Last week one of my friends asked for suggestions on any anime that he should check out. He has seen quite a few but was probably asking just in case there were some that he might not have seen. I would do the same since there are so many out there and many more being made. After I made my suggestions, I scrolled through the other replies to see if there were any that his friends had suggested that I myself had not seen either. Most of which I had seen or was not interested in. There was one though that kept popping up that didn’t sound familiar, so I decided to check it out. This one, in particular, was called Your Lie In April. It has been some time since an anime has captured my attention like this one did. Also, there has not been one that had made me tear up like this one did since Grave of the Butterflies. Not really in the same way though.
Piano prodigy Kousei Arima dominated the competition and has become famous among child musicians but also controversial. After his mother, who was also his coldhearted, abusive instructor who forced him to play the piano emotionlessly, died, he had a mental breakdown while performing at a piano recital at the age of eleven. As a result, he is no longer able to hear the sound of his piano even though his hearing is perfectly fine. Two years later, Kousei hasn't touched the piano and views the world in monochrome, without any flair or color. He has resigned himself to living out his life with his good friends, Tsubaki and Watari, until, one day, a girl changes everything. Kaori Miyazono, a fourteen-year old audacious, free-spirited violinist whose playing style reflects her manic personality, helps Kousei return to the music world and shows that it should be free and mold breaking unlike the structured and rigid style Kousei was used to, and as she continues to uplift him, he quickly realizes that he loves her, though she already likes Watari. The three watch Kaori play at a competition and are greatly moved. She is selected to play at the prelims, due to winning audiences' choice. After Watari stays after school for soccer practice and doesn't walk with Kaori, she asked Kousei to fill in. They go to a café and Kousei shows two girls his piano skills. He does an amazing job but stops abruptly. He explains later to Kaori, why this is. She asked Kousei to accompany her at the prelims. He refuses at first, but after much persuasion from Tsubaki and Kaori, Kousei finally agrees. Though they have not rehearsed, they do an incredible job, except for the time when Kousei is unable to hear the notes for a moment. Kaori stops and waits for him, and they eventually pick back up. Because of this, the two are disqualified. When they finish Kousei and Kaori receive a long round of applause, but Kaori suddenly collapses and is hospitalized…Full synopsis via Wikipedia. Beware of spoilers if you do!!
In typical anime fashion, it covers a myriad of topics. Real life issues from love triangles to dealing with self-doubt. There is a little bit in this one that anyone can relate to on a personal level. The self-doubt and lack of confidence is probably the subject I can relate to the most if I’m being completely transparent but that is why I love anime so much. It can teach you that no matter your struggle, you can accomplish great things if you believe in yourself and have someone dear to you there to kick you in the butt every now and again.
In addition, this anime features classical music from the likes of Bach and Chopin. I am a fan of classical music. Something about it is so soothing and conveys emotions on a completely different level than other music genres. I can honestly say that there is no genre of music that is able to give me goosebumps, without being in a specific atmosphere, like classical music. Anime doesn’t only provide entertainment, it can remind us that perseverance and facing your fears can pay off. It also makes you ask yourself deep questions that might be hard to answer. Who am I inspiring with my personality? Is there anyone in my life that would fall apart at the seams if I gave up on being myself? Who’s passion inspires me to push on? If you look, even a little bit, you can see that these messages are everywhere. In quotes from the greats, your favorite celebrities, successful people in every category, popular writings. These messages are nothing new but it does help one to be reminded every now and again.
I highly recommend this one if you want a more emotional anime that touches on real life issues.
*All images are from Wallpaper Safari
So if you are ever feeling down just remember that you inspire someone with just being who you are.
Keep your head up and anime on! 😊
Stay weird! whotiewho, out.
