View Full Version : Kanon - 2006 - Episode 7 Discussion / Poll
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Well, as the title suggests: Fuga of Runaways and Kittens. People already said "Makoto gets the cat this episode" so I'm inclined to believe that the cat is going to play an intregal part in her character development. In the second to last scene of the preview, she has a one-way conversation with the cat where she says the both of them are the same - nuisances with nowhere to go. I wonder if she runs away from Akiko's home or something, maybe because she overheard a conversation where they were talking about how troublesome she is. = |
Furthermore, that scene had grass in it. Where'd all the snow go? = O
It's probably a Makoto-heavy episode. I'm really eager to know if she's going to make or break in these upcoming 25 minutes. I'm barely stomaching her immaturity and I don't know how much more I can put up with it. Then again, Ayu's plenty short but the same age as Yuuichi. If Makoto really is younger than she looks, I'd probably be more sympathetic.
But Makoto doesn't remember that either, I bet. -_-
It's probably a Makoto-heavy episode. I'm really eager to know if she's going to make or break in these upcoming 25 minutes. I'm barely stomaching her immaturity and I don't know how much more I can put up with it. Then again, Ayu's plenty short but the same age as Yuuichi. If Makoto really is younger than she looks, I'd probably be more sympathetic.
But Makoto doesn't remember that either, I bet. -_-
I'm sure I'm not the first one to say that KyoAni is handling the Makoto-story and her character perfectly. Be a little more patient with her character and you will most definitely be in for a treat. :D I should know since I'm terribly spoiled by the old Kanon series.
Looking forward to the RAW for the episdoe.
aye... in retrospect Zaris is probably going to feel terrible for saying bad things about Makoto :)
Actually, that is really the case for every character in the show.... anyone saying bad things about them will probably regret doing so later.
:)
Ascaloth
2006-11-15, 22:25
Furthermore, that scene had grass in it. Where'd all the snow go? = O
If I remember correctly, it's also grass in the game, too.......and I've never played the game itself, just seen various CGs of the hill.
houkoholic
2006-11-16, 11:40
First half has some real comedy gold per usual (the jam scene is so full of win), but the second half the heavy drama's starting to kick in. The ride's about to begin for the Makoto's story. Again a very nice tie in with Mai plus making a scene a lot less contrived, major kudos for Kyoani with this original addition.
And the preview just has no more subtilities to what's to come, it's screaming out that something important is gonna happen to a particular character with the way it's chronographed.
Screenshots (http://randomc.animeblogger.net/2006/11/16/kanon-07/) of episode 7 courtesy of Random Curiosity.
Mmm, I see Nayuki with her chubby face again :heh:
KenOhki'sRage
2006-11-16, 21:18
Geez I keep giving out 10s.
Looks like a Makoto heavy episode. Neat. I'm liking her 1000 times more this time around. Her interaction with Yuuichi is perfect I came about 2 inches from bawling during this episode. Especially during the dinner scene toward the end.
When Mishio was introduced I almost lost it, I didn't expect to see her till much closer to the end. Now that she's here (and we see more of her in the preview) the end of Makoto's arc is coming quickly. Looks like her story will be the first to resolve :upset: probably because her story needs less interaction with the other girls. I expect this Kanon will make me very depressed, sigh.
Thelastguardian
2006-11-16, 21:23
If I remember correctly, the intro to Makoto's route (meeting with the cat) starts at Jan. 2x (the story starts at Jan. 7?).
Obviously KyoAni moved the scene a lot earlier than the game. I wonder whether this will have an effect on Makoto's character buildup.
Anyway, there's not much to write about in episode 7.
I think KyoAni makes Makoto's route first because it is the only route that doesn't predominately use "love" as the main theme/device.
If you look at the other characters' routes, their "love" for Yuiichi plays a major part in their stories. If you look at Makoto's route, however, the dominite theme will be "belonging" (similar to Air) - you can see evidence of this in the late night snack scene in episode 7.
I wonder if this is done to put Yuuichi in good light - as in not making moves on *gasp* little girls until tragedy strikes.
Paranoid, I am.
And yes, most of the girls' misery comes from Yuuichi. He ruined many people's lifes (ok maybe not Shiori, but...).
OK I will be serious - why did they take out Nayuki and Yuuichi's dialogue after the cat scene? The one where how Yuuichi knows Nayuki is allegic to cat? Wouldn't the conversation shows that Yuuichi is starting to remember his past in this town?
Well, at least it's not your run of the mill "1 girl/episode" bishoujo series - only half of the episode deals with Makoto. Thank god.
It's about time the anime start an arc. The intro arc seems a little long no?
Ascaloth
2006-11-16, 21:30
Now, I'm one of those that has to wait for the SS-Eclipse subs to come out before actually touching a new episode, but if what you guys say are true...I'm getting the feeling that KyoAni may just end up falling back on a variation of the "modular" approach once again, instead of the "interleave" approach they had promised.
I'll explain more on my POV, but perhaps I should continue this in the spoiler thread instead?
Meophist
2006-11-16, 21:49
He did talk about Nayuki's cat allergy, but he did it before she touched the cat.In any case, I guess it's undeniable now that they're in Makoto's arc. I'll be interested in seeing how they'll go through with it. I'm expecting it to have quite a few changes from the '02 version.
Now, I'm one of those that has to wait for the SS-Eclipse subs to come out before actually touching a new episode, but if what you guys say are true...I'm getting the feeling that KyoAni may just end up falling back on a variation of the "modular" approach once again, instead of the "interleave" approach they had promised.
I'll explain more on my POV, but perhaps I should continue this in the spoiler thread instead?
well, even in an interleave approach, you have to idle the focus at times in threads in which important events are looming (i.e. sometimes it is bad dramatic form to cut from the starship battle to mom-buying-groceries ... sometimes it provides good contrast). Makoto's thread is a bit unique so I'm less bothered in this case than I might be with, say, Nayuki and Ayu.
DanielSong39
2006-11-16, 22:18
A lot of you are complaining about the modular approach, but the truth is that sometimes you need to have some level of focus for the dramatic scenes to have the desired impact.
Ideally you don't want Character A spills her guts to Yuuichi one moment and have Character B say "Uguu" and acts silly the next moment.
A dramatic arc needs a proper buildup and resolution. If that means being "modular" - is modularity such a bad thing?
Meophist
2006-11-16, 22:18
I do like how they're developing Mai alongside Makoto. Did that happen in the game?
In any case, even though I knew what was going to happen on the bridge, it still caught me off-guard.
Now, I'm one of those that has to wait for the SS-Eclipse subs to come out before actually touching a new episode, but if what you guys say are true...I'm getting the feeling that KyoAni may just end up falling back on a variation of the "modular" approach once again, instead of the "interleave" approach they had promised.
It's probably physically impossible to "interleave" all the routes together beyond the regular daily scenes, which Kyoani has done up to this point. As Yuuichi goes down one girl's route, it becomes impossible for him to chase after the others (which is why he's doing his best to set up all the flags beforehand, what a smart way to play :heh: ).
Instead, I think what they're doing is trying to keep the other heroines actively involved even during a particular heroine's route, so it would appear that everyone's involved in a single large story, with all the routes "connected" to each other somehow. (For example, Mai's involvement in Makoto's route. Which also introduces Mai's story a little... perhaps because they'll be doing her story next?)
Still, once we head into a heroine's route for real, the story becomes quite heavy. If they're planning to hit us with one route after another from here on, I wonder how the anime's mood will hold up...
Anyway, it's still the serious stuff that people's waiting for. I gotta say, the bridge scene was really nicely done.
That dining scene in the end with 残光 playing... uwa... looks like I'll have to secure some tissues soon
Kaori's "that person's always running around" line cracked me up. :heh:
The preview was great too, in a way. :heh:
panzerfan
2006-11-17, 00:21
I agree with that sentiment. This whole episode though just pushes me to more into a slight melancholy. Kanon is only getting more and more emotional and there's no turning back.
Makoto's silioque is a very powerful moment. I remember that very clearly from the game and the Toei version. (and yes, I feel sorry for Makoto when it comes to the jam)
Nayuki's cat allergy. Well Kyuichi remembers that.
In 7:41, I had to go back to listen to the dialogue a few times... because of Sayuri's line: "なのはなしです?" (Guess what I was thinking about?)
Amano's talk with Yuuichi is something that I slightly dread. Makoto weakening will follow suit and now that we've seen the fox on the hill, the true meaning behind Makoto's name, Monori hill finale and the wedding scene will unravel in a matter of a few weeks.
What I am unsure of is how will the characters come out of this... will Ayu and Mai react to the conclusion of the Makoto arc?
Ascaloth
2006-11-17, 00:22
DSong, sorry, but I have no idea what you're trying to say. :p
Well, how should I explain this...You see, from what we have of the hints so far,
Makoto's arc is probably gonna complete by episode 9.
What I'm thinking is similar to Sushi-Y, but the thing is, I was kind of expecting it to stretch a coupla more episodes. And my impression of the interleave approach goes as thus:
1) The la-la stretch (which we've got so far all the way up to Ep6)
2) Character A's arc starts, beginning of the buildup of A's heavy-duty stuff
3) Approximately 3/4 through A's arc, where everything is coming to a head, Character B's arc starts building up as well.
4) Character A's arc comes to a head and ends 1/4 through B's arc.
5) 3/4 of the way through B's arc, where B's heavy-duty stuff is coming to a head, Character C's arc starts building up from there.
And so on, and so forth.
Now granted, perhaps it is already happening, and perhaps it's just too subtle for me to pick up on easily, but the point is, if they're going to give about the same number of episodes for each girl (perhaps a little more for you-know-who) as they're giving Makoto right now, somehow it feels as if KyoAni's gonna run itself out of content before the 24th episode. I'd be a lot more relieved if Makoto gets a coupla more episodes than the hints are pointing to now, since that way I'll be a bit more certain that everybody's arcs will fill up the whole 24 episodes.
Also, it'll be best if KyoAni's Kanon doesn't drop any of the girls totally, you know what I mean? As in, sure she has to go, but maybe you can still have flashbacks, reminiscenes of her, after her arc. Don't forget her totally, like ToeiAni's Kanon did.
panzerfan
2006-11-17, 04:17
Well the thing that we can watch for is how the other characters (C) will respond to the storyarc conclusion of character A . The norm has been that the other characters are seemingly unaware or unaffected, although in Kanon the leads have some degree of rapport with each other.
And what do you know? english sub has appeared already.
Geez, guys. This is the ep. 7 discussion thread. Alot of the stuff you guys have in spoilers belongs in the speculation threads. Be nice to the first timers here. :)
IRJustman
2006-11-17, 10:55
Now, I'm one of those that has to wait for the SS-Eclipse subs to come out before actually touching a new episode
[...]
EcStatic's print is out now. Dunno how long ago it was released, but it's up.
--Ian.
UPDATE: Was about an hour ago per a conversation I had with Mentar.
Klashikari
2006-11-17, 11:46
*comments...hope it's not too spoilerish, yet teasing enough XD*
the warm up prank was a bit cold... though it was funny how yuuichi was owned after all XD
like several said, the Jam part was great (yuuichi and Nayuki's reactions, and their "RIP" quotes were perfect :heh: kudos to Likuza Mayumi, makoto seyuu, for the ultimate "poor puppy" moment, impossible to have not pity for her )
Nayuki and Makoto just broke the "moe face" scale of the whole episode this time ^^
yuuichi lost AGAIN against mai... more laughter with his panick !
Ayu... SUCCESS STRIKE !!! though it was REALLY short for this episode ~~
Yuuichi VS Makoto, Second Match... this time, yuuichi wins definitavely the "gentle guy, yet realistic and sour-sweet at good times" prize. (though i think he was a bit... too nice for some parts)
Bridge : oi... refers the previous point : yuuichi is TOO nice. that aside, this event gave a lot of climax atmosphere. (it is a key moment of makoto's arc, isn't it?)#preview : this is really scary : "near makoto only" episode:heh: (but sounds it will be sweet, going lovey dovy... a bit too much if you ask me ~~)
this episode was really enjoyable, yet i'm afraid the sakuga quality is going down hill again, but fortunately, at a small rate. (there are several characters head getting a bit weird in some proportions, especially the mouths...)
The worst thing so far about Kanon is that there's not much for me to comment on. It's following the game more faithfully than I expected (has there ever been a more faithful game to anime adaptation?), and the overall quality has been exceptional. The only thing I have to add is that Makoto has been a very simple, yet extremely interesting character so far. It would be a bit of a shame to finish out her story so soon, but it's sort of unavoidable as well.
There's Makoto overload on this episode and the next one too. Lol! That was kinda cold of her to drop the cat in a busy highway. I guess that cat was pretty lucky that he/she was saved by the truck. Either way, it still has 8 lives should it touch the ground :heh: Mmm, Ayu's appearance is kinda random though.
Big hints for Makoto in this episode...
A very good episode in deed. And 4Tran, you made a good point there. I haven't played the game, but it's just done so well that there isn't much to talk about...
Deathkillz
2006-11-17, 13:07
haha great start to another ep :)
- makoto is never going to get one on yuuichi...but her "ahaha" laugh sure is cure ^_^ but yuuichi did get his butt handed to him when makoto ruined his homework :p
- nayuki loves strawberry jam :p and makoto tastes the kiss of death :heh: poor girl...
- neko neko mode for nayuki...i didnt know she was allergic to cats...shame :/
yuuichi is such a player :p even at shcool he couldnt help jumping at shiori then again to mai...even made a joke about her "business"
lol for once ayu even gets one over yuuichi...spearheading his back into oblivion XD
then the scene jumps to makoto and yuuichi spending some quality time...(man his days are busy :heh:)...
- mr cat makes his appearance again and this time steals makoto's bun :p
but all fun things come to end at the bridge when makoto talks about animals and how they are abandoned...i think thats a BIG hint towards makoto's charater...she eyes also shows her to be in some kind of trance...emotions fly as yuuichi was about to slap her but he manages to hold back...
the end scene with makoto is touching...she believes that she is abandoned like the stray cat...there just this nagging thing at the back of my neck that says this is not good...and when the fox appeared...im just anticipating whats going to happen next...and the preview isnt helping >.< a lot of makoto next ep it seems and i think i know why...even thinking about it is making my heart ache...
a really touching/funny/emotional/thoughtful and painful ep worthy of a 10/10 :D love this series ^_^
Leo_Otaku
2006-11-17, 14:00
I just had to snatch up my cat when Piro appeared ^-^
I really like the dinner scene at the end and the argument on the bridge was really well done.
I liked the Mishio part too how she gets a better characterization to her.
Oh my god! I freaked out when Makoto dropped the cat, I was so angry too....I wish Yuichii slapped her anyways. ;_; So glad it turned out okay!!! >_<
Ep 7 The following are opinions of a first time viewer of Kanon
My heart skipped a beat when Makoto let go of the cat on the bridge. I was like "Is this what they meant by a "suprise" in Kanon?? Makoto is a murderer??" :heh:
On the other hand, my heart ached a bit at the dinner scene at the end. I felt that Makoto would disappear any moment now. While she did annoy me, it saddens me to know that she'll leave...
Ayu Ayu's glomp surprised even me! Haha it was as cute as ever. <3 I'm thankful they made her appear even for a short period.
Why did Mai know about Makoto's wereabouts... Ahhh, I have too many speculations. Damn, I really want to know. I'm so looking forward to the next episodes. :D Preveiw for next episode was well done: The many faces of Makoto, haha.
IRJustman
2006-11-17, 16:12
Wow, I guess the pacing's a bit different than I was anticipating. However, bear in mind that I haven't played the game, so I'm not familiar with what happens when. My only guide is the ToeiAni version. Most notably: ...Mishio's already being introduced. I find it interesting that they're at about ep 8 or so in both versions, only in ToeiAni, ep 8 is about two thirds of the way through the series, while in this one, it's ONE third the way.
However, I'd definitely say that Makoto's deeper drama is in fact going to start unfolding. In fact, his seemingly-offhanded observation that Makoto "act[s] like an animal" during the nikuman scene should already serve as a huge foreshadowing, even though Yuuichi may not know it yet.
--Ian.
And so Makoto's arc begins. I'm looking forward to what Kyoani will do with it. It's going to be good one for me...
Well I finished watching it raw. I gotta say the time period between the miso soup bath and her next prank attempt was pretty short. She just doesn't give up. The beginning half is full of relatively short scenes that don't carry the story foward much. We are reminded of the promise Yuuichi made to Shiori about the snowman. We see that the market district is the place where Yuuichi and Ayu can run into each other often. From a production standpoint, you could leave those scenes out and get away with it; Yuuichi doesn't necessarily have to talk to every single female character every day. After all, the general trend of editing a story is that what you leave out enhances what remains.
This episode is, as most of us knew from the previews of last week, a Makoto-heavy episode...
I'm sure I'm not the first one to say that KyoAni is handling the Makoto-story and her character perfectly. Be a little more patient with her character and you will most definitely be in for a treat. :D I should know since I'm terribly spoiled by the old Kanon series.
aye... in retrospect Zaris is probably going to feel terrible for saying bad things about Makoto :)
Actually, that is really the case for every character in the show.... anyone saying bad things about them will probably regret doing so later.
:)
I know. I am trying really really hard to like Makoto, but this episode isn't carrying its weight on me. To me, this isn't some child we're dealing with. This is someone who is in an employable age group, someone who can go to school. And amnesia or no amnesia, I think she's making herself difficult to get along with. She's an anomolous component - self-righteous, stubborn, and impossible to predict. Reflecting on the previous five episodes, all I've seen is a spoiled child who thinks nothing but of her own pleasures and wellbeing. Makoto is just so immature for her age, it's so hard to respect her.
On the other hand, it could be a "Catcher in the Rye" complex. Makoto could just be someone purposely refusing to integrate with the customs of modern society. Falling asleep in a job interview, and a very curious statement in this episode about putting the cat in the wild. But we don't know for sure until future episodes reveal itself.
In the end, I really sympathize and I'm for Yuuichi. It's such a burden to live with someone who won't give you a full night's rest, can't understand basic logic, basic kindness, and can't see when someone's joking with you or being serious.
This episode does provide an additional anomaly: the redhead. Previews for episode 8 indicates that she and Yuuichi will discuss Makoto's character. What it could be is completely undisclosed. I hope the producers of the show do disclose something, because in a character or production standard...Makoto needs help.
Then again, anime has many different portrayals of cute and comedy. Maybe I'm just not liking Makoto's type of cuteness or her Charlie Chaplain type of funny. I mean, I think Nayuki and Ayu are just adorable. It's probably just personal taste. The only thing I'm hanging onto is monir and Vexx's promise that Makoto does get better, and I'm not talking about her amnesia. -_-
Patience.......
KenOhki'sRage
2006-11-17, 17:03
Since more people have watched 7 now. What's up with Mai knowing where Makoto was? It sorta confuses her character a bit. I'd rather it were Yuuichi acting on his own finding her there. Oh well too late now. Does anyone else mind the Makoto/Mai connection?
Just to point out how much better this show is to the first one, Mai's story was finished by episode 8.
I'm looking forward to your reaction to Makoto's true nature Zaris. Maybe you'll appreciate it, maybe you'll hate it but I'd really like to know your thoughts on it later. Personally I felt Makoto's character is perfect with what she's been through and where she's come from.
In the TOEI version.. well, I'll spoiler this just in case (mild hints but provide the basic clue that all is not what it seems):
they handled Mai's story (truncated though it was) first. That arc was a minor mindblower for me because up to that point I thought the Kanon world was just mundane reality. Then Makoto's arc came later in the TOEI version and completely twisted my brain around. It probably affected me more because at the time I wasn't aware of how easily japanese storytelling mixed surrealism and the mystical into mundane life.
KenOhki'sRage
2006-11-17, 17:17
they handled Mai's story (truncated though it was) first. That arc was a minor mindblower for me because up to that point I thought the Kanon world was just mundane reality. Then Makoto's arc came later in the TOEI version and completely twisted my brain around. It probably affected me more because at the time I wasn't aware of how easily japanese storytelling mixed surrealism and the mystical into mundane life.
Seriously I don't cry, I had it beaten out of me on the playground as a kid as almost all guys do. The more you cry the harder they hit but I swear Makoto's arc may break me. I had to bite my lip this time around during the very famillial midnight snack scene. When her story hits the fan I may lose it. Then again I didn't cry at the ending of Air. Still, this is why I love Kanon it makes you actually care and worry over the characters.
Since more people have watched 7 now. What's up with Mai knowing where Makoto was? It sorta confuses her character a bit. I'd rather it were Yuuichi acting on his own finding her there. Oh well too late now. Does anyone else mind the Makoto/Mai connection?
Just to point out how much better this show is to the first one, Mai's story was finished by episode 8.
I'm looking forward to your reaction to Makoto's true nature Zaris. Maybe you'll appreciate it, maybe you'll hate it but I'd really like to know your thoughts on it later. Personally I felt Makoto's character is perfect with what she's been through and where she's come from.
I don't mind the Makoto/Mai connection since I don't see there having any other kind of connection. From a Kanon newbie's standpoint, where the only knowledge I have about Kanon is this 2006 anime version, it seems totally acceptable. The fact that Mai has a feeling about her whereabouts is no surprise since she proclaims herself a demon slayer, indicating that there is something ethereal about Mai already. Why this is will probably be explained as future episodes roll. But for now, if Yuuichi has a problem, he could go to Mai about it for a clue or an answer. I'm not getting bored with the strangeness that comes from Mai...yet.
This "connection" deal probably has something more to do with you Kanon veterans though. = O
It'll be a surprise to me too, KenOhki'sRage, if my impression of Makoto twists. And I do want her or something to change. My feelings for Makoto is only based on what I've seen thus far. I'm not hating her; rather, I'm just saying what Kanon rookies like myself might feel - might feel - about Makoto based on what the story has presented itself up to this point. Of course, I can't and won't speak for everyone. = |
Noticed something interesting in episode 7.
http://guuchan2003.hp.infoseek.co.jp/kanon_parody.jpg
"狐不理包子" is a parody of "狗不理包子", which is a famous meat bun originated from Tienjing, China. "包子" is meat bun, "狗不理" literally means "ignored by dog" (not going into details here why the meat bun is "ignored by dog"), and here they changed it to "狐不理", which means "ignored by fox". As for why they used fox, that's because...
I highly suggest anyone who hasn't played the game or watched the previous Kanon stops right here.
If you sure you really want to know...
Makoto is "transformed" from a fox.
KenOhki'sRage
2006-11-17, 19:00
Yeah Makoto isn't doing much in the way of being loved at this point. She's been downright awful and her repentence is more sorry for being caught then sorry for trying to blow you up/dump things on you. With Yuuichi going to pick her up and carrying her home maybe we'll see a kinder Makoto.
Heh heh. You may be rewarded, KenOhki.
Makoto becomes quite nice to Yuuichi, even admitting that she doesn't feel like getting revenge on him anymore (Kind of like 'I should hate you, but...' attitude). At least that is my humble opinion only.
Makoto becomes loyal to him even, although viewers will probably see this in the next couple of episodes.
Sorrow-K
2006-11-17, 19:38
I can't criticize Kanon for its semi-modular approach. It does need focus before it builds to its dramatic climax. But it does concern me, like others in this thread that they couldwrap up the Makoto-arc very quicklywhich would be a bit awkward, IMO, since I'd rather see that happen a little closer to the end of the series. Then again, if they think there's nothing more that can be done with her character, then I suppose it's possibly better that they get her out of the way now (to be terse) than have her character idle for a whole heap of episodes.I am a little surprised this is happening so quickly, considering how slow paced the rest of the series has been to date. There are also hints that they could expand on Amano's character a little more than they did in the first series, but I suspect that's a red herring. Nonetheless, I do hope they make something a little more solid of her character this time, since she was little more than a plot device in the first series.
Meophist
2006-11-17, 19:54
Having watched the '02 version, I can't help but be charmed by Makoto's antics. How much I wish I can say more.
As I know the story behind all of the characters, I think Shiori is the one I dislike the most, although I think she might be my favourite.
Ascaloth
2006-11-17, 21:54
Thoughts about Episode 7:
1) Moral of the story; the best time to pull a fast one on Aizawa Yuuichi is not so much when you think he's not looking, as when you know he is. ;)
2) "Ichigo jyamu, ichigo jyamu, ichigo jyamu....."
O. M. G.
Nayuki breaks new ground in the moe Richter scale. *melts*
3) LMAO. Poor Makoto. How did she survive that day's breakfast anyway? A new great mystery from Kanon. :D
4) Wow, Nayuki actually blows up at Yuuichi! It's kinda refreshing, in a way. :D
5) I felt the Shiori and Mai scene was unnecessary this time, and in a way even detracts from Yuuichi's generally good character as a whole. I mean, how heartless do you have to be to leave poor Nayuki alone suffering like that?
6) The Ayu scene seemed a little out of place this episode, too...sure she's cute, but we can easily do without her once in a while, can't we?
7) The bridge scene was powerful. Now they're starting to get into the good stuff *nod nod*
8) For those who's still looking out for a Suzumiya Haruhi cameo......I think it has already happened. Right now I'm only waiting for Yuuichi to say, "At least we can count on Kawasumi...I take that back."
:p
Thoughts about the preview:
1) Very well done. We're into the Makoto arc for real now. There are those who say that a newbie should give Kanon a look up to the 5th episode before dropping it; I disagree. This is where the real substance of Kanon starts; doubters should give Kanon up til at least episode 9 before making a judgement, in my opinion.
Other thoughts:
1) Zaris, don't fret. The preview almost guarantees that something will be disclosed about Makoto next episode. And it will something you never expected. ;)
Overall:
9/10. One point deducted for the unnecessary scenes (Shiori's, Sayuri-Mai lunch scene, and Ayu cruise-missile scene). It's nice that KyoAni is making the effort to keep to their "interleave" promise, but even I don't expect 100% character representation every episode. It feels like they're trying too hard. Otherwise, great episode, as usual.
5) I felt the Shiori and Mai scene was unnecessary this time, and in a way even detracts from Yuuichi's generally good character as a whole. I mean, how heartless do you have to be to leave poor Nayuki alone suffering like that?
6) The Ayu scene seemed a little out of place this episode, too...sure she's cute, but we can easily do without her once in a while, can't we?
Overall:
9/10. One point deducted for the unnecessary scenes (Shiori's, Sayuri-Mai lunch scene, and Ayu cruise-missile scene). It's nice that KyoAni is making the effort to keep to their "interleave" promise, but even I don't expect 100% character representation every episode. It feels like they're trying too hard. Otherwise, great episode, as usual.
I disagree with you. I don't think it affects Yuuichi being a good guy at all.
He's eating with Sayuri and Mai just as he requested before. It would be impolite to ditch them after asking to eat with them.
He's meeting Shiori because he doesn't want her to wait in the snow. She did say "I'm waiting here to meet you" before, right? Also, now he's her onii-chan! :p
Ayu appeared because... we're used to meeting her everyday when Yuuichi passes by the shopping district. It'll feel odd to not see her all of a sudden. (As a Kanon n00b, I think it's some kind of "foreshadowing").
Overall, I think the main reason is to satisfy all fans. :D I'm a great Ayu Ayu fan, and I'm already upset that I didn't get to see her much (even though I know it's necessary), so I really apprecaite her short scene~
Meophist
2006-11-18, 00:16
No matter how many times I watch this, the bridge scene is still incredible. I don't know what words I can use to describe it, but uwa—.
Ascaloth
2006-11-18, 00:24
He's eating with Sayuri and Mai just as he requested before. It would be impolite to ditch them after asking to eat with them.
He's meeting Shiori because he doesn't want her to wait in the snow. She did say "I'm waiting here to meet you" before, right? Also, now he's her onii-chan! :p
Ayu appeared because... we're used to meeting her everyday when Yuuichi passes by the shopping district. It'll feel odd to not see her all of a sudden. (As a Kanon n00b, I think it's some kind of "foreshadowing").
Overall, I think the main reason is to satisfy all fans. :D I'm a great Ayu Ayu fan, and I'm already upset that I didn't get to see her much (even though I know it's necessary), so I really apprecaite her short scene~
And yet he never thinks of asking Nayuki to join him. And as much as I like Shiori, she deserves another scolding from Yuuichi for being disobedient. That's my POV anyway. :p
Anyway, just had a thought. Will we see a Kyon-esque "WTF are you talking about, Yuki/Amano?" moment next episode? :p
And yet he never thinks of asking Nayuki to join him. And as much as I like Shiori, she deserves another scolding from Yuuichi for being disobedient. That's my POV anyway. :p
Oh! Hmm... She has Kaori? Hehe. But yeah, Shiori needs another scolding.
In the future I'm starting to add disclaimers for my posts: The following are opinions of a first time viewer of Kanon. ^^
Because WTF, I got negative rep points for spoiling? Even though this is the first time I'm watching Kanon? Even though I don't read any spoiler tags? I mean... WTF?
I think what I liked most about this episode was that for the first time, we see KyoAni shift into "serious mode", albeit mildly. The bridge scene and later on the mountain scene and the midnight snack were handled very well and differed from the cutesy-comedy atmosphere we usually have - done in a very skillful way. I never had any real doubts, but I think it made evidently clear that the show will deliver once the gloves come off and the hard drama parts set in.
Objectively, I think that this is an absolutely amazing adaption, near-flawless in pretty much every aspect. Mindboggling to me that this show seems to be relatively unpopular with the masses of anime viewers - but on the other hand it has alot of the most loyal fans.
Objectively, I think that this is an absolutely amazing adaption, near-flawless in pretty much every aspect. Mindboggling to me that this show seems to be relatively unpopular with the masses of anime viewers - but on the other hand it has alot of the most loyal fans.
One of the game's best points is that it often has great writing. Kanon 2006 actually lifts quite a lot of dialogue directly from its source. This is perhaps its greatest strength over Kanon 2002. In addition, Kyoto Animation's love for the game really shows through in the way they portray the detail and the way they've adapted it so faithfully. It's almost as if they're the anti-Gonzo.
I'm not surprised if Western anime fans aren't so enamoured with Kanon. By far the most popular anime in the West are action-comedies. There's lots of shows currently airing in this genre, so Kanon is unlikely to compete with them. Moreover, a lot of people are likely to be thrown off by the pace and themes of Kanon, so they may simply not give it as much of a chance. (Confession time: I watched just the first episode of Kanon 2002, and it took me a full year before I tried to watch the second.) On the other hand, I'd be surprised if the Japanese otaku weren't jumping all over this show.
(bleeped for great justice)
One of the game's best points is that it often has great writing. Kanon 2006 actually lifts quite a lot of dialogue directly from its source. This is perhaps its greatest strength over Kanon 2002. In addition, Kyoto Animation's love for the game really shows through in the way they portray the detail and the way they've adapted it so faithfully. It's almost as if they're the anti-Gonzo.
I'm not surprised if Western anime fans aren't so enamoured with Kanon. By far the most popular anime in the West are action-comedies. There's lots of shows currently airing in this genre, so Kanon is unlikely to compete with them. Moreover, a lot of people are likely to be thrown off by the pace and themes of Kanon, so they may simply not give it as much of a chance. (Confession time: I watched just the first episode of Kanon 2002, and it took me a full year before I tried to watch the second.) On the other hand, I'd be surprised if the Japanese otaku weren't jumping all over this show.
Don't write off all Western anime fans so quickly. I'm not going to defend the narutard/whatever crowd.... but I'd say there's a significant number of western audience who appreciate the pace and theme, particularly those familiar with the pacing and themes of European/British film. For that matter, I'm watching the silly comedies (Sumomo, Yamato Nadescio Shichi Henge, etc) as well as the typical romances (Tokimeki, etc) and the action comedy (Negima!?) --- but Kanon is my favorite.
Deathkillz
2006-11-18, 04:01
And as much as I like Shiori, she deserves another scolding from Yuuichi for being disobedient. That's my POV anyway. :p
just you w8 until yuuichi gets his whip out :heh:
Oh! Hmm... She has Kaori? Hehe. But yeah, Shiori needs another scolding.
In the future I'm starting to add disclaimers for my posts: The following are opinions of a first time viewer of Kanon. ^^
Because WTF, I got negative rep points for spoiling? Even though this is the first time I'm watching Kanon? Even though I don't read any spoiler tags? I mean... WTF?
poor you :( some people just dont know how to be nice...
Ascaloth
2006-11-18, 04:18
just you w8 until yuuichi gets his whip out :heh:
.......
I think I may have perpetrated thoughts that weren't originally meant to be.:heh:
My favorite episode of the series so far - I'm definitely looking forward to eight. Makoto has always been a favorite character of mine from the original series and I think she's even better in this one.
As a sidenote...
Near the end of this episode when Makoto is talking to Yuuichi she mentions she remembers someone talking to her, to which he says it was him.
"What did you say?"
"I think it was 'Rest in Peace'."
"Don't go killing me off!"
:upset:
Brim
Ascaloth
2006-11-18, 06:08
Oh! Hmm... She has Kaori?
Well, personally, what I think of Yuuichi right now is completely described in Kaori's words:
"He fails as your (Nayuki's) guardian."
:D
PastPrime
2006-11-18, 10:42
I really enjoyed this episode. Even though I have no knowledge of the game and never watched the original anime, it made it clear how the grudge that Makoto holds toward Yuuichi originated. I can't help but suspect that he is the one who called her Makoto and that, perhaps, she remembers more than she pretends to.
Darklightz
2006-11-18, 13:00
Well, personally, what I think of Yuuichi right now is completely described in Kaori's words:
"He fails as your (Nayuki's) guardian."
:D
Yuuichi knew of Nayuki's allergies from before and probably also knew that she would be fine in a few hours.
But things are getting interesting as we start to see the more serious side of Kanon.
The Ayu Missile hit it's target once again,but we didn't see much of her.
As for Makoto...
Do not read if you haven't seen Kanon 2002
This episode had many clues about Makoto's true identity.The way she follows Yuuichi,like a stray animal might follow a human.The way she chased the cat for a pork bun,even Yuuichi commented she was animal-like.And finally the fox watching over Yuuichi.
Heh heh. After seeing the sub to confirm what I saw in the raw, I must say I am indeed satisfied how it all played out.
Forgive me for being nitpicky though. Although I do believe this was done fantastically, there is just something I do miss from this episode's Makoto happenings.
I guess I would have wanted a bit more emphasis on Yuuichi's doubt on Makoto's amnesia. He never really believed she had amnesia at all and always thought her story a lie. It was during his following her to Monomi Hills after finding her at the shopping center (but not revealing himself to her yet to watch her) that he actually began to doubt himself about his thoughts on Makoto. That, she really did have a problem.
Something that was touched upon was Makoto's dire situation on that Hill scene. She would have died up there had it not been for Yuuichi following her and being there. Paraphrasing what Yuuichi said, "Going to sleep up here in the cold is a sure way of never waking up again...".
However, I can see those elements being left out as those things may not be in Kyoani's overall vision of Makoto's story and I do think that Kyoani did the scene fantastically. It's just a couple of nitpicky things after all.
But I might be just grasping at straws from my hazy memory of the game. Can someone with better knowledge of the game confirm or deny what I'm putting forth from my forgetful mind? If what I am saying is false, I need to know so as to correct it in my mind. I don't want to start confusing others on bogus information...
Kisuke06
2006-11-18, 15:18
The bridge scene was really something. Makoto is an interesting character.
And Ayu entrance was very nice. :heh:
Julius Firefocht
2006-11-18, 16:04
I got a really bad shock at the bridge scene. The way it was done, and the abruptness of Makoto's actions, it really blew me out of the water.
Makoto is my favourite girl so far, she is just so cute! I know I shall cry buckets if anything bad happens to her.
todkapuz
2006-11-18, 18:37
I fear the near future...
that being said, I really liked this episode all in all...
Things are going to be miserable for Nayuki in future with Piro in the house. Quite an interesting watch. The hill part was quite mystical with the light seemingly coming from the grass.
After this is Mai's arc, I hope. Or maybe Shiori?
Knavinusa
2006-11-19, 00:00
Just agreeing with everyone else here, but the bridge scene was excellent. I was horrified when I saw the cat dropping down towards the street. I mean, what was Makoto thinking? Does she believe she can treat a life so irresponsibly? On the other hand, at least she shows some compassion for her actions by searching for the cat.
As for the fox appearance, when I went through this episode for the first time, I knew it had to have been mentioned earlier in the series, but I couldn't remember if it was explained or not. So, I decided to watch the entire series up to ep 7 once more and realized it was mentioned, but Nayuki had apparently forgotten what the legend told of the foxes. :( I really wanted to know too...
One interesting thing I noticed about Shiori: does she simply have a cold, or is she using that as an excuse to cover up a more serious condition? I'm probably looking too much into this, but she apparently passed by Nayuki and Yuuichi right in front of the hospital (right after he says "Nobody likes hospitals."). For some reason, the fact that KyoAni decided to place Shiori right there seems to carry some significance. Either that, or they're just trying to confuse me. :D
DanielSong39
2006-11-19, 00:46
It was better than the last two episodes, so hopefully this is the start of a trend.
Personally I felt this episode didn't really hit its stride until the second half, when they focused more on Makoto's storyline. KyoAni seemed to make a big deal about "merging" everyone's paths, but they seemed to make the most progress when they went the modular approach. I'm actually hoping that they ditch this interleaving experiment and at least give us a couple of good stories.
I think KyoAni took a step in the right direction in this episode - hopefully it's not a case of too little, too late. I'll give it the same chance that I gave to D.C. ~ Da Capo; I'm willing to struggle through 16 episodes if it manages to produce 8 episodes of pure gold at the end.
todkapuz
2006-11-19, 01:06
Just agreeing with everyone else here, but the bridge scene was excellent. I was horrified when I saw the cat dropping down towards the street. I mean, what was Makoto thinking? Does she believe she can treat a life so irresponsibly? On the other hand, at least she shows some compassion for her actions by searching for the cat.
........ :D
Reading that makes me feel like a first time watcher again... it's nice to hear how it is playing out to the first time watcher. Hehe.. all the confusion is worth it.
I have to say the bridge scene was played a lot better here than I remember in the toei version. After watching it again, I had to give it a 9 ... highest yet for me.... (sorry, 10s are hard to come by in my book)...
It's really quite interesting what they are doing with Shiori in this version to me.... we still haven't learned who she really is in this version yet... but at the moment it feels like we're stalling with her too much.. just to give her screen time. Extra Mai I'm fine with... they are still developing her a bit... and well we can never have enough Ayu... especally for the comeical releif from the heart break that is soon to happen... but Shiori still seems like the same thing over and over to me... "your here?" "yeah, I'm back" "your sick... go home and rest" *shrugs* I don't know... I mean, at least let her say her magic line! Else people will think she doesnt have one... I think that really is my only complaint in this one... I guess they are just trying to keep all the principles involved ... hope the continue focus on Makoto for now... but with the detail they are taking, it's going to really hurt....
Ascaloth
2006-11-19, 01:26
KyoAni seemed to make a big deal about "merging" everyone's paths, but they seemed to make the most progress when they went the modular approach. I'm actually hoping that they ditch this interleaving experiment and at least give us a couple of good stories.
I'm starting to wonder what's your definition of "interleaving" and "modular" in the first place...
This propably belongs to the "speculations" thread, but... :heh: The following are opinions of a first time viewer of Kanon
One interesting thing I noticed about Shiori: does she simply have a cold, or is she using that as an excuse to cover up a more serious condition? I'm probably looking too much into this, but she apparently passed by Nayuki and Yuuichi right in front of the hospital (right after he says "Nobody likes hospitals."). For some reason, the fact that KyoAni decided to place Shiori right there seems to carry some significance. Either that, or they're just trying to confuse me. :D
Thanks for mentioning this. I don't even remember her appearing in the first episode. ^^;; *will also rewatch*
I also thought of the possibilty of that. I assumed the thing she's searching for is the "treatment" of her sickness. And I felt that the "I want to build a snowman" was like, uhh, "last wish before dying" sort of thing. Also, this may sound rediculous, but...
In the opening scene we see playing with young Yuuichi young Mai, Ayu and Nayuki. We don't get to see young Makoto, but we see two hands with a cute small angel doll... Maybe this was for young Shiori? I imagine young Yuuchi saying "this angel will protect you so don't be afraid of being sick" ahaha... ha.
Anyways! Shiori is beautiful. I like her and I'm looking forward to her story. :D
Deathkillz
2006-11-19, 05:00
It's really quite interesting what they are doing with Shiori in this version to me.... we still haven't learned who she really is in this version yet... but at the moment it feels like we're stalling with her too much.. just to give her screen time. Extra Mai I'm fine with... they are still developing her a bit... and well we can never have enough Ayu... especally for the comeical releif from the heart break that is soon to happen... but Shiori still seems like the same thing over and over to me... "your here?" "yeah, I'm back" "your sick... go home and rest" *shrugs* I don't know... I mean, at least let her say her magic line! Else people will think she doesnt have one... I think that really is my only complaint in this one... I guess they are just trying to keep all the principles involved ... hope the continue focus on Makoto for now... but with the detail they are taking, it's going to really hurt....
yes shiori is being pushed aside atm but give it time...lets w8 for the current arc to finnish before moving to the next one...
and for me its wrong to think that the screen time on shiori is wasted...every second of her i savor cause she is my fav girl out of kanon :love:
Rengemaru
2006-11-19, 07:10
As usual, I totally enjoyed this episode too, KyoAni is doing a great job in feeding our Kanon-lust. But regarding Makoto's focus...
I've noticed that KyoAni is placing alot of focus on Makoto. That's a big hint to the fact that her arc is going first aside of Ayu's focus which seems to be quiet good in the episodes. But Ayu would disappear for a while when Yuuichi discovers what happens and she'll re-appear when Akiko has her accident That's a bit of a bittersweet thing for us Makoto fans. Although we're getting more screen time of our Makoto but her arc is going to end soon *starts crying and struggles like Misuzu in ep10 of AIR*
But one of the big Disappointment was that they didn't show us Akiko's friend who employeed Makoto. I was hoping it could be a cameo of Haruka from AIR, but oh well :p
Talking if I was a first time watcher
In the opening scene we see playing with young Yuuichi young Mai, Ayu and Nayuki. We don't get to see young Makoto, but we see two hands with a cute small angel doll... Maybe this was for young Shiori? I imagine young Yuuchi saying "this angel will protect you so don't be afraid of being sick" ahaha... ha.
But we didn't see a young Shiori so this angel doll might belong to someone else. I think Shiori's arc might be delayed because there wasn't any introduction about her. So we should just wait about Shiori and see, atleast after Makoto's arc
Hm, three primary highlights for this episode, all of which have been mentioned; the bridge, the hill scene, and the final snippet of dialogue before the cutaway to the hill again. The final dialogue snippet between Yuuichi and Makoto is hammered in even further by the midnight snack scene prior - musical use gains KyoAni even more points on the respect-o-meter.
It's been interesting to follow KyoAni's evolution of the more... 'foxy' aspects of Makoto's nature as the episodes progress. From the possible cameo of her character in the first episode (whether actually a cameo or rather a flag to trigger fan nostalgia), her response to Yuuichi's first prank upon her, much of her behaviour and attitudes towards the world at large and then especially her reactions in this episode to Piro stealing her nikuman... yes, very intriguing.
It was also fascinating to watch her speech on the bridge where she talked about the lack of compassion available to the wild creatures. You can feel the empathy there, just watch her face and listen to the tone of voice. It's in the hints that KyoAni is dropping that I'm hoping that first time watchers are building up a picture of who Makoto (or perhaps what Makoto) truly is.
Also interesting is the links with the supernaturalism of Mai's character in relation to Makoto. I'm intrigued as to how KyoAni is going to continue this thread of the storylines that they are merging together, and whether they'll continue to use Makoto as an element to illuminate the fey aspects of Mai's character.
So we have yet another appearance of the sick girl at school here... it seems to me at least that the next two arcs are going to comprise a threading together of Shiori and Mai, probably with an initial focus on Mai. As Makoto fades out (though I doubt she'll fully vanish from the show until around episode 18 to 20, at a guess) I think the connection with Mai will be highlighted, much as Makoto has been used to illustrate Mai at the moment, Yuuichi will continue to probe into Mai's thread. Shiori on the other hand, seems to be gaining more traction simply because of her omnipresence in the episodes. Since Ayu's arc isn't going anywhere very fast at the moment, and since Mai and Shiori are occupying so much screentime when there isn't a Makoto presence, the interweaving concept of them both plays itself up in liklihood, I think.
It'll be interesting to see how Shiori's story is revealed. I don't know whether or not it will counterbalance Mai's as well as I think Makoto's will (and is so far doing) - the limits of a scarcity of game knowledge, I suppose. Perhaps they'll integrate her decline in slowly, though it might be a bit too much of a parallel with Makoto if they portray both simultaneously.
As for Ayu and Nayuki... well, Ayu seems to be moving along nicely through short flashes, and she will no doubt receive a great deal of time towards the end of the show - after the Makoto/Mai/Shiori segments wind down. Nayuki? I'm guessing at the same time... so far, she has been far too backgrounded, but I'm guessing on a kind of interleaving with Ayu. Aren't we all?
Episode 7 is the closest I've come to giving Kanon a 10 so far. At least it's being quite consistent - 9 all the way, and I can't recall another anime (votable here, at least) that I've consistently rated so high.
Oh, and a few final thoughts for DanielSong39:
I think you're making a couple of fundamental problematic assumptions about Kanon 2006, both in the notion of modularity, and in the notion of intended audience. Firstly, on modularity - yes, I agree with you to an extent that a more modular story is better, but only in that it allows greater focus on an individual story, as telling stories in a more modular fashion than have been done in, for instance, Kanon 2006, creates a far greater gap between the current 'focal character' and the other future/past 'focal characters'. What you gain in the emphasis of one character you lose in the backgrounding of others. This creates another dichotomy, when you then spotlight the next primary character and lose your original primary character to the background, you create a rather jarring shift in perspective, unless the other character is completely removed. You also end up with a story that is far more segmented.
Now, is segmentation a bad thing? No, depending on the genre it isn't. For something like detective fiction, for instance, it is better on both the characters and the audience that the detective focusses on one mystery at a time to the exclusion of the others, else both he/she and we would become rather lost. For war fiction, much the same - it depends on the focus of the plot. In Kanon, the focus is relationships and life, and relationships and life are concepts that are rather difficult to segment up into a nice sequential order unless the events actually do occur in the order that we're segmenting them into. So unless, in the Kanon example, Yuuichi first meets Makoto, then deals with Ayu, encounters Mai, helps Shiori and then Nayuki (to pick a rather random order!), and spends say, a week on each girl... you're going to encounter a lot of overlap. The modular nature of telling a story isn't really applicable to something that is attempting to simulate a real life timeframe. You can't just assume that these events are happening, as many of them will have to happen at the same time for the actual timeframe to make sense. Life's kinda like that - we have to deal with lots of things at a time. KyoAni seem to me to be attempting to simulate a, well "day in the life" kind of story, albeit one stretched out longer than twenty four hours. In the same period of time, therefore, Yuuichi finds Makoto in the market, runs into Ayu and goes to a movie, eats with Mai & Sayuri, has a chat with Shiori, speaks briefly with Kaori after class, runs into Mai again during the evening at school, has dinner with Makoto and Nayuki, goes to school again... and so on.
Telling a story like Kanon in a modular fashion would perhaps allow for greater empathy with a single character for a brief period of time. But I think it would deduct from the overall 'package' that Kanon has too offer, with the stories of the girls (and the drama/tragedy they imply) interweaving to build upon one another. Does this lose focus on the character-of-the-moment? Yes, it does. Does it manage to retain the audience's interest in the other characters at the same time though? Yes, it does indeed - and here we hit the bugbear of audience, the other major point here.
Putting it rather bluntly... it doesn't matter much what you, or I, or indeed the vast majority of people on this board think about how Kanon is being presented. Honestly, it doesn't - why? It's not for us. Kanon is being done here and now, in the way that it is being done, because KyoAni and Key are making it for their fans. Fans of Kanon internationally? No, fans of the game in Japan, who have bought all of the old anime, the manga, the four versions of the game (PC/Dreamcast/PS2/PC Standard Edition), the millions of yen worth of other merchandise. KyoAni are making Kanon because they want to, of course they are. But they're also making it because they need to make money - and making money means appealing to your core and target audience. By highlighting all of the girls at once in Kanon, they continue to keep the vast majority of all fans watching the show - whether or not you're an Ayu fan, for instance, you'd still watch Episode 2 for the Nayuki moments if you're her fan. Hook the audience, and keep them there. Revenue therefore increases - advertising (for the promoters and channels providing financial backing) and of course, merchandising (multiple versions of figurines say, mouse pads, calendars, etc, etc, etc).
Kanon is an exercise in fanservice. A great deal of anime is, as we all should be well aware - not fanservice as in sexual presentation/exploitation, but fanservice in the true meaning of the word - providing fans what they want. KyoAni is catering to as many fans as is possible with Kanon right now - better to capture 80% of the total audience for 24 episodes, then to capture 20% chunks of the total audience for arcs of five episodes each.
At any rate, the story that is being told (or rather, the stories) in Kanon don't really lend themselves to a modular telling - both due to their nature, and due to the impact caused by the intertwining them with one other. Factor in the economic/audience view, and you'll see why Kanon is being done as it is - it's better for the story, and it's better for the studio. Is it perfect? No, it isn't. But for me, and for a great many others, it isn't exactly half bad.
But of course, there's a caveat - your mileage may vary. :)
Best,
-Andiyar
Pakxenon
2006-11-19, 16:41
Wow I read the whole thing. XD
My thoughts:
-I still think Makoto is a nuissance. She has been for the past 6 episodes and it has stuck with me. I'm getting tired of her antics.
-The overpass scene blew me away. But of course, cats have 9 lives. =D
-The transition to the hill didn't do it for me. My opinions on Makoto hasn't changed yet.
-Yuuichi is getting more likeable by the episode! Lots of self-restraint and stuff.
-There was pretty much no point for Shiori and Ayu to appear in this episode... a dose of fanservice is needed every week!
-Same goes for the lunch scene with Mai, though it was necessary for the consistancy from the last episode.
-I hope Makoto ate ALL THE JAM. >=D
Noppapana
2006-11-19, 18:55
woow i was a bit afraID that the cat will fall to dead
i am kinda satisfied that a bit dramatic comes into the story
and a fitting happy-end
but again how in the world does Mai know so much about Makoto ?
and there isnt a 'dream' phrase before the opening
Cloud Strife
2006-11-19, 21:51
Nice episode, I enjoyed the seriousness of Yuuichi in this episode. I thought it was effective to have Yuuichi raise his hand rather than followthrough with a slap. Also enjoyed the scene where Ayu tackles Yuuichi to the ground, very cute.
john_sama
2006-11-20, 06:33
HAHA Yuuichi being soft to Makoto...He did follow Mai-chan's advice...
Ep 7 was good!! as expected....Yuuichi is such a chick magnet!!! Lucky bastard!!!
Poor Makoto....ate the special jam..lmao!!
Zappster
2006-11-20, 11:12
I find myself agreeing with whoever it was that first brought up the point. I think the Ayu and Shiori scenes were just really out of place. The Shiori one in particular becase of another one of these weird scene transitions. It didn't help that the scenes lasted about a minute or less. Again the Shiori scene seemed so short as to make it almost pointless. Nothing new was really conveyed either(not that there has to be mind you) but they just seemed like short summaries of all the Ayu and Shiori bits shown so far. Felt far too much like pandering to the fans of the respective girls by just throwing those scenes in there with little thought to it. At least that's how I saw them, your mileage may vary, IMO <insert other disclaimers here> etc.....
Other than that I thought it was another good and enjoyable episode much like the rest of them. Preferred the last two episodes though because the niggles this time around brought this episode down a notch in my eyes. The serious parts of the episode did make for a nice change though.
Kyoani did wonders with Monomi Hill. Of course i knew it was going to look that amazing from the start of the episode.. but seeing it is a whole different story. I don't even want to start thinking about the blu-ray version of this episode. :3
Hm, just picked up and watched all the 7 episodes in one go with absolute zero knowlidge about the series/plot/characters/anything related to it(and trying my best not to get spoiled and doing a good job at it so far (means im not opening any spoilers:heh: ), and damn - i am impressed by the series.
The artwork is fantastic. The backgrounds, the shading...the snow... all is done perfectly. I really hope they can keep up this kind of quality for the whole series. Voice acting is also amazingly good. As far as production quality goes this one ranks really high.
Also, i pretty much like Yuuichi, hes a nice, sarcastic guy. He must have taken lessons from Kyon :heh:
Now, on to the story and some crack-pot speculations :heh: At first seemed like your typical harem anime, but that changed after ep1. The atmosphere seems peacefull and tranquil, yet somehow i can't help but somehow feel uneasy about it. It almost seems like a fragile dream about to shatter any moment :eyespin:
In ep 3 at some spots the atmosphere almost felt like in Higurashi for me for no real reason:uhoh: And the end of ep3 confirmed that there is more to this than it seems.
Hm, the city seems far from normal... it almost projects the sad feeling about everything that's happening, despite the events are not sad for the most part. It's this kind of feeling you can't shake off for some reason that something just isn't right.
Now, whats with Ayu... she seems to be searching for something, but doesn't remember what. Almost as if she would have been trapped in some time-loop ever since 7 years ago. (could this have something to do with the prommise she made with Yuuichi?)
Shiori seems to be in a somewhat similar situation. Could it be the person she is waiting is also Yuuichi ? :heh:
I bet Yuuichi is somehow conected to some weird events that took place some time ago. Why i think so? Akiko seems to know something i think...she tends to get sad/nostalgic when the past is mentioned...obviously something happened.
There is quite a bit of animal references.... (taking an absolute crack-shot immensly random gues assuming that something supernatural is going on) could it be that all the girsl(well, maybe not Nayuki - she seems to have a mother..and maybe lets exclude Mai) are somehow related to animals? Maybe they are spirits of some animals or something like that ? :heh: :uhoh: :eyespin: (ok, you must think im drunk and on a crack after writing this). I mean - they act somewhat weird... have some sort of memory problems (even Nayuki)... and i actually doubt that Makoto/Shiori/Ayu have a home at all...don't know why, i just get that feeling.
And also Makoto licking her hand after cleaning her face with it seemed extremely cat-like action... hm... and the way she talked on the bridge about animals...alomst as if refering to herself(yes, i know it can be viewed as a reflection on her current situation, but it might have a deeper meaning as well)...(Btw - i was hoping she would get slapped... Yuuichi has a lot of self-controll...i know i would have slapped her)
Ok, you all must think i am crazy right about now so i will stop :heh:
Anyway, i think we are in for quite a bit of drama... and a pretty painful one at that(references to Air)... romance so far is almost non-existant or presented in an almost non existant way...lets see if that changes :) So far the series have been great - i went in to this without knowing what to expect and this has definitely surpased my expectations. Let's see what we get in the future, but whatever it is i bet it will be great (and heart wrenching).
You're welcomed to carry that "craziness" on in the Speculations/Theories (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=38346) thread. :D Anything goes, and we're all "drunk and on crack" in there. :heh: And last I heard, we provide entertainment to the Veterans in there too!
I like what you said in your 5th paragraph. Indeed, it just feels that way doesnt it. I think the OP really contributes to that overall feeling too. The OP is just... lethargic? But I love it for that.
Watched 7: Oh noes... the start of the ominous music. Can't be good. Lost prepares a box of tissues.
You're welcomed to carry that "craziness" on in the Watched 7: Oh noes... the start of the ominous music. Can't be good. Lost prepares a box of tissues.
Indeed. Finally the story is getting into full swing, though...I'm looking forward to seeing how KyoAni is planning on handling the seperate arcs now that they've opened Pandora's Box as far as Makoto's concerned.
ChronoReverse
2006-11-22, 00:45
Also, i pretty much like Yuuichi, hes a nice, sarcastic guy. He must have taken lessons from Kyon :heh:
Here I'm obligated to once again remind everyone that Yuuichi predates Kyon :p
Guardian Enzo
2006-11-23, 15:09
Good episode, but I remain somewhat cold to Makoto - she simply annoys me. And I have serious Ayu withdrawl - I need about 100 "Uguu!", stat...
Klashikari
2006-11-23, 15:11
Good episode, but I remain somewhat cold to Makoto - she simply annoys me. And I have serious Ayu withdrawl - I need about 100 "Uguu!", stat...
prepare some pain killers for the next episode then : Makoto Overload :heh:
anyway, i noticed something really surprising with this episode : Sayuri considers that 11 PM is EARLY. (yeah, this isn't really that late for certain persons but well, for sayuri, i'm really sceptical)
what would be a "normal time" to go to bed for her? oO
Guardian Enzo
2006-11-23, 15:46
prepare some pain killers for the next episode then : Makoto Overload :heh:
Uguu!
Oh well, I'll still be watching...
FatPianoBoy
2006-11-23, 16:23
anyway, i noticed something really surprising with this episode : Sayuri considers that 11 PM is EARLY. (yeah, this isn't really that late for certain persons but well, for sayuri, i'm really sceptical)
what would be a "normal time" to go to bed for her? oO
For a Japanese highschool student: up by 6 - 7am (depending on distance to school), at school by at least 8am so as not to be tardy... I'd say 11 would be the likely time to hit the sack. No wonder Sayuri is always so spacey - she's suffering from sleep deprivation :heh:
evil-samurai
2006-11-24, 05:25
prepare some pain killers for the next episode then : Makoto Overload :heh:Yay! *more Makoto* :D The pre-view really did look good and while it has aired and I'm tempted to watch the RAW.. I'm waiting for the subs. I've taken a liking to her more then any of the other girls in the show, as well as her character the most interesting events in the show happen around her... Like the Bath scene :heh:
Richard 23
2006-11-24, 20:56
anyway, i noticed something really surprising with this episode : Sayuri considers that 11 PM is EARLY. (yeah, this isn't really that late for certain persons but well, for sayuri, i'm really sceptical)
what would be a "normal time" to go to bed for her? oO
As soon as I get her home!
Bah-boom-ching.
Nice one Richard 23. :heh:
Uguu... less Ayu this episode, but divine punishment for Yuichi for the tree incident. Still a "10".
Mishio's making her appearance finally. I hope she gets more character development this time.
Kaioshin Sama
2007-05-19, 02:22
Onward March:
One of the most amusing aspects for me (not in a good way) is that Makoto seemed to have convienently forgotten that Yuuichi had punched her square on the head the previous episode and screamed, ranted and raved at her over a minor incident involving the bathtub. Either way the music in the scene sounded quite like Kirby music for some reason. also Makoto continues to do the pajama thing. We continue along with the same basic plot structure other than the fact that Naiyuki is actually awake in the morning bopping around smiling at the table while talking about Jam. The special Jam that looks like a Urine sample also made its reappearance in this episode and Makoto was the victim as her mouth grew about 5 times as big and she crammed it into her giant maw. Anyway of course in following with our established plot structure it was then off to school. Yuuichi gets bitched out by Naiyuki for daring to deny the cuteness of a cat. In fact she is so obsessed with the cat in this scene that one honestly has to wonder at the true age she is intended to be by the creators. Next is school where Naiyuki is asked whether Yuuichi bullied her and she replies yes (AHA I FREAKING KNEW IT! Ahem and they know it too, Yuuichi's a jerk). Next of course is the meeting with Shiori (I remember now at the time of viewing this episode that I went back to episode 6 to see if I hadn't seen this one already, but I was right on the episode on was on). Yuuchi's classmate screams about whatever (I'm reviewing the episode with some skimming to give an accurate review right now and I zoned here, I wish I had written about and rated the episodes as I watched them at this point). Still despite my mistake it's time for the meeting with Mai (Usually this comes at night so this is a change). Mai's Bowel movement, what the hell is this a parody sub?! :twitch: . After that its time to head home and apparently Naiyuki has been moping about the cat this whole time (Can we say one track mind. Anyway really heading home (AH! It's Too Bright, Mine Eyes They Burn!) I predicted an Ayu encounter the first time I viewed this one, within five seconds of pondering this she came out of nowhere and glomped/football tackled him (As chuckle inducing as this is it could have been laugh out loud funny if she didn't show up like clockwork during the walking home sequence of each episode, as such it was somewhat predictable and expected). Lucky Bastard I guess, anyway.... Yuuchi sees Makoto and wants to go all Benny Hill on her head. Rather than go to the arcade and play Hare Hare Yukai DDR or maybe do something different they head home. Here Makoto sounds like Rie Kugimiya and they talk about the usual unimportant stuff. I think Makoto just completely owns Yuuichi in an argument leaving him dumbfounded and then she stalks off only to find quite possibly the best hiding spot in existance behind a poll that is not quite but almost as rail thin as her tiny body. She loses the minigame eventually however despite her covert ability (Also liked the funky synth music here). Following along Makoto says thing that resemble actual words and I think gets poked or something by Yuuichi. Following this we get a scene with some really bizzare looking choppy animation and a glass eyed doll like Makoto where she drops the cat of a bridge and Yuuichi gets mad at her (surprisingly enough for once we get a situation where a Sugita freakout is called for and he just kind of keeps it watered down and has Yuuichi shown as holding his temper, not too shabby). After this are some events where Yuuichi realizes he knows nothing about Makoto (He seems a step behind the progresion of events it would seem). Oh right the Mai meeting at night, almost forgot. Apparentely after that the cat is okay (Hooray!) and eating with Makoto. Makoto is salvaged and is now back at the house in those pajama's again (Love the pajamas). Anyway some scenes of a wide eyed amnesiac Makoto play out (with absolutely incredible music I might add) and it looks like we are getting close to the first major plot portion of the series.
Animation: Gets a 3.5/5 because it was a bit jumpy at times and some of the characters looked postively bizarre in some shots. Otherwise it got the job done.
Plot/Character: 2.5/5 for the Makoto points, which while not spectacular by any means are the best we've seen thus far.
Music: 5/5 clear, plain and simple. The best part of Kanon for me continues to be the great music. We got a number of nice tracks including the ones played during the street scenes and the one near the end of the episode with Makoto.
Voice Acting: 3/5 Surprisingly Yuuichi was alright, no freakouts, no real arrogance, just a normal sane human being, but then again the others were only alright this episode, where as previously thehy excelled.
3.5+2.5+5+3=14/2= Seven out of ten for this episode.
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