I probably already responded to your post with this, but it didn't occur to me at the time to actually respond within the thread itself (which is kind of a weird thing to forget). So yeah. I'll leave it right here for everyone's benefit.
Spoiler for series impression:
I do think you have essence of Marimite down. The show is essentially about the relationship dynamics between various characters. What makes this show so special, I believe, is that these relationships never remain stagnant, all while maintaining the same slow, deliberate pacing. The analogy of watching a flower bloom is quite fitting in this case. Another thing is that each relationship feels like a fresh new experience. Each character pair is unique, not quite the same, but also not quite so different. As a result, the development undergone by each character can be seen as organic in its progression. But then, this is a show that thrives on the journey rather than pursuing a goal. It’s about smelling the roses and enjoying the scenery. It captures that distinct mono no aware feel that I look for in all my shows. That emphasis on its idyllic ambiance, alongside the subtle, meaningful character interactions, is what makes this show into one of my all-time favorite anime.
Honestly, the biggest surprise for me while watching this show was Yumi. I originally saw her as this bland viewer self-insert MC, but I could almost immediately see how wrong I was. She definitely added something to the Yamayurikai. As you say, it’s probably that dosage of youthful innocence that she contributed that made the Rose Mansion seem like such a fun place. But then, it didn’t stop there. I realized that I was watching this series almost solely to watch Yumi’s character bloom because it was definitely there. Seeing that character I once perceived as static grow into an individual capable of asserting herself, and, eventually, leading others herself is was a thing of beauty for me. What’s more is that the little changes to her character all felt so subtle that it felt like I was literally growing alongside her character. The Yumi that refused Sachiko’s rosary in the 1st season is undoubtedly a different character from the Yumi that entrusted Touko with her rosary in the 4th season.
The fourth season was immensely different from the previous four seasons due to its stronger emphasis on drama compared to the previous seasons. It doesn’t help that Touko has the kind of traumatic family history usually reserved for soap operas. But you know what? She brilliantly surpasses these crude stereotypes and becomes a character of her own. Oh, I’d agree with you that she exists as a sort of foil to Yumi’s character, and it’s strangely that contrast that draws them to each other in any case. One thing that helped me salvage her character is that her character conflict was mostly internal, none of the boorish plot machinations that makes melodrama so distasteful. She’s a character with an inferiority complex to the point that she prefers to wear masks and adapt roles to make herself feel better. This might also account for her comfort towards acting and drama. The beautiful thing here is that it is she, and not Yumi, that takes the final step to solidify their soeur relationship.
Of course, not to say the anime adaptation was perfect or anything. You’re right in saying that the 4th season was about Yumi and Touko. The negative result here is that the other characters fall to the wayside. If one was used to seeing the diverse collection of character interactions found in previous seasons, this might possibly disappoint since it focuses almost exclusively on a single character pair. There are also a few loose plot threads (Who was Shimako’s date?), but that’s a minor gripe. If I go by emotional impact alone, I’d give this a 10/10 hands down.
Thanks for replying to my review here, and with a review of your own. It was nice to see this thread become active again.
Yumi is definitely a strong lead protagonist. I think what the narrative did is take a "normal girl", but have her be very nuanced and quick to adapt, and throw her into a slightly unusual world. We see her slowly but surely adapt to that world, while that world in turn gains greater liveliness and spirit from Yumi herself. It was definitely a beautiful blossoming.
I also agree with you on Touko. Her sad backstory has a touch of cliche to it, but Touko managed to make it feel real and authentic. I think the way the Yumi/Touko date played out helped a lot. It wasn't flashy at all, but very practical and down-to-Earth. Touko didn't try to impress Yumi so much as she simply revealed the unvarnished truth of her personal life to Yumi. And I liked that, particularly since it wasn't what I was expecting. It was a great note for the anime to end off on.
@sa547
I'm not sure if your reply was aimed at Qilin or me or both of us, but either way, thanks.
I also agree with you on Touko. Her sad backstory has a touch of cliche to it, but Touko managed to make it feel real and authentic. I think the way the Yumi/Touko date played out helped a lot. It wasn't flashy at all, but very practical and down-to-Earth. Touko didn't try to impress Yumi so much as she simply revealed the unvarnished truth of her personal life to Yumi. And I liked that, particularly since it wasn't what I was expecting. It was a great note for the anime to end off on.
Yeah. I found that date to be rather cathartic.
It finally gave Touko an opportunity to expose her vulnerabilities without pretense to someone else after spending a huge chunk of her life acting out the role of a perfect daughter. Admittedly, it wasn't the kind of date I was expecting, but in retrospect, it was a solid conclusion, bringing about perfect closure to Touko's character arc. For bonus points, seeing Yumi act like an elegant older sister (while retaining her character's charm) made me feel giddy on the inside. Those are some great character moments for in the entire series right there.
It's sad to know that there will probably never be another season, but I'm glad it ended as it did. Now, I'm just getting by through reading the light novels.
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