Nodame Cantabile: Finale

[Shiroth]

What an outstanding episode.

Spoiler for Episode 05:

This was seriously good. Brilliant pacing as expected yet again, and development that really shines brightly.

The build up to Tanya not passing the second round was so nicely done, and everything after that was pure gold development. Development between Tanya and Kuroki continued (he was extremely shy at the start, remembering the kiss ), and his idea that Tanya should live with him was extremely random, with quite the hilarious outcome. He needs to come to terms with his own feelings first it looks like, which i'm sure shall take place next.

A shame Yunlong was knocked out so early, though i loved how he was looking out for Tanya by inviting Kuroki.

This episode also earns extra points by showing a flashback to my favorite scene in the first episode, and with that we had a one very happy Nodame, which was so much fun. There's still a wall she must pass though, which is what this last season is all about.

Quite the shocker that the piece she wants to play with Chiaki, he'll be playing with Rui. This is not going to go down well with Nodame.

[aliensporebomb]

Originally Posted by Shiroth

What an outstanding episode.

Spoiler for Episode 05:

This was seriously good. Brilliant pacing as expected yet again, and development that really shines brightly.

The build up to Tanya not passing the second round was so nicely done, and everything after that was pure gold development. Development between Tanya and Kuroki continued (he was extremely shy at the start, remembering the kiss ), and his idea that Tanya should live with him was extremely random, with quite the hilarious outcome. He needs to come to terms with his own feelings first it looks like, which i'm sure shall take place next.

A shame Yunlong was knocked out so early, though i loved how he was looking out for Tanya by inviting Kuroki.

This episode also earns extra points by showing a flashback to my favorite scene in the first episode, and with that we had a one very happy Nodame, which was so much fun. There's still a wall she must pass though, which is what this last season is all about.

Quite the shocker that the piece she wants to play with Chiaki, he'll be playing with Rui. This is not going to go down well with Nodame.

Agreed. And there's some more thoughts I have:

Spoiler:

The Tanya/Kuroki developments and the Yunlong developments were just the
buildup. I saw a parallel here with another very famous franchise:

It comes down to: Auclair has the same reservations about Nodame that Stresemann did: and indeed Auclair is Yoda to Nodame's Skywalker.

And if you recall Yoda's admonition to Luke Skywalker, reprised here "A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind. This one a long time have I watched. All his life has he looked away... to the future, to the horizon. Never his mind on where he was. Hmm? What he was doing. Hmph. Adventure. Heh. Excitement. Heh. A Jedi craves not these things. You are reckless. "

Nodame does what she wants when she wants. She is wreckless and impulsive. She does what inspires her at that time (her Ravel was ridiculous - awesome) but her ability to not focus on what her instructor teaches her shows she is not the type of pianist cut out for concours: she is however a very unique stylist with a unique personality and that is where her future could possibly lie.

Just wait though: she may be upset that Chiaki and Rui will be playing the piece she seems to identify with but when Rui hears Nodame's Ravel do you think she might feel like she's a pretender and Nodame is the real thing? I wonder how that will play out.

Great episode, can't wait until Ep6.

[Shiroth]

Originally Posted by aliensporebomb

Spoiler:

Just wait though: she may be upset that Chiaki and Rui will be playing the piece she seems to identify with but when Rui hears Nodame's Ravel do you think she might feel like she's a pretender and Nodame is the real thing? I wonder how that will play out.

Spoiler for Episode 06 onwards:

Indeed, it's going to be very juicy development for the two of them.

Going to be so interesting though when Rui hears the level that Nodame is at now. I can't wait.

[Anh_Minh]

Originally Posted by aliensporebomb

Agreed. And there's some more thoughts I have:

Spoiler:

The Tanya/Kuroki developments and the Yunlong developments were just the
buildup. I saw a parallel here with another very famous franchise:

It comes down to: Auclair has the same reservations about Nodame that Stresemann did: and indeed Auclair is Yoda to Nodame's Skywalker.

And if you recall Yoda's admonition to Luke Skywalker, reprised here "A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind. This one a long time have I watched. All his life has he looked away... to the future, to the horizon. Never his mind on where he was. Hmm? What he was doing. Hmph. Adventure. Heh. Excitement. Heh. A Jedi craves not these things. You are reckless. "

Nodame does what she wants when she wants. She is wreckless and impulsive. She does what inspires her at that time (her Ravel was ridiculous - awesome) but her ability to not focus on what her instructor teaches her shows she is not the type of pianist cut out for concours: she is however a very unique stylist with a unique personality and that is where her future could possibly lie.

Just wait though: she may be upset that Chiaki and Rui will be playing the piece she seems to identify with but when Rui hears Nodame's Ravel do you think she might feel like she's a pretender and Nodame is the real thing? I wonder how that will play out.

Great episode, can't wait until Ep6.

Yeah, but on the other hand, I sympathise with Nodame. All those drills with no end (both in the sense of completion and in the sense of purpose) in sight. Auclair may feel he's earned the blind trust of his students by being the world famous instructor he is, but it sure is hard on both Nodame and Rui. Then again, maybe he thinks - and he may be right - that just telling them why he does what he does will be counter-productive and that they have to figure it out for themselves.

I wonder how Frank would have done with him? Maybe better. He really wanted him, and he's more docile to start with.

[aliensporebomb]

Originally Posted by Anh_Minh

Yeah, but on the other hand, I sympathise with Nodame. All those drills with no end (both in the sense of completion and in the sense of purpose) in sight. Auclair may feel he's earned the blind trust of his students by being the world famous instructor he is, but it sure is hard on both Nodame and Rui. Then again, maybe he thinks - and he may be right - that just telling them why he does what he does will be counter-productive and that they have to figure it out for themselves.

I wonder how Frank would have done with him? Maybe better. He really wanted him, and he's more docile to start with.

That's a good point and I just thought of something else that has become clear:

Despite Rui and Nodame being quite different in terms of appearance:

Spoiler:

They are somewhat similar:
It's quite obvious they both have a love/hate relationship with the piano.

Rui is a champion of piano on the world stage but mostly at her mothers urging.
She's wanted to walk away from it all but really can't. But her life has been focused
on music to the exclusion of all else.

Nodame was a naturally gifted child prodigy whose progress was derailed by a very
strict teacher but resumed when a man she was interested in appeared. She can
make lightning fast meteoric progress in her piano studies but only when she wants
to.

Both Rui and Nodame continue to play the piano - at this point they both appear
to be doing so because of Chiaki Shinichi not because deep down they really want
to despite their obvious gifts.

They really should go out for coffee and talk about life or something.

[EfrainMan]

Guys, does anyone know what was the first song played in the middle of the episode, in the concertos?

[Vanehei]

Originally Posted by EfrainMan

Guys, does anyone know what was the first song played in the middle of the episode, in the concertos?

Piano Concerto... Rashmaninoff, it was the same piece that Chiaki played in season one,.

[strategos]

So, I still haven't watch the anime, but read the whole manga. How fast the anime is moving?

[BBOvenGuy]

I loved Nodame's reaction when she heard the Ravel concerto. It's a really good piece for her - something that should have been apparent from the way she took to Gershwin in season 1 and Mozart in season 2.

And speaking of the obvious...

Spoiler for Well, it's obvious to me, anyway...:

...the logical story progression would be to have Nodame end up replacing Rui to play the Ravel with Chiaki. They wouldn't do that, would they?

[Shiroth]

Originally Posted by BBOvenGuy

Spoiler for Well, it's obvious to me, anyway...:

...the logical story progression would be to have Nodame end up replacing Rui to play the Ravel with Chiaki. They wouldn't do that, would they?

I seriously hope not, because it would seem far to unrealistic to happen.

[Ascaloth]

Watched Episode 5.

So they did skip out on

Spoiler for manga:

the brief return of Mine and Kiyora

after all, huh? Disappointing, but I guess it can't be helped since they do have to rush the main storyline, after all. I was looking forward to it, though....

They changed up Yunlong's elimination a bit as well, giving it a somewhat different vibe than it had in the manga. This I don't mind too much though, since it replaced a somewhat tragic theme with a different, but equally tragic theme.

Otherwise, this episode wasn't bad, either. It seems like next week is the turning point in Chiaki's and Nodame's relationship, so I'm looking forward to see how it goes.

[Somnus]

Originally Posted by Ascaloth

Watched Episode 5.

So they did skip out on

Spoiler for manga:

the brief return of Mine and Kiyora

after all, huh? Disappointing, but I guess it can't be helped since they do have to rush the main storyline, after all. I was looking forward to it, though....

They changed up Yunlong's elimination a bit as well, giving it a somewhat different vibe than it had in the manga. This I don't mind too much though, since it replaced a somewhat tragic theme with a different, but equally tragic theme.

Otherwise, this episode wasn't bad, either. It seems like next week is the turning point in Chiaki's and Nodame's relationship, so I'm looking forward to see how it goes.

Wait, what? But...but...but...

Well damn, I'm going to have to read that one then. Which chapter is it?

[Asleep]

Originally Posted by Ascaloth

Watched Episode 5.

So they did skip out on

Spoiler for manga:

the brief return of Mine and Kiyora

Could it be the unaired dvd only episode?
According to the official website for the anime, the unaired episode will be titled "Mine to Kiyora no Saikai" ("Mine and Kiyora's Reunion").

[kari-no-sugata]

Originally Posted by Asleep

Could it be the unaired dvd only episode?
According to the official website for the anime, the unaired episode will be titled "Mine to Kiyora no Saikai" ("Mine and Kiyora's Reunion").

Ah, great. I was hoping they'd do something like that. I was thinking it would fit very well for a DVD only ep...

[Sinestra]

Episode 5 was very good even though they skipped somethings. I feel even with the missing pieces it came together very well. The Tanya and Yunlong's frustration and eliminations from the concourse highlighted not only their frustrations but also showed that procrastination can be a killer. As Tanya's case where she even asked herself "why did i wait so long". Tanya's problem was motivation there was nothing that made her want to better herself musically and take her craft seriously. All she knew was she didnt want to go back to Russia. I for one can sympathize with her as i had the same problem when i was playing the trumpet i was not motivated till another player joined who made me want to be better. Later when i started playing the violin i did not have the same problem i was focused and always practicing. Finding that motivation to immerse yourself in a piece can be damn hard especially if the piece does not move (Nodame's problem) However, after Tanya started getting serious her music moved so many people and even though she did make it to the final round her improvement was noteworthy even to Chiaki and Kuroki. Even more to the fact that Kuroki offered to let Tanya live with him. He obviously doesnt want her to leave and hes also aware of that little kiss she gave him lol.

Nodame's Ravel was wicked it has always been one of my favorite pieces. The twist because there had to be one, is Chiaki is performing that same pieces with Rui. As Nodame received a blunt yet honest assessment from Auclair this would be a slap in the face and Chiaki knows it. Nodame situation is really complex for me as i feel for the girl but i cant help but to feel that Auclair assessment is right. Nodame is at a very delicate stage where she could go either way. Since she erratic in her behavior its hard to tell what will happen. However, if she can not focus on the work that has been given to her how can she focus being part of Orchestra. What if the piece that was chosen she didnt like would she just not play it. Auclair is trying instill a since of pride in Nodame she take her craft seriously. Nodame lives for the moment she gets attracted to something and everything else is second wind. She reckless and impulsive those two qualities will deathly for her in the musical world. But all her training and work and to her there is no end goal there is no light at the end of the tunnel so i can see why she is frustrated.

The Rui and Nodame developments are going to be so sweet when Nodame finds out what piece has been chosen. Rui and Nodame are so similar but neither of them can see it yet. However, when Rui hears Nodames Raval im interested to see how she will react. I think this development will make or break Nodame in terms of her development.


Honestly, the story progression is just brilliant and i find myself getting drawn in more and more. Maybe not the extent of season 1 but pretty damn close.

Iv also become increasing interested in the Tanya,Yunlong and Kuroki development and how the remainder of it will be animated.

[CWW]

As a Tanya supporter, I wanted to punch the judge who dismissed her performance. She played like a rock god. To be honest I've never seen someone play a piano with his or her eyes closed.

[Shiroth]

Originally Posted by CWW

As a Tanya supporter, I wanted to punch the judge who dismissed her performance. She played like a rock god. To be honest I've never seen someone play a piano with his or her eyes closed.

Nodame has been doing it for much longer though.

[Sinestra]

Originally Posted by CWW

As a Tanya supporter, I wanted to punch the judge who dismissed her performance. She played like a rock god. To be honest I've never seen someone play a piano with his or her eyes closed.

I know how you feel but then we also have to look at this way. There are judges who like to see creativity in moments but other judges prefer the technical and classical musicians. The musician themselves must never outshine the music and thats what that the judge didnt like. Call them the old guard that cling to the old skool way of doing things. Whats funny is he was the only judge that objected but the female judge had no problem that means the others must have felt the same way.

[aliensporebomb]

Originally Posted by BBOvenGuy

I loved Nodame's reaction when she heard the Ravel concerto. It's a really good piece for her - something that should have been apparent from the way she took to Gershwin in season 1 and Mozart in season 2.

And speaking of the obvious...

Spoiler for Well, it's obvious to me, anyway...:

...the logical story progression would be to have Nodame end up replacing Rui to play the Ravel with Chiaki. They wouldn't do that, would they?

I actually thought about this too....

Spoiler:

Rui gets sick or hurts her hand and can't appear but at the last minute Nodame steps in?
How would this work?

Unrealistic at best: an unknown, but gifted; second year college student appear in the place of a world famed piano virtuoso?

I really want to see how this plays out.

Thinking.

Spoiler:

It's possible that some of the performances that have happened in recent episodes might lead to more:
people who saw Nodame play at the salon party, or people who saw Yunlong or Tanya's performances
at the concours might lead to interest or gigs. Could be quite interesting in the long run but at first we
don't hear much. Thinking... We could see some reason interesting developments in the next episode
and I wonder if the next episode we will see Nodame at her most depressed and down before she finds
something to be happy about.

[BBOvenGuy]

Originally Posted by aliensporebomb

I actually thought about this too....

Spoiler:

Rui gets sick or hurts her hand and can't appear but at the last minute Nodame steps in?
How would this work?

Unrealistic at best: an unknown, but gifted; second year college student appear in the place of a world famed piano virtuoso?

I really want to see how this plays out.

Have you ever seen the movie Shindo? World famed piano virtuoso decides not to perform a concert and have an unknown but brilliant 14-year-old girl play instead?

Lack of realism is hardly a show-stopping issue.

All I'm thinking is that the series Nodame Cantabile franchise is supposed to be ending, and I'd expect them to end it on something that feels like a concluding moment. Nodame and Chiaki are finished with this part of their lives. It's time for them to move on. Unless they're suddenly going to time-warp a few years ahead, the scenario I'm suggesting is the only one I can think of that would provide the appropriate closure.