Sakamichi no Apollon

Since the series airs tomorrow and we don't have dedicated thread for it, I figured I'd make one.

I am super excited for this show. I read the first couple translated chapters of the manga and got hooked so bad that I went and looked through the raws to see what happens . I'll make sure to keep mum on any spoilers.

Do we know how many episodes it will have? I'm really hoping it goes for a full 24-26 episode season. The manga definitely deserves a complete adaptation.

It's a 12 episode show.

Not 11?

Nope. ANN lists 12.

First episode is up.

Thoughts: For the most part it's a rather typical introduction episode. Still, from the little I've seen of the cast, I'm enjoying the dynamic between the main characters, I'm enjoying the style of the character designs and animation and I got a few chuckles some scenes, so it's a solid start. It seems there's going to a confrontation between Kaoru and one of the the student who appears to have a crush on Ritsuko, from the glaring and neck cracking the kid did at 15:55. I'm also looking forward to what other famous tunes get included in the show, as "Moanin" is one of my favorite records.

Seeing the jazz records in the shop gave me a bit of a reaction, I'll admit (i haven't even listened to Kind of Blue, why did that happen).

The back-and-forth between the two leads was fun to watch, but I doubt it'll be enough to carry the whole series, even with the mostly flawless direction/composition.

The music is fantastic. I'd watch the show based on just that, and the show isn't just that. Good stuff.

The first episode made me go buy some Art Blakey M P3s (including one of the track mentioned in the show).

Still waiting for the music to really come through, though.

2nd ep: Has more of the romance. And a really catchy live session~

3rd episode: I like how the show is dealing with the romantic aspect of the show. The awkwardness and the jealousy feels right, and nothing is said outright except for Kaoru's awesome post-piano session confession.

I especially like how Kaoru caught on quickly, noticing that Ritsu's rice balls were tailor-made for Sentaro. Even before that, we see the blushing, expectant glances... the body language here speaks volumes.

But of course Kaoru had to have some sort of misunderstanding, so now he thinks Sentaro and Yurika are getting intimate when Sentaro is really just modeling for her.

edited 28th Apr '12 7:28:06 AM by fillerdude

I've been pumped for this show since I saw this:

Looking great so far.

Yeah, the music is great.

How many episodes will this be? The main couples are already pretty much together. That time skip came out of nowhere for me.

edited 1st May '12 9:43:24 AM by Ruise

11. Just like most other Noitamina shows.

It's noitaminA!? No wonder I like it so much. Gotta get my recommended dose of noitamin A.

edited 1st May '12 3:36:44 PM by Ruise

@ Ruise

to answer your question it will be a 12 episode anime.

seriously loving this show. it'll be sad to see it go

Wow, this has gotten soooo good! Especially the music! Kaoru, Sen, Mukae-san, and Jun's first time playing as a band and JUN CAN SING IN PERFECT ENGLISH!

Sen's story was an in-show Tear Jerker...wow.

Question: Would you say that this show would qualify for Music Stories? See the definition there.

Apollon is more a romance anime with jazz performance as an additional thematic element, so probably not.

edited 4th May '12 4:02:52 PM by Wicked223

Actually...I think it fits the bill pretty perfectly. "Series about everyday life can be considered Music Stories if musical performances play a major role" "Using music to solve problems" etc. Add it!

edited 4th May '12 4:42:59 PM by Ruise

THIS. IS. SO. GOOD! The emotions are just so perfect, and sincere...Sen making friends with that random old lady on the train was hilarious, and then KAORU MEETING HIS MOM OH MY GOODNESS it was so great! They're seeing each other for the first time in years and they hit it off right away. Sen is such an amazing friend for going with Kaoru, I mean who would actually sell his records to earn the money for an overnight train without even being asked just to follow his friend who is feeling insecure? If you make one friend like that, you both must be pretty amazing people, and you should cherish that friend forever. *

edited 10th May '12 7:50:11 PM by Ruise

I hope you were joking about the Boy's Love thing.

That's for you to decide on your own. IMO, no.

I've been enjoying this series quite a bit so far. As a music lover in general (and as a pianist and a singer), those sessions make me smile every time they show up. And it's nice to spot familiar jazz pieces and arrangements; definitely wasn't expecting a song from Snow White to show up and how it was used in that piano confession scene. I like how this is both a feel-good show about the lovely aspects of music and connecting people but also has its darker undertones. I look forward to the next episodes.

Not going to lie: This might be the best show I've watched so far this year.