Language Watched: Japanese with English subtitles
Licensed? (As of this entry): No (was licensed in Australia, though)
Licensed? (As of this entry): No (was licensed in Australia, though)
Genre(s): Music, Comedy, Romance, Drama
Overall Impression: It's soooooooo goooooooood! I love it. If you are open to or enjoy classical music, I'm quite certain that you will love it, too! <3
NOTE: For this review, I will be covering ALL THREE seasons of the anime series. Whatever I say will apply to all the seasons unless I specify. That said, I WON'T mention anything specific to season two or three that would be a spoiler for season one.
NOTE: For this review, I will be covering ALL THREE seasons of the anime series. Whatever I say will apply to all the seasons unless I specify. That said, I WON'T mention anything specific to season two or three that would be a spoiler for season one.
SPOILER ALERT WARNING!!
This review will contain some spoilers -- or rather, there will be a "Spoilers" section at the end of the review to go into further detail about certain things. There may still be slight spoilers throughout the review, but I've tried my best to keep them at a minimum.
PERSONAL STANDING (Pre-exposures, thoughts, etc.)
My first exposure to Nodame Cantabile was its opening theme. I was helping out with the Name That Tune event at Fan Expo Canada and this was one of the songs I had collected. When I heard the song for the first time I was instantly dazzled by the bright piano chords. It sounded so upbeat and fun. Even now when I hear it it makes me want to dance and sing along.
I did some light research into Nodame Cantabile and found out that it was about a couple who played music together. I also found out it was well received. It really piqued my interest (I love music!), but I thought the series would definitely get licensed, so I waited... and waited... and waited... and waited... T___T
Then fast forward to about a month ago when I couldn't wait any longer and had one of my co-workers "acquire" the series for me. My only regret is that I waited this long to watch it!
I did some light research into Nodame Cantabile and found out that it was about a couple who played music together. I also found out it was well received. It really piqued my interest (I love music!), but I thought the series would definitely get licensed, so I waited... and waited... and waited... and waited... T___T
Then fast forward to about a month ago when I couldn't wait any longer and had one of my co-workers "acquire" the series for me. My only regret is that I waited this long to watch it!
"Allegro Cantabile", the opening theme to Nodame Cantabile.
It's so energetic and fun!
It's so energetic and fun!
STORY
In Nodame Cantabile, Shinichi Chiaki, a college student aspiring to be a musical conductor, encounters Megumi Noda (nicknamed Nodame), a college student with wicked piano skills. That encounter (and many future ones) would shake up their lives as they both go after their own goals.
At its core, Nodame Cantabile's story can be very relatable: striving for your dreams. The actual journey, though, seemed very interesting and unique. I have watched music-focused anime series before, but none that focused on music students trying to become professionals. It made me wonder how accurately it reflected a person's trials and tribulations in the music industry in real life.
At its core, Nodame Cantabile's story can be very relatable: striving for your dreams. The actual journey, though, seemed very interesting and unique. I have watched music-focused anime series before, but none that focused on music students trying to become professionals. It made me wonder how accurately it reflected a person's trials and tribulations in the music industry in real life.
THE HUMOUR
I gotta say -- Nodame Cantabile is a really funny series! I was initially surprised because the subject matter seemed so serious. I love it, though. I think it gives a nice balance to the overall feel. I'll mention some of my favourite funny moments in the "Spoilers" section.
PACING AND PROGRESSION
The pacing and story progression in Nodame Cantabile are great. Things move fast, but not too fast. And the story goes places. In my opinion, there were barely any moments that felt like "dead space" or filler.
ANIMATION STYLE
This is where I noticed something a little... off. Often when the scene cut to a performance and focused on the instruments being played, the animation style changed. The movement tended to feel more blocky and the shading and colouration was slightly different. The fingers also tended to look thinner. It didn't bother me very much, but I did notice it.
Typical animation style.
From left to right: Nodame and Chiaki.
From left to right: Nodame and Chiaki.
Animation style during the performances sometimes.
CHARACTERS
From left to right: Miki, Mine, Chiaki, Saiko, Nodame, Kuroki, Mine, Milch.
There are a lot more characters in the second and third season.
There are a lot more characters in the second and third season.
Nodame Cantabile has a large cast of characters, with some switching in / out in Season 2 and Season 3. One thing I really enjoyed about many of the characters, especially with Chiaki and Nodame, was the growth. Almost every main and secondary character develops and changes. The Chiaki you see in Season 1 is not the same Chiaki you see in Season 3.
Personally, I found almost all the characters decent and likeable. It was very inspiring, seeing them work so hard towards their goals.
I'll mention a character I didn't like in the "Spoilers" section. I'll also talk a bit about Nodame in the "Spoilers" section.
MUSIC
The shining star in the series! Nodame Cantabile focuses heavily on Classical music and it does so with a lot of respect. Of course, since full musical pieces tend to be really long, they are shortened.
As far as my untrained ears could tell, each piece was performed well (unless it was performed badly / haphazardly to further the plot or character development). Some pieces also show up multiple times across the seasons. As far as I could tell each piece was performed slightly differently to match the characters' playing level.
Before watching Nodame Cantabile, I wasn't a big Classical music listener. I tried listening to some pieces during high school, but it didn't really resonate with me. After watching Nodame Cantabile, I've developed an interest and greater appreciation for the genre.
I won't name any specific pieces -- I think part of the enjoyment is listening to the pieces as they are performed in the series -- but I especially enjoyed getting exposed to pieces from Schubert, Ravel, Mozart, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff. I'll list a few of my favourite pieces in the "Spoilers" section.
Here's one track that I like that isn't spoiler-y:
I actually haven't read the manga, so I can't comment on this. I'm just leaving this as a placeholder until I do (if I ever get the chance!).
As far as my untrained ears could tell, each piece was performed well (unless it was performed badly / haphazardly to further the plot or character development). Some pieces also show up multiple times across the seasons. As far as I could tell each piece was performed slightly differently to match the characters' playing level.
Before watching Nodame Cantabile, I wasn't a big Classical music listener. I tried listening to some pieces during high school, but it didn't really resonate with me. After watching Nodame Cantabile, I've developed an interest and greater appreciation for the genre.
I won't name any specific pieces -- I think part of the enjoyment is listening to the pieces as they are performed in the series -- but I especially enjoyed getting exposed to pieces from Schubert, Ravel, Mozart, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff. I'll list a few of my favourite pieces in the "Spoilers" section.
Here's one track that I like that isn't spoiler-y:
"Manazashi Daydream" by Yuu Sakai. It's the opening theme to Season 3.
This makes me want to dance.
I especially love that the lyrics have the word "fortissimo".
This makes me want to dance.
I especially love that the lyrics have the word "fortissimo".
ANIME VS. MANGA
I actually haven't read the manga, so I can't comment on this. I'm just leaving this as a placeholder until I do (if I ever get the chance!).
ANIME VS. LIVE-ACTION SERIES
The live-action series is 11 episodes long and I've watched 6 episodes so far. Some character details are adjusted, but from what I've seen, it follows very closely to the anime series. Even the over-the-top humour from the anime series is present, so... imagine that however you will.
Between the two, I personally prefer the anime series just a bit more. BUT, I like how the live-action series seems to go into more detail for certain concept / themes.
There was one change in the live-action series that I didn't like (I'll mention it in the "Spoilers" section). Aside from that, from what I've watched, the live-action series complements the anime series very nicely!
If my thoughts change after finishing the live-action series, I'll update this section.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Nodame Cantabile is wonderful. If you are looking for good music or if you are looking for inspiration, this is a series for you. Even though the series is quite old now, I can easily place it in my top 10. There is something... just so refreshing about it.
I really wish this series was licensed in North America. I would love to own it on DVD or Blu-Ray.
For fun, I'll mention some other favourite moments in the "Spoilers" section.
Thank you for reading! If you want some more input about something I didn't cover, feel free to ask. :)
So I'll do the scrolly thing and the "Spoilers" section will appear after that. Then I'll add some more scrolly things after the "Spoilers" section in case anybody wants to comment, but not see the spoilers.
I'll mention some of my favourite funny moments.
If I think of any more, I'll list more.
-When Chiaki offered Nodame to sleep in his arms to get her away from Stresemann.
-When Masumi was targeting Nodame and she ended up confessing that she took her classmate's lunch.
-When Mine, Nodame, and Masumi were in the car ride to the Summer music festival and each one was singing a different song.
-When Nodame and Chiaki arrived in France and Nodame played one note in her new room's piano. Her reaction to the piano being out of tune was so funny.
-One of my most favourite funny moments. When Nodame is begging Chiaki to give her back her camera and then he takes a picture of it. Nodame's reaction is simply gold.
About Rui... I don't dislike her. She was just such a strong competitor for Chiaki's affection that I was worried he might fall for her. When Rui found out that Chiaki was still with Nodame, I was glad Rui didn't try to get between them.
I think Nodame loves music in general and has confidence in her skills, but I also think she has some doubts and insecurities about her self-worth, likely due to the negative experiences with her past piano teacher. How would one feel about being told over and over that her own way of playing was wrong (essentially expressing notions of failure), especially at such a young age?
I think Nodame doesn't let it bother her most of the time, but I think her doubts and insecurities come through when she wants to perform with Chiaki. I don't think she feels equal to Chiaki and it drives her to "face the music" and improve her skills, to make sure she could still be with him. When it gets too difficult; when Chiaki seems too far out of reach -- I think she tries to look for a "way out", a different goal that might let her take a break from it all (for example, trying to win the Maradona Piano competition to get lots of money so she could relax or proposing to Chiaki because she likely wanted to confirm his feelings for her so she could stop trying so hard).
I think Auclair was right in trying to expose her to many pieces and composers in hopes she would come to appreciate and enjoy the music. Her resolve to keep going despite the hardships, was lacking, and he recognized that.
My interpretation of Nodame can be completely off -- feel free to let me know your thoughts about it! :)
1. Mozart's "Sonata for Two Pianos in D major", K.448 -- I love how this piece is performed in the first and last episode. I also love how the performance differs from each other to show Nodame and Chiaki's growth at the end.
2. Mozart's "Twelve Variations on 'Ah vous diraj-je, Maman'", K.265/300e -- The way Nodame plays it, it is the most playful variation of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" I've ever heard so far.
3. Rachmaninoff's "Piano Concerto #2 in C Minor", Op. 18 -- This had such strong, powerful moments. I enjoyed both Chiaki and Nodame's versions.
-When Nodame learned French and asked Chiaki something in French, which prompted Chiaki to respond in French. Nodame's reaction and response was very cute.
-When Nodame appears dressed up like Mozart for her first recital. That specific episode is probably one of my favourite episodes.
-When Nodame hypnotizes Chiaki and cures his fear of flying. She really cares for him. <3
Thanks again for reading and feel free to comment :D
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I really wish this series was licensed in North America. I would love to own it on DVD or Blu-Ray.
For fun, I'll mention some other favourite moments in the "Spoilers" section.
Thank you for reading! If you want some more input about something I didn't cover, feel free to ask. :)
So I'll do the scrolly thing and the "Spoilers" section will appear after that. Then I'll add some more scrolly things after the "Spoilers" section in case anybody wants to comment, but not see the spoilers.
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SPOILERS
I'll mention some of my favourite funny moments.
If I think of any more, I'll list more.
-When Chiaki offered Nodame to sleep in his arms to get her away from Stresemann.
-When Masumi was targeting Nodame and she ended up confessing that she took her classmate's lunch.
-When Mine, Nodame, and Masumi were in the car ride to the Summer music festival and each one was singing a different song.
-When Nodame and Chiaki arrived in France and Nodame played one note in her new room's piano. Her reaction to the piano being out of tune was so funny.
-One of my most favourite funny moments. When Nodame is begging Chiaki to give her back her camera and then he takes a picture of it. Nodame's reaction is simply gold.
I'll mention a character I didn't like.
Aside from Stresemann's annoying womanizing, the only character I really didn't like was Saiko. To me, it seemed like she started paying more attention to Chiaki when he gained more recognition in the music world. In other words... somebody who doesn't really love Chiaki and only wants him for her own gains. *tsk tsk*.About Rui... I don't dislike her. She was just such a strong competitor for Chiaki's affection that I was worried he might fall for her. When Rui found out that Chiaki was still with Nodame, I was glad Rui didn't try to get between them.
I'll also talk a bit about Nodame.
I'm actually going to talk more than just a bit. Firstly, I gotta say -- I love Nodame's character and I love her piano playing. She often comes off as "simple" and blunt, but also does things that surprise others. I think it makes her a bit misunderstood, but I think I get why she does what she does.I think Nodame loves music in general and has confidence in her skills, but I also think she has some doubts and insecurities about her self-worth, likely due to the negative experiences with her past piano teacher. How would one feel about being told over and over that her own way of playing was wrong (essentially expressing notions of failure), especially at such a young age?
I think Nodame doesn't let it bother her most of the time, but I think her doubts and insecurities come through when she wants to perform with Chiaki. I don't think she feels equal to Chiaki and it drives her to "face the music" and improve her skills, to make sure she could still be with him. When it gets too difficult; when Chiaki seems too far out of reach -- I think she tries to look for a "way out", a different goal that might let her take a break from it all (for example, trying to win the Maradona Piano competition to get lots of money so she could relax or proposing to Chiaki because she likely wanted to confirm his feelings for her so she could stop trying so hard).
I think Auclair was right in trying to expose her to many pieces and composers in hopes she would come to appreciate and enjoy the music. Her resolve to keep going despite the hardships, was lacking, and he recognized that.
My interpretation of Nodame can be completely off -- feel free to let me know your thoughts about it! :)
This is my favourite shot of Nodame.
She looks so free and happy.
She looks so free and happy.
I'll list a few of my favourite pieces.
I would love to list many, many pieces, but here are my top 3:1. Mozart's "Sonata for Two Pianos in D major", K.448 -- I love how this piece is performed in the first and last episode. I also love how the performance differs from each other to show Nodame and Chiaki's growth at the end.
2. Mozart's "Twelve Variations on 'Ah vous diraj-je, Maman'", K.265/300e -- The way Nodame plays it, it is the most playful variation of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" I've ever heard so far.
3. Rachmaninoff's "Piano Concerto #2 in C Minor", Op. 18 -- This had such strong, powerful moments. I enjoyed both Chiaki and Nodame's versions.
There was one change in the live-action series that I didn't like.
In the live-action series, when Chiaki performed Rachmaninoff's "Piano Concerto #2 in C Minor", Nodame missed a part of it. In the anime, Nodame heard everything from the beginning. I think the latter made more sense for Nodame to able to practice and play it fully in a later episode.
I'll mention some other favourite moments.
-When Nodame stole a kiss from Chiaki while he was "napping" outside. It was so sweet.-When Nodame learned French and asked Chiaki something in French, which prompted Chiaki to respond in French. Nodame's reaction and response was very cute.
-When Nodame appears dressed up like Mozart for her first recital. That specific episode is probably one of my favourite episodes.
-When Nodame hypnotizes Chiaki and cures his fear of flying. She really cares for him. <3
Thanks again for reading and feel free to comment :D
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