Kids on the Slope
Synopsis
Introverted classical pianist and top student Kaoru Nishimi has just arrived in Kyushu for his first year of high school. Having constantly moved from place to place since his childhood, he abandons all hope of fitting in, preparing himself for another lonely, meaningless year. That is, until he encounters the notorious delinquent Sentarou Kawabuchi. Sentarou's immeasurable love for jazz music inspires Kaoru to learn more about the genre, and as a result, he slowly starts to break out of his shell, making his very first friend. Kaoru begins playing the piano at after-school jazz sessions, located in the basement of fellow student Ritsuko Mukae's family-owned record shop. As he discovers the immense joy of using his musical talents to bring enjoyment to himself and others, Kaoru's summer might just crescendo into one that he will remember forever. Sakamichi no Apollon is a heartwarming story of friendship, music, and love that follows three unique individuals brought together by their mutual appreciation for jazz. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is generally positive, praising the story's pacing, character interactions, and integration of music. Some find the ending unsatisfying and the romance/melodrama elements weak or overdone. The show's ability to convey emotions through music and its immersive setting are frequently highlighted as strengths.
Strengths
- Amazing pace with a great combination of romance, drama, and music; developments feel natural.
- Strong story that immerses you in the time frame and the jazz-fueled story of friendship.
- Realistic vibe and fits the story well; animation during musical scenes is particularly good.
- Effective portrayal of tension and emotions through music; characters and their interactions are the best part of the story.
Weaknesses
- Ending might feel unsatisfying; romance and melodrama aren't the strongest points.
- Suffers from bad pacing and unneeded melodrama.
- Overly melodramatic; characters not being able to say what they are actually thinking to each other.
- Jazz isn’t as much about jazz as it is about lame characters.