Alternative Titles
Japanese: のだめカンタービレ

Information
Type: TV
Episodes: 23
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jan 12, 2007 to Jun 15, 2007
Producers: J.C. Staff, Genco, Kodansha
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Music, Romance, Slice of Life, Josei
Duration: 22 min. per episode
Rating: PG-13 - Teens 13 or older

Review


Story
The story is deep yet not complicated enough to detract you from the main plot. An arrogant and talented college student with both ambition and passion chases his dream of being a conductor with the help of other young musicians who are inspired by his talent and charm. The pace is just right; the story continues to push forward but gives you enough time to reflect and rejoice in the moment. It does not try to overpower the anime, but lets the other elements like the music shine right through.

Art and Sound
Nodame Cantabile surpasses every other anime I have ever seen in this category. The whole anime is a work of art. They know how to bring music to life in the anime and build suspense with the intensity of emotion displayed in the audience and musician's faces. You become part of the show when you watch this anime and they do a great job of expressing music with artistic imagery and interpretation. The opening and ending were my favorites. The opening does a great job of energizing you with its uplifting tempo and catchy melody and makes you feel like you are hearing the beach boys yet the lyrics match the anime perfectly. The 2nd ending was one of my favorite endings of all time as it seemed like the perfect way to descend from the paradise the anime elevated me to.

Characters
As for the characters, the hero, Chiaki, seems to carry the weight of the world on his back yet he never misses a step and continues to persevere. He's not perfect, he has character flaws such as his temper and arrogance as well as some major weaknesses like his fear of flying and sailing. However, his weaknesses make his character more believable and admirable. He's the passionate hero we all long to watch.

Nodame, the female lead, is the fun, quirky character who plays opposite to Chiaki. Their contrasting styles and personalities make the anime very interesting and entertaining to watch. Although, I wouldn't say that there is much romantic development between the two as they do not even kiss during the entire series. However, the viewers don't seem to mind because this anime is a lot more than its story, characters, art, and animation.

Enjoyment
To really appreciate this anime, you have to be able to perceive the beautiful flow and mixing of the elements. The characters could not flourish without their passion for music and unique backgrounds. The animation could not be a masterpiece without the wondrous marriage of art and music. Together, they all create a beautiful symphony that could not be enjoyed piecemeal.

Try to let yourself go when you watch this, close your eyes from time to time and feel the music rushing through your veins and you will be sure to feel goosebumps as you imagine the feelings and emotions that the characters were motivated by.

Conclusion
Those who are easily swept off their feet by the sound of classical music, seek characters who entertain and surprise you, and have an open mind and soul will truly benefit from watching this anime. If you approach this anime in the right mindset, its beauty will penetrate you like an arrow that strikes you at the heart. And when you wake up, you will come as close to heaven as you can possibly get. No matter what your tastes, you will probably find something to like about this anime.