Name: Nodame Cantabile
Genre: Comedy, Music
Year: 2007
Rating: Recommended
Shinichi Chiaki is a very talented pianist as well as being skilled with the violin however Chiaki’s dream is to become a conductor. He is not only a top student at his university but is also popular amongst his peers but he isn’t perfect. Due to bad experiences he is afraid of traveling by plane and boat so therefore he is unable to leave Japan in his pursuit to become a great conductor. One day his luck turns for the worse he is dumped by his girlfriend, loses the chance to go overseas and is removed from the piano competition because he walked out on his piano instructor. So Chiaki decides to do what many guys do when depressed, drink till you pass out. Having passed out in front of his apartment his neighbor decides to bring him inside her room. This is where Chiaki meets Nodame. Nodame is talented at the piano in a different way, she learns music by hearing it and plays with enjoyment rather than focusing on technique, also she is filthy and lives in a room full of trash. Chiaki’s luck doesn’t seem very stable, he is soon given the news that a new famous conductor is to come and teach at his university however this perverted maestro decides to form an orchestra one who Chiaki is expected to do all the work. On the bright side our protagonist is finally given the opportunity to act out his dream as an conductor.
Everyone seems to be watching this series and with good reason I might add. When something is becomes popular there is a reason behind it. Nodame Cantabile is a nice change from the shounen action themed anime we are used to seeing. Music is the key theme and comedy is a nice compliment. I can say that if you have an interest in music, play an instrument you may find that you will come to love watching this series. Personally I play the piano and guitar, I am by far to be classified as talented at either of those instruments but I still enjoy playing them as do I enjoy watching this series. The music genre might not be for everyone though, some may find this series some what boring but for a person who takes an interest in music you may find this series more than enjoyable. There is also a live-action series which is said to be one of the best manga adapted drama out in 2006 and I would have to agree. One more thing you might want to check out the OP PV Allegro Cantabile, a very nice music video with a cheerful and catchy song by SUEMITSU THE SUEMITH.
