Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso ~ Final Thoughts
March 22, 2015
Kaori with violin
Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso was a challenging show to watch at times, but it certainly had its charms. There is a saying about Ludovico Ariosto, that he loved the characters he wrote about in Orlando Furioso, and thus he watched over them, like a benevolent god. Unfortunately the gods of Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso are anything but benevolent; they seem to enjoy tormenting their characters. Watchers of Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso should be emotionally prepared for tragedy and drama, but there are some very beautiful moments as well.
Personally, the thing that drew me to this show was the role that music would play. There are shows that purport to be about music in some way, but that don’t take that part of the setting seriously. I can happily say that Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso delivered here. The show included major performances that were built up in previous episodes. Often there is a lot of talking over the performance, either by observers who explain hidden layers in what they are hearing, or sometimes flashbacks are played out, but, in the final episode the music of the performance is allowed to fully command our attention for most of about nine minutes.
Was Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso worth watching? It kept me engaged, even though it could feel emotionally manipulative at times. If the setting of the world of pre-professional musical performers intrigues you, it does deliver. In the end, it probably comes down to your tolerance for teary story lines; if you enjoy being on an emotional roller coaster, this is a good choice for you. If you are looking for light-hearted comedy, this show should be avoided.
Abandoned Factory Anime Review 
March 23, 2015 at 7:10 am
from the very start i knew this would be a tragic anime… layers of unrequited love and all. friendship vs. romance. so i just stopped now matter how entertaining the music was and how it connected the characters. i just felt that my emotions were being manipulated to root for a love that will never blossom to the fullest.
the music and artwork were great though. so i stayed until episode 5… hehehe 🙂
April 3, 2015 at 12:38 pm
I do understand that, as it was difficult to watch at times for exactly the reasons you cite. n the end I was satisfied with what I got, but that doesn’t stop me for wishing it had been less of a drama-fest.
April 2, 2015 at 2:13 pm
Funnily enough, I did watch it for a relaxing light hearted comedy, until much later when Kaori’s illness came into play did I realise that it was actually gonna be a tragic tale. Couldn’t stop myself from watching though, there were some powerful messages delivered and a lot of moments I couldn’t turn away from. The ending was a little predictable, but you can’t do much about that with everything set up going in a straight forward direction. I sure didn’t mind and it was still a happy (ish) and hopeful ending.
April 3, 2015 at 8:19 am
I’m glad you enjoyed it to the end. I think some folks found out it was a tear-jerker and gave up on it. It was rather well made, though, and I’m not sorry I watched it.
April 8, 2015 at 1:48 pm
Yes indeed, very dramatic and inspirational in many parts and still a very pleasant finish. Made me want to pick up my piano again, unfortunately carrying that thing to where I live now is quite the effort that I’ll not bother with. So nevermind…
April 8, 2015 at 3:45 pm
LOL that was fast! Actually I was inspired by this show to buy a melodica. I Would like a full-sized upright piano someday, but I live on the second floor.