Sound Euphonium - Review
Sound! Euphonium charts the journey of Kumiko, a somewhat distant and disinterested student, who, having just entered high school, seeks a clean-break. An experienced Euphonium player in her middle school’s band, she left under a cloud, having inadvertently insulted her one-time friend, Reina. Despite her resistance, Kumiko is pressured into joining the school brass band, upon the insistence of her new friends, Sapphire and Haruki.
Things quickly become complicated, as former band-mate Reina also joins the school, as does a new and driven band teacher, Noboru Taki. It’s not long before promises are made, alliances are forged, and their road to the national competition begins.
Not only does the series follow the progress of the band, but also our protagonist, Kumiko. She quickly identifies the band’s ability is mediocre, yet is completely apathetic to their cause. She’s likeable as a character, because of how normal she is - almost terrifyingly so.
Passive to her surroundings, as well as those who around her, as she readily concedes to whatever the norm may be. This overriding dispassion is what causes the rift between her and Reina, though she struggles to understand and accept this. Choosing despondency over any sort of reconciliation is what drives her to find solace in conformity.
Imbuing the mundane with the spectacular seems to something of Kyoto Animation’s forte, and it’s through the unassuming premise, that ranges of emotions are explored.
A brass band is big, and so are the individual egos of its players. To its credit, this isn’t something that is quickly glossed over - a lot of time is spent with these teenagers, as they toil with their practice, and each other. The resolutions are not always clean, as it explores some relatable ideas/questions. Can effort/intent, alone, supplant talent? Is sentiment more valuable than success? The nicest people are not necessarily those who are the most deserving of success.
Depicting the adolescent experience in a way that may surprise you, because it hits close, and it hits often. It isn’t melodramatic, or maudlin in its approach. This is a somber coming-of-age story that has a real deftness in its execution.
The characters grow, but as a result of taking charge of their own destiny, which sometimes involves conceding to the harshness that often comes with it. Kumiko encapsulates all of this, beginning as an atypical teen, and gradually transitioning into someone with real conviction and drive.
Like other Kyoto Animation show’s that have preceded it, Sound! Euphonium retains a familiar house-style, most closely resembling the likes of Hyouka. It retains the lavish production values that we have come to associate with their works - animation, direction, and music, altogether sumptuous. The detail, which has gone into the musical aspects, deserves special praise - it really treats it with a real reverence, something that draws you into caring about it implicitly.
That said, there is lack of bombast here, and chances are that, if you’re not a fan of Kyoto’s particular brand, you won’t find much to keep you satisfied. It’s a presentation, which neither belabors, nor patronizes, but is thoughtful - and rewards its audience for coming along for the ride.
Cute without the creepy. Slice of life, minus the fantastical. Hibike succeeds through its earnestness to show the reality and romance associated with the world in which it inhabits. Highly recommended.