempts to play at both comedy and drama, although the two were not able to mix correctly in this show.
The ending was predictable as ever. Any terminal illness deems death, as what happened. Even though she said she'd be okay, she died.
The love confession and reveal of her lies were found in a letter Kaori had written for Kousei, and yadda, yadda, cue emotional scene #231.
In conclusion, I did not enjoy this show.
This in particular is why I avoid romance anime to begin with.
They're generally overly cliched, with general anime stereotypes that I'd prefer not to see for the millionth time.
Story: 3/10
Art: 4/10
Sound: 7/10
Character: 2/10
Enjoyment: 3/10
Overall: 4/10
