AnimeSuki Forums

Puu · 2013-09-26, 02:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anh_Minh

He might have learned that being an ass has consequences... except it totally didn't. He still got to swim with his friends, he still got a spot on his school's swimming team, he's still got a puppy kouhai.

You know, to be that fly on the wall and see what his Samezuka team mates think of him after what he pulled... except, wait. Didn't they cheer for him anyway when he swam for another team?

Reckoner · 2013-09-26, 02:25

What a piece of crap ending. Couldn't they have at least animated the swimming instead of this surrealistic nonsense?

And yeah, it seems like Rei was the butt monkey third wheel character to the very end. Even gave up his spot on the team so everyone could come together for that relay. Rin only wanted to swim with his friends. Apparently we spent 12 episodes on that lone story line. How ridiculous.

Terrible characters, terrible story. Fujiyoshi pandering makes for a nice financial success, but Free! has got to be the most utterly vapid thing I have watched all year. Too bad all signs point to this getting a second season like K-ON! I would accuse Kyoani of being creatively bankrupt if it were not for things like Hyouka, so instead I just have to ask... Couldn't they have made anything that was remotely challenging to its viewers in content? Beef cake is cool and all, but I wish they gave even a little attention to the other aspects of this show.

And yes I was laughing at how pathetic Rin was in this episode.

GoldenLand · 2013-09-26, 06:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Endless Knackwurst

Iwatobi+Rin did win the relay. I suppose it is possible that Rin's butterfly leg time was astonishing enough that his captain didn't want to dump Rin for the stunt.

He probably was astonishingly good there. Even so, the Samezuka captain forgave him just a bit too easily, given that he kicked him out of the Samezuka relay team for not having enough team spirit. I think it could have worked if he said "We won't kick you out, but we won't let you race in competitions until we think you're willing to swim like that for our team. Swim like that for us!". Which wouldn't have affected the rest of the story.

LKK · 2013-09-26, 08:13

I loved the ending episode. Everything -- characters, motivations, events, consequences, they all worked for me. From the beginning to the end, Free! has been an unexpected delight. I expected something enjoyable but extremely shallow. Something more like a fanfiction PWP to be honest. The series was much deeper than I thought it would be. If there's a US release (please, oh please, let there be a US release and in Blu-ray while I'm begging), I'm signing up for the pre-order.

ookamigirl · 2013-09-26, 09:39

Interesting how everyone was in a good mood except for Rin.
He was totally plagued by his past with Haru and others.
Rin finally managed to snap... not a surprise, was bound to happen.
That guy is such a moody character that can't seem to let go of the past.
Rin - Haru bromance reached it's peak in this episode.
In the end, Rin just needed his old friends back to swim with him.
All in all, a nice anime. Would like to see another season of this.

Kanon · 2013-09-26, 10:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sound of Azure

Rei truly embodied "for the team", didn't he?

Too bad he was the only one. The others swimmed "for Rin".

Count me in among those who didn't like the final episode. I hated the way they resolved Rin's issue. Puu summed up why really well. I don't even like Rei all that much and even I was bothered by the way he was treated. All this pretty talk about him being part of the team, and yet he wasn't even allowed to swim with his teammates because Rin was throwing a tantrum. I feel bad for him.

7/10 for the whole series. Might have rated it 8 if the final episode hadn't been so terrible. It was surprisingly enjoyable.

Triple_R · 2013-09-26, 10:14

Reck, I'm not going to address all your points, because I see both sides of the Rei/Rin debate and I definitely think this show is an "acquired taste" for those outside the target demographic, and so it won't fly with everyone. But there's one point you made that I found a bit odd.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reckoner

Couldn't they have at least animated the swimming instead of this surrealistic nonsense?

But they already did animate the swimming in a very naturalistic way. During the relay victory in the Regionals. They also did this for the Haru vs. Rin races.

This is the finale, so they have to do something to spice it up a bit. Plus, using symbolic imagery during major competitions is nothing new for sports anime. Saki does it all the time, for example.

orion · 2013-09-26, 10:32

That was a sweet ending. No matter what school they are at they are all on the same team. Friends forever.

Rei did the right thing imo.

DXMichael · 2013-09-26, 10:54

Loved the anime and I personally really liked the ending.

Props to Rei for what he did. People have to remember Rei's reasons for wanting to swim in the first place, to look beautiful and to have fun with friends. We all saw how Haru was after he heard Rin's tantrum about how he's not going to swim anymore. If Rei didn't step up, they all would have been swimming miserably, not looking beautiful in the process. It was a sacrifice he made by his own will but he knew it was the right thing to do to solve this problem we've been watching the entire season. Rather than prolong the problem between them and Rin, he decided to let it get solved that day and his opportunity would come next time.

As for Rin, he got all his consequences for his actions, it was because he had good friends that after those consequences he was able to remain on his feet with a smile on his face. I was happy for him, and as much as I felt bad for Rei, I pretty much explained why he was better off letting Rin have this one in the first paragraph.

Reckoner · 2013-09-26, 12:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple_R

But they already did animate the swimming in a very naturalistic way. During the relay victory in the Regionals. They also did this for the Haru vs. Rin races.

This is the finale, so they have to do something to spice it up a bit. Plus, using symbolic imagery during major competitions is nothing new for sports anime. Saki does it all the time, for example.

They have to spice it up? They're facing tougher competition than they were there, and this time with Rin. That's enough spice and motivation. They should've at least acquainted the audience with some of the other opponents because this race was against totally anonymous swimmers. And symbolism is cool and all, but not when it constitutes like half of the entire race. Then it just becomes corny.

rulfo · 2013-09-26, 14:05

With all that is said and done. I'm ok with the ending. Could've been written better. But seriously the character animation in this episode blew my god damn mind.

It's like ep 21 of Hyouka again. Utsumi's storyboard + Kawanami's direction. Awesome ensues. For me it really shows that Utsumi has a strong grasp of tensest scenarios. That hallway scenes just transitioned flawlessly.

Whilst I did enjoy this, I'm not really rooting for another season but seeing it's inevitable with how successful this is. I guess it's ok. I'd rather they adapt other stuff from their LN.

GDiddy · 2013-09-26, 14:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irenesharda

I gracefully disagree with almost all your points and stand by what I said.

I think that Rin's psychological and emotional well-being needed the confidence boost and that he had been suffering all this time from being away from his friends and yet was too damaged and stubborn to admit it, even to himself. I think that he did learn what he needed to, even if that fact was gratefully inferred rather than told to us and shoved in our face. He was a teenager acting out because of deep-seated self-esteem issues. That's not that unusual. And most teens learn not when being punished, but rather when given the correct support they need.

Also, I gave this up as a sports anime long ago, it's has long been more about the relationship of these boys. and the swimming just provided plot support and the setting. This was about the friendship and relationship that all 5 shared while they learned a sport that solidified their feelings towards each other. These boys could always go back to regional and even on to nationals if they wanted to, but they only had one shot to get their friend back. Rin was more important to them then any sort of race. Rin discovered this as well after his win against Haru. He realized that his triumph was hollow without his friends being there, which is why he went into the relay, so that in his own way he could swim with them.

Now, I know I'm not going to convince you of anything, just as you're not going to convince me. So we just have our own opinions. Just as simple as that.

Now that I think about it, I guess it was inevitable that Rin would swim with them one last time regardless.

I'm just butthurt because I really like Rei I guess

Oh well. Still one of my favorites this year so far. And season two should be interesting.

Lord of Fire · 2013-09-26, 16:43

Rei did the only thing he could have done. I think no other action he could have taken would have given the same result. His teammates were just too hung up on the past to truly care about their relay and would've probably failed.

Gravitas Free Zone · 2013-09-26, 16:52

I wonder where that magazine that turned up during the closing credits with the special on "Marin" came from. Someone break into the Coach's stash?

Parchevich · 2013-09-26, 19:24

Kuromitsu and Puu basically said what I came here to say far more clearly than I probably could, but I'm still commenting because I need to express the huge hate-on I have for this episode somehow.

It's like the scriptwriter position was suddenly hijacked by an extreme Rin fan. Everything goes his way through no effort or growth whatsoever on his part, everyone loves him, accommodates him and does the impossible to solve his own issues for him. I half expected for him to win the lottery at the end or something.

Meanwhile Rei, who's been a decent friend and teammate throughout, gets... confirmation that he really is the fifth wheel and that everyone prefers Rin to him.

This is not an emotionally satisfying solution to me, and has soured me on both the show and the characters. I will probably give a try to any other female-aimed shows Kyoani makes in the future, but a Free! sequel with Rin in it doesn't seem appealing at all right now. :/

Triple_R · 2013-09-26, 19:34

Reading criticisms of this ending reminds me quite vividly of the times when I'd be pissed off that a harsh, seemingly unappreciative tsundere won out over a nice, pleasant girl in an anime love triangle.

I'm oddly not sure where to go with this observation, but I find it interesting nonetheless. Rin's behavior isn't terribly different from a tsundere. Heck, he even can get a bit physical at times. I will say that I think the anime took it too far in having Rin actually swing a punch at Haru.

Puu · 2013-09-26, 19:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple_R

Reading criticisms of this ending reminds me quite vividly of the times when I'd be pissed off that a harsh, seemingly unappreciative tsundere won out over a nice, pleasant girl in an anime love triangle.

I'm oddly not sure where to go with this observation, but I find it interesting nonetheless. Rin's behavior isn't terribly different from a tsundere. Heck, he even can get a bit physical at times. I will say that I think the anime took it too far in having Rin actually swing a punch at Haru.

I don't really think Rin's problem is his tsundere-ness. Just, script-writers who decided to take away his, I don't know, his ability to come to a conclusion that doesn't rely heavily on others. (I'm not sure how to explain...)

But anyway, like I said before, I was really hopeful for him coming from episode 11. And then it just kind of got handwaved...

Trials, as they say, makes you stronger. Everyone around Rin kept him from getting to that level-up on his own power and basically handed him a Free-from-Jail card...

Kismet-chan · 2013-09-26, 20:46

The final episode made me go "wtf". That's all I have to say.

Kirarakim · 2013-09-26, 21:35

I know people are upset that the story shafted Rei for Rin but I disagree· Yes Rei gave up his spot in the relay but it showed his own maturity·

It wasn't just about Rin either because Rei saw how the team being worried about Rin would affect their performance· Rei did something to help someone else· Some people say Rei was the joke of the series but I don't see that at all· If anything he had the most positive growth of all the characters·

I think where the episode failed is not in how it treated Rei but Rin, up to he got what he wanted he acted quite awful. Yes Rin apologized for his behavior but only after getting to swim in the relay· Rin for being such an important character got limited character growth. And while I am for one glad he gained happiness & his friends again, I wish more of that was based on his own efforts, not the effort of others·

novalysis · 2013-09-26, 23:58

For some reason, I've come to this dreadful realization. Free!'s scenario seems taken right out of an Otome Reverse Harem. Think of it for a moment. Female High School student becomes manager for a New Swimming Club full of buff guys (Bishounen Harem). Who has a brother, who is also a swimmer (Incest potential). If I didn't know anything about Free!, but you told me about Gou, I would have presumed that Free! was an Otome reverse Harem VN adaptation.

2013-09-26, 08:13	Link #1404
LKK Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Virginia, USA Age: 62	I loved the ending episode. Everything -- characters, motivations, events, consequences, they all worked for me. From the beginning to the end, Free! has been an unexpected delight. I expected something enjoyable but extremely shallow. Something more like a fanfiction PWP to be honest. The series was much deeper than I thought it would be. If there's a US release (please, oh please, let there be a US release and in Blu-ray while I'm begging), I'm signing up for the pre-order. __________________ Avatar: Hazuki of Natsuyuki Rendezvous / Signature: flowers from Natsuyuki Rendezvous

2013-09-26, 09:39	Link #1405
ookamigirl Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011	Interesting how everyone was in a good mood except for Rin. He was totally plagued by his past with Haru and others. Rin finally managed to snap... not a surprise, was bound to happen. That guy is such a moody character that can't seem to let go of the past. Rin - Haru bromance reached it's peak in this episode. In the end, Rin just needed his old friends back to swim with him. All in all, a nice anime. Would like to see another season of this. __________________ My Blog --> ookami

2013-09-26, 10:32	Link #1408
orion Waiting for more taiyuki! Join Date: Jan 2004	That was a sweet ending. No matter what school they are at they are all on the same team. Friends forever. Rei did the right thing imo. __________________

2013-09-26, 10:54	Link #1409
DXMichael Psycho Falling Deep Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: The Anime World Age: 29	Loved the anime and I personally really liked the ending. Props to Rei for what he did. People have to remember Rei's reasons for wanting to swim in the first place, to look beautiful and to have fun with friends. We all saw how Haru was after he heard Rin's tantrum about how he's not going to swim anymore. If Rei didn't step up, they all would have been swimming miserably, not looking beautiful in the process. It was a sacrifice he made by his own will but he knew it was the right thing to do to solve this problem we've been watching the entire season. Rather than prolong the problem between them and Rin, he decided to let it get solved that day and his opportunity would come next time. As for Rin, he got all his consequences for his actions, it was because he had good friends that after those consequences he was able to remain on his feet with a smile on his face. I was happy for him, and as much as I felt bad for Rei, I pretty much explained why he was better off letting Rin have this one in the first paragraph. __________________

2013-09-26, 14:05	Link #1411
rulfo Senior Member Join Date: May 2011	With all that is said and done. I'm ok with the ending. Could've been written better. But seriously the character animation in this episode blew my god damn mind. It's like ep 21 of Hyouka again. Utsumi's storyboard + Kawanami's direction. Awesome ensues. For me it really shows that Utsumi has a strong grasp of tensest scenarios. That hallway scenes just transitioned flawlessly. Whilst I did enjoy this, I'm not really rooting for another season but seeing it's inevitable with how successful this is. I guess it's ok. I'd rather they adapt other stuff from their LN. __________________

2013-09-26, 16:43	Link #1413
Lord of Fire The Voice of Reason Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: The Netherlands Age: 47	Rei did the only thing he could have done. I think no other action he could have taken would have given the same result. His teammates were just too hung up on the past to truly care about their relay and would've probably failed. __________________

2013-09-26, 16:52	Link #1414
Gravitas Free Zone Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2012	I wonder where that magazine that turned up during the closing credits with the special on "Marin" came from. Someone break into the Coach's stash?

2013-09-26, 19:24	Link #1415
Parchevich Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Age: 32	Kuromitsu and Puu basically said what I came here to say far more clearly than I probably could, but I'm still commenting because I need to express the huge hate-on I have for this episode somehow. It's like the scriptwriter position was suddenly hijacked by an extreme Rin fan. Everything goes his way through no effort or growth whatsoever on his part, everyone loves him, accommodates him and does the impossible to solve his own issues for him. I half expected for him to win the lottery at the end or something. Meanwhile Rei, who's been a decent friend and teammate throughout, gets... confirmation that he really is the fifth wheel and that everyone prefers Rin to him. This is not an emotionally satisfying solution to me, and has soured me on both the show and the characters. I will probably give a try to any other female-aimed shows Kyoani makes in the future, but a Free! sequel with Rin in it doesn't seem appealing at all right now. :/

2013-09-26, 19:34	Link #1416
Triple_R Senior Member Author Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Newfoundland, Canada Age: 42	Reading criticisms of this ending reminds me quite vividly of the times when I'd be pissed off that a harsh, seemingly unappreciative tsundere won out over a nice, pleasant girl in an anime love triangle. I'm oddly not sure where to go with this observation, but I find it interesting nonetheless. Rin's behavior isn't terribly different from a tsundere. Heck, he even can get a bit physical at times. I will say that I think the anime took it too far in having Rin actually swing a punch at Haru. __________________

2013-09-26, 20:46	Link #1418
Kismet-chan The Chaotic Dreamer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: In a cruel yet beautiful world Age: 32	The final episode made me go "wtf". That's all I have to say. __________________

2013-09-26, 21:35	Link #1419
Kirarakim Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007	I know people are upset that the story shafted Rei for Rin but I disagree· Yes Rei gave up his spot in the relay but it showed his own maturity· It wasn't just about Rin either because Rei saw how the team being worried about Rin would affect their performance· Rei did something to help someone else· Some people say Rei was the joke of the series but I don't see that at all· If anything he had the most positive growth of all the characters· I think where the episode failed is not in how it treated Rei but Rin, up to he got what he wanted he acted quite awful. Yes Rin apologized for his behavior but only after getting to swim in the relay· Rin for being such an important character got limited character growth. And while I am for one glad he gained happiness & his friends again, I wish more of that was based on his own efforts, not the effort of others· __________________ Twitter MAL

2013-09-26, 23:58	Link #1420
novalysis Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011	For some reason, I've come to this dreadful realization. Free!'s scenario seems taken right out of an Otome Reverse Harem. Think of it for a moment. Female High School student becomes manager for a New Swimming Club full of buff guys (Bishounen Harem). Who has a brother, who is also a swimmer (Incest potential). If I didn't know anything about Free!, but you told me about Gou, I would have presumed that Free! was an Otome reverse Harem VN adaptation.