AnimeSuki Forums

Ashlotte · 2006-11-27, 00:22

What the hell are those things you keep using Xell christ...gonna give me nightmares or at the very least make it hard to watch any anime tommorrow.

Sigh...anyway...Im glad the show is keeping the forward momentum going. I was kinda worried there for abit that the show would bog down into the slow burn go nowhereness of most harem shows when the initial confession failed.

Now...time for the angst and real drama.

Xellos-_^ · 2006-11-27, 00:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimichi

What the hell are those things you keep using Xell christ...gonna give me nightmares or at the very least make it hard to watch any anime tommorrow.

it is the new wave in harem anime

cute girls with big knives/machettes/boxcutters

got one more for your dreams

PS. Never in the anime world will anyone ever underestimate the domestic goddess again.

***relentlessflame*** · 2006-11-27, 00:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xellos-_^

here is my prediction

In how many threads are you going to keep posting GIFs of the same three bad School Days endings we've seen billions of times by now? It's totally and completely off-topic for this show. And now doctored Shuffle pictures? Come on...

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunningTARGET

So the rainbow was Riko's gift? Wasnt there allready a rainbow that Haruhiko's mother wished to, to give birth to him?

I wasn't too clear on that at first either, but in the flashback scene in episode 4, Riko makes the comment that the rainbow was disappearing (which seems to imply that the rainbow used to come and go). After that, they make the promise to watch it again someday, so I guess Riko's Gift was that the rainbow wouldn't disappear until that promise was fulfilled.

Owaranai Destiny · 2006-11-27, 01:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

I wasn't too clear on that at first either, but in the flashback scene in episode 4, Riko makes the comment that the rainbow was disappearing (which seems to imply that the rainbow used to come and go). After that, they make the promise to watch it again someday, so I guess Riko's Gift was that the rainbow wouldn't disappear until that promise was fulfilled.

Fitting for the title. I suppose it could be that the rainbow might indeed have been disappearing and Riko's Gift simply 'renewed' it for it to remain. It would pose a question, though: Is a Gift to a person eternal, or does it slowly dissipate when the giver passes away or no longer has those feelings in mind when he/she gives away the Gift?

***relentlessflame*** · 2006-11-27, 01:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Owaranai Destiny

I suppose it could be that the rainbow might indeed have been disappearing and Riko's Gift simply 'renewed' it for it to remain. It would pose a question, though: Is a Gift to a person eternal, or does it slowly dissipate when the giver passes away or no longer has those feelings in mind when he/she gives away the Gift?

I think that the power of Gift is eternal, unless it's given back willingly. For example, Haruhiko said that he owes his life to his late mother's Gift. In episode 7, I don't think they implied that destroying the rainbow would "undo" any of the other gifts retroactively (Haruhiko was going to use the fake gift to destroy all his memories of his late mother (including the rainbow), but presumably he would still be alive). But, barring an official explanation of all the "rules" from the game players, I guess we'll just have to wait for the show to explain itself. This is why all the Gift examples have been important so far.

DrewGSR · 2006-11-27, 03:25

Man some shit is going to go down and its going to be a big probably. Kirino is probably going to go all suicidal and do something crazy next episode.

Yea Gift is exceeding my expectations, though i came in with like slim to none to begin with haha. Besides the whole Riko/Haruiko romance, i do like Rinka. if it wasn't Riko, Rinka would be the best choice. Kirino ftl in my book.

Skyfall · 2006-11-27, 03:41

Xellos, what's with you and your recent School Days obsession ?

ccardoso · 2006-11-27, 05:16

The male protagonist beat a guiness: to be dumped in the third episode...

Shiroth · 2006-11-27, 08:54

We need a top 5 confession's of all time list, 'cause i can easily say the confession from episode 08 of Gift would be first place. What an all mighty beautiful scene - everything about it right down to what was said made you move in tears.. i'm pretty sure i don't even have to mention about the music.. but i think i shall, Nanase Hikaru has set again brought her musical score to life. Each BGM played goes perfectly with that scene, even more so for the confession.. and yet again with Kirino's text message. I can easily see what series i'll be rewatching on Christmas day. :3

DanielSong39 · 2006-11-27, 11:42

I actually thought the confession scene(s) in Episode 3 was better; there you have the (implied) double confession, the flashbacks, Kirino's intrusion, and the eventual meltdown... far more dramatic if you ask me.

The scene I'm actually looking forward to is the Kirino rejection scene. Can't wait to see her response... though it remains to be seen whether she responds with the boxcutter or sakura petals.

martino · 2006-11-27, 14:14

It seems like a few of us would welcome if something really crazy was to happen...just for a laugh, it would be nice

Ashlotte · 2006-11-27, 18:53

^ Crazy yes...blood bath levels of violence...not so much...

And it depends on what kinds of confessions where talking about...I personally always find the ones that fail more memorable and interesting as sad as that sounds. But as far as sucessful ones go that was one of the better ones.

***relentlessflame*** · 2006-11-27, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimichi

And it depends on what kinds of confessions where talking about...I personally always find the ones that fail more memorable and interesting as sad as that sounds. But as far as sucessful ones go that was one of the better ones.

Personally, I think it's the fact that the show has both for the same characters that makes it work best (and makes it more interesting). It puts emphasis on the inevitability of it all (to go any other path would be a lie), which'll make the resolution even more straining. So while either confession was memorable on its own, I think they work better in composite; that's why I like the way they're threading the plot.

***relentlessflame*** · 2006-11-30, 19:57

Forgive me for the double-post... Episode 9 answers a bunch of questions, and sets things up for the big finish... Great episode, IMO.

Spoiler for Episode 9:

As they return home from their trip, Kirino's there waiting. The awkwardness immediately gives the new couple away, and Haruhiko presenting the substitute souvenir to Kirino leads to Haruhiko confessing why he couldn't do it ("Riko's the girl I love"). Kirino tries to offer her congratulations, but it was obviously painful for her... Sometime later, you see her really start to lose it as she talks into a disconnected string phone... Accepting this won't be that easy.

Riko and Haruhiko then fulfill their promise to return to the spot with the best view of the rainbow, where she confirms what was said about her Gift last time. The reason why it worked, even though Haruhiko didn't know about it, was because their feelings were mutual; they both really wanted to return to that spot and see the rainbow together some day, and so they did. Under the rainbow, they once again renew that promise to each other that they'll be able to continue to return to see the rainbow together from now on. (And incidentally, Riko gives Haruhiko the cutest little kiss during that scene... aww...)

Some time later, you see Kirino at the piano continuing to struggle to accept the new situation, but not succeeding. She considers it unfair that Riko walked into Haruhiko's life and stole him away from her. She decides that she won't accept it, and goes to Haruhiko's house. Riko's conveniently away running some errands, so Haruhiko lets her in. Kirino acts all pleasant, acts as if she's accepted the new situation, and says that she wants to stay a part of Haruhiko's life; Haruhiko doesn't really have a problem with that at all, as long as she's okay with it... And then he starts explaining how, despite his not knowing it, Riko had used her Gift... This gets Kirino very quiet...

When Riko returns, the tension's already set. Kirino blasts Riko for having broken their promise - which is finally explained: As kids, they both recognized that they loved the same person, but promised to not use Gift to "sway" the situation. In fact, the promise was even Riko's idea... and yet, even though Riko's Gift wasn't really to sway Haruhiko's heart (and he didn't even know about it), from Kirino's perspective it's still cheating, and a promise broken. She also blames Riko for stealing her dream - that is, to become Haruhiko's sister. Since long before Riko arrived, Kirino dreamed of being Haruhiko's sister so that she could have a place in his life forever. Then Riko arrived and not only stole her dream of becoming his sister, but she's now also stolen what hope she had left by becoming his girlfriend. She demands that Riko take the Gift back and when Riko refuses, that's when Kirino strikes with the most potent weapon of all: she's not going to give up and, unlike Riko, she still has her Gift to use. Next episode preview: she uses it...

I think what I like best about this episode is that it's connecting all the dots in the plot exactly. Every episode we've seen so far is like a small piece in this puzzle that's gradually revealing itself; little hints dropped earlier come back to make perfect sense now. In other words, it's a well-constructed, thought-out plot that's internally consistent. And we the viewers have been reminded of the key to the ending in every next-episode preview since episode 1 (and the one thing Kirino didn't consider when she announced that she still had her Gift to use): Haruhiko still has his Gift too ("to whom will you give your Gift?"). So, onward to the closing arc!

(I still wonder what the bonus episode will be about, though...)

Edit: Added a few extra details to the summary. Oh yeah, and have I mentioned recently that I love Hikaru Nanase's soundtrack for this show? It continues in the excellent tradition of D.C.S.S. and Kagihime, and her piano melodies (fitting) and use of other intrumentation is really great (especially near the end of this episode around 18 minutes in - take a listen...). Can't wait for the OST!

Kaoru Chujo · 2006-12-01, 02:00

So glad that Jason over at Anime on My Mind turned me on to this show last week. I've caught up and am revelling in the romance here in eps 8 and 9. And in the good voice-acting from Shimizu Ai, in particular, who seems to be growing by leaps and bounds over the past year or so. And Miyazaki Ui, Tai Yuuki, Koshimizu Ami and Shintani Ryouko aren't too shabby, either.

I think it was Tai-san's Haruhiko that turned me off this show when I watched ep1 and quit. I hate that male>female bullying style that is supposed to be affectionate. But it did set up his development. And I don't need the angst that I see coming, but okay. Nice little show -- especially for something that is broadcast at 3am. Not exactly prime time, lol. And nice post just now by relentlessflame.

It doesn't seem to have been mentioned (I searched his name in the thread) that Suzuki Masashi, who did the overall series composition, did the same for Shuffle!, and did scriptwriting for Da Capo and Jigoku Shoujo. The director, Kimiya Shigeru, directed the Hand Maid May OAV, but otherwise seems to have only done episodes, up until now. The sound director (i.e., director of seiyuu), Takakuwa Hajime, is also comparatively new, but he did do Major, and Rakugo Tennyou Oyui, where I also thought some of the voice-acting was particularly good. Pardon me if these people have been mentioned before in the thread.

***relentlessflame*** · 2006-12-01, 03:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaoru Chujo

So glad that Jason over at Anime on My Mind turned me on to this show last week.

That's some pretty "qualified" praise (as in, caveat-filled) to turn you on to the show, but whatever works.

All in all, while I think he's over-simplified the plot (and missed some points in the process - then again, "two sentence formula"...), I will agree with Jason that this show's greatest strength is "doing more with less"; I've been quite impressed by that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaoru Chujo

I hate that male>female bullying style that is supposed to be affectionate.

My first thought here was... no younger siblings?

The saying in French is "on agace ceux qu'on aime" (we tease those we love), so I guess it's just one of those things... (I'm assuming you're referring to Haruhiko's teasing of Kirino.)

rooboy · 2006-12-01, 09:38

Yeah, the teasing thing is older sibling>younger sibling. It has nothing to do with male or female - Similar situations in other shows or manga with an older female sister usually include her bullying him. In cases where the siblings are the same age, it's used to differentiate which is going to be considered the elder one.

Though, obviously eroge inspired adaptations only rarely (if ever) include an older female sibling, but you can see the trope in other shows all the time.

holyman282 · 2006-12-01, 18:00

well that's quite realistic as there are quite alot of siblings that tease each other, but deep down are friends

fict_ticious · 2006-12-03, 00:44

Hooo boy.
Gift Ep 09

Spoiler:

This episode made me think back to one episode from Kino no Tabi - "The country where people understand pain". The Gift seems to hold an ugly side to it too.

Quote:

well that's quite realistic as there are quite alot of siblings that tease each other, but deep down are friends

Hahah, true. I sometimes team up with my older sis to tease my younger siblings, but she's done a fair amount of it to me too. But I think of it as this: people aren't very nice in the outside world, so it's kind of a way to condition them so they'll be able to accept those things (if that made any sense). Plus, if you see them pick up habits/attitudes form you, you can spring the whole "You have trained well" thing on them. It really pisses them off XD

holyman282 · 2006-12-03, 00:55

hmmm finally the show is getting to some angsty bits, lol Kirino is going to turn psycho Kaede i think except this time she'd have alot more power since she's using the gift! This is going to be awsome can't wait, also wonders how they are going to resolve the problem, noting that Haruhiko hasn't used his gift so probably he will use his gif t reverse the problem.

However I doubt that would happen as he is able to resolve other problems cause by the gift without acutally using his, so maybe to resolve the problem Haruhiko and Kirino heart's might just need to connect, even if it's not lover's sort of connection. Well this is only speculation so hoping for next episode!

2006-11-27, 03:41	Link #207
Skyfall Lost in my dreams... Join Date: Jun 2006 Age: 37	Xellos, what's with you and your recent School Days obsession ? __________________

2006-11-27, 08:54	Link #209
Shiroth Beautiful fighter. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: England, UK Age: 37	We need a top 5 confession's of all time list, 'cause i can easily say the confession from episode 08 of Gift would be first place. What an all mighty beautiful scene - everything about it right down to what was said made you move in tears.. i'm pretty sure i don't even have to mention about the music.. but i think i shall, Nanase Hikaru has set again brought her musical score to life. Each BGM played goes perfectly with that scene, even more so for the confession.. and yet again with Kirino's text message. I can easily see what series i'll be rewatching on Christmas day. :3 __________________ MyAnimeList Twitter

2006-11-27, 14:14	Link #211
martino makes no files now Join Date: May 2006	It seems like a few of us would welcome if something really crazy was to happen...just for a laugh, it would be nice __________________ "Light and shadow don't battle each other, because they're two sides of the same coin"

2006-11-30, 19:57	Link #214
*relentlessflame* 　 Administrator Join Date: Dec 2003 Age: 41	Forgive me for the double-post... Episode 9 answers a bunch of questions, and sets things up for the big finish... Great episode, IMO. Spoiler for Episode 9: As they return home from their trip, Kirino's there waiting. The awkwardness immediately gives the new couple away, and Haruhiko presenting the substitute souvenir to Kirino leads to Haruhiko confessing why he couldn't do it ("Riko's the girl I love"). Kirino tries to offer her congratulations, but it was obviously painful for her... Sometime later, you see her really start to lose it as she talks into a disconnected string phone... Accepting this won't be that easy. Riko and Haruhiko then fulfill their promise to return to the spot with the best view of the rainbow, where she confirms what was said about her Gift last time. The reason why it worked, even though Haruhiko didn't know about it, was because their feelings were mutual; they both really wanted to return to that spot and see the rainbow together some day, and so they did. Under the rainbow, they once again renew that promise to each other that they'll be able to continue to return to see the rainbow together from now on. (And incidentally, Riko gives Haruhiko the cutest little kiss during that scene... aww...) Some time later, you see Kirino at the piano continuing to struggle to accept the new situation, but not succeeding. She considers it unfair that Riko walked into Haruhiko's life and stole him away from her. She decides that she won't accept it, and goes to Haruhiko's house. Riko's conveniently away running some errands, so Haruhiko lets her in. Kirino acts all pleasant, acts as if she's accepted the new situation, and says that she wants to stay a part of Haruhiko's life; Haruhiko doesn't really have a problem with that at all, as long as she's okay with it... And then he starts explaining how, despite his not knowing it, Riko had used her Gift... This gets Kirino very quiet... When Riko returns, the tension's already set. Kirino blasts Riko for having broken their promise - which is finally explained: As kids, they both recognized that they loved the same person, but promised to not use Gift to "sway" the situation. In fact, the promise was even Riko's idea... and yet, even though Riko's Gift wasn't really to sway Haruhiko's heart (and he didn't even know about it), from Kirino's perspective it's still cheating, and a promise broken. She also blames Riko for stealing her dream - that is, to become Haruhiko's sister. Since long before Riko arrived, Kirino dreamed of being Haruhiko's sister so that she could have a place in his life forever. Then Riko arrived and not only stole her dream of becoming his sister, but she's now also stolen what hope she had left by becoming his girlfriend. She demands that Riko take the Gift back and when Riko refuses, that's when Kirino strikes with the most potent weapon of all: she's not going to give up and, unlike Riko, she still has her Gift to use. Next episode preview: she uses it... I think what I like best about this episode is that it's connecting all the dots in the plot exactly. Every episode we've seen so far is like a small piece in this puzzle that's gradually revealing itself; little hints dropped earlier come back to make perfect sense now. In other words, it's a well-constructed, thought-out plot that's internally consistent. And we the viewers have been reminded of the key to the ending in every next-episode preview since episode 1 (and the one thing Kirino didn't consider when she announced that she still had her Gift to use): Haruhiko still has his Gift too ("to whom will you give your Gift?"). So, onward to the closing arc! (I still wonder what the bonus episode will be about, though...) Edit: Added a few extra details to the summary. Oh yeah, and have I mentioned recently that I love Hikaru Nanase's soundtrack for this show? It continues in the excellent tradition of D.C.S.S. and Kagihime, and her piano melodies (fitting) and use of other intrumentation is really great (especially near the end of this episode around 18 minutes in - take a listen...). Can't wait for the OST! Last edited by relentlessflame; 2006-12-01 at 00:27.

2006-12-01, 02:00	Link #215
Kaoru Chujo Yuuki Aoi Join Date: Jul 2004	So glad that Jason over at Anime on My Mind turned me on to this show last week. I've caught up and am revelling in the romance here in eps 8 and 9. And in the good voice-acting from Shimizu Ai, in particular, who seems to be growing by leaps and bounds over the past year or so. And Miyazaki Ui, Tai Yuuki, Koshimizu Ami and Shintani Ryouko aren't too shabby, either. I think it was Tai-san's Haruhiko that turned me off this show when I watched ep1 and quit. I hate that male>female bullying style that is supposed to be affectionate. But it did set up his development. And I don't need the angst that I see coming, but okay. Nice little show -- especially for something that is broadcast at 3am. Not exactly prime time, lol. And nice post just now by relentlessflame. It doesn't seem to have been mentioned (I searched his name in the thread) that Suzuki Masashi, who did the overall series composition, did the same for Shuffle!, and did scriptwriting for Da Capo and Jigoku Shoujo. The director, Kimiya Shigeru, directed the Hand Maid May OAV, but otherwise seems to have only done episodes, up until now. The sound director (i.e., director of seiyuu), Takakuwa Hajime, is also comparatively new, but he did do Major, and Rakugo Tennyou Oyui, where I also thought some of the voice-acting was particularly good. Pardon me if these people have been mentioned before in the thread. __________________ YUUKI Aoi 悠木碧. b92.03.27 (age 29). 2008 Kurenai (Murasaki). 2009 Yumeiro Pâtissière (Ichigo), Kiruminzuu (Riko), Yutori-chan (Yutori-chan). 2010 Vampire Bund (Mina Tepeş), Shiki (Sunako), Samurai Girls (Juubee), Pokémon: Black and White (Iris). 2011 Madoka Magica (Madoka), Gosick (Victorique), A-Channel (Tooru). 2012 Symphogear (Hibiki). 2014 Pilot's Love Song (Claire/Nina), Nanatsu no Taizai (Diane). 2015 Owari no Seraph (Krul Tepes), Rokka no Yuusha (Fremy). 2016 Boku no Hero Academia (Tsuyu, Froppy). 2017 Kino no Tabi (Kino). 2021 Kumo desu ga (watashi), Kaizoku Oujo (Karin), Heike Monogatari (Biwa), etc., etc. Total of 513 roles in anime and games. Last edited by Kaoru Chujo; 2006-12-01 at 02:50.

2006-11-27, 00:22	Link #201
Ashlotte Clockwork Join Date: Oct 2006	What the hell are those things you keep using Xell christ...gonna give me nightmares or at the very least make it hard to watch any anime tommorrow. Sigh...anyway...Im glad the show is keeping the forward momentum going. I was kinda worried there for abit that the show would bog down into the slow burn go nowhereness of most harem shows when the initial confession failed. Now...time for the angst and real drama.

2006-11-27, 03:25	Link #206
DrewGSR Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004	Man some shit is going to go down and its going to be a big probably. Kirino is probably going to go all suicidal and do something crazy next episode. Yea Gift is exceeding my expectations, though i came in with like slim to none to begin with haha. Besides the whole Riko/Haruiko romance, i do like Rinka. if it wasn't Riko, Rinka would be the best choice. Kirino ftl in my book.

2006-11-27, 05:16	Link #208
ccardoso Banned Join Date: Feb 2004	The male protagonist beat a guiness: to be dumped in the third episode...

2006-11-27, 11:42	Link #210
DanielSong39 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005	I actually thought the confession scene(s) in Episode 3 was better; there you have the (implied) double confession, the flashbacks, Kirino's intrusion, and the eventual meltdown... far more dramatic if you ask me. The scene I'm actually looking forward to is the Kirino rejection scene. Can't wait to see her response... though it remains to be seen whether she responds with the boxcutter or sakura petals.

2006-11-27, 18:53	Link #212
Ashlotte Clockwork Join Date: Oct 2006	^ Crazy yes...blood bath levels of violence...not so much... And it depends on what kinds of confessions where talking about...I personally always find the ones that fail more memorable and interesting as sad as that sounds. But as far as sucessful ones go that was one of the better ones.

2006-12-01, 09:38	Link #217
rooboy Umeboshi! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tejas Age: 48	Yeah, the teasing thing is older sibling>younger sibling. It has nothing to do with male or female - Similar situations in other shows or manga with an older female sister usually include her bullying him. In cases where the siblings are the same age, it's used to differentiate which is going to be considered the elder one. Though, obviously eroge inspired adaptations only rarely (if ever) include an older female sibling, but you can see the trope in other shows all the time. __________________

2006-12-01, 18:00	Link #218
holyman282 Snape: "I hate Potter!" Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Australia	well that's quite realistic as there are quite alot of siblings that tease each other, but deep down are friends

2006-12-03, 00:55	Link #220
holyman282 Snape: "I hate Potter!" Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Australia	hmmm finally the show is getting to some angsty bits, lol Kirino is going to turn psycho Kaede i think except this time she'd have alot more power since she's using the gift! This is going to be awsome can't wait, also wonders how they are going to resolve the problem, noting that Haruhiko hasn't used his gift so probably he will use his gif t reverse the problem. However I doubt that would happen as he is able to resolve other problems cause by the gift without acutally using his, so maybe to resolve the problem Haruhiko and Kirino heart's might just need to connect, even if it's not lover's sort of connection. Well this is only speculation so hoping for next episode!