true tears (old generic discussion thread)

[Shana]

Just watched first episode.

I might say the animation quality's the best I have seen since now, incluiding DVDs. A beautiful script, slow-paced characters (and I can see Mana from Sola in Noe). I just loved the music; this will definetly be one of the show I'll follow this season.

This episode wins a 9/10 from me.

[Maceart]

Mana as Noe? That's a little bit of a stretch though.

What I got from watching (and translating) the first episode was how this anime has this angry kid looking for the "true tears" of a girl. He's also a picture book artist too.

Great animation, great music, beautiful opening by eufonius. Great start for this series this season.

[pagan poor]

Great animation and atmosphere so far. I am definitely following this show. Looking forward to Hiromi's character development, and how Shin's mom affects the people in the house through the series.

Spoiler for Ep. 1 odd scene:

Was it me or at around 17:24 - 17:26 when Shinichi comes in for breakfast and Hiromi is eating from from the bowl of rice, there was a fade shot of what Hiromi was wearing under her uniform? Wondering if that was from Shin's perspective.

[JediNight]

Gotta admit it's a little weird for a HS kid to be obsessed with "true tears" of girls. But I guess he's a romantic at heart

I assume we'll get a better picture of what his family actually does in coming episodes. It APPEARS that they run a sake distillery and their family is known for some type of traditional dance?

And I can just imagine the drama in the game if the main character goes after Aiko, as they make it blatantly obvious in Ep1 that she has a little thing for the main char despite dating his best friend.

[Kaoru Chujo]

Spoiler for episode 2:

Another moving episode. When I get that hollow emotional feeling in my chest, I know something special is going on. Great direction, in my opinion, leaving us uncertain and yet satisfied. Did nothing happen in this episode? Or did a lot happen? I say the latter, but most of it sub-text. And Takagaki Ayahi (Noe) and Nazuka Kaori (Hiromi) are just sugoi.

I'll be interested to hear others' reaction to the animation, etc., since this is the first anime episode I can remember where all the names credited for animation, including all the key animators (genga) are Chinese. Not only that, but the episode was directed by a Chinese, by the name of Xu Zong, and the episode's animation supervisor was also Chinese, Xu Zaixian. The storyboard, however, was by the overall director, Nishimura Junji.

I think we can now see how P.A. Works is able to afford such active animation. I particularly liked the many scurrying pinheads in one scene from high above the schoolyard. And how abut that basketball shot? P.A.Works appears to be climbing from assisting company to producing company by snapping up a good director from Studio Deen and using Chinese animators they have probably developed themselves, in their work helping other anime producers.

[LolitaDecay]

I downloaded the episode a few days ago and just got around to watching it.
What a GREAT start to a series, honestly. Animation was very fluid and bright. I like the character designs and I like the main male protagonist's personality (very rare for me).
This had me gripped after watching the gorgeous OP, sung by the same person as CLANNAD. Really looking forward to seeing where this goes!

[Falkor]

I just watched episode 2 and it is certainly getting more interesting as we discover more about the girls.

Spoiler for Some thoughts on episode 02:

Hiromi is again taking the spotlight as my favorite girl out of the three. There’s something especial about the way she apologizes to Shinnichiro; I don’t know how to explain it very well, but she expresses so much sadness through those simple words (a mere ‘gomenasai’ can just blow me completely away). We also see through some flashbacks that she ‘indeed’ had some feelings for him which makes me wonder what happened then to make their relationship so tense. Is it really her father’s death or living with his family the only reasons why she acts so ‘cold’ and ‘emotionless’? Did their relationship ‘fade away’ before or after those events? We further have hints of Hiromi’s ‘unusual concern’ when Shinnichiro and Noe have come to develop a rather strange relationship, which brings more questions about Hiromi’s character (whether or not she still has some ‘romantic feelings’ for him). Hiromi is so likeable and easy to relate and yet, she is so complex and hard to understand.

On the other hand, we have Noe and her never-ending wacky behavior (probably explain later on). Even though, she has come to develop a very ‘close’ relationship with Shinnichiro, she still looks a bit lonely and friendless. I’m very curious to know who is the old lady on the photograph (grandma perhaps) or the male person she was hugging (how come they are this close). Noe might not be my favorite character, but she is very interesting with her mysterious past and her distinctive behavior (it comes to mind the way she ‘acknowledges’ Hiromi’s feelings).

The second episode did a great job keeping the ‘heavy’ mood I like so much from the first episode by adding the right music and visuals. It’s also nice to see that the insertion of ‘comedic relief’ did not disturb the flow/pace, but it was incorporated very well. Animation has been consistent throughout even though I still feel a bit awkward with the CG. With only two episodes, so many questions have arisen about the characters and the story itself, making it easy to keep going and watch the next episode. I like the direction this show is taking without trivializing the drama that occurred on the first episode, but rather continue from where it left off.

In the character development department, we know almost nothing about the ‘third girl,’ but it doesn’t worry me yet. We got to know a bit more about Noe and her background story without going any further. Hiromi’s change towards Shinnichiro was a bit unexpected and probably too early, but I like the fact that it was developing with a subtle touch without turning 360º degrees completely. She is my favorite character and I hope she doesn't abruptly become another ‘classic’ archetype (the ‘cold queen’ who develops feelings for the main lead).

The most fascinating part of the episode has to be the ‘metaphor’ for Shinnichiro’s and Hiromi’s relationship. It mirrors the current situation perfectly. While Hiromi is enclosed crying, Shinnichiro is helpless, being only able of watching her from a distant place without ever knowing where her tears are coming from or what to do to cheer her up. **I might write a bit more once I watch the subs for that part**

This was another great and yet entertaining episode with some character development and well executed situations. I’m looking forward to the next episode and hopefully some subs anytime soon.

[tun]

Geez, I don't know which of the two girls I like more after episode 2.

[monir]

Originally Posted by tun

Geez, I don't know which of the two girls I like more after episode 2.

Exactly my sentiment!

I'm loving the no-rush approach to the storyline very much and yet the story is solidifying a steady progress. The second episode confirms the show will continue strongly through the series. I didn't want the episode 2 to end. Looking forward to the 3rd episode.

[Tatiana Razajev]

Spoiler for 2:

Ah yes nothing like watching Noe be uh more friendly towards Shinnichiro. It's also interesting to see how Hiromi reacts to all of this. Seems like the first episode made Noe the main focus and the second episode gave strong focus to Hiromi, but kept Noe in the picture. I have a feeling it may be Aiko's turn in the third episode. Either way somethings tells me that Noe worries Hiromi. I'll be more certain once I see it subbed.

[monir]

Requesting a static avatar from the following image if it's not too much trouble:

[serenade_beta]

Spoiler for ep2:

Still has a heavy atmosphere as ever with the music... It really keeps my interest with what it has. Definitely one of my favorite new shows so far.

Shinichirou - Has some really odd monologue. I wonder if he will create a picture book in the future with this story about the jars and captured people. He smile at touching Hiromi's hand? Simple...

Miyokichi - So far just for comedy; so far just the idiot side-character who is the main character's friend.

Aiko - Still nothing here.

Noe - Really is an odd girl. She really did give him seeds for birds after all . An unknown old lady (probably dead) and some mysterious man she hugged... Needs explanation there. A loner, it seems she tends to stare blankly at people she doesn't know but is better once she gets to know them. She's surprisingly sharp too, figuring Hiromi out like that. I assume there is no supernatural in this, so for now, I'll think of Noe's tear collecting as some type of mental illness.

Hiromi - Interesting development here too. I see that she wasn't as distant to Shinichirou in the past, though she is quite a bit now, though she is concerned with him and tries to talk to Noe through Shinichirou with the excuse of wanting to be friends. But Noe saw her true intentions. Well, only episode 2 so there is much more to go!

Next time - That mysterious guy, Aiko, the continuation of that flashback with Hiromi looking for Shinichirou, someone (Shinichirou?) doing basketball.
Looks good.

[Shana]

Originally Posted by monir

Requesting a static avatar from the following image if it's not too much trouble:

As this?



@Maceart: I meant, Noe looks a bit like Mana, even in the uniform. Or it's just me...

[Tatiana Razajev]

Edit: Heh looks like I was a bit slow. Shana's version will be just fine anyway. In any case back to more work on avatars eventually. Truth be told I probably make way too many.

[golthin]

Originally Posted by serenade_beta

Spoiler for ep2:

Next time - That mysterious guy, Aiko, the continuation of that flashback with Hiromi looking for Shinichirou, someone (Shinichirou?) doing basketball.
Looks good.

Spoiler:

It seems Aiko will make her move on the next episode!

[Tatiana Razajev]

Originally Posted by golthin

Spoiler:

It seems Aiko will make her move on the next episode!

Spoiler for 2:

Which I'm looking forward to as I'd like to know a bit more about her. Actually even with what little I do know, I already kind of like her better than Hiromi, but not as much as Noe. This is not to say I hate Hiromi, but she hasn't truly grabbed me yet. Still she does have me concerned.

[monir]

Originally Posted by Shana

As this?

Perfect!!! Thank you.

[Deathkillz]

ep 2

Spoiler:

Seems like Shinichirou is a replacement for the dead rooster
Not a bad thing, but he is certainly making her seem annoying >_< Noe is a very interesting character...an outcast who displays the special qualites that makes her an outcast but still there is something special about her. Deep character yet, and looking at that photo - maybe she is looking an someone who she is trying to be. The mysterious guy could be his father or brother.
Didn't expect Hiromi to be a basketball player - it seems like she is a totally different character when she is "in the zone". She also has a past with Shinichirou, which the preview continues to drop hints on. Maybe she feels threatened that Noe is getting closer to him hmm...

[Wavedash]

Originally Posted by Kaoru Chujo

Spoiler for episode 2:

I'll be interested to hear others' reaction to the animation, etc., since this is the first anime episode I can remember where all the names credited for animation, including all the key animators (genga) are Chinese. Not only that, but the episode was directed by a Chinese, by the name of Xu Zong, and the episode's animation supervisor was also Chinese, Xu Zaixian. The storyboard, however, was by the overall director, Nishimura Junji.

I think we can now see how P.A. Works is able to afford such active animation. I particularly liked the many scurrying pinheads in one scene from high above the schoolyard. And how abut that basketball shot? P.A.Works appears to be climbing from assisting company to producing company by snapping up a good director from Studio Deen and using Chinese animators they have probably developed themselves, in their work helping other anime producers.

Spoiler for Animation discussion:

I went back and looked at the animators myself, and it does look like a lot of them are Chinese. I'm not entirely convinced; don't they usually write out chinese names in roman script instead of the kanji they used? Could it be possible that a lot of these people just happen to have Chinese-looking names (ie one surname character) mixed in with some actual Chinese?

I think the fluid animation is greatly due to intelligent use of budget. Using several iterations on 3d student models helps with background aesthetic without killing on entirely new art each time. You do have a point, though. P.A. has done well for itself in building a stable of reliable workers.

[Kaoru Chujo]

Originally Posted by Wavedash

Spoiler for Animation discussion:

I went back and looked at the animators myself, and it does look like a lot of them are Chinese. I'm not entirely convinced; don't they usually write out chinese names in roman script instead of the kanji they used? Could it be possible that a lot of these people just happen to have Chinese-looking names (ie one surname character) mixed in with some actual Chinese?...

Spoiler for animators' names:

You're right to reserve judgment, but I'm pretty sure all the names look Chinese: the surnames are actual Chinese surnames, and the names could be Chinese names. There are some names that could be Korean, but it would be very unusual for them to use kanji, whereas it would be unusual for Chinese not to. There are a lot of traditional characters there, so they might not be mainland Chinese. The given names don't have a mainland ring to them, either. But they do look like actual Chinese names. The given names are definitely not Japanese. Even the one name in romaji sounds Chinese - in a romanization that used to be used in Taiwan. Taiwan? Hong Kong? Singapore?