As someone who is relatively new to Japanese dramas, it took me awhile to really get used to the exaggerated comedy in Nodame Cantabile that Japanese people seemed to enjoy. Such comedy is not for everyone and it may seem like a throw off to many who are used to more realistic shows, but an episode or two in may be able to warm you up for the rest of the series, so hang in there first!
I’m not a fan of classical music actually and just like Mine from the show, I actually prefer rock, but not once was I bored throughout the series (as well as the anime). In fact, it opened my world a little and I was able to actually appreciate classical pieces that I once found boring. I even have a Spotify playlist of all the pieces played in the show that I occasionally listen to!
This is a show from the 2000s and you can’t expect the best production quality. I’m quite a picky person when it comes to how well the show is produced but the thing is... Nodame Cantabile is so amazing that I totally didn’t care. Please give it a chance, before you decide to drop it.
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At first I did not like Nodame at all, the manga style, the graphic, the very over reaction of every cast. but because Nodame base on Manga adaptation so I try to continue.
After 3 episodes I feel hooked, the character growth and the story are better and better, especially Music! so I am glad I watch till the end.
If you love classical music this drama will not disappoint you, every song is beautiful and I love the relationship of the band mate too, it is absolutely beautiful.
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I have never read the manga-version, but you can literally see in each scene the angle and direction of comedy manga-drawins, it is SO MUCH over the top.
Naturally, this is a very light-hearted drama, although it touches here and there some serious intentions of the characters.
The female lead Nodame is this quirky, non-ambitious, a little bit crazy and childish girl, who in fact, is as good a musician as it gets - and this was plotwise the most interesting part for me, seeing her try (for some time at least). The protagonist Chiaki is the typical high-quality musician, who suffers from PTSD and dares not to board a plane or ship to go abroad for studying.
One day Franz Stresemann (oh my God, the Japanese version of this German or Austrian dude, is just....lol), a widely known conductor (and pervert), comes to the school and shakes everything a bit up and Chiaki never gets rid of Nodame again...
There is SOME sort of love story, but not really what you are used to, so don't expect too much in this aspect.
The best part for me was to see the ambitions of most of the orchestra members rise and them trying to reach their goals, whilst listening to some fine music.
If you're looking for some really goofy entertainment right straight out of a manga, then you should give this a try.
(If you want to see the more realistic and longer version, then go to Korea's version - Tomorrow's Cantabile, which I found to be just as entertaining in its own way.)
PS: The thing I loved most about this drama... was hands down the fart-song and how Harisen danced to it. It was DIVINE :D
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excellent in so many ways
It's not perfect, though its great... The weak part - if weak, i still havent made up my mind - its the comedic side, which is so exaggerated, obviously parody or whats called. Definitely not the realistic type of story, its a FAIRY TALE DONE RIGHT! and of course, music is divine...Cast is so good, it makes you lose a sense of reality!
I would rewatch it anytime, though i can see its flaws... But its so enjoyable!
A funny and emotional trip.
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i've been collecting all merch nodame cantabile, for sure to have borrowing energy, passion, spirit of noda megumi. Must watch if you love music and laughter.
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