Meine Liebe

[Kensuke]

Originally Posted by Magus IX

Thanks for the screenshots! Let's see... weren't blimps used for war or something related to war around this time in history (1935)? Of course I don't really have any idea what I'm talking about, but maybe someone else who does can comment.

They were called zeppelins back then, and yes they were used in first world war as bombers and for reconnaissance, they were as fast as aircrafts and could fly so high that it was very difficult to shoot them down, even if they were filled with hydrogen, but as long as it didn't make contact with oxygen it was pretty safe. But it was quite a fireworks when some of them caught fire. And of course they carried defensive armament.
Only after more efficient aircrafts were developed, zeppelins disappeared from frontlines. But after war they were used as fast and luxurious passanger transports from Europe to US and back, until Hindenburg catastrophe (my memory fails me... umm... 1936?) ended their era.

[clem-kun]

Maybe the zeppelin is a representation of death, as zeppelins bomb towns, setting them on fire and destroying many.

Spoiler:

I'm inferring that's how Orpherus' sister died... notice how her carriage looks burnt? And in Episode 3, it is probably foreshadowing a future event, though not one in Episodes 4 nor 5 (because they are character episodes once again). My guess is that these first 5 episodes are occurring at the same time and setting the stage for Episode 6+. So the foreshadowed event in Episode 3 might occur in Episode 6...

Btw, wasn't Episode 1 Orpherus' character episode? I think it is. It focused on his ideals, family members, friends, and "enemies". But maybe that's just my opinion.

[Dagger]

Originally Posted by Kensuke

They were called zeppelins back then, and yes they were used in first world war as bombers and for reconnaissance, they were as fast as aircrafts and could fly so high that it was very difficult to shoot them down, even if they were filled with hydrogen, but as long as it didn't make contact with oxygen it was pretty safe. But it was quite a fireworks when some of them caught fire. And of course they carried defensive armament.
Only after more efficient aircrafts were developed, zeppelins disappeared from frontlines. But after war they were used as fast and luxurious passanger transports from Europe to US and back, until Hindenburg catastrophe (my memory fails me... umm... 1936?) ended their era.

Thanks for explaining that! I was afraid of mentioning the Hindenburg because I had only a very vague sense of when the disaster actually occurred. Thinking about zeppelins is giving me flashbacks to Wind - A Breath of Heart.

@clem-kun: When you put it like that, it does make sense. Episode 1 was much more Orpherus-centric than any of the other episodes so far, and it did give him some backstory.

[Fellini 8.5]

Originally Posted by Trax

Is it a fact that there actually is a blood relation between Camus and Ludwig?

I believe that it's mentioned in the first episode. Orpheus apologizes for venting about Ludwig to Camus because they're related, I think.

Oh, and Rosenstolz academy is starting to look like a gossip house. Where's the dignity that Rosenstolz is supposed to represent? If not for people like Ludwig the gossips would run rampant.

Seriously. Like a bunch of housewives at a Tupperware party. Or so I'm told.

Spoiler for Ep 4:

Episode 4 was pretty decent. Definitely far and above better writing than #3. Even a funny gag bordering on slapstick (though not in the usual cliche anime style, obviously) when Ed tries to imitate Naoji's cross-legged meditation. Then that's contrasted with a touching death scene (no, not of one of the ladies this time).

And Ludwig gets pwn'd. Heh. Yet he rhetorically turns the "defeat" around on to Orpheus like the pompous jerk that he is. But you could see the look in his eyes when he got what's coming to him.

BTW, I don't think Ludwig's been motivated at all by "caring" for anyone, I think instead he's been trying to cultivate "talents" in those he wants to be his "posse", and I think that's been made a little more obvious by what he says to, and about, Naoji in comparison to what he was also saying about Camus in #3. And he seems to be willing to risk his own reputation to ensure that he'll have those talents "owe him one" and be at his disposal.

Or so my impression goes. Anyway, in #5 we'll hopefully learn more about him (and why he's dressed for a prom ) and maybe I'll be proven wrong (yet again!).

[chamelean75]

hmm, I don't really forsee a disaster with that blimp. It seems a little far fetched. I mean that blimp was right above the school. If you make that into a disaster, then it would be the school blowing up since the blimpis right over the school. I don't really think that blimp foreshadows anything tho I don't know why they put it in the episode either. I just assumed it to be part of the scenary.... In, the end I believe that all those main 5 characters will become part of the strahl. Strahl candidates seem to all have capes and distinctive colored uniforms, so why doesn't edward dressed like a strahl candidate. Is he not one?

[Dagger]

Oh, I didn't mean that the blimp's appearance might foreshadow a disaster involving the blimp itself--rather, that it might serve as a concrete visual metaphor for some intangible occurence or revelation looming on the horizon. I just thought it seemed sort of ominous, periodically blocking out the sun and all that.

I'm pretty sure either Ludwig, Orpherus or both mentioned that Ed is a Strahl candidate at some point during the first three episodes (probably during episode 1 or 2). His clothing may simply reflect his personality--he's a lot less showy than Orpherus and Ludwig, and seems much more laid back.

[dreamless]

for episode 4

Spoiler:

Ludwig continues to be kind and caring in his... unique way Actually at the start of the episode each of the four guys tries to convince Naoji to stay, each in their own way befitting to their different personalities. Camus is the "worried and caring" type, Ludwig is a straight out "you must follow me", Orpherus is the altruistic "you shall stay here to work for a better world" kind of whatever, and Eduard is the all friendly "tell me your problem and I'll help you out".

Naoji doing zazen in his european uniform sure looks funny

And Ludwig even goes as far as to be willing to admit defeat if Naoji doesn't show up. Personally I don't think he's really defeated by Orpherus in the sword fight, but rather he got distracted by Naoji's arrival. of course he didn't expect it so he looked surprised.

Next episode is Ludwig's, and the title is very fitting, lone and high

[Fellini 8.5]

Originally Posted by dreamless

for episode 4

Spoiler:

Ludwig continues to be kind and caring in his... unique way Actually at the start of the episode each of the four guys tries to convince Naoji to stay, each in their own way befitting to their different personalities. Camus is the "worried and caring" type, Ludwig is a straight out "you must follow me", Orpherus is the altruistic "you shall stay here to work for a better world" kind of whatever, and Eduard is the all friendly "tell me your problem and I'll help you out".

Naoji doing zazen in his european uniform sure looks funny

And Ludwig even goes as far as to be willing to admit defeat if Naoji doesn't show up. Personally I don't think he's really defeated by Orpherus in the sword fight, but rather he got distracted by Naoji's arrival. of course he didn't expect it so he looked surprised.

Next episode is Ludwig's, and the title is very fitting, lone and high

Fair enough appraisal. My interpretation of him is intended to be a little more humourous than truly scathing, of course, and I haven't written him off entirely. But looking at his eyes for clues when he reacts to certain things makes me stick by my overall assessment for the time being. And with Mashimo, the eyes are everything.

[clem-kun]

I think Episode 5 might prove to be my most favorite as of yet. I can hardly wait for it... I want to know more about Ludwig's, um, fiance? And of course, more about Erika (or whatever her name is). I'm beginning to feel more and more that we are right about her being Eduard's sister. In Episode 4, she almost said her name too! But alas, the producers had to tease us and make her wave the question off as if it were nothing.

[Dagger]

An interesting piece of trivia: I've read that Hiroyuki Kawasaki, who wrote the script for episode 4 of Meine Liebe, may help direct Bee Train's first CLAMP series (Tsubasa).

I'm also curious about Ludwig's fiance. Somehow he doesn't seem like the type who would relate well to women... I think the way he treats the as-yet-nameless girl may reveal a lot about his personality.

[Pandora]

Originally Posted by Magus IX

I'm also curious about Ludwig's fiance. Somehow he doesn't seem like the type who would relate well to women... I think the way he treats the as-yet-nameless girl may reveal a lot about his personality.

Well, it looks to me as if it's one of those political marriage. At least, that's what it says in the episode 5 summary in the official page. Oh, and not sure if anyone notices, but the fiance looks a bit like Wilhelmine, one of the friends of the heroine in the game.

http://www.meineliebe.jp/onair5.html

[wao]

Okay, can/goo recently released their album Kokoro no Uta, and Shirushi (Meine Liebe OP) is on it...

So now we have official lyrics for the op! Yay! I can't wait for the ED though =D

I have scans of the lyrics so I'll transcribe them here...　(and I WAS right about "kizuato"! ha!</ego>) with romaji

Spoiler:

忘れられない過去があるんでしょう
でも忘れたい罪があるんでしょう

選んできた足跡
消し去れない生きた証

忘れられない恋があるんでしょう
でも忘れたい人があるんでしょう

カラダに残る傷跡
すべてを許した刻印（しるし）

ココロだけじゃ生きられないから
もがいてばかり　あとどれくらい
泣いて泣いてまた泣けばいいの
夜を越えて日常の日々に
なんでもない顔して　また逃げ出していくの

あの人はきっと憶えてる
記憶の中であたしは生きてる

どうせ取り戻せないなら
満たされない月を抱いて

壊すことが始まりと言うなら
限りの向こう　これからきっと
超えて超えてまた超えていけよ
"さよなら"と自分で塞いでいた
振り乱したっていい　やり直すんじゃなくて

この道の生きていく先には
出会いだって別れだって
増えて増えてまた増えていくよ
刻み付けていこう　有りのまま
この世に生まれたこと
いつか誇れるように
あたしを誇れるように・・・

Wasurerarenai kako ga arundeshou
Demo wasuretai tsumi ga arundeshou

Erandekita ashiato
Keshisarenai ikita akashi

Wasurerarenai koi ga arundeshou
Demo wasuretai hito ga arundeshou

Karada ni nokoru kizuato
Subete wo yurushita shirushi

Kokoro dake ja ikirarenai kara
Mogaite bakari Ato dore kurai
Naite naite mata nakeba ii no
Yoru wo koete nichijou no hibi ni
Nandemonai kao wo shite Mata nigedashite iku no

[instrumental]

Ano hito wa kitto oboeteru
Kioku no naka de atashi wa ikiteiru

Douse torimodosenai nara
Mitasarenai tsuki wo daite

Kowasu koto ga hajimari to iu nara
Kagiri no mukou Kore kara kitto
Koete koete mata koete ike yo
"Sayonara" to jibun de fuzaideita
Furimidashi tatte ii Yarinaosu ja nakute

[long instrumental]

Kono michi no ikite yuki saki ni wa
Deai datte wakare datte
Fuete fuete mata fuete iku yo
Kizami tsukete ikou Ari no mama
Kono yo ni umareta koto
Itsuka hokoreru you ni
Atashi wo hokoreru you ni...

It's arranged differently from the TV cut (personally I like the TV cut more)

Spoiler for TV cut version:

壊すことが始まりと言うなら
振り乱したっていい　やり直すじゃなくて

忘れられない過去があるんでしょう
でも忘れたい罪があるんでしょう
カラダに残る傷跡
すべてを許した刻印（しるし）

この道の生きていく先には
出会いだって別れだって
増えて増えてまた増えていくよ
刻み付けていこう　有りのまま
この世に生まれたこと
いつか誇れるように
あたしを誇れるように・・・

Kowasu koto ga hajimari to iu nara
Furimidashi tatte ii Yarinaosu ja nakute

[instrumental]

Wasurerarenai kako ga arundeshou
Demo wasuretai tsumi ga arundeshou
Karada ni nokoru kizuato
Subete wo yurushita shirushi

Kono michi no ikite iku saki ni wa
Deai datte wakare datte
Fuete fuete mata fuete iku yo
Kizami tsukete ikou ari no mama
Kono yo ni umareta koto
Itsuka hokoreru you ni
Atashi wo hokoreru you ni

Yaaaay~ the violins do sound quite different, ay?

And please don't ask me permission to use those because I don't own them to begin with!! Do whatever you want with them!

[Dagger]

Episode 4 is out! I won't be able to watch it until later tonight, but I'm eagerly anticipating it all the same.

[Trax]

Ludwig was looking pretty evil a few times in this episodes, nasty look in his eyes. Next episode it seems the plot will start rolling for real.

[Lanithro]

Well... he did rather go out on a limb at the start of the episode, considering how he's... emotionally retarded and/or a control freak regarding the way he behaves towards others. I don't think I've ever seen Ludwig speak so nicely to anybody than when he was speaking to Naoji in the greenhouse. And he got turned down. I think anyone's eyes would be full of daggers, given the circumstances.

Plot won't be next episode, as far as my guess goes. It'll start in #6 or 7 depending on whether Isaac gets his own episode.

I'm not sure whether he will get his own episode. In order to preserve the mystery- which seems to be the main point of interest in his character- he shouldn't... but from the hints in the OP visuals where he gets slapped about and shaken as a child, he might well get his back story explained in #6.

[Dagger]

Awesome episode. Definitely my favorite so far.

Now that Erika's gotten a few more lines, I can say with confidence that I really, really love her voice. Does anyone know which seiyuu is playing her?

When I first noticed that

Spoiler:

Naoji was going to practice against Orphe with what looked like a wooden katana, while Orphe was holding a regular European-style sword, I wondered how exactly this would work. Presumably one would use Japanese swordsmanship with a Japanese sword--mightn't things get a little chaotic with the two duelists using drastically different styles? However, when their actual fight was shown, it looked pretty neat.

For someone with so little self-confidence, Naoji seems to wield a surprising amount of power over both Ludwig and Orpherus. Poor Camus, meanwhile, gets distressed and cries out "Stop them!" etc. all the time, but no one ever seems to hear him. ^_^;; Anyway, it's interesting how clearly the behavior of the three followers (Ed, Naoji and Camus) is distinguished from that of the leaders (Orphe and Ludwig).

Would someone care to explain what happened during the

Spoiler:

poet's death scene?

I got a little confused--how literally is the viewer supposed to take the imagery? Is this another example of supernatural things happening in the series, and being casually accepted by the character(s) involved?

[MartAnimE]

Originally Posted by Magus IX

Would someone care to explain what happened during the

Spoiler:

poet's death scene?

I got a little confused--how literally is the viewer supposed to take the imagery? Is this another example of supernatural things happening in the series, and being casually accepted by the character(s) involved?

Spoiler:

I too was amazed with what was happening... I suppose the poet needed to feel the presence of his country, somehow... he wanted to remember it one last time before he died, so he could leave in peace and return to his homeland... and he did leave in peace, thanks to Naoji... the fact that Naoji could actually see him was rather simbolic, I think they weren't really talking at each other at the time, but they understood each others feelings so their minds were in harmony and peace (I think this was kinda like one of those "flower field death scenes" in Madlax) but that's just what I think still, it was very poetic, and one of my favourite scenes so far

As for the misterious girl, she seems to be interested in Ed, she sounded delighted to hear that he would be on that demonstrative competition... and she looked really pleased on episode 2, when she was hearing to his piano playing... maybe she secretly worships him... even though she can be his long lost sister as far as I know and now I remember, I've mentioned before that a romance between unknown separated brothers could indeed be possible (and maybe expected), peraphs I'm on the right track... what do you guys think?

It was also funny how everyone was noticing Naoji's beautifull dark eyes on this episode not that they're implying anything or something... of course not... especially not Ludwig

BTW, did Naoji win that duel with Orpherus I mean, what do you think? I hope he did win! It would mean a lot to him... besides, after this episode, Naoji kinda improved on my character ranking he's currently my third favourite so far, right after Camus and Sir Isaac (my number one)

[Dagger]

Spoiler:

I loved how the curtains started blowing and the poet just sort of stepped out into the growing light--it was a very beautiful, graceful-looking sequence. Now that you mention it, Mashimo does seem to have a real affinity for death scenes (Madlax's flower scenes were great!).

Originally Posted by MartAnimE

BTW, did Naoji win that duel with Orpherus I mean, what do you think? I hope he did win! It would mean a lot to him... besides, after this episode, Naoji kinda improved on my character ranking he's currently my third favourite so far, right after Camus and Sir Isaac (my number one)

I wish they had shown the rest of it. On the one hand, I was definitely rooting for Naoji... on the other hand, I don't think Ludwig would have reacted too well if Naoji won. After all, Orpherus beat him earlier in the episode, and if Naoji suddenly gains the ability to defeat Orpherus, wouldn't it mean that he's also a better swordsman than Ludwig?

[Lanithro]

I don't think Ludwig would have reacted too well if Naoji won. After all, Orpherus beat him earlier in the episode, and if Naoji suddenly gains the ability to defeat Orpherus, wouldn't it mean that he's also a better swordsman than Ludwig?

But then again, Ludwig's told Naoji off for not having enough self-confidence. And I'm leaning towards Ludwig getting distracted by Naoji turning up leading towards him losing the fight.

And I don't think that Ludwig's that bothered about being the best swordsman- it's more about him beating Orpherus. Naoji is on 'team Ludwig', after all.

[clem-kun]

MartAnimE, you'll love the next episode. Looks like...

Spoiler:

Looks like it'll be Isaac's character episode!