Rom-com moments help leaven ‘Your Lie in April’s’ melodramatic excesses

Suzu Hirose (left) and Kento Yamazaki

There are provocative themes, pertinent ethical issues and earnest portrayals from Robert Redford and Cate Blanchett in James Vanderbilt’s political docudrama, “Truth,” about the disputed news report (involving former US President George W. Bush’s military service in Vietnam) that led to the eventual resignation of anchor Dan Rather from “CBS Evening News” in 2006.

But if you prefer a heartwarming coming-of-age tale that features charismatic lead actors, kwela rom-com moments and great music, the movie to make a beeline for at the cineplex this week is Takehiko Shinjo’s manga-inspired drama, “Your Lie in April.”

The film gets its crowd-pleasing boost and narrative hook from the story of 17-year-old former child prodigy Kosei Arima (Kento Yamazaki), whose world is turned upside down when he falls in love with loopy violinist Kaori Miyazono (Suzu Hirose).

For Kosei, who quit playing the piano after the cancer-related death of his perfectionist mom, the only way to keep Kaori close by is to accompany the lovely teenager in the music competitions she takes part in.

Problem is, Kaori is attracted to Kosei’s best friend, star soccer player Ryota Watari (Taishi Nakagawa).

The romantic roundelay is made even more eventful when Kosei realizes that his pretty gal pal, Tsubaki Sawabe (Anna Ishii of the Japanese girl group E-girls), has been carrying a torch for him for years! What to do?

From left: Kento Yamazaki, Anna Ishii, Taishi Nakagawa and Suzu Hirose

We’ve seen films that tackle similar stories and subject matter many times before, but Shinjo’s screen romance is enriched further by the heartbreaking back stories of Kosei and Kaori, who are haunted by their character-forming pasts and a debilitating illness.

The film’s soundtrack and well-staged musical sequences enhance its appeal and heighten Kosei’s life-and-death dilemma that will drive viewers to the edge of their seats. It doesn’t hurt that Yamazaki, Hirose, Ishii and Nakagawa are likable actors who judiciously resist the urge to overperform.

The movie has dramatic scenes that are sometimes too schmaltzy for a teen romp, but it also has comedic sequences that help leaven its melodramatic excesses.

“Your Lie in April” will make you laugh, fall in love with its beleaguered characters and the actors portraying them and cry, so make sure you have your hanky close by.