Nodame Cantabile Live Action ep.06

November 27, 2006 | 30 Comments

After reading the manga and watching this episode, I finally realise that the S Orchestra is pretty much just the first stage in Chiaki's story. I'm a bit disappointed about this since I've gotten attached to the S Orchestra. I feel that as Chiaki steps up into the world stage, his Orchestra's members get less and less interesting personality-wise. Thankfully the live action series is still at the stage where the majority of the Orchestra members still have personality. It also helps that some of the original cast members are still around. Speaking of new characters, it looks like the majority of the cast members for this drama has been pulled either from Swing Girls (Ueno Juri, Takenata Naoto) or Water Boys/Water Boys Summer 2005 films (Tamaki Hiroshi, Eita, Koide Keisuke, Fukushi Seiji).

The episode begins with Nodame playing Rachmaninoff No.2 and receives an applause from Strezemann who tells her that although it's a different Rachmaninoff, it's an interesting one nevertheless. Having said that, he thinks this won't be suitable for an orchestra. Nodame then wakes up inside her room, realising the whole thing was just a dream. Speaking of waking up, Chiaki is horrified when he finds himself waking up next to two unknown girls inside a hotel room. After being greeted by Elise, he finally remembers that after the school festival, he accompanied Strezemann on a 3 days, 3 nights trip to Ginza, Kyoto, and Onsen, before going back to Roppongi. Now, however, Strezemann has gone back to Germany and the only thing he left for Chiaki is a letter asking him to buy him a Nagaoka Mami's photo album which will come out in December. Upon seeing the attachment, Chiaki realises that Nagaoka Mami is actually an AV starlet.

Elise tells Chiaki that it's been a while since she saw Strezemann having fun while conducting an Orchestra. Because of this, she thanks him before bidding him goodbye. Chiaki realises that this time around Strezemann has really gone back for good. This means it's time for those who are left behind to choose their own path. Since each members of S Orchestra have their own things to do after graduation, they are planning to hold a farewell drinking party together. Mine, however, is unhappy about the idea that this will be their last time together and suggests that they continue the S Orchestra. Unfortunately for him, some members have to go to job interview. Chiaki then arrives to talk to them so the group asks Mine if he's still pissed off at Chiaki because the later played for A Orchestra. As it turns out, Mine was actually moved by Chiaki's performance and claims that Chiaki is his best friend, a statement that is rebuffed by Chiaki.

Sakura then pushes Mine aside and asks Chiaki about Nodame. Apparently she has not been seen at school ever since the school festival. Their conversation is interrupted when Chiaki gets a phone call from Kuwano, the editor of Classic Life. Because of this, he ends up going to Uraken to meet both Kuwano and the music critic, Sakuma Manabu. Kuwano is surprised to know that Chiaki often goes to this place since it doesn't fit his 'image'. She's even more surprised when Chiaki orders Clubhouse sandwich and Espresso in the Chinese restaurant. Kuwano quickly explains that Sakuma writes a column in her magazine and next month they're going to write about Chiaki. Much to Chiaki's horror, she then produces a Pin-up poster featuring Strezemann and himself. Kuwano also explains that Sakuma is impressed with Chiaki's performance. Because of this, they wonder about the possibility that Chiaki will study overseas or enter a competition.

Chiaki denies any of those much to Sakuma's disappointment. Kuwano backs the guy up, saying that Chiaki should go overseas to study. Upon hearing the word 'overseas' Chiaki suddenly is inflicted by aviation phobia again. Because of this, Kuwano and Sakuma suggest that Chiaki uses boat instead. Unfortunately Chiaki also suffers from sea travel phobia. Kuwano and Sakuma are upset upon hearing this and wonder what Chiaki would do in Japan. In retaliation, Chiaki tells them that what he'll do is none of their business. He then leaves Uraken after telling Mine's father to deliver his sandwich later. Meanwhile, Saiko is being criticised by her singing teacher, who wants her to sing with more uncertain tone. Saiko is especially unhappy when the teacher asks her to mimic the performance of her rival, Suganuma Saya. Elsewhere, Masumi is in the middle of looking through job ads when Kiyora asks him what Chiaki will do after graduation.

Masumi immediately becomes jealous and wonders what Kiyora meant by this so Kiyora promises to tell him once it's been officially decided. Back to Saiko, he overhears Mine's father asking his son to deliver the sandwich that Chiaki ordered since Mine is supposed to be Chiaki's best friend. All of a sudden, Saiko snatched the sandwiches and tell them that she'll deliver it to Chiaki. Meanwhile, Chiaki laments the fact that in the end he ends up in the same place regardless how many Orchestra he conducted and Strezemann's concert he performed. Chiaki then returns to his apartment and finds Saiko waiting for him with Uraken delivery. Saiko praises Chiaki's concert and in return Chiaki tells her that her singing has become better in these past 4 years. However, while she has her technique, he thinks that her performance is lacking. Moreover, he believes that the more she reveals her detestable personality, the more it affects her singing.

When Chiaki goes to the Combini, Saiko goes to his room and browse through Chiaki's old High School photo album. Upon seeing this, she wonders if the two of them could go back together if she stops singing. A few minutes later, Chiaki returns to his apartment and assumes that Saiko has gone home when he doesn't see her in the living room. Much to his shock, Nodame appears next to him surrounded by flies. Chiaki wonders if Nodame is still in her costume but she denies this and asks Chiaki to play in a concert with her instead. She claims that she has practiced the same music that Chiaki played in the concert. Chiaki, on the other hand, is more concerned with the fact that Nodame emits a really bad body odour. He immediately orders her to take a bath but since her gas is turned off, he lets her to use his bathroom. Chiaki then push Nodame into the bathroom, unaware that Saiko is observing the whole thing with jealousy on her face.

While Nodame is taking a bath, Chiaki decides to make a food for her since he's concerned that she's been practicing non-stop ever since she heard his concert. When Nodame refuses to eat any, Chiaki decides to force-feed the girl. Nodame, however, continues to resist and keeps insisting that she wants to play in a concert. Chiaki thinks it's impossible because she never sees the score and composes the music as she pleases. In retaliation, Nodame tells Chiaki that even though she doesn't see the score, she can play Rachmaninoff just by listening to it. Moreover, Chiaki's performance still hasn't left her ear. Upon seeing Nodame looking depressed, Chiaki eventually agrees to listen to it and drags her to school so they can find 2 piano they can use. The two then find a music room that Nodame's friends are using. After asking the two of them to go out, Chiaki tells Nodame that he'll just play a portion of it while Nodame gets to play normally.

Chiaki is surprised when Nodame plays what should have been a Pianissimo (soft, quiet tone) beginning as a Fortissimo (strong, powerful tone) one. In addition to this, Nodame is also fast, causing Chiaki to wonder if it's possible to play this song at this kind of Tempo. Outside, Nodame's friends are surprised when they hear the song and even more so when they realise that Chiaki is just a companion player for Nodame. Inside, Chiaki is frustrated with the fact that Nodame is playing the song as she feels like it and as a result, it sounds upbeat right from the start. Chaki realises that this is not a concert-like material and wonders if he should stop now. In the end, however, he decides to unite his performance with Nodame while Nodame starts to match his own style. Outside, Etou-sensei wonders why students are crowding outside the practice room. He, however, becomes shocked as well when he sees what's going on inside.

Nodame's friends are impressed with the two and wonder if they are actually dating since the two are always together. Moreover, although Nodame's style is messy, when the two play together, their tone is precise. In the end, the two produce a harmonious and upbeat Rachmaninoff, which inadvertently upsets Saiko. A few minutes later, Chiaki tries to take Nodame home but eventually realises that the girl is now sleeping soundly against the Piano. Chiaki has no choice but to put his jacket over her and wonders what he should do with Nodame. The next day, he produces a CD and a music score for Nodame to practice. Nodame, however, tells him that she already did a concert last night since Chiaki's playing is similar to a real orchestra. She tells Chiaki that she's completely satisfied and thanks Chiaki for his help. Chiaki wonders if Nodame is really okay but before Nodame can answer the question, Masumi arrives and distracts Nodame.

The rest of S Orchestra then comes and waves their unofficial job offers. Everyone is also excited to hear that Shizuka is going to get married while not far from them, Sakura tells Mine that she's happy but also sad about everyone going their own separate way. Later on, Nodame tells Chiaki that Shizuka must be happy that she's getting married and expresses her wish to get married as soon as she graduates. Chiaki encourages her to do so....with someone from the same planet that she's from. Nodame, however, is happy that Chiaki is going to graduate school instead of going overseas. Chiaki is annoyed to hear this and orders her to go out since he wants to practice. Unfortunately for Chiaki, Mine comes inside to suggest that they continue S Orchestra. Chiaki reacts in volatile manner to the idea and asks Mine not to suggest impractical ideas. Mine thinks it's not impractical because there are other similar orchestras out there.

Despite this, Chiaki disagrees with the idea of forming an orchestra consisting of mostly close friends. In retaliation, Mine asks Chiaki what will happen from now on, especially since he's sure that Chiaki wants to continue being a conductor. Chiaki who remembers Sakuma's question about what he wants to do in Japan becomes upset and decides to ignore Mine. As a result, Mine resorts to his usual "Chiaki no BAKA" insult in desperation. Chiaki who's equally upset decides to shop for a bunch of canned foods. Nodame is horrified to see this especially when Chiaki starts taking every imaginable canned meat from fish to bear to Kangaroo. In order to stop Chiaki from his insanity, Nodame decides to take him to a Kaiten-zushi restaurant. Chiaki who never visited a Kaiten-zushi restaurant is unhappy that the Sushi rotates on a conveyer belt as opposed to being presented in front of him. Despite this, he decides to take a 400 Yen gold plate.

Nodame is shocked to see this since she only has 3000 Yen to pay for the two of them. Unfortunately for her, Chiaki has expensive taste. In addition to this, he only eats the Sashimi (meat cut) part of the Sushi and leaves the rice leftovers to Nodame. Nodame is upset about this since she also wants to eat the meat. Evil Chiaki uses the opportunity to tease her and present Nodame with his creation: Gari-zushi (Rice with pickled ginger on top of it). Nodame can't take the torture anymore and screams in terror. In the aftermath, Nodame complains that Chiaki is behaving strangely tonight and swears never to treat him again. In retaliation, Chiaki tells her that she didn't treat him since he was the one who ended up paying for them. Moreover, no one comes to a Sushi restaurant bringing only 3000 Yen. Nodame retorts that the money usually enough to go to a Kaiten-zushi. Besides, she wants to treat Chiaki since the guy was being strange.

Upon hearing this, Chiaki realises that Nodame is worried about him. In return he asks her what she wants to do after graduation and is surprised when Nodame tells him right away that she wants to be a Kindergarten teacher. Chiaki who didn't expect Nodame to be serious about this asks her why she's not aiming higher. However, this reminds him how Kuwano and Sakano once asked him why he doesn't want to go overseas. In other words, just like he's worried about Nodame, everyone is also concerned about him. Because of this, he thinks he should be thankful. This also made him realise that the problem is not being able to go overseas but as Sakano said: what does he want to do in Japan. The next day, Chiaki meets Kiyora Miki who wants to form an orchestra with him. Much to Mine and Nodame's surprise, Chiaki immediately agrees with the proposal even though he's not sure how they can gather orchestra members.

Kiyora tells him that she has contacts with students from other schools such as a Cello player called Kikuchi Tooru and an Oboe player, Kuroki Yasunori. She also thinks that if Chiaki ask for them, they can get many more to play for them. Chiaki is surprised to hear this so Kiyora explains that he's now a superstar thanks to the Colour Dream Classic pin up poster. After Kiyora left, Mine asks him to allow him to enter his newly formed orchestra and agrees to fulfil any kind demand from Chiaki. Upon hearing this, Chiaki tells Mine that he has to enter A orchestra at the next exam. If Mine can do this, then he'll allow Mine to join his orchestra. Mine is overjoyed by this and promises to do just that. A few days later, the S orchestra gathers together for a farewell party. Despite the party, it doesn't take long before Masumi tries to kill Nodame due to jealousy and the girls are fighting to serve beer to Chiaki.

This, however, causes the Clarinet and Oboe player to be jealous again. In an attempt to undermine Chiaki, they force him to participate in Karaoke. Before Chiaki can belt a tune, Ookouchi already takes over the mike, claiming that the song is his. For his transgression, Ookouchi is kicked off the stage. Elsewhere in the Karaoke building, Nodame meets Saiko when she goes to the bathroom. Saiko immediately slams Nodame to the floor in jealousy but she is shocked when Nodame leaps at her. Back in the amusement centre area, the Clarinet and Oboe player tries to humiliate Chiaki again by forcing him to play a Drum game. Unfortunately for them, Masumi takes over and plays for everyone. Upon seeing Masumi's playing drum, Chiaki decides to invite him to join his new orchestra. That night, everyone has fun together before going off on their separate path. Chiaki then tells Nodame that he wants to go back to game center and Karaoke.

Nodame is surprised to hear this and wonders if Chiaki likes game and Karaoke that much. Chiaki tells her that he doesn't like them but he feels that everyone was making fun of him back then. As a result, he feels like he's an unlikeable man. Nodame assures him that no one really hates him. Chiaki, however, knows that at least the twin sisters dislike him because he didn't ask them to join his new orchestra. He explains to Nodame that today some members of S orchestra asked him to join the new orchestra and he had to reject them. Chiaki admits that he had a good time with S orchestra and is thankful to everyone in the S Orchestra. However, he doesn't want his next orchestra to be an extension of S orchestra. Chiaki then reminisce his time with S Orchestra, telling himself even though it was a short time, he really grew up with that Special Orchestra. After this dissolution, he knows everyone will move on to the next stage.

And the next stage it is. The next day, 3 music students from another school are seen entering Momogaoka. A few minutes later, Kiyora introduces these students as Oboe player Kuroki Yasunori (Fukushi Seiji, Swing Girls), Cello player Kikuchi Tooru (Mukai Osamu, Regatta), and Violin player Kimura Tomohito (Hashizuma Ryou, 1 Litre of Tears). Much to Chiaki's horror, everyone tells him that they know him thanks to his pin-up poster. Kiyora then hands out papers to these founding members with the name of people that they should consider as the reminding members. Chiaki is about to suggest Masumi as a Timpani player but much to his surprise, Kiyora already put Masumi's name. Never underestimate the power of networking. At the same time, Nodame friend's realises that Nodame now gets a new Piano teacher: Elite specialist, Etou Kouzo. The episode ends with Nodame looking confused when Etou-sensei declares himself as her new teacher.

Impression:

After hearing Nodame performing Rachmaninoff No.2, I have to say that I prefer it a lot more to Chiaki's version. What Nodame lacks in polish she made up a lot in energy and excitement. Again, this is from the perspective of someone who doesn't know much about classical music. Having said that, I did learn Piano for 3 years and I remember hating the process because some of the classical songs that I have to play bored the Hell out of me. If I had something more exciting to play with, then I might have been more motivated to study the instrument. Right now, it's kind of too late since I kind of forget how to play it although I suppose if I want to I can go to a local school and pick it up again. Anyway, it was hard to see the S Orchestra being dissolved like this. Chiaki's last speech about everyone moving to the next stage is true but doesn't make it less painful. It really reminds me of all the friends that I've lost due to similar circumstance.

At the same time, this episode also contains many memorable scenes. I really like Chiaki's evil expression when he saw the Kangaroo meat and his subsequent Gari-zushi joke (see below for an interesting Sushi video). Having said that, I wonder what Chiaki actually feel for Nodame. I mean he clearly cares about her otherwise he won't go out of his way to cook her some foods. However, his attitude towards her in general is the opposite of this. I also like the entire farewell party scene although I wonder if the Chiaki in the manga will make funny faces in front of Puri-kuri with everyone else. After reading the manga, I feel that Chiaki in the live action is more of a mixture of Chiaki from the manga and Tamaki Hiroshi's goofy personality. The same thing can be said about Nodame. I think Ueno Juri gives the live action's Nodame an air of sophistication, something which does not present in the original version. The live action characters are also considerably more attractive while the manga characters look 'big-boned' at a glance. XD

Extra: I think I've mentioned this before but it won't hurt showing it again because it's hilarious: Sushi: the Japanese tradition

© memento 2003