AnimeSuki Forums

keri · 2010-11-19, 23:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by lie01234

I found the preview picture at the end of the episode funny. The only person without a makeover was the lady in the kimono. But she is still sparkling with the others.

I had to look at that a couple times - I think she got a new, more modern styled kimono, but I'm not positive about that.

Guardian Enzo · 2010-11-20, 00:05

I could wax on and on about how good this show is (and I did in my blog) but one thing that struck me is how much content Kuragehime has packed into just five episodes. There's been so much plot, so much character development and so many big comedy moments that it feels as if I've been watching the series for months.

The best comedy moment of the ep for me was the transformation sequence - brilliant. I also loved the aptly-named Inari - a great introduction to the cast. Is she a cherry-picker, I wonder?

Shiroth · 2010-11-20, 04:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guardian Enzo

There's been so much plot

There really hasn't when you look back on the past episodes

. It's been A+ plot yeah, though there's not a lot of it.

MeoTwister5 · 2010-11-20, 07:37

A Self-fulfilling Prophecy

The reactions the Amars have to society at large every time are largely exaggerated and absurd, but for the most part I do think that’s precisely the point. It’s meant to be seen as an exaggerated psychological response to things that they deem to be feared and avoided, to highlight just how scarred they are from probable past trauma. It’s also meant to be absurd because it calls into question why they have such ridiculous, if not pointless, reactions to ridiculous things, and why they even share the same aversion to all the same things in the first place. Are these general aversions they have like an infectious disease or something?

I’m not one to judge them on why they became this way, but this episode more than those before it very much highlights just how debilitating this fear is. They came to the meeting wanting to air their side and try to sway support, but in the end they accomplished nothing but looking like fools in front of all the attendees. If there’s one immediate thing that’s going to be the first real hurdle in their attempt to defend their home and presumably their way of life,,they gotta find a way to fight for their cause without a preemptive retreat.

They came, were seen and were conquered.

With every episode it’s becoming easier to understand the inner workings of Tsukimi’s mind, while at the same time her character gets more complex with every psychotic break. She’s so easy to put herself down even in a misunderstanding, a classic reaction of people with really low self-esteem. I’m almost sure this isn’t the first time she’s done this when she felt “unseen” or “rejected”. Shu didn’t really reject or avoid her, but his ignorance caused her to once again believe that she’s living a fantasy of being beautiful stylish, only to believe that it was all pretentious. For a moment I thought that she had begun to see the beauty she can cultivate if she tried her best, but the episode showed just how much of a self-fulfilling prophecy her beliefs are.

A self fulfilling prophecy is a term many psychiatrists use to describe a belief people have about themselves that is not completely true or rather unreasonable, but they believe in it so much that they act almost instinctively to make it true, and thus this false belief ends up becoming true anyway. Tsukimi is living this vicious cycle. She believes in her ugliness and undesirability so much that she’s making herself manifest it physically by being something of an overall slob. She’s turning her own misguided ideas about herself into reality, even if it doesn’t have to be so. She’s not, any never was, ugly. She’s making herself ugly.

Guardian Enzo · 2010-11-20, 12:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shiroth

There really hasn't when you look back on the past episodes

. It's been A+ plot yeah, though there's not a lot of it.

I kind of disagree here, though most of it hasn't been "plot" in the traditional sense. What I've seen is that, in addition to developing the individual characters, there's been an incredible amount of attention paid to setting up the situations where they find themselves. That's where the dramatic tension is coming from - the redevelopment storyline is the most obvious, but only one of many. It feels like having watched these characters go through their lives forever - like we really understand how they got where they are.

Zu Ra · 2010-11-20, 14:31

Haven't yet seen the latest episode yet But after T.Bachi my favorite show this season . Strength lies in characters, they are wonderfully crafted . One of the few shows where side characters are as interesting as the main ones .

Falkor · 2010-11-20, 17:21

episode 05 - I want to be a jellyfish

One of the most enjoyable and funniest episodes so far. I have to love that scene where Tsukimi sighed and pondered about the fact she was seen half naked by Kuranosuke's brother, all with the flair of something taken out of a movie, which made the scene even funnier. The moment she was trying to erase that memory from her mind by knocking herself out really put a big smile on my face. On the other hand, Kuranosuke's imagination did wonders to portray his brother as a virgin in need of love, or as someone who in such an hilarious sequence of events would go as far as "researching" about the first kiss. I think Tsukimi might not be the only one who can misinterpret a given situation. Also, that scene where Tsukimi attempted a conversation with Shuu and couldn't help her nervousness and anxiety was very fun and sad at the same time.

Tsukimi is too nice of a girl for someone like Shuu. We are slowly exploring her character as she sees herself more like a girl whose feelings she is discovering. I really loved her blushing, but I find it a bit sad that she was simply ignored by the same person who had earlier treated her with kindness and respect. it's ironic that she never sees his actions as ill-intended, but as something "normal" and somewhat expected. Shuu, on the other hand, is beyond shallow and dense; he must really dislike the Amars, or to certain degree, see them with great disdain. There doesn't seem to be any redeeming quality in him so far in the show: not wanting to have any contact with the sisters, being indifferent towards Tsukimi sitting next to him, ignoring her while she was getting drenched in the rain. Oddly enough, I think it's not any different from the treatment the nuns submitted to Kuranosuke earlier during the nabe. He's doing the same thing: judging others by their external appearances, and deeming impossible any interaction with them. The Amars had accepted Kuranosuke's presence in the apartment once they discovered his good intentions and the fact they had nothing to fear, but can the same happen to Shuu? already ignoring Tsukimi's normal appearance, or should I say, failing to realize it's the same girl he had earlier fall head over heels; it's not a matter of fear, anxiety, or nervousness as it is the case with the Amars, but something closer to arrogance.

I think the most important line in this episode, perhaps so far in this show, is something Tsukimi says in order to reflect her mental and emotional state: "If I'm reincarnated, I want to be a jellyfish". I think there are two ways to interpret this quote. The first one is within the context of her situation: she wants to be a jellyfish that can only float in the water, making an allusion to how this creature wouldn't have to worry about the thoughts and feelings that had recently surfaced in the past few days. She was being ignored by the same person who had earlier interacted with her, but more importantly, she was unable to fully comprehend his actions and the feelings/thoughts this was creating in her, which consequently made her feel very depressed. I think it was nice to subtly reinforce this idea of a floating Tsukimi, as she was seeing herself like a hopeless jellyfish who couldn't break the ice, but was perhaps waiting for him to take notice of her, which of course didn't happen. The other way to interpret this quote has more to do with the theme of this work: she wants to be jellyfish because she wouldn't be judged by her cuteness (or lack of it), in other words, her external appearance. When you combine this idea with the word princess, and thus the title of this work, you get a nice oxymoron: a Princess who can't be judged by her looks. This is somewhat paradoxical because a girl will only become a princess after her external appearance has been judged and scrutinized. Of course, this work has been trying to undermine this notion by making the idea of beauty become something more superfluous: associating it to Kuranosuke, a beautiful cross dressing male; and having Shuu embody this concept of judging people, which juxtaposes the Amars. I think the message this work is trying to convey goes something along these lines: we shouldn't judge people by how they look. However, we can go a bit further and elaborate on the following: nobody wants to be judged by their external appearance, which addresses the more individualistic and character-driven aspect of the work.

Something really nice that I noticed during the episode was how the career woman, while smoking, her cigarettes were getting stained by her purple lipstick; and not only that, she was wearing very intense colors that made her stand out on top of her beauty. We can perhaps think of this as a foreshadowing of the role she is going to play: antagonizing the Amars, and conflicting with Tsukimi's values. But also, we can see this staining as something that would probably affect or influence the life of the other characters in a negative way. I'm not sure what this purple staining really means, but it doesn't really seem like a good omen.

Another funny scene of the episode was the makeover of two of the sisters---both were equally funny. Contrast Mayaya's elegance and confidence with her usually eccentric love for the Three Kingdoms; or contrast how different Bamba looks when her awesome afro is sealed. Can this show get any funnier? I hope yes.

One of the things I liked the most about this episode was Kuranosuke and his determination to do something. why is he doing so much for them? why is he going so far? I think he, in contrast to his brother, likes interacting with the Amars, and it would be sad for him to see the place go. He also thinks that they should should stand up for what they believe, and thus finds unfair that they can't do anything with their current appearance. He of course wants to help them, and does what he does best; but what made me appreciate more his character is something he says, that he wouldn't tell them to change their lifestyle but if they wanted to fight they should do so by standing out, so people can take notice of them. I think that was the most selfless act he had so far done in the series.

=====

it wouldn't hurt to discuss episode previews behind spoiler tags. Not everyone watches them, so it would be polite for those who don't want get spoiled about the next episode.

Dop · 2010-11-20, 18:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuopidget

Concurring Kanon and Shiroth's thought regarding the series length. Out of curiosity, has any other noitaminA show received a second season with a break whether the first season was one or two cour?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shiroth

That's only happened for two shows, and they would be Honey and Clover (first season in 2005, second in 2006) and Nodame Cantabile (first season aired in 2007, second in 2008 and third in 2010).

Also I can only think of three Noitamina shows that ran continuously for more than one cour. The first series of Honey and Clover, the first series of Nodame Cantabile, and currently there's Shiki.
Most of the time they seem to specialise in one cour shows which burn brightly and then are gone. Often it's a damn shame that the potential for a second season is never realised. I guess it's playing safe, in a way, but there are lots of Noitamina shows I wish had continued. Hataraki Man, Moyashimon (the anime), who wouldn't want to see more of the medicine seller from Mononoke?

Surely Kuranosuke has now sealed his position as the 'enry 'iggins of the makeover...

Nikkan · 2010-11-20, 20:12

This episode was great. It was a really nice mix of fun and serious.
The awkwardness of the Amars going to the meeting was the highlight and them getting nervous from just a shoe rack.

The best part of the ep this week was the jellyfish scenes of course. The part where Tsukimi literally sink through the ground. Her speech about wanting to be reborn as a jellyfish and how she mentioned "feeling like a normal girl for the first time" when she dressed up made a big statement as her character. Tsukimi doesn't want to be one of those pretty fashionable girls. She just want to be treated like everybody else, without having to change who she is.

Also:
Best outfit so far. The jacket, the wig and ribbon, everything~

Mangaka-chan · 2010-11-21, 04:46

Watched all of the episodes in one go and I have to say I'm hooked. XD But does anyone know what movies/TV shows were parodied in the OP? I only recognized Sex and the City, Star Wars, Singing in the Rain, James Bond, Bruce Lee, and Mary Poppins.

Shiroth · 2010-11-21, 05:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yumii-chan

Best outfit so far. The jacket, the wig and ribbon, everything~

Don't forget the stockings ~___~. Though it was the tight pair of short jeans which really worked in showing off his arse. <3

Willen · 2010-11-21, 06:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mangaka-chan

Watched all of the episodes in one go and I have to say I'm hooked. XD But does anyone know what movies/TV shows were parodied in the OP? I only recognized Sex and the City, Star Wars, Singing in the Rain, James Bond, Bruce Lee, and Mary Poppins.

Here's what I recognized (approx. time frame):

Sex in the City (~0:16)
Star Wars (0:17-0:31)
Singing in the Rain (0:32-0:38)
Mary Poppins (0:39-0:42)
** (0:43-0:47)
** (0:48-0:51)
James Bond 007 opening (0:52-0:55)
Game of Death (0:56-0:59)
The Graduate (1:00-1:09)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1:10-1:14)

** These clips are a bit too generic to me. The first bit with Banba could be from Emperor of the North Pole and the second with Chieko could be from God of Gamblers as mentioned in this post on MangaHelpers.

I've never seen Emperor of the North Pole but there is mention of a hammer wielding character so it is likely. I have seen similar scenes in other movies, but if Banba's outfit matches that of the aforementioned character, then it's confirmed.

I've been meaning to watch God of Gamblers, which means that I don't know if there is a scene with the dice and cup, but it's appeared in many other movies (and TV shows) so this one's in the air (unless the character in the movie is also wearing the same kimono that Chieko's wearing, which then confirms it). EDIT: someone on YouTube mentioned 女賭博師 (onnatobakushi), possibly this: http://www.kadokawa-pictures.co.jp/o...onnatobakushi/.

Upscaled · 2010-11-21, 12:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willen

I've never seen Emperor of the North Pole but there is mention of a hammer wielding character so it is likely. I have seen similar scenes in other movies, but if Banba's outfit matches that of the aforementioned character, then it's confirmed.

I've been meaning to watch God of Gamblers, which means that I don't know if there is a scene with the dice and cup, but it's appeared in many other movies (and TV shows) so this one's in the air (unless the character in the movie is also wearing the same kimono that Chieko's wearing, which then confirms it). EDIT: someone on YouTube mentioned 女賭博師 (onnatobakushi), possibly this: http://www.kadokawa-pictures.co.jp/o...onnatobakushi/.

Bamba is definitely dressed the same as Shack, Ernest Borgnine's character in "Emperor of the North Pole." Scroll down for multiple screen caps here:
http://www.destructibleman.com/2007/...rich-1973.html

「女賭博師」 (Onnatobakushi, or "Woman Gambler") is a series of movies from 1966 to 1971 starring Kyouko Enami, according to the Japanese-language Wikipedia, so it certainly predates "God of Gamblers" (1989) & might be more familiar to Japanese viewers.
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B1%...98.A0.E7.94.BB

Also, see the screenshot on this page:
http://www.kadokawa-pictures.co.jp/o...ushi_norikomu/
The kimono has a similar colour-scheme, though the iconography is dragons instead of flowers. The screen behind her is also similar to what's behind Chieko (although to be honest, it's a common type.) It's also an image that's been seen again and again in Japanese pop culture. My favorite is the whacked-out version by Fuu in Samurai Champloo, episode 4.

One thing that surprised me is that Tsukimi shares the narration with Kuranosuke. We've now heard his inner voice as much as hers, and it almost feels as though he's taking over as the main character. Kuranosuke can be selfish and rude at times, but I find his character and his inner conflicts to be pretty interesting, while Tsukimi's inner conflict seems a bit more static.

neshru · 2010-11-25, 16:46

Spoiler for episode 6:

Episode was exceptionally tame though, the first one that really didn't live up to the quality of the series. Hopefully the last four episodes will be as good as the first four.

CWW · 2010-11-25, 19:04

Kurako was cute this episode.

They should really think of a better solution for the "ore" slip of the tongue though.

"And Mama didn't name her boy Meat, either" doesn't make a lick of sense in context!

neshru · 2010-11-25, 20:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by CWW

They should really think of a better solution for the "ore" slip of the tongue though.

Like what? Can't really see a better solution than coming up with phrases that include "boy", unless you resort to notes.

Yuutsu · 2010-11-25, 21:05

Poor Shu. : (

Laying down a trauma upon an already traumatized dude...

Mangaka-chan · 2010-11-26, 03:47

Very interesting episode this week and some interesting character development for Shu.

Spoiler for Episode 6:

Forsaken_Infinity · 2010-11-26, 03:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willen

I've been meaning to watch God of Gamblers, which means that I don't know if there is a scene with the dice and cup, but it's appeared in many other movies (and TV shows) so this one's in the air (unless the character in the movie is also wearing the same kimono that Chieko's wearing, which then confirms it). EDIT: someone on YouTube mentioned 女賭博師 (onnatobakushi), possibly this: http://www.kadokawa-pictures.co.jp/o...onnatobakushi/.

There is. And that clip from the OP is most definitely a reference to God of Gamblers.

Upscaled · 2010-11-26, 06:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forsaken_Infinity

There is. And that clip from the OP is most definitely a reference to God of Gamblers.

But that scene in "God of Gamblers" is actually a reference to several similar scenes in earlier movies, probably starting with the Onna Tobakushi series.
Screenshot from 1967 movie:
http://www.kadokawa-pictures.co.jp/o...onnatobakushi/
Screenshot from 1968 movie:
http://www.kadokawa-pictures.co.jp/o...shi_zetuenjyo/

Edit: Removed manga spoiler

2010-11-20, 07:37	Link #304
MeoTwister5 Komrades of Kitamura Kou Join Date: Jul 2004 Age: 39	A Self-fulfilling Prophecy The reactions the Amars have to society at large every time are largely exaggerated and absurd, but for the most part I do think that’s precisely the point. It’s meant to be seen as an exaggerated psychological response to things that they deem to be feared and avoided, to highlight just how scarred they are from probable past trauma. It’s also meant to be absurd because it calls into question why they have such ridiculous, if not pointless, reactions to ridiculous things, and why they even share the same aversion to all the same things in the first place. Are these general aversions they have like an infectious disease or something? I’m not one to judge them on why they became this way, but this episode more than those before it very much highlights just how debilitating this fear is. They came to the meeting wanting to air their side and try to sway support, but in the end they accomplished nothing but looking like fools in front of all the attendees. If there’s one immediate thing that’s going to be the first real hurdle in their attempt to defend their home and presumably their way of life,,they gotta find a way to fight for their cause without a preemptive retreat. They came, were seen and were conquered. With every episode it’s becoming easier to understand the inner workings of Tsukimi’s mind, while at the same time her character gets more complex with every psychotic break. She’s so easy to put herself down even in a misunderstanding, a classic reaction of people with really low self-esteem. I’m almost sure this isn’t the first time she’s done this when she felt “unseen” or “rejected”. Shu didn’t really reject or avoid her, but his ignorance caused her to once again believe that she’s living a fantasy of being beautiful stylish, only to believe that it was all pretentious. For a moment I thought that she had begun to see the beauty she can cultivate if she tried her best, but the episode showed just how much of a self-fulfilling prophecy her beliefs are. A self fulfilling prophecy is a term many psychiatrists use to describe a belief people have about themselves that is not completely true or rather unreasonable, but they believe in it so much that they act almost instinctively to make it true, and thus this false belief ends up becoming true anyway. Tsukimi is living this vicious cycle. She believes in her ugliness and undesirability so much that she’s making herself manifest it physically by being something of an overall slob. She’s turning her own misguided ideas about herself into reality, even if it doesn’t have to be so. She’s not, any never was, ugly. She’s making herself ugly. __________________ Medical Student vs. Anime Last Exile - Fam the Silver Wing -

2010-11-20, 14:31	Link #306
Zu Ra ✖ ǝʇ ɯıqnɾl ☆ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Mortuary : D	Haven't yet seen the latest episode yet But after T.Bachi my favorite show this season . Strength lies in characters, they are wonderfully crafted . One of the few shows where side characters are as interesting as the main ones . __________________

2010-11-25, 16:46	Link #314
neshru Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008	Spoiler for episode 6: So the nerds really did get a life for one night. Episode was exceptionally tame though, the first one that really didn't live up to the quality of the series. Hopefully the last four episodes will be as good as the first four.

2010-11-26, 03:47	Link #318
Mangaka-chan Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: California	Very interesting episode this week and some interesting character development for Shu. Spoiler for Episode 6: I thought the sisterhood would go back for the second redevelopment meeting and kick some ass, but I guess that's developing things along too fast. Still, it was fun watching them actually having a night life for a change and it's funny seeing "Kurako" obviously falling for Tsukimi. XD On the other hand I hadn't expected Shu to have had a traumatic experience in his childhood regarding women (though thankfully it wasn't because of any abuse, but what he witnessed probably led to a lot of family turmoil that scarred his childhood). But seriously, when Shu woke up naked with a lingerie wearing Inari next to him I just kept thinking "Ohhh crap~" because shit is going to fly. I find it really interesting that after the incident with Inari he went to see Tsukimi, as if to reaffirm in his mind that there are pure, sweet, innocent women out there. We saw from his earlier shoujo-styled fantasies and continued delusions about Tsukimi that he's really idealistic, almost like an innocent teenage girl. But he is inept when it comes to the real-world physical (read: sexual) aspect of a relationship, and is in fact I would say, adverse to it because of what he saw as a child. In a sense Shu is like the women of the Sisterhood i.e. they all want to live and believe in a fantasy they've constructed instead of facing harsh reality for their own personal reasons. I wonder if this trait will eventually help him relate to Tsukimi (the mention of having sukiyaki together as a family in Shu's flashback makes me think that will connect them somehow) and might help soften the blow when he finds out about her otaku side.

2010-11-20, 17:21	Link #307
Falkor Senior Member Join Date: May 2007	episode 05 - I want to be a jellyfish One of the most enjoyable and funniest episodes so far. I have to love that scene where Tsukimi sighed and pondered about the fact she was seen half naked by Kuranosuke's brother, all with the flair of something taken out of a movie, which made the scene even funnier. The moment she was trying to erase that memory from her mind by knocking herself out really put a big smile on my face. On the other hand, Kuranosuke's imagination did wonders to portray his brother as a virgin in need of love, or as someone who in such an hilarious sequence of events would go as far as "researching" about the first kiss. I think Tsukimi might not be the only one who can misinterpret a given situation. Also, that scene where Tsukimi attempted a conversation with Shuu and couldn't help her nervousness and anxiety was very fun and sad at the same time. Tsukimi is too nice of a girl for someone like Shuu. We are slowly exploring her character as she sees herself more like a girl whose feelings she is discovering. I really loved her blushing, but I find it a bit sad that she was simply ignored by the same person who had earlier treated her with kindness and respect. it's ironic that she never sees his actions as ill-intended, but as something "normal" and somewhat expected. Shuu, on the other hand, is beyond shallow and dense; he must really dislike the Amars, or to certain degree, see them with great disdain. There doesn't seem to be any redeeming quality in him so far in the show: not wanting to have any contact with the sisters, being indifferent towards Tsukimi sitting next to him, ignoring her while she was getting drenched in the rain. Oddly enough, I think it's not any different from the treatment the nuns submitted to Kuranosuke earlier during the nabe. He's doing the same thing: judging others by their external appearances, and deeming impossible any interaction with them. The Amars had accepted Kuranosuke's presence in the apartment once they discovered his good intentions and the fact they had nothing to fear, but can the same happen to Shuu? already ignoring Tsukimi's normal appearance, or should I say, failing to realize it's the same girl he had earlier fall head over heels; it's not a matter of fear, anxiety, or nervousness as it is the case with the Amars, but something closer to arrogance. I think the most important line in this episode, perhaps so far in this show, is something Tsukimi says in order to reflect her mental and emotional state: "If I'm reincarnated, I want to be a jellyfish". I think there are two ways to interpret this quote. The first one is within the context of her situation: she wants to be a jellyfish that can only float in the water, making an allusion to how this creature wouldn't have to worry about the thoughts and feelings that had recently surfaced in the past few days. She was being ignored by the same person who had earlier interacted with her, but more importantly, she was unable to fully comprehend his actions and the feelings/thoughts this was creating in her, which consequently made her feel very depressed. I think it was nice to subtly reinforce this idea of a floating Tsukimi, as she was seeing herself like a hopeless jellyfish who couldn't break the ice, but was perhaps waiting for him to take notice of her, which of course didn't happen. The other way to interpret this quote has more to do with the theme of this work: she wants to be jellyfish because she wouldn't be judged by her cuteness (or lack of it), in other words, her external appearance. When you combine this idea with the word princess, and thus the title of this work, you get a nice oxymoron: a Princess who can't be judged by her looks. This is somewhat paradoxical because a girl will only become a princess after her external appearance has been judged and scrutinized. Of course, this work has been trying to undermine this notion by making the idea of beauty become something more superfluous: associating it to Kuranosuke, a beautiful cross dressing male; and having Shuu embody this concept of judging people, which juxtaposes the Amars. I think the message this work is trying to convey goes something along these lines: we shouldn't judge people by how they look. However, we can go a bit further and elaborate on the following: nobody wants to be judged by their external appearance, which addresses the more individualistic and character-driven aspect of the work. Something really nice that I noticed during the episode was how the career woman, while smoking, her cigarettes were getting stained by her purple lipstick; and not only that, she was wearing very intense colors that made her stand out on top of her beauty. We can perhaps think of this as a foreshadowing of the role she is going to play: antagonizing the Amars, and conflicting with Tsukimi's values. But also, we can see this staining as something that would probably affect or influence the life of the other characters in a negative way. I'm not sure what this purple staining really means, but it doesn't really seem like a good omen. Another funny scene of the episode was the makeover of two of the sisters---both were equally funny. Contrast Mayaya's elegance and confidence with her usually eccentric love for the Three Kingdoms; or contrast how different Bamba looks when her awesome afro is sealed. Can this show get any funnier? I hope yes. One of the things I liked the most about this episode was Kuranosuke and his determination to do something. why is he doing so much for them? why is he going so far? I think he, in contrast to his brother, likes interacting with the Amars, and it would be sad for him to see the place go. He also thinks that they should should stand up for what they believe, and thus finds unfair that they can't do anything with their current appearance. He of course wants to help them, and does what he does best; but what made me appreciate more his character is something he says, that he wouldn't tell them to change their lifestyle but if they wanted to fight they should do so by standing out, so people can take notice of them. I think that was the most selfless act he had so far done in the series. ===== it wouldn't hurt to discuss episode previews behind spoiler tags. Not everyone watches them, so it would be polite for those who don't want get spoiled about the next episode.

2010-11-20, 20:12	Link #309
Nikkan Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008	This episode was great. It was a really nice mix of fun and serious. The awkwardness of the Amars going to the meeting was the highlight and them getting nervous from just a shoe rack. The best part of the ep this week was the jellyfish scenes of course. The part where Tsukimi literally sink through the ground. Her speech about wanting to be reborn as a jellyfish and how she mentioned "feeling like a normal girl for the first time" when she dressed up made a big statement as her character. Tsukimi doesn't want to be one of those pretty fashionable girls. She just want to be treated like everybody else, without having to change who she is. Also: Best outfit so far. The jacket, the wig and ribbon, everything~

2010-11-21, 04:46	Link #310
Mangaka-chan Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: California	Watched all of the episodes in one go and I have to say I'm hooked. XD But does anyone know what movies/TV shows were parodied in the OP? I only recognized Sex and the City, Star Wars, Singing in the Rain, James Bond, Bruce Lee, and Mary Poppins.

2010-11-25, 19:04	Link #315
CWW Lurker Join Date: Oct 2008	Kurako was cute this episode. They should really think of a better solution for the "ore" slip of the tongue though. "And Mama didn't name her boy Meat, either" doesn't make a lick of sense in context!

2010-11-25, 21:05	Link #317
Yuutsu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: 雲の向こう	Poor Shu. : ( Laying down a trauma upon an already traumatized dude...