Story: 9/10
The first half was good enough to keep me watching, with some silly moments here and there. But the second half came unexpected. As we dive more into Sawamura's conflict, the episodes feel shorter, and you are left craving for more. In some episodes the melodrama was at the same level as a soap opera. But, on a personal level, his search for his own sound and identity hit home, and his frustration never felt more relatable than now.
Art: 7/10
The series' art in general looks fine, but when the shamisen is out, you get some beautiful shots and movements that makes the instrument feel alive.
Sound: 10/10
The ops and ed were great, and the score in general was good. But the 10 goes for each time you hear the shamisen being played. Nothing less than outstanding.
Character: 8/10
While there are many cliches in the characters, there are also a lot of moments when they feel real, from the expectations of the adults, to the frustrations of the teenagers, and the ambition of the musicians. You can't help but to see yourself reflected on them.
Enjoyment: 9/10
The series grabs you from the start with the first perfomance, hypnotizing you with the shamisen. That feeling only grows with every perfomance, as you get to know more of the characters and empathize with their emotions.
Overall: 9/10
While I was hyped, I wasn't expeting much from this anime, so it was nice surprise that it is a good as it is. I definitely recommend it, and the only thing left to say is I cannot wait for Season 2.
