Taking advantage of its premiere recently on Netflix, I pay a debt to Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso). This anime of autumn 2014 became one of the best of its season.
This anime of 22 episodes tells the story of Kousei Arima, a prodigy of the piano who, after the death of his mother, lost the ability to hear his own music. Now, plunged into a monotony that is only broken by his friends Tsubaki Sawabe and Ryouta Watari, he is a simple 14-year-old high school student.
Everything changes when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a passionate violinist who awakens his heart again to music and love.
Your Lie in April, an assault on the senses
This anime does a great job in building the chemistry between its quartet of protagonists: Kousei, Kaori, Tsubaki and Ryouta. Also, introduce other characters in a natural way, without affecting too much the dynamics of those four.
Thus, it adds to the rivals: Emi Igawa and Takeshi Aiza, apart from characters that gain weight in the second half, such as Nagi Aiza or Hiroko Seto.
On the other hand, the show tries to achieve a balance between seriousness and humor, in the midst of the daily life of the children. However, it does not always manage to maintain that delicate balance.
One of the greatest strengths of Your Lie in April is its sense of spectacle and not only in the moments of the incredible musical presentations, but also in everyday moments. While it is true that the show seeks to save as much as it can in animation in those "dead hours", the art does not cease to be immaculate.
But it is in the interpretations where all the power of Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso exploits. Once again, the power of animation as a medium is demonstrated in scenes that steal the breath for its visual and auditory beauty. The freedom of Kaori and the precision of Kousei's clock complement each other, while he rediscovers the pleasure of music. His freedom, in contrast to the prison in which he became his mother for him.
Musically, the classic pieces that are incorporated allow to discover the nature of the characters that interpret them. The music is described with colors and aromas, something that many musicians will be able to witness as something real and not a poetic license of this anime.
The color is used in a way that reflects the emotions of the characters and makes us feel them. In general, this anime is an intense experience, which however fails to achieve perfection.
Skinny points in an excellent anime
Although it is praiseworthy, unfortunately Your Lie in April does not reach its potential. One of the few problems of the series is so obvious that it is painful. What is this problem? Its telegraphed from its conclusion. From early on, it is clear where the show is going and that takes away its impact.
It does not mean that it can not get excited, make people cry and smile, but it could have been better taken away. To avoid spoilers, we'll just say that Kaori is the telegraphed character. Even her "lie" is evident. And it's not that she's a bad character, on the contrary, but the script does not make us surprise ourselves.
Another point in which the series would win whole, is in the characterization of the characters. Do not get me wrong, the characters are well constructed, but it is mostly through dialogue, not seen in concrete actions that justify certain decisions and actions. A particular case is Ryota, who could easily be dismissed as a stereotypical character, if it were not for certain moments in which he says lines that show a greater depth than can be seen.
The same can be said of Tsubaki, although in her case there is a better development of her personality. This thanks to several flashbacks and the presence of Nao Kashiwagi and Saito-senpai, who serve as catalysts in its development.
The last contentious point, although this is a minor complaint, is the constant violence to which Kousei is subjected for humorous purposes. Considering his past, there comes a point in which to see him head on in a puddle of his own blood product of the aggressions of Tsubaki and Kaori, stops being funny.
In conclusion, the few faults of this series are barely visible in the midst of its brightness and the frenetic pace of its drama. Your Lie in April is an emotional experience that overcomes its weaknesses to the rhythm of Chopin. An indispensable that you can enjoy on Netflix from now on. If you have not seen it, what are you waiting for?
Personal rating
8.5/10
