Know any musical anime? That is, anime about music or where music plays a central theme in the story? I’ve got a few.
Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad. This is a coming of age story about Yukio, a teen with no purpose in life other than avoiding bullies. After a chance meeting with Ryusuke, a Japanese American now living in his ancestral homeland, Yukio finds a purpose in life – making music. Also, there is Ryusuke’s kid sister Maho, tough on the outside, but vulnerable inside. Yukio meets his challenges as a member of Beck, what Ryusuke forms to be the ultimate rock band.
Your Lie in April. We’ve been talking a lot about this one. Kousie, a former piano playing prodigy, has dropped out of the music scene because of his personal demons. He is brought back by a cute, blonde, free spirited violinist named Kaori. But prepare for the tears. Besides the two love triangles, there is a tragic secret leading to. . . . You watch to find out. Great animation for this one, especially the musical performances.
Forest of Piano. I’m in the middle of this one, so come back later when I post my impressions. Right now I will just say this is the story of Kai, a poor boy from the wrong side of the tracks, who finds a broken down piano in the nearby forest. Only he can play it. That and his ability to learn music just by listening to a piece once sets him on a journey to. . . . That’s all I can say. I am only half way through the series. It is reminiscent of Your Lie in April, but without the tragedy – so far. The animation of the characters’ fingers gliding on the piano keys is suburb, only other scenes not so much. As I said, more later.
Nana. Nana wants to be rock star, and to reignite a romance with the leader of a rival band. Meanwhile, she shares an apartment with another girl named Nana, a small town girl trying to make it in the big city -- while she isn't whining or having sex. The center of the story is how the relationship between the two Nanas changes as their friendship grows and then as they are drawn apart. The first Nana's rock 'n' roll dreams play a large part in the story.
Anyone have anything else?
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