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NODAME CANTABILE: THE MOVIE (Japan)

 ABOUT THE MOVIE

Genre: Comedy/Romance
Starring: Hiroshi Tamaki, Juri Ueno, Eita, Asami Mizukawa, Keisuke Koide, Eiji Wentz, Becky, Sayaka Yamaguchi, Yu Yamada, Shosuke Tanihara, Takeshi Nadagi, Seiji Fukushi, Michiko Kichise, Masatoh Ibu, Naoto Takenaka
Director: Hideki Takeuchi
Rating: PG
Year Made: 2009

 


 SPECIAL FEATURES

- NIL

 

 


 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Languages: Japanese
Subtitles: English/Chinese
Aspect Ratio: 16x9
Sound: Dolby Digital
Running Time: 2 hrs 2 mins
Region Code: 3
Distributor: Scorpio East

 

 

SYNOPSIS: 

Chiaki has just won the prestigious Platini International Music Competition leading to his being named new conductor for the Le Marlet Orchestra. Despite having a storied tradition and the place where Chiaki's mentor, Herr Streseman got his start, Chiaki finds to his great dismay nothing more than a ragtag group of lackluster musicians with no unity or desire. The orchestra has fallen on hard times with financial cutbacks leading to less rehersals, smaller and smaller audiences and dwindling patrons plus an uncooperative concertmaster who throws Chiaki into despair. Meanwhile, Nodame spends her days steeped in piano practice. Along with friends Frank, Tanya a nd Kuroki, all are pinning their hopes on passing a tough examination for promotion at their music conservatory. When Chiaki asks Nodame to perform with his orchestra as celesta for Ravel's Bolero, she is beside herself with joy... until circumstances lead to her giving way to gifted pianist, Rui. Nodame is crushed but suppresses her shock, allowing her heartfelt yearning to see Chiaki succeed take precedence. Matters are further complicated when a horrible fate strikes Chiaki and his roughly-hewn Marlet Orchestra prior to their first performance. Will Chiaki be able to revive a broken down orchestra and launch his music career? And what will become of Nodame and Chiaki's relationship? Are they beginning to drift apart? The answers lie in the dramatic conclusion of "Nodame Cantabile The Movie I & II".

MOVIE REVIEW:

Among the influx of Japanese comic adaptations to movies, "Nodame Cantabile: The Movie" is definitely a breath of fresh air. Yes, the topic of love is inescapable in this romance comedy but Nodame has lots more to offer if you are sick of mushy puppy love and the usual crops of romance tragedies that came out so often from the land of the rising sun.

For those who are unfamiliar with the Nodame manga series. This movie adaptation begins with our two loveable protagonists or should I say lovable female protagonist, Nodame (Juri Ueno) who is doing her piano studies at the Conservatoire de Paris while her beau, Chiaki (Hiroshi Tamaki) has been named new conductor for the Le Marlet Orchestra after winning a prestigious award. In addition to their matters of the heart, Chiaki is met with mounting pressure to revive the once reputable Le Marlet Orchestra, Nodame on the other hand is waiting to sit for the upcoming promotional examination hoping one day she can play the piano together with the talented Chiaki on the stage.

For her part as the bubbly but sloppy Nodame, Juri Ueno should be hugely credited for her all-out performance. A stark contrast to the solemn Chiaki, Nodame is one who is not shy to display her affections and also a girl who possess utmost enthusiasm for her musical craft. It’s a role that requires flawless comic timing and cutesiness and Juri Ueno nails it perfectly despite the challenging task of not hovering towards cheesy territory. Japanese actor/singer Hiroshi Tamaki who appears in the 2001 mega-hit, Waterboys pales in comparison as his role require nothing more than a long-faced and a piece of handsome tuxedo.

Instead of relying on a second unit, the whole production is shot authentically in Paris and parts of Europe. The lush cinematography is another added advantage which lends a magical feel to the topic on hand. And for most of us who feels that classical music is way beyond our touch, "Nodame Cantabile: The Movie" actually imparts us with knowledge of how memorable musical pieces such as Paul Dukas’ The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture came about and yes, the difference between a French bassoon and a German bassoon. Another feel-good thing about the movie is the frequent outbursts of Nodame’s delusional dream gags that involved colourful landscapes, cute animals and amusing acts.

Obviously it’s a tedious juggling act for the filmmakers when it comes to adapting from a source material that span for years to a two hours long feature. Thus when it comes to the various supporting characters such as Nodame/Chiaki’s group of bustling friends and Chiaki’s elusive mentor, Stresemann (played by Naoto Takenaka from Shinjuku Incident), it’s just fleeting appearances which makes you crave for more at times. Perhaps a more accepted practice with Japanese audience, the movie is dubbed in Japanese on the whole despite the presence of numerous fellow French cast members, a move which can be consider discerning to some.

"Nodame Cantabile: The Movie" for the uninitiated ends with a cliffhanger, the fate of our two young lovers remains a question mark towards the end. Will they get back together again or will they let their musical talents led them apart? I strongly recommend everyone to join Nodame and Chiaki on this touching, humourous and eye-opening journey to love, music and more!

SPECIAL FEATURES :

This Code 3 DVD only comes with a Trailer

AUDIO/VISUAL:

The Dolby Digital 2.0 audio is disappointing given the inability to portray the grandeur of the numerous music pieces in the movie. The visual presentation is pleasing to the eyes all thanks to the wondrous landscapes and cinematography.

MOVIE RATING:



DVD RATING :

Review by Linus Tee

Posted on 26 July 2010

 
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This review is made possible with the kind support from Scorpio East

 



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