In the beautifully crafted film "Your Lie in April," we meet Kousei Arima, a gifted young pianist portrayed by Kento Yamazaki. Under the relentless guidance of his mother, Kousei dominated numerous piano competitions, earning the nickname "the human metronome" for his impeccable timing and skill. However, everything changes after the traumatic death of his mother, which plunges him into a deep emotional turmoil. As a result, Kousei is left in a world where he can no longer hear the music he once loved, rendering him unable to play the piano and locking away his passion for music along with it. This profound loss shapes his character and creates the central conflict around his struggles for identity and healing.
Kousei's life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters Kaori Miyazono, a free-spirited violinist played by Suzu Hirose. Their paths cross through their mutual childhood friend, Sawabe Tsubaki. Kaori's vibrant and carefree personality inspires Kousei to reconnect with his music and rediscover the joy it once brought him. Unlike Kousei, who is constrained by his past and rigid expectations, Kaori embodies the freedom of expression and spontaneity through her playing. Her influence encourages Kousei to confront his fears and embrace the beauty of music once again, reigniting the spark in his soul that had long been extinguished.
However, as their musical connection deepens, Kaori harbors a poignant secret that adds layers of complexity to their relationship. Her struggle becomes intertwined with Kousei's journey, as they both navigate the themes of love, loss, and the transformative power of music. "Your Lie in April" beautifully explores how the bonds we form with others can lead to profound personal revelations and healing, even amidst the shadows of grief. The film masterfully intertwines these narratives, leaving audiences with a heartwarming and bittersweet tale that resonates on a deeply emotional level.
Full Cast of Your Lie in April
Kento Yamazaki
Kousei Arima
Kento Yamazaki delivered a poignant and nuanced performance as Kousei Arima in the film adaptation of the beloved manga and anime series "Your Lie in April" (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso). His portrayal of the prodigious pianist grappling with the loss of his mother and his subsequent inability to hear the music he plays captured the depth of Kousei's internal struggle. Yamazaki effectively conveyed the character's emotional journey from a state of numbness and detachment to gradual reawakening, as Kousei is drawn back into the world of music by the free-spirited violinist Kaori. The actor's expressive eyes and subtle shifts in demeanor brought to life the complex layers of Kousei's trauma, growth, and eventual catharsis. Yamazaki's performance resonated with authenticity, allowing viewers to empathize with Kousei's pain and celebrate his moments of breakthrough, making his portrayal a standout and earning him acclaim for his role in this touching and inspirational story about love, loss, and the healing power of music.
Suzu Hirose
Kaori Miyazono
Suzu Hirose delivered a captivating performance as Kaori Miyazono in the live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series "Your Lie in April." Her portrayal of the free-spirited and enigmatic violinist was both charismatic and nuanced, bringing depth to the character's vibrant personality. Hirose's ability to convey Kaori's unwavering passion for music and life, as well as her underlying complexity, was pivotal in capturing the essence of a character that deeply influences the protagonist, Kosei Arima. Her on-screen presence was magnetic, drawing viewers into Kaori's world of bold creativity and emotional resilience. Hirose's performance was a blend of effervescence and poignancy, which not only did justice to the beloved character but also added a new layer to the narrative, resonating with the film's themes of love, loss, and the transformative power of music.
Taishi Nakagawa
Ryouta Watari
Taishi Nakagawa delivered a compelling and nuanced performance as Ryouta Watari in the live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series 'Your Lie in April' (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso). As the charismatic and multi-talented high school student who excels in sports and academics while harboring a hidden vulnerability, Nakagawa effectively portrayed the character's complex layers. His on-screen chemistry with co-star Kento Yamazaki, who played Kousei Arima, was palpable, capturing the essence of their deep friendship. Nakagawa's performance was particularly praised for his ability to convey Watari's internal conflicts and emotional growth throughout the film. He brought a sense of authenticity and warmth to the role, allowing audiences to empathize with Watari's struggles and cheer for his personal triumphs. Nakagawa's portrayal added depth to the film's exploration of themes such as adolescence, love, and the healing power of music, making his rendition of Ryouta Watari a memorable one for fans of the franchise.
Yuka Itaya delivered a poignant and emotionally resonant performance as Hiroko Seto in the film "Your Lie in April" (2016), a live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series. As the caring and nurturing guardian of the protagonist, Kousei Arima, Itaya portrayed Hiroko with a delicate balance of warmth and strength, seamlessly embodying the character's dual role as a maternal figure and a close family friend. Her performance was highlighted by nuanced expressions and a gentle demeanor that conveyed Hiroko's deep empathy and unwavering support for Kousei as he grapples with his past traumas and the rediscovery of his musical passion. Itaya's Hiroko serves as a beacon of hope and stability in the film, providing a stabilizing presence amidst the chaos of adolescence and the weight of personal loss, and her scenes are imbued with a genuine sense of tenderness that underscores the film's exploration of healing and the transformative power of love and music.
Rei Dan's portrayal of Saki Arima in the live-action adaptation of the beloved manga and anime series "Your Lie in April" is a standout performance that captures the complex layers of her character. As the strict and demanding mother of the prodigious pianist Kosei Arima, Rei Dan brings a palpable intensity to the role, expertly conveying Saki's overwhelming drive for perfection and the emotional burden she places upon her son. Her performance is a delicate balance of severity and vulnerability, as she navigates the intricate dynamics between her own unfulfilled aspirations and the pressures she imposes on Kosei. Dan's Saki is both intimidating and fragile, a figure who evokes a deep-seated fear in her son, yet also reveals glimpses of a woman consumed by her past regrets and unyielding ambitions. The nuanced portrayal adds depth to the film's exploration of the hopes and heartaches inherent in the pursuit of musical excellence, making Saki Arima a memorable and thought-provoking character.
Crew of Your Lie in April
Full backstage crew list →
