Dear me, inspired by the weirdo forest. These are lengthy thoughts on having just watched Nodame Cantabile Special:
I like how the writers have incorporated the part where Nodame is somewhat alienated because Chiaki is so at home in Paris. He knows the language, the food, the culture; while Nodame is beside the man she adores in the most romantic of all places, yet feels isolated because she knows not a single word of French. Though she must be the luckiest girl on earth because not only did she pass the exam for the Conservatory (with her yet to be admired talent as she grows professionally and seriously with her playing), but momentarily, she gets to indulge on French cuisine without spending anything but Chiaki's expenses. This should be expanded! I’m sure I share the disposition of wanting more out of these 2 special episodes with other addicts! I felt that this Special was enough to illustrate just how much Noda Megumi means to dear Chiaki Shinichi. That kiss was enough to prove admiration towards her playing, but in growing in love with her uniqueness, which here I equate also with weirdness, is a desire for me, and for a lot others to see! That cartoon-y bit about stepping stones (board game spaces --Too tired to think, lose a turn! Huh??) towards realizing just how much Chiaki has grown to live with Nodame and her hentai influence in his life was sort of weird to watch actually, but then that incorporation of ‘weirdness’ is now kind of appropriate; sensing that this is comedy at its most comical because of our spunky weird heroine. Sometimes I think the word ‘weird’ is an understatement to describe Nodame. The abundantly comic quality is brought about by a young woman who is ironically distorted, (in personality, in playing, and oftentimes, physically) yet oh so lovable and amazing at the same time. Only the weird and imperfect person can we love. It brings about balance in life, I guess -- that which opposes us and tries us at the same time (I’m becoming serious here, I apologize). Anyway, on to more… The challenge of not knowing how to analyze and sight-read is excruciating on a musician’s part (I can sense my sister feeling quite uneasy, who is a violinist—as she understands the level of difficulty of the pieces). And it’s surprising for me that Nodame doesn’t know how to. The same question by Professor Auclair’s assistant is echoed: Didn’t they teach that in Japan? Maybe they have different techniques. Analyse should be basic stuff, shouldn’t it? I understand in Season 1 - Nodame’s fear of reading the music and relying on her sharp ears, but analyzing? It’s like they missed something. The life behind the music. Well, I don’t know much about music teaching or literature, so if anyone would kindly enlighten me.. Hehe. =) Nonetheless, it’s a given that Nodame should be tried and challenged if what she really wants is to be great pianist. A great musician. I’m also quite surprised that Chiaki wants to participate in a big conducting competition even before he becomes a student of the art. Is it just me, but isn’t that professionally (as a musician) and logically incorrect? To join a competition before one even becomes a student? Well, he did have learning experience with the best (Stresseman) in Japan; and he did start early (with Sebastiano Viera), but to churn it out with the best of them in the birthplace of classical music? And those with more experience? With the confidence that he has in joining the competition, he wouldn’t participate unless he knows he has a good chance of winning. And win, he did. The biggest aim of Nodame playing with an orchestra and having Chiaki senpai conduct is dearly wished for in the live action series, please! That would be probably be the best ending to this story. With little Chiakis and Nodames perhaps? Would a wedding scene be exaggeration? Haha. And growing with each other, learning to love and accept one another, one looks forward to more rumbles and troubles, arguments and reconciliations. Lastly, forgive me for this has gotten long! After watching just the first episode of this Special I felt so inspired! It’s like every part is my favorite part! That scene where senpai gets drunker by the minute when they were dining out, and Nodame getting sick of him and her escargot! Tamaki Hiroshi’s evil laugh is so hilarious! And as usual, Ueno Juri’s gyabos are adorable! Mannerisms are so loved for its details.
See… Enough. I’m a hopeless addict just like so many. Thanks for reading, if you have lasted reading this far… |