2009-01-11, 16:17 | Link #201 | |
Yuuki Aoi
Join Date: Jul 2004
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The show is complex and interesting, so far. Spoiler for ep2:
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2009-01-11, 18:40 | Link #202 | |
Pedestrian
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Sweden
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Quote:
Spoiler:
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2009-01-11, 21:57 | Link #204 |
Apathy moe~
Scanlator
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Atlanta, USA / Seoul, Korea
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Now on to episode two. If I wasn't sold by the first episode, this definitely seals the deal. Although Haruka still seems out-of-place (a la 4-D), I'm enjoying most of the other characters. Especially our lead. He seems to be polite and is likable to most other girls, rather than being a harem lead just for the sake of it.
Spoiler for Episode Two:
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2009-01-12, 04:38 | Link #205 |
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Hamburg
Age: 54
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Alright, to put it in the words of dahl_moon,
"this seals the deal". I'm already willing to give this show a big thumbs-up and a full recommendation as early as episode 2 (something fairly rare, I usually tend to wait at least 2-3 eps longer). I already thought that ep1 had potential and that it seemed to be going in the right direction, but I'm absolutely convinced that we have a winner here after episode 2. In a nutshell, we have a serious romance drama of a couple of young people who are just stepping into life. Touya and Yuki are an established couple that is gradually shifting apart - Touya as slacking university student and Yuki as busy Idol-in-the-making. Yuki's energetic best friend Rina already is a prominent idol and already seems bound to become a major rival to her in terms of romance (she set her eyes on Touya), and soon probably in terms of stardom. A selection of friends connected by a fairly detailed web of relationships round out the cast. What are the major selling points I see? 1) Complex, and sometimes complicated story. You need to use your brain and stay awake. Many bits of relevant information are hidden throughout the episodes, and you need to be on your toes to catch them. Compared to the normal standard of "even the trivial stuff is explicitly spelled out 3 times so that even the biggest dork understands", this is a refreshing change of pace in my eyes. And as a fansub encoder who has to watch each episode 3 times on average (which can become a real chore sometimes, think AkaneIro), it's also enjoyable that you can still find new details on the 3rd rewatch. 2) Mature characters with mature issues. Yes, they're not yet adults, but at least we're finally out of the happy-go-lucky high school student bubble. 3) Excellent use of in-frame "thoughts". Especially beginning in episode 2, you aren't just shown the dialogue between characters, but often enough their _thoughts_ while conversing. And these thoughts often enough are entirely different and add alot of extra depth. In other anime, this tends to be done by "thoughtspeech" interrupting the flow. Here it's like you get a second line of information directly. I like this approach VERY much. 4) Good atmosphere. Both the visuals and the presentation manage to convey a feeling of wistful melancholy very well. 5) Reversed flow. Instead of suffering through alot of awkward "main characters clumsily and gradually try to get together" early on, we're starting with a steady couple and rather see it shifting apart with Yuki not noticing and Touya unable to express it well. And with a wide selection of other girls showing general interest in Touya (Rina, Haruka, Misaki), this is going to bode well for the drama aspect. In a nutshell, if you don't like drama in the likes of KimiNozo, School Days or True Tears, stay away. But if you do, DEFINITELY give this show a whirl. You'd miss out otherwise. I'm 95% confident that this is going to become a winner. Example of a scene handled very well from ep2: Spoiler:
Looking forward to ep3 alot! (Which will probably be delayed a bit because 3 Eclipse members will attend the Uppcon meeting - see Fansubber board). |
2009-01-12, 17:44 | Link #208 |
Udon-YAAAAAAAA
Join Date: Jan 2008
Age: 35
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The thought that kept running through my head for most of the ep was, "oh no!" for obvious reasons. I greatly enjoyed this ep, moreso than the first one. We get to see a lot more each character's personality.
Like Yuki is maybe overly sensitive and perhaps takes Touya for granted. I clearly see she's trying to make the relationship work, but i don't think she sees how much Touya is putting in on his side and the pain he feels from her not being around. The scene with Haruka really hit something deep down, just because it was so innocent and sweet. Its somewhat of a rarity in shows I've recently watched. I'd have to liken it to True Tears, because its the other down to earth love story that was amazing in recent times. Misaki hasn't been developed much yet, but i can't help but think that the illness is more than a flu? At the same time, Akira kind of makes me sad because everyone knows he's trying hard for her, but his self-confidence isn't there. The part with the cheesecake shows that he supports Touya and perhaps puts his friend above himself. And finally Rina. What is there to say about her... She was great this ep. She has the idol side where she's commanding and very Sheryl like, but then like Sheryl, she also has that softer, more sensitive side which she showed fully when talking to Touya. I loved the way she came on to Touya. delicate, yet obvious. She knows what she's getting in to, because she's well aware that he's Yuki's boyfriend... The ending of the ep resounded quite loudly with me. Touya's rejection of his dad, Yuki's (probable) attempt to call him, and finally Rina's success at it. I think Yuki missed him, then Rina called later and got him. And because of that unfortunate event, this show will be AMAZING and gut wrenching for the other 11 eps in it. "And so it begins.." ps, we have what, a love pentagon? Last edited by germanturkey; 2009-01-12 at 17:56. |
2009-01-12, 17:54 | Link #209 |
Yuuki Aoi
Join Date: Jul 2004
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I still don't have a clear sense of Yuki.
Spoiler for ep2:
I am now committed enough to this show to have made a characters & seiyuus page, with pics of each main character and their voice actor.
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2009-01-12, 19:18 | Link #211 |
Beautiful fighter.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: England, UK
Age: 37
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I just love the fact that scenes where nothing happens, and the scenes where something does are just as good as each other. Also the technique that uses the ED animation for the close up shots are so beautiful. Very 80s.
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2009-01-12, 20:46 | Link #212 |
I Beat Cherry Blossom
Join Date: Jul 2006
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Really beautiful series, and I love what I am seeing thus far. I think the comparisons to true tears are fair in terms of tension and atmosphere, just may be turned down a little in terms of intensity (up to this point). I felt like I was watching something with potential after ep1 but not I am pretty certain that I will watch this until the end.
Spoiler for ep2:
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2009-01-13, 09:33 | Link #214 |
ショ ン (^^)
IT Support
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well episode 2 was interesting yet complex. Yuki said she was happy thats why she was crying but an explanation was never given. Rina asked her if she was ok but after that no more explanation was given i can only assume that it will be explained later. Yuki seems to be a very sensitive girl and its obvious that she does care for Touya but not knowing what problems hes going too and their inability to communicate with each i can see problems in the future.
Haruka is an interesting character yet she seems complex im not sure what her motivations are for anything. The scene where she randomly shows up at Touya's door and says to lets go for a walk was out of the blue. I also did not understand Touya's suddenly saying no and closing the door in her face only to check back later. There relationship seems very complex. Im anticipating more background into Haruka' personality and what drives her. Misaki its just a given for me at this point that she has either fallen or will fall for Touya. Her happy expression just from a simple phone call showed her emotions on her sleeve. Even with her being sick she didnt want to get off the phone another land mine waiting to happen. Rina who's outgoing personality appeals to me so far is becoming my favorite character even not knowing much about her. She accustom to getting her way and when she wants something shes like a bull charging. Her and Yuki disguises were hilarious neither of them could breath LOL. Now i was very VERY surprised that she asked for Touya's number only after about 6 min of chatting with him and only after Yuki had left. Does she find Touya that interesting? does she find him attractive? is he just a toy? I can see where the drama is going to come into play here. The looks shes gave Touya while asking for his number and when she left showed me this is not just a flirtatious one time encounter. That was shown at the end of the episode with her calling the first chance she got. Yuki better watch out a girl like Rina whos confident not shy and very beautiful could steal a mans heart in instant. The childish and in my opinion not very emotional goodbye could be signs to Rina that their relationship might be that secure. She was even surprised that Yuki didn't take any chance to say a meaningful goodbye. Rina could think that Touya is fair game and if Yuki is strong enough to keep her man then she doesn't deserve him. Im not sure what direction any of the characters are going in and its way too early to tell but im enjoying it so far. I think episode 5 we should start seeing the shipping and im pretty sure i know i will be rooting for.
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2009-01-13, 12:06 | Link #219 | |
~ You're dead ^__^* ~
Graphic Designer
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For me Haruka is just "crazy" and Misaki tries to hard for someone who just isn't interested. I even thought she was playing "the sick act" to get his attention
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Last edited by Deathkillz; 2009-01-13 at 14:01. Reason: sleepy XD |
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Tags |
drama, eroge, romance, seinen |
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