Nodame Cantabile
2007
Original language: Japanese
- animation
- comedy
- drama
The story
Shinichi Chiaki is a first class musician whose dream is to play among the elites in Europe. Coming from a distinguished family, he is an infamous perfectionist; not only is he highly critical of himself, but of others as well. The only thing stopping Chiaki from leaving for Europe is his fear of flying. As a result, he's grounded in Japan. During his 4th year at Japan's top music university, Chiaki happens to meet Noda Megumi—or as she refers to herself, Nodame. On the surface, she seems to be an unkempt girl with no direction in life. However, when Chiaki hears Nodame play the piano for the first time, he is in awe at the kind of music she plays. To Chiaki's dismay, Nodame moves into the apartment next to his and finds out that she is head-over-heels in love with him.
What it’s like
Bright, saturated cel animation with broad, exaggerated comic expressions, set in cluttered student apartments, practice rooms and concert halls that glow in warm lamplight. The soundtrack is the real centre: full orchestral and piano performances of Beethoven, Ravel and Chopin fill whole scenes, so the picture often holds still while the music swells. Cosy and playful, with a slightly giddy energy, the tone stays warm even when the comedy turns slapstick, and the romance is a slow, teasing pull rather than anything heated. Episodes move briskly, cutting between physical gags and quiet moments at the keyboard, with the more reflective passages arriving when someone finally plays something that matters to them. Its people grow through their music: a fastidious young man learning to loosen his grip on perfection, and a carefree woman discovering how seriously she can take her talent. The violence is nonexistent, and the fear and cruelty are mild, mostly sharp criticism and comic panic. It suits a lazy weekend, background listening while cooking, or a comfort rewatch, and it is for viewers who love classical music and charming, gentle, character-driven comedy.
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