2010-06-20, 04:49 | Link #241 | |||||||
In the Tatami Galaxy ↓
Join Date: Feb 2006
|
Quote:
Quote:
His mind obstructs what his heart already sees. He denies reality because he wants to chase the impossible. He uses his choices as his excuse to not face reality, but when he runs out of choices and sees the truth about Ozu he still cannot face it. Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
__________________
|
|||||||
2010-06-20, 05:07 | Link #242 | |
Komrades of Kitamura Kou
Join Date: Jul 2004
Age: 39
|
Quote:
The closest he came to seeking a way out was his change of perspective and actions in episode 9 by choosing the money. So far I haven't seen anything from him that shows he is conscious of his alternatives, only in some sense unconsciously (the Mochiguman, his despair at the end, etc.). During Higuchi's parting words of wisdom by the riverside you could see hear Watashi's single-minded insistence on his rose-colored life and achieving it by any means necessary. If anything, he failed to understand the things Higuchi tried to tell him before it was too late because it's just possible he simply sees no other path, not necessarily because he ignores it. The deviation from his usual path he had this time was resignation to despair, which again we assume will turn him into a NEET for episode 10. As it stands I won't call him a coward just yet because to me, he simply has just not realized that there IS another path his life can take. Hell I'd say the potential NEET approach for episode 10 would be the most cowardly thing he could do at this point. |
|
2010-06-20, 05:42 | Link #243 |
In the Tatami Galaxy ↓
Join Date: Feb 2006
|
Remember the Cycling Club Soleil? He realizes that there is an alternative opportunity from 14:21-14:34. But he, once again, escapes into his ideal during 14:36. He in fact grabs the Mochiguman from the central axis of his room.
He is a coward. This was also shown in episode nine, when he ran away instead of standing up for Kaori. In the event that he finally escapes this cowardice will real progress of his character start.
__________________
|
2010-06-20, 06:07 | Link #244 | |
Translator, Producer
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Age: 44
|
Quote:
As is the usual pattern of overcompensation, it would set up a final episode 11 where he decides to act bravely...
__________________
|
|
2010-06-20, 18:15 | Link #245 |
In the Tatami Galaxy ↓
Join Date: Feb 2006
|
When he fails and is left by himself in his small room, he often asks the question: 'where is the one responsible?' He never admits his own failures as a person, whether it is with his indecisiveness (another form of cowardice) or just cowardice. We believed he made some progress by admitting it was his fault in the Honwaka episode, but he backtracked more than he moved forward, especially by alienating the only person who has shown uncorrupted concern for him in the previous episodes.
It's all up to him now.
__________________
|
2010-06-21, 09:05 | Link #246 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
|
Quote:
So unaided, Watashi can attain corrupted happiness much easier than he can attain the pure happiness that Ozu aquires easily. Why? Because pure happiness requires risk. We have seen that in all the insane things that Ozu has done over the two years. Attacking students with fireworks, technically illegally "cleaning up bikes," hijacking a blimp; all these things have plenty of risks with the law and personal safety, which Ozu is able to risk. Watashi cannot do these things on his own, and must have Ozu help him (though it's usually him helping Ozu) in doing them. In order for Watashi to gain pure happiness, he must be able to risk something, which goes against almost everything we've seen of him. Which is why I doubt a happy end for him. I wish him the best though. Either way, I'll still be satisfied with this show's brilliance. Definitely picking this one up on hard copy. |
|
2010-06-22, 11:46 | Link #248 | ||||
In the Tatami Galaxy ↓
Join Date: Feb 2006
|
Quote:
While part of it may have been due to cowardice, his incident with Hanuki in the sixth episode was also acted upon by him quite virtuously: he recognized she was not in the right mind, and planned to wait until after she became less inebriated. He has acted virtuously beforehand: it's just that in this episode he has really fallen low. It was his nadir, and he can't go anywhere else but up. The red string of fate is nigh breaking point; the black string (of excuse) was already cut. It's still all up to him. Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
__________________
|
||||
2010-06-22, 12:59 | Link #249 | |
but the kid is not my son
|
Quote:
__________________
|
|
2010-06-24, 04:18 | Link #250 | |
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
|
Quote:
http://fungafufu.wordpress.com/2010/...se-restaurant/ Specifically, the parallels you can find between "Neko Hanten" - the secret society - and "Neko Ramen" - Watashi's usual hangout. I believe the naming is no coincidence - Chinese restaurants in Japan usually serve a number of ramen dishes as main entrees. This links them very well thematically - one is "authentic" ramen, and the other "inauthentic" ramen - but more on that in the post. Last edited by vendredi; 2010-06-24 at 04:38. |
|
2010-06-24, 04:39 | Link #253 | |
Komrades of Kitamura Kou
Join Date: Jul 2004
Age: 39
|
Quote:
|
|
2010-06-24, 23:22 | Link #254 |
In the Tatami Galaxy ↓
Join Date: Feb 2006
|
The episode was extremely heavy and cerebral. It was extremely somber and sobering. It was still a beautiful episode.
Here are my elaborated thoughts on the episode: Episode 10 Analysis and Reflections. I tried making as much connections with the episode as possible, while pointing out that the stylistic change contributes to the mood that the episode had. To properly rise and get back up, after all, one must know that he's fallen in the first place.
__________________
Last edited by physics223; 2010-06-25 at 09:32. |
2010-06-25, 10:52 | Link #255 |
Kana Hanazawa ♥
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: France
Age: 37
|
I loved the atmosphere of episode 10. It played out more or less as I expected, but it was nonetheless fascinating thanks to the narritive and directing. This episode felt so short...
The only downside was the lack of Akashi and Ozu. I can't belive there is only episode left... it was a great ride. Now, go and grab that Mochiguman, Watashi!
__________________
|
Tags |
funimation, noitamina |
|
|