Blue Orchestra

Xnub Oct 21, 2023

8

***No Spoilers*** If you have watched any of the top musical animes like "Your Lie In April", "Kono Oto Tomare" etc. Then try to compare Blue Orchestra to them you will be sorely disappointed, but i guess to a degree it can’t be helped. It's by no means bad, but it just can’t stand up to the tops in the genre. It's more of the plain vanilla or the middle ground of the genre. As in it does most everything decently, but does nothing amazing at the same time. All the main characters connect well, with good relationships, building and growth, but none really stand out from the norm. It would have been nice if they added some romance into the show. It could have really helped to strengthen the characters and their relationships even more to get them to stand out above the norm. The side characters are a little worse off, mostly the 3rd years. They are not built up with any connections or backstory to get the audience invested into them. Especially for the pay of some of the story arcs were trying to get out of them, causing these parts to fall flat. The music is really good, especially from the cast of actual pro violinists they got together to play the characters parts. One of them being Hilary Hahn who is probably the best violinist in the world. Unfortunately the music was never highlighted like it should have been with the right timings and animation to back it up. This caused many moments when the music was playing to feel less impactful and emotional than it should have been. It still was good though, just could have been much better. The one thing that was below average was the animation, it was really bad. They did a lot of really poor CGI during the musical parts. Which is a real shame because that's when you should go full tilt with the animation to highlight and complement the music to bring out more emotions in the scenes like I was saying above. It's a real shame they couldn't have even brought out at least decent animation to go along with such good performances on the musical side. I do point out a lot of flaws, but it's mostly nitpicking as it really was a good show. It has more than a few emotional scenes, with some gripping moments in the story arcs and good character growth and development throughout. It’s just that I can't help but be overly critical because I compare it to the greats in the genre that are some of my favorite animes of all time. 8/10 - Still a good enjoyable watch even with its flaws.

LunaNoah24 Oct 15, 2023

10

(anime only) Spoiler free: This is a story that had it's ups and downs, but always managed to make me feel like I was a part of it. The muic really sucked you in and the emotions that were shown felt genuine. It really did feel like a lot of love was put into this anime and I am already starting to miss it. I hope a season 2 is anounced soon because I just want to see more. The characters were great, everyone that got explored made me more attached to them and really just were super fun to watch. Animation was what you expect for todays standars: when playing the SGI does show, so that is that. Overall a great watch, maybe I will sit down and rewatch it (after I finnish watching the other animes on my to watch list)

SEGHE Oct 8, 2023

7

Blue Orchestra (Ao no Orchestra) - A Harmonious Symphony of Emotions Story (8/10): Blue Orchestra, with its unique premise, takes us on a journey where music intertwines with the struggles and aspirations of its characters. The narrative explores the world of classical music, capturing the essence of passion, rivalry, and self-discovery. While it occasionally leans into familiar tropes, the execution and emotional depth elevate the storytelling. Animation (7/10): The animation in Blue Orchestra complements the graceful and dynamic nature of classical music. The character designs are expressive, and the performances, whether in music or emotional moments, are visually engaging. While not groundbreaking, the animation succeeds in conveying the energy and beauty inherent in the musical performances. Sound (9/10): Unsurprisingly, the standout aspect of Blue Orchestra is its sound. The music, ranging from classical masterpieces to original compositions, is the beating heart of the series. The soundtrack enhances every scene, creating an immersive experience that resonates with the viewer. The voice performances, particularly during musical performances, contribute to the emotional impact. Characters (7/10): The characters in Blue Orchestra are a diverse ensemble, each with their own musical prowess and personal struggles. The series delves into their individual journeys, creating a symphony of character development. While some character arcs may feel familiar, the depth and sincerity with which they are presented make them relatable and endearing. Overall (7/10): Blue Orchestra succeeds in harmonizing the worlds of music and storytelling, offering a unique and emotionally resonant experience. Its ability to convey the passion and dedication of musicians, coupled with a well-crafted narrative, makes it a compelling watch. The series strikes a balance between drama, music, and character exploration, providing a symphony of entertainment for those who appreciate a blend of musical and emotional depth. With an overall score of 7/10, Blue Orchestra is a tune worth listening to for both music enthusiasts and anime aficionados alike.