Nodame Cantabile Live Action ep.11 (Final)

January 1, 2007 | 50 Comments

Happy New Year, everyone!! I hope you had a great time last night or the night before, whichever applies to you. Moving on to the actual entry, there are a lot of crying in this final episode to the point that I'm not sure which ones are acting and which ones are real. This is especially true for Ueno Juri, Tamaki Hiroshi, Eita, and Saeko. At some point, I actually wondered if the actors actually cried for real since some of them look like they've been attending someone's funeral as opposed to listening to a concert. Although it's unlikely, it's also not far-fetch to believe that some of the actors might have had difficulty filming that last scene since they seem very close to each other. In fact, one of the side pleasures of watching this series was seeing them working together or involved in variety shows like Waratte Iitomo! or Bistro SMAP. I hope I'll get to see them working together again one day either in the sequel or in another drama.

The episode begins with Nodame back at her family's house, ready to have Nabe. The conversation turns into a debate about Nodame's life when her little brother reminds them that Nodame won't be able to become a teacher unless she goes to the right university. He's mostly unhappy because the family's money have gone to pay for Nodame's education and yet nothing seems to come out of this. Nodame who doesn't feel like getting into a debate decides to go back to her room. Her family is concerned about this because she hasn't play her piano ever since she comes back home. True enough, Nodame is shown playing video games in her room instead. Back in Tokyo, Mine's father brings a Rising Star Christmas Concert set-menu for Sakuma. When he offers Chiaki the menu, Chiaki asks him for club sandwiches instead. Chiaki also asks Sakuma if he's had success in finding new conductor for R☆S Orchestra.

Sakuma tells Chiaki that he's had the chance to talk to Matsuda Yukihisa and he's very interested in conducting for the orchestra. Chiaki is very happy to hear this and thanks Sakuma for all of his efforts. Having said that, he wonders why Sakuma always help his Orchestra and himself. Sakuma tells Chiaki that just like Brahms who had excellent instructors such as Cossel and Joseph, for a musician to have his name written in the history, he doesn't just need talent but an important partner. Sakuma admits that he'd like to become that kind of person. Their conversation is interrupted when Keeko enters the restaurant and reminds Sakuma that his deadline due 30 minutes ago. Tat night, Keeko informs Chiaki that Sakuma also wanted to become a musician when he was younger but unfortunately he didn't have the talent to become one. This is the reason that Sakuma can't overlook a person who despite having talent, is wasting it away.

A few days later, R☆S Orchestra decides to have another drinking party to celebrate their new member, pray for the success of the Christmas concert, and Chaki's future activities abroad. The twin sisters who used to be in S Orchestra thank Chiaki for allowing them to join the R☆S Orchestra but Chiaki tells them that they did it on their own when they sent their audition tape. Kikuchi immediately uses the opportunity to sweet-talk the new girl to give him their mobile phone number. Chiaki praises everyone from S Orchestra because they've surprisingly become so skillful. Everyone is happy to hear this and wants a piece of Chiaki, especially Masumi and Takahashi. Unfortunately for Takahashi, Masumi kicks him out before he can even score a group glomp with Chiaki. Chiaki decides to move towards an area where Kuroki, Kiyora, and Sakura are sitting. The three quickly find out that Chiaki has decided which country he'll be going to.

Kuroki himself plans on taking an exam to study abroad next year. Upon hearing this, Mine wonders if Chiaki has selected someone to replace him. Ookouchi wants the position and thinks he deserves it but unfortunately Chiaki has chosen Matsuda Yukihisa. Chiaki informs them that the guy has been with Paris Orchestra and is now conducting M Philharmonic in Japan. The Orchestra are excited upon hearing this since Matsuda is a famous conductor who already made a name for himself. Upon seeing the excitement of his Orchestra, Chiaki realises that his job is finally over. A few days later, Mine, Kiyora, Masumi, and Sakura tries to contact Nodame but can't seem to reach her. Kiyora, who doesn't know Nodame well immediately remembers her as Chiaki's girlfriend, a statement which pisses off Masumi. At the same time, Chiaki is seen inside his apartment looking upset because he can't listen to Nodame's piano ever since the two had a fight.

His thought is interrupted when Mine's father call him about a Christmas cake that Nodame ordered. Apparently Nodame ordered one but because she had to go back home, she told Mine's father to give it to Chiaki as a present. Along the way, Mine's father also informs Chiaki that Nodame's home is in Okawa City, Fukuoka. All of a sudden, Mine takes over the phone and tells Chiaki that he's cancelled their practice because Kiyora has been complaining about not having a day off. He then hangs up the phone before Chiaki can say a word. Chiaki thinks that he might be able to contact Nodame using phone but unfortunately the mailing address on one of the package sent from her family's home doesn't have one. Chiaki is frustrated by this and remembers what Sakuma said about wanting to become a partner to Chiaki's success. Chiaki wonders why he should be that kind of partner for Nodame but eventually decides to find Nodame in Fukuoka.

Back in Fukuoka, Nodame walks on her own around the hometown before sitting near the riverbank. As she does this, she hums the song which she performed in the concours. This seems to revitalise her interest in piano so she returns home and plays the piano. Upon doing so, she realises that the piano has been tuned up by her family all of these times. Meanwhile, Chiaki has arrived at Fukuoka via Shinkansen but when he tries to find a local train that goes to Okawa, he can't find said destination on the subway map. Because of this, he decides to take a risk and catch a cab instead (taking a taxi in Japan is unbelievably expensive, try to avoid it if you can). As Nodame plays the piano, Chiaki wonders how he's going to persuade Nodame to come with him especially since he has come here without notice. He's especially worried because he thinks Nodame has no interest in becoming a professional and will reject if strongly forced.

Chiaki really believed that if he asked Nodame to come with him to Europe, she'd certainly follow him. Chiaki is slightly annoyed with Nodame's rejection because as it turns out, he had to muster up some courage just to be able to say those words. In fact, he can't believe that he would want to bring someone as strange as her with him. Back in her house, Nodame receives an applause from her grandmother upon finishing her piece. Her grandmother believes that the song in question must be something that Nodame leant at the school. Upon hearing the applause, Nodame remembers how the audience cheered for her during the concours. Nodame tells her grandma that the piece in question is a Schubert which she played in the concours. Unfortunately she failed in the tournament. Instead of dwelling on that, however, her grandmother asked her if the tournament was enjoyable. After thinking about it, Nodame admit it was enjoyable.

She explains how the audiences clapped for her even though it was just the first performance. Nodame thinks even though she's not good at Schubert, she's finally able to play it well. Inside the cab, Chiaki starts to panic when the driver takes him out of the town. Upon seeing some Saga prefecture signage, Chiaki reminds the driver that he wants to go to Okawa city in Fukuoka prefecture. The driver tells him that he believes Okawa city is mostly inside Saga prefecture. Upon hearing this, Chiaki realises that Okawa is not a big city. Because of this, he tries to reach Nodame by calling her mobile but unfortunately her mobile is still turned off. Meanwhile, Nodame herself is surprised that she still has her mobile turned off. When she turn it back on, she finds out that Etou-sensei has sent her not 1 but 23 messages. Despite this, Nodame ignores the messages and decides to open the one with "Purigorota News" heading instead.

Unfortunately for Nodame, that news heading is just something that Etou-sensei used to fool her into reading his message. Much to her surprise, the message is to let her know that she's been recommended by Professor Auclair so Etou decided to sent an application form to Conservatorium De Paris. The exam will be in February so if Nodame wants to go, she needs to contact Etou as soon as possible. Back in Uraken, Masumi praises Mine's decision to send Chiaki after Nodame. Mine claims that he did it for the sake of his best friend and soul mate. Moreover, if Nodame is not around, there'll be no one here to taste his father's new menu. Mine's father is grateful to hear his son saying this. Much to Mine's surprise, Masumi doesn't mind anymore that Chiaki goes after Nodame since without her, he wouldn't have been able to be this close to Chiaki. Their conversation comes to a halt when the rest of the R☆S Orchestra comes to Uraken looking for them.

Apparently they have the idea to practice without Chiaki. Since this will be his last performance, everyone wants to do their best for him. At the same time, Chiaki's cab fare has reached 16270 Yen (around $160) and they are still in the middle of nowhere. Chiaki is pissed off about this because this means Nodame lied to him about living in metropolitan area. This, however, made him realise that Nodame lied to him when she told him that she participated in concours just for the money and didn't enjoy her performance. Much to Chiaki's surprise, all of a sudden he receives a phone call from Nodame. Nodame is relieved to know that Chiaki is still in Japan. Before Chiaki can scold Nodame and tells her that he's on her way to her home, he spots her walking in the opposite direction of his taxi. While Nodame happily tells Chiaki that she's decided to study overseas as well, Chiaki asks the cab driver to stop right away.

After exiting the cab, Chiaki asks Nodame if she's really serious about studying overseas and much to his relief, Nodame confirms this. She explains that Etou informed her that Professor Auclair has recommended her to go to a school in France. Having said that, Nodame still has exam to do and the country might be different from the one where Chiaki will go to. Despite this, Nodame will do her best and wish that one day she can perform a concert on the same stage with him. She wants Chiaki to be the conductor while she plays the piano in Philadelphia Orchestra. The concert will be so successful that everyone all around the world will ask the golden pair of Chiaki and Nodame to perform. She also thinks that performing Rhapsody in Blue with New York Philharmonic will be a good thing to do as well. Before Nodame realises it, Chiaki already glomps her from behind and tells her to say those things after she passes her exam.

Nodame is surprised about this but Chiaki ignores her and asks her to pass the exam. In fact, he insists that she must pass the exam and comes with him to Europe. If she refuses him again, he promises that he won't forgive her. After getting over her initial shock, Nodame replies to his request with a simple "Merry Christmas" which Chiaki replies accordingly as he hugs her tighter. Their closeness is interrupted when a man in a boat yell at them, asking Chiaki what he is doing to Nodame in an open area like this. Much to Chiaki's horror, the man is none other than Nodame's father! Later on, Nodame explains to her family that she's going overseas but her family throws rubbish at her when she asks for more money. Chiaki tries to assure her that there are organisations who can support her. Besides, she has been recommended by one of the Professor. Upon hearing this, Nodame's family immediately assume that Chiaki is Nodame's boyfriend.

Chiaki tries to deny this but is immediately confronted by Nodame's father for hugging his daughter near the riverbank. Chiaki tries to explain that it's similar to when football players hug another players after making a goal, there's no meaning to it. Nodame is not helping him when she makes fun of what he said about not forgiving her if she refuses his second offer to go with him to Europe. Much to Chiaki's horror, the entire family accepts him as their future in-law. Back in Tokyo, Mine has just finished practicing when he finds out that Kiyora has been waiting for him outside. The two have talk about how this will be their last performance together. Mine promises to practice well so when Kiyora returns, the two of them can compete to see which one can become the concert master. The next day, Nodame asks Chiaki which country he's going to. Chiaki tells her that he's going to Prague although he actually was considering either Prague or Paris.

Chiaki is shocked when he finds out that Nodame hasn't been able to play Piano well and decides to take her back to Tokyo. Unfortunately, they meet her father on the way out so they end up looking around Okawa instead. While Nodame wanders around, her father asks Chiaki if he thinks Nodame would be okay studying abroad. Nodame's father then mentions how Nodame started playing piano when she was 5. It was then that she met a piano teacher who lived next door. But because Nodame was very good, she recommended her to study at a music school. It was around then that Nodame started to become strange. Her father explains to Chiaki that her teacher was very strict as a result, Nodame didn't like going to piano lesson anymore. After the abusive incident, the teacher apologised but Nodame lost her interest in piano just like she did the day before yesterday. Because of this Nodame's father wonders if she's suitable for music world.

He knows very well that to be a professional pianist, a person can't just play the piano the way the person wants to. Chiaki confirms this but at the same time, he believes that Nodame will be okay. Neither of them or Nodame will know if she'll be successful but Chiaki knows that he likes her piano. Upon hearing this, Nodame's father thinks that Chiaki really loves Nodame so he proclaims Chiaki as his son in-law. Chiaki is then dragged back into the house where they have prepared a feast for him and have to put up with the family's lame jokes. Chiaki eventually swear off that he won't go to France when Nodame's mother tried to measure his body to make him a new cloth. Unfortunately for Chiaki, his choice is already been determined by fate. His mother and Saiko find out that Chiaki's father, Masayuki has moved to Prague. Since Chiaki hates to be compared to his father, Saiko suggests to his mother that Chiaki go to Paris instead.

A few days later, Chiaki and Nodame are back in Tokyo so he can practice for the concert. Before that, however, they decide to take photos together. Mine asks Chiaki to have a successful career abroad. Chiaki is touched to hear this but what Mine meant is that so he can sell this photo for higher price. Unfortunately, no one wants to volunteer to take the photos so they force Nodame to do it since she's not part of the Orchestra. In retaliation, Nodame only takes Chiaki's photos. After the photo, Chiaki throws Nodame out but he tells her that he'll be waiting for her in Paris. The orchestra then goes to practice "Sarasate", a fantasy piece for "Carmen" which was composed by combining famous melodies from Carmen Opera. Although it's a difficult piece, Chiaki knows that Kiyora should be able to handle this with ease. This reminds Chiaki how Kiyora offered to make an orchestra with him, thus creating a place for him to belong.

Back at school, Nodame has a tearful but happy farewell to her two friends while her two teachers, Tanioka and Etou, talk about her future. On the day of the performance, every members in the Orchestra come to the dressing room and thanks Chiaki one by one. Kuroki promises to meet Chiaki again in Spring, Kiyora thanks him for making an orchestra with her, and Mine promises to write letter to Chiaki. Much to Nodame's surprise, Strezemann also comes to see the Orchestra's performance so she uses the opportunity to let him know that she's ready to face music seriously. As the Orchestra performs Beethoven Symphony No.7, Chiaki remembers everything that has happened after he met Nodame. Chiaki eventually unable to stop himself from crying as the performance reaches its end. He finally realises that these people have changed his life. Nevertheless, the performance ends well and the audience gives applause to the orchestra. The episode ends with Chiaki looking at Nodame, who looks proud of his success.

Impression:

I will start by giving impression of this last episode. It was a good decision by the live action producer to move the date of the concert from the original 3rd January in the manga to the 25th December in this version. It seems more powerful this way and provided a neat way to end the series. I also don't remember there are that many members from the S Orchestra joining R☆S Orchestra in the manga. If I remember correctly, only the twin sisters join the R☆S Orchestra. I don't think manga version of Sakura is even meant to be in this orchestra. I like this little change that the live action took since I miss the S Orchestra members. Speaking of the members, it's interesting to see Kuroki telling Chiaki that he too, will be going overseas next year. Those who have read the manga will know what this means. While I don't think this is a sign that they'll make a second season, at least the possibility is not over either.

In other note, Mine sending Chiaki to go after Nodame shows that he actually knows a lot about his friends. I think he knew that Chiaki possibly likes Nodame when he found out from Nodame that Chiaki cooked for her. Come to think of it, the live action drama seems to emphasise the friendship between Chiaki and Mine a bit more than the manga. Without his interference, Chiaki wouldn't have the time to go after Nodame in Okawa. Moving along, the Chiaki/Nodame scene in Okawa works as well as it was in the manga. Having said that, it always surprises me to see Chiaki behaving out of character like this. On a hindsight, Chiaki is probably one of those characters who doesn't really understand his own feelings until it hits him in the face. In fact, after reading the Paris arc, it really dawns on me that he is actually quite insecure in his relationship with Nodame, which is surprising considering that he always looks so confident to others.

I had a tough time watching that piano teacher beating up Nodame. I think the most disturbing part was seeing little Nodame looking lost after the incident. I really hope that finding out about the incident will make Chiaki less tougher on Nodame. The farewell scenes probably came off cheesy to others but unfortunately I was too busy trying not to cry so obviously the scene worked on me. I already mentioned before about whether or not the crying was acting or the actors became sad on their own. I believe it's a mixture of the two. Overall, this has been the best manga to live-action adaptation I've ever seen so far. The weird manga-style effect is easy to get used to and becomes enjoyable after a while. Some have argued that the actors are not good at conducting or playing the instrument they must play but one must keep in mind that with the exception of music students, the majority of the viewers won't know what's good and what's bad.

Besides, my main concern was their acting and I think the majority of the actors did a good job in this regard. I'm especially impressed with Ueno Juri's rendition of Nodame's "Gyabo" and Tamaki Hiroshi's rendition of Chiaki's "Hieee!!" when they are upset/shocked. The two also did a good job with the facial contortion that they must show within the series. It's not often that I find a live action series where I look forward to see the characters each week. Nodame Cantabile, however, was one of those series. Bring on the second season! I really want to see Tanya, Paul, Frank played by real-life actor. I always wonder if Tanya is meant to be good-looking or not since it's hard to gauge just by looking at the manga. Anyway, thank you for discussing the series here so far. I really enjoy reading the comments and everyone's contribution. I'll be covering the anime as well so I hope most of you will join in the discussion for that one as well. And once again, Happy New Year!

© memento 2003