I really loved the story. In some way I don't think it would have had the same impact if Kaori hadn't died. Especially since I suspected as much almost from the start. The only thing I felt lacking about the ending was about Arima's future as a pianist. Did he win the competition and get into that high-school? I have to assume so with the audience's reaction, but considering this was a major focus of the story (besides Kaori) that seems a bit weak way of wrapping that up. It certainly didn't give me any sense of conclusion on that issue.
I really loved the story. In some way I don't think it would have had the same impact if Kaori hadn't died. Especially since I suspected as much almost from the start. The only thing I felt lacking about the ending was about Arima's future as a pianist. Did he win the competition and get into that high-school? I have to assume so with the audience's reaction, but considering this was a major focus of the story (besides Kaori) that seems a bit weak way of wrapping that up. It certainly didn't give me any sense of conclusion on that issue.