Nobunaga Concerto
信長協奏曲〈コンツェルト〉"Who cares about what happened in Japan's past? It has nothing to do with my life." With these words, carefree high school student Saburou finds himself unceremoniously thrown back in time to the Sengoku Era, landing directly in front of the legendary general Nobunaga Oda. Nobunaga, on the run from his retainers and wishing to rest due to his frailty, beseeches Saburou to take his place, as the two bear an uncanny resemblance. Although Saburou is still confused by his surroundings, Nobunaga hurriedly provides the boy with the necessary items to prove that he is the bona fide feudal lord and makes a hasty getaway. Now a stand-in for someone he doesn't even know all that much about—though his modern experiences and knowledge are sure to help him—Saburou begins his unexpected quest to pose as the man who attempted to unite all of Japan. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Reviews
carlo15 - 2014-07-25 02:53:28
I began watching this anime on a whim with near zero expectations. If anything I assumed it to be absolutely terrible. I am thoroughly surprised. Not only have I enjoyed this anime thus far, I am slating it to be a possible favorite of mine among the summer anime 2014.
While reading this review please keep in mind that at this time Nobunaga Concerto only has two aired episodes. This is also my first anime review, as such I apologize in advance for any careless mistakes I happen to make.
Nobunaga Concerto revolves around a boy named Saburou, who "falls" into the past and finds himself acting as a substitute for Oda Nobunaga as a result of the two sharing a similar face. It is a story that has been told many-a-time but probably never quite as historically accurate or in such a way as how Nobunaga Concerto appears to be telling it. The Nobunaga theme is not an original plot-line, but Concerto is starting off much better than it's mechanized-bishounen predecessor.
Nobunaga Concerto's greatest flaw is it's character animation. The character designs, for the most part, I actually enjoy, save for this-and-that side character. The animation movement is... hiccupy, for lack of better word. It seems to skip when it includes head movement, and facial expressions are occasionally lacking. With that in mind the still shots are decent, and occasionally even extremely pretty. The animated horses and other animals appear swanky when in motion, but are well detailed when still. The horses actually look like horses instead of oddly morphed four-legged brown beasts. The backgrounds are easily the strongest point in the animation. They are very well detailed and the scenery gives off the feeling of having actually gone back in time. Trees, leaves, grasses, buildings, and other components of the setting come together very well and are pleasing to the eye.
The music has a good sound. From the traditional Japanese music in the background to the more modern sounding opening and closing songs, they are all sufficient for the series and act as a way to catch and hold the viewer's attention.
The characters are based on their Japanese historical figures, but show interesting personal traits in development that I hope to see more of as the anime continues.
Overall I am looking forward to this continued series and hope it does not take a nosedive into the point of no return.