Character review: Shizuru Viola

[JayF]

Originally Posted by Pazu

(sorry, couldn't stop myself... )

I agree. We don't see Shizuru molesting anybody...except Natsuki

But lot of people do like to think about her like about molester and sexmaniac. Somehow it is not so difficult. Check this out answering questions below.

based on ep.12
1. Why Shizuru noticed that 'prince' is not a prince
A. she saw no adam apple
B. her CGR worked
2. Why she didn't tell Natsuki
A. she wasn't sure
B. she was afraid of Natsuki's comment "There is only one thing in your head"
3. Why she was prying Akira
A. to make herself sure
B. because she has peeping net around Garderobe and it is her habit
(I wonder if Natsuki knows about it...Naaah, she is main target )
4.Why she was holding Akira
A. to defend herself from Akira's attack
B. for some moment of ... pleasure
5. Why she gave Arika permission to materialise
A. to have some help
B. again, for moment of pleasure

so...
if your answers are:
A. - well, who are you? we are talking about Shizuru here
B. - you know, people can think about something else than sex...
(even in Shizuru's presence )

and that is the way it works. more or less.

My answers are

1) B
2)B
3)B
4)B
5)A

Looks like I don't think about sex with her around all the time, although sometimes she makes that pretty hard to not think about sex.

[Catgirls]

This thread is a bit juxtaposed, but I tried to put most of the cogent pieces together. I realize that any conversation about Shizuru is, A.), somewhat flame bait and B.), very over talked, but I'm confident that you guys can keep the conversation polite and interesting.

Cheers.

[Efreeta]

Originally Posted by Pazu
But lot of people [B

do[/B] like to think about her like about molester and sexmaniac. Somehow it is not so difficult. Check this out answering questions below.

based on ep.12
1. Why Shizuru noticed that 'prince' is not a prince
A. she saw no adam apple
B. her CGR worked
2. Why she didn't tell Natsuki
A. she wasn't sure
B. she was afraid of Natsuki's comment "There is only one thing in your head"
3. Why she was prying Akira
A. to make herself sure
B. because she has peeping net around Garderobe and it is her habit
(I wonder if Natsuki knows about it...Naaah, she is main target )
4.Why she was holding Akira
A. to defend herself from Akira's attack
B. for some moment of ... pleasure
5. Why she gave Arika permission to materialise
A. to have some help
B. again, for moment of pleasure

so...
if your answers are:
A. - well, who are you? we are talking about Shizuru here
B. - you know, people can think about something else than sex...
(even in Shizuru's presence )

and that is the way it works. more or less.

Well, my answers are:
1. Why Shizuru noticed that 'prince' is not a prince
A. she saw no adam apple
2. Why she didn't tell Natsuki
A. she wasn't sure
3. Why she was prying Akira
A. to make herself sure
4.Why she was holding Akira
A. to defend herself from Akira's attack
5. Why she gave Arika permission to materialise
A. to have some help

So I guess I see Shizuru in a kind of neutral way , although I find her character incredibly intriguing... mostly because, outside her Meister role, she's quite unpredictable.
I'm very curious to know something more about her personal backstory or background, before venturing into a whole analysis of her character in Mai Otome...

[guest]

Originally Posted by Pazu

1. Why Shizuru noticed that 'prince' is not a prince
A. she saw no adam apple

I have heard so many people mentioned this, but why would a "young" boy have adam's apple? The "fake" prince strike me as a young teenage boy. It is quite possible that he hasn't had adam's apple yet. Why is this considered a clue? Takumi doesn't have one, either.

[Vallen Chaos Valiant]

Okay, since this is a thread dedicated to M-O Shizuru, I might as well post something I read about recently.

In an interview with a production team making the "Sentai" show Midori loves so much, the director explained why they colour-coded their Sentai heroes; the Red is always the leader and so on.

But the most relevant to this thread is their discussion on the colour "Purple".

Purple, though considered a colour Japanese Royalty is associated, is NOT a heroic colour. That's why you never see a Purple Power-Ranger.

Further more, as a side point, Post Gen-1, the leader of the Decepticons in the "Transformer franchise is nearly ALWAYS purple. That was intentional, and hasn't changed. The is a reason Optimus (or Convoy) is red in colour... (And guess what colour Mai would be wearing? )

That's not saying Shizuru will turn to the dark side or anything; I am saying her colour of Purple is a sign of regal importance rather than heroism.

[himalayan]

Originally Posted by Anime Adoru

Maybe the most obvious change over Mai Hime is that in Mai Otome, Shizuru's love for Natsuki, is being answered. From the surprised expression in Natsuki's face when Shizuru first bows down to the awe-struck Arika as if to kiss her, to the proverbial "fan-service" scene at the pool that made everyone wonder where exactly Shizuru stuck her fingers to make Natsuki blush in such an ecstatic and embarrassed way, it is made abundantly clear that Shizuru and Natsuki are a couple.
.

you know what, i think you're a shiznat fan in denial. excuse my personal attack. but i think few shiznat fans are convinced that they're a couple via that scene. it's either you read too much into things or you should wear that shiznat is love shirt you have. XD

Shizuru may make us admire her power and elegance, but I think her morals are severly lacking.

harsh, much? to accuse someone of 'severly lacking' morals is such a bold move. and considering the amount of shizuru-sama-take-me-onnnnneegai people in this forum, i cant help but see this as a flame bait. but okay i changed my mind, i wont.

first, you have not presented enough facts to satisfy your ending statement. i understand this is your point of view but be responsible. dont play the 'this is my opinion wildcard'. most of the scenarios you have pointed out are pretty much open to several interpretations and is not concrete enough to convince moi.

shizuru fights for garderobe, she's there for natsuki and she cares for the students. it seems to me that she is very aware of what's wrong and what is not. otherwise she's probably paving her way to world domination. what more do you want? fans love shizuru because despite the fact that she's a very strong character she's also flawed. and in some way, it makes her more human. what you're asking for is a shizuru set high above a pedestal. a goddess. a perfect being who will never succumb to her own emotions.

well she's not and that's why i love her.

[Juju]

Originally Posted by guest

I have heard so many people mentioned this, but why would a "young" boy have adam's apple? The "fake" prince strike me as a young teenage boy. It is quite possible that he hasn't had adam's apple yet. Why is this considered a clue? Takumi doesn't have one, either.

Correct me if I'm wrong - all the male populace out there - but when puberty hits, doesn't the show of your 'apple' come at say....14-ish? And I contend that the reason why Takumi doesn't show at having one is...the animators, for art purposes, decided not to draw that in? Artistic discretion and all... then again, I could just be grasping straws

I prefer saying that her radar went apeshit

[demon_god04]

@ Vallen Chaos Valiant

Hmm thats interesting I always wondered why they coloured thier sentai heroes as such would you mind elaborating or tell me were to find the interview?

[Vallen Chaos Valiant]

Originally Posted by demon_god04

@ Vallen Chaos Valiant

Hmm thats interesting I always wondered why they coloured thier sentai heroes as such would you mind elaborating or tell me were to find the interview?

To demon_god04:
Here you go...
http://www.fansview.com/2003/animereactor/ar01.htm

**************
As for Shizuru's "Girl detector",I believe there are more than one logical explanation for this. Adam's apple aside, we know there are people in the world who are more observant than others, and out of these people many of them are specialised in identifying things that interests them. It's like how a CSI would be more clearly able to observe and obtain info from a crime scene.

Shizuru likes girls. There's no doubt about that. Further more, Akira in the Mai-Otome world did not cross-dress by choice as she did in Mai-Hime, but rather took up the disguise in an emergency. In a sense, she was less prepared, and can be caught-out by a trained eye. The others in Gardrobe are either too worried about Arika being discovered to notice, or dismissed the irregularities from Akira as "foreign behaviour".

[Catgirls]

FYI: I'm pro Shizuru (HiME & Otome). Her character has the depth and sympathy that makes Mia-HiME the polemic stroke of genius that it is.

/plus she's hot.
//did I mention that she's hot?

[JayF]

So what exactly was Shizuru going to do with Akira after she disarmed our fave ninja?

From the Doremi subs, she said before we find out why you're impersonating Takumi.

So obviously she was going to do SOMETHING!

What is it, make your choice.

Before voting, I recommend watching the scene again and watch Shizuru leering (I think) expression.

1)Disarm Akira of any hidden weapons to prevent herself from receiving a Jipang stabbing

2)Disrobe Akira to treat herself to some Jipang cuisine. Shizuru wants a change from Garderobe's "menu" of Corals and Pearls.

Maybe someone can make a poll or something.

[Juju]

Originally Posted by JayF

So what exactly was Shizuru going to do with Akira after she disarmed our fave ninja?

From the Doremi subs, she said before we find out why you're impersonating Takumi.

So obviously she was going to do SOMETHING!

What is it, make your choice.

Before voting, I recommend watching the scene again and watch Shizuru leering (I think) expression.

1)Disarm Akira of any hidden weapons to prevent herself from receiving a Jipang stabbing

2)Disrobe Akira to treat herself to some Jipang cuisine. Shizuru wants a change from Garderobe's "menu" of Corals and Pearls.

Maybe someone can make a poll or something.

HONESTLY speaking and this may be because I'm just an idiot anyway, but...I seriously didn't think for the life of me, Shizuru was going to do anything to Akira. UNTIL my 'friend' remarked: "Didn't you think it was obvious? She was about to kiss her or something..."

After re-watching, many times, I do acknowledge that there is a distinct -pause- right before Arika shows up. Shizuru definitely had something in mind. But like many rabid-foaming-at-the-mouth fans , I would so be willing to be taken advantage of by her...

[demon_god04]

Originally Posted by JayF

So what exactly was Shizuru going to do with Akira after she disarmed our fave ninja?

From the Doremi subs, she said before we find out why you're impersonating Takumi.

So obviously she was going to do SOMETHING!

What is it, make your choice.

Before voting, I recommend watching the scene again and watch Shizuru leering (I think) expression.

1)Disarm Akira of any hidden weapons to prevent herself from receiving a Jipang stabbing

2)Disrobe Akira to treat herself to some Jipang cuisine. Shizuru wants a change from Garderobe's "menu" of Corals and Pearls.

Maybe someone can make a poll or something.

Im going with a little from column 1 and a little from column 2...... while shes helping herself to a little apetizer im sure she can also "pat" Akira down for weapons

[Xellos-_^]

I am going with the Cute Girl Radar myself on how Shzuru detected Akira. Remeber the ping that came right before her face light up like cat who just found herself with a new toy.

[asthalanthil]

Well I watched it again... You know, if this was the age of watching stuff from VHS video, all the sections with Shizuru would be worn off now... That's how much I rewind to her sections!

And there *is* that little grin thing that looks as if she is enjoying it a bit too much. But I think it's a combination of several factors and not really because she wanted to... to uh... uh... derive any sort of pleasure from Akira.

1. The innate satisfaction of that she can always spot a girl
2. And I think she *knew* or suspected that the deception wasn't evil or anti-Garderobe in nature- one of the reasons she doesn't tell Natsuki 'cause perhaps she didn't want Natsuki to over-worry (and get more wrinkles on her cute face)

And would just like to ask the Japanese speakers out there. What Shizuru says, after Akira asks her to let her go, is it more of

a. No, I won't (let you go) before I find out why you are impersonating the prince
or
b. No, I won't (let you go). Before I find out why you are impersonating the prince... (I will do something else )

[Shigan]

Originally Posted by Kieli

You DO realise that someone has to act the adult in a school full of children. Shizuru is Natsuki's #2 and that means being on top of everything that goes on (erm...no pun intended...just in case Shigan is lurking around with more New Year's cake).

No sorry, I ate it all- *wipes off face* -but I got some pean-paste mochi if you want some. Damn do I love new year just for all the candy, I can't wait to the Chinese one that's in another few weeks . *stuffs mochi down Kieli's hatch* As for Shizuru, yup, she would definetly always be on top, in the rare cases where she wouldn't it woul--uh-- whatwerewetalkingaboutagain?



As for Shizuru's morals, for the love of Lain, don't you think it is kinda ridiculous to judge someone moralic character judging by -one- single sentence spoken. And to be honest, Mai Otome hasn't given us a situation yet which's graveness is dire enough to make a final decision about whoever is a true good person.

And besides, morals shifts as much as cultures. While all cultures value things like courage, friendship, love and loyalty, we do it to different degrees, with different priorities and for different reasons - Morals are as much about popularity beliefs and agreement by majority as a election campaign, the difference being that morals have to cultivate though people's beliefs/norms/characters and what their culture allows over many many years.

Mai Otome happens on a another planet with for us foreign formed nations and cultures in what seems like a pretty far away future - their morals and what they hold dear may differ a bit from yours, which would be quite understandable.

[Anime Adoru]

Originally Posted by himalayan

you know what, i think you're a shiznat fan in denial. excuse my personal attack. but i think few shiznat fans are convinced that they're a couple via that scene. it's either you read too much into things or you should wear that shiznat is love shirt you have.

I admit that I accepted as a fact that Shizuru and Natsuki are a couple, probably, because everyone did. It didn't occur to me that this might not be the case. Is there anyone here who thinks they really aren't a couple? Unfortunately, as usual, most such stuff is left implicit, for your imagination...

Whether the pool scene "proves" this or not, I don't know. I just picked a favorite scene. Just remember how the episode 8 and 9 thread when nuts over it :-)

[Anime Adoru]

Originally Posted by himalayan

harsh, much? to accuse someone of 'severly lacking' morals is such a bold move. and considering the amount of shizuru-sama-take-me-onnnnneegai people in this forum, i cant help but see this as a flame bait. but okay i changed my mind, i wont.

It wasn't meant to start a flame war. After the discussion, I accept that my statement was too harsh, and take it back. I think I have a better understanding now of where this was coming from.

I stand by that she is very controlled (which to me comes across as cold). The soldier argument is well taken, though it makes me worry if someone seems to be a soldier all the time.

In terms of morals, I'd rather say now that she has comparatively narrow morals (protecting Natsuki, the school, etc.) That maybe enough for a real person for a lifetime, but this is an anime, where people are usually out to change the world for some unworldly higher cause :-) So her aspirations and morals seem somewhat limited, probably deliberately.

One aspect was mentioned that makes her stand out and led some to call her a molester. I wouldn't use that term, but I think what she has is a certain aggressive playfulness, and thinking it through again, I think it is based on her being very self-assure about her powers, as if nothing bad could ever happen to her. I don't remember a single scene where she seemed afraid or unsure. For most people, who fight their way through life (incl me), this may come across as somewhat arrogant.

And yes, of course, I'm just an in-the-closet ShizNat fan and all of this is only to upset her so she comes and gets me

[Anime Adoru]

Here you go... http://www.fansview.com/2003/animereactor/ar01.htm

Interesting. Is there any meaning to the pink/green color coding of Coral uniforms?

As far as I observed, Arika has pink stripes, while about everyone else has green strips on the costumes. I just assumed that this is a hint to the viewer who is who. Usually, among Corals, it is always Arika and then someone else, and you don't always see the faces or hair.

[guest]

Super long post warning ahead.

Originally Posted by Anime Adoru

In terms of morals, I'd rather say now that she has comparatively narrow morals (protecting Natsuki, the school, etc.) That maybe enough for a real person for a lifetime, but this is an anime, where people are usually out to change the world for some unworldly higher cause :-) So her aspirations and morals seem somewhat limited, probably deliberately.

You know, it's this kind of people who are more flexiable and can adapt variety of situations. People who are "out to change the world for some unworldly higher cause" in real world or in anime, are usually very rigid, hence, they break easily or they just hide it. What I mean is, once something out of their comprehesion happens to them, their morals (standard, or norm, whatever they have lived up to this point) shatter and they turn to the dark side of humanity very easily. It's either this or they just do things that are against their belief and hide them. It's human nature that we are all flawed and CANNOT help it. Either you let it out or destroy yourself (and maybe people who care for you). This is my opinions of this matter. Nothing personal. That's why I love Shizuru.

Originally Posted by Anime Adoru

One aspect was mentioned that makes her stand out and led some to call her a molester. I wouldn't use that term, but I think what she has is a certain aggressive playfulness, and thinking it through again, I think it is based on her being very self-assure about her powers, as if nothing bad could ever happen to her. I don't remember a single scene where she seemed afraid or unsure. For most people, who fight their way through life (incl me), this may come across as somewhat arrogant.

I think I understand what you mean but my take of this is different. Shizuru (or anyone else) can be as arrogant as they want IF they have the quality to back it up. If people think that she is being arrogant because she is being "self-assure about her powers, as if nothing bad could ever happen to her", then they are the truly arrogant ones.

I believe in "if you are not good at something, you listen." There are people in the world who are just, more intelligant, smarter and more insightful etc. If you are not as good as them, you listen to them, instead of thinking that they are being arrogant. This is the way people who are not as good learn and get better. Nobody in the world is good at everything. Whe you see people who are better than you at something, I think you sould listen to them, instead of thinking them as being arrogant.

Shiruzu is very good at "hangling things." She knows how to deal with the situations and knows exactly what happened, what the meaning behind that, and know exactly what to do. Her way of "handling things" has been excellent (coming from students of Fuuka academy in My Hime. "it was said that she and Reito are the greatest couple of this school). She probably knows all about this Hime things way before anybody (from the vampire ep in Mai hime and Nagi's commets). She is very insightful--she figured out Nao's metality with such little interaction with her. She knows what is going to happen and how to deal with people according to their personality--Haruka can never beat her and sometimes, even being a slave and do all Shizuru's work for her, becasue she just knows how to deal with her all too well.

From what I see, she CAN be arrogat because she has the quality to be that way.

I am more than happy to team up with her and follow her instructions because this way, we have greater chance to succeed on things AND I would learn a great deal of how to handle things in the future. If I don't, I am running a risk of failure when it should not have happend. That's why some poeple are struggling with life. *coughHarukacough* So all it takes is to listen to people who are better than you. Of course, you will have to admit that they are better than you first. Hard to swallow, isn't it.