This is my first time writing a review so I apologise that it probably won't be professional or anything, I just want to get my thoughts out about this anime and hopefully influence more people to watch it. I'll separate each paragraph into sections, e.g. characters, plot, etc.
I won't describe it in detail as the plot has already been written in the description on AniList, but basically a teenage violin prodigy called Hajime Aono quit the violin because it reminded him of his pro-violinist dad who caused a lot of trouble for his mum - until he meets Akine Ritsuko, a girl who wants him to teach her violin. Then they enroll into a high school with a big orchestra club and the story kinda begins there. We meet new characters, and there's a lot of plot twists and drama that happen very suddenly.
While watching I thought the plot was quite basic since there's a load of anime-esque flashbacks and also the fact it's literally just about some kids playing in an orchestra, but then I realised orchestra anime is actually so rare; we needed a show like this. Even if it's not the most creative thing ever, there are anime fans in the world that play in an orchestra or strings ensemble (me :D) that want encouragement from their favourite form of media. I'll continue talking about how inspirational it is in the next section.
Something I loved about Ao no Orchestra is that it's not just focused on the two main characters, but rather, nearly everyone in the orchestra has their own personality and different episodes focus on different people.
For me, Akine Ritsuko was so relatable. I started playing when I was ~14 and she started playing when she was ~15. I just joined my first strings ensemble and she's just joined her first orchestra. Also, we have the same hair colour and gender so therefore, she's literally me!
The reason I'm writing this is because perhaps part of the reason I kept watching was because I related to her so much and she motivated me to practice every day. So I feel like if you don't have a personal connection to these characters (i.e. you don't play an instrument) it would be less enjoyable. Like if you replaced the orchestra in this anime with a sports club, I would not be interested at all but sports players would be really hyped about it.
THAT SAID, if you really don't like the violin but want to try a different new hobby and are too scared, I think Akine's character could still be motivating. Even Aono actually, I'm not a violin prodigy but I thought the idea of him working hard even with his own personal problems can be motivating for anyone no matter what your interests are. And since, as I mentioned before, there are many characters with unique struggles and personalities, there are a lot of characters you can relate to.
A flaw with the characters in this anime, though, is that there were quite a few anime cliches. I won't say any spoilers but a lot of the characters' backstories I'd definitely seen before. Some people are alright with that, but personally it made me enjoy the show a bit less.
I don't really know how to judge voice acting but there wasn't anything wrong with it from what I could tell. (Sidenote: Jotaro's VA is in this anime btw!) I liked the opening and ending too. Nothing amazing, but still something I'd listen to in my free time.
As for the music, of course there'd be some classical bangers in this anime. It had some Vivaldi, Dvorak, Bizet, etc. As an orchestral instrument beginner I actually learned a lot about classical music from this as they gave a backstory to some famous classical pieces in an interesting visual way. Again, it was very anime when the characters were describing how the music makes them feel but I thought that was cute haha
This is the thing that I disliked most about this show. None of it is CGI other than when they are playing instruments. I get that it was probably low budget and it takes longer to 2D animate an entire orchestra, but I'm judging the animation based on how good it looks and I did not like how it looked at all. I thought the violin playing looked kinda weird sometimes but maybe they were just doing a technique I've never heard of before, who knows. Either way, I was not a fan of the CGl.
The rest of the animation was alright, not the best but I wasn't expecting much.
Overall, I think that every anime fan who plays violin should watch this as it's relatable and motivating. I also think that anyone who wants motivation for any hobby should give it a go, but I can see why someone wouldn't want to finish it because of the CGI animation and anime cliches. If you can get past that, you will find yourself routing for characters and wanting to stay with them until the summer concert.
Hope this review was helpful.
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