(L) Aoi Hana (TV)

[Deathkillz]

Originally Posted by Bath-Teth

Sugimoto:

The cool and athletic sempai, who goes for cute and insecure kouhai's (Fumi). I guess Kyouko isn't cute and insecure enough for her or she's not interested in an equal and serious partnership with another girl (probably the player-type).

Conclusion:
I'm not convinced of her being a lesbian (or having a real physical attraction towards girls. The kiss proves nothing, imo.)

Though nothing is stopping her from being BI-sexual

To me, she seems like the dominant type (or wants to be) of any relationship, which is why she is interested in the submissive Fumi.

ep 3

Spoiler:

Another good episode I guess but maybe the pace is slowing down a tad too much here for my liking.

Still overlooking Fumi's case in favour for Akira, I find it hilarious that she shows such disgust towards her own brother, losing all composure and playfulness that we seen when she is with her girl friends. Now that may be an indication of something but it isn't solid enough to draw a full conclusion. But asides for her brother being a creepy sis-con and a stalker, I find that Akira is rather overreacting and abusive towards him, even when he doesn't ask for it.

I can just see Fumi being hurt later on by Sugimoto and this time she will go running to Akira. This may also be the part where Akira finds out that she is actually homosexual.

[Shiroth]

Heh, one of the best parts about this is reading none-manga reader's opinions on the characters, and what their future holds for them in this story. I was the same while reading the manga, thinking such thoughts.

[TJR]

Originally Posted by Bath-Teth

My breakdown for the main characters "lesbianism" after EP 3:

Kyokou:

Has a serious crush on Sugimoto and got rejected. Doesn't care for her fiance.
Conclusion: Might be a lesbian.

Sugimoto:

The cool and athletic sempai, who goes for cute and insecure kouhai's (Fumi). I guess Kyouko isn't cute and insecure enough for her or she's not interested in an equal and serious partnership with another girl (probably the player-type).

Conclusion:
I'm not convinced of her being a lesbian (or having a real physical attraction towards girls. The kiss proves nothing, imo.)

I don't see what the "Why are all girls lesbians?"-comment is based on.

With this issue, I don't think there's any consensus. By textbook definition, lesbianism is defined by a woman's prevailing attraction to other women. However, that works on the assumption that sexual orientation falls along a gradient (develops throughout one's life), with most individuals having some potential to be homosexual or bisexual (and perhaps some degree of same sex attraction from the start).

This view is still contested by many people. To those who believe in fixed, rigid orientation, any homoerotic attraction equates to non-heterosexuality, so heartfelt kisses and emotional longing apply.

So yeah, in the view of the latter, Kyoko and Sugimoto are definitely non-straight.

[Matrim]

Maybe I am just not watching the right shows because I can't really think of many examples where lesbian characters are constantly hampered by society's disapproval for their relationships. Even if we assume this is just my miss, I still find it quite impossible to classify Aoi Hana as some easy going escapism in that respect but I'd rather not say more than agreeing with musouka because my view is also based on reading the manga.

I am still loving the leisurely pace of this series. Not much to say about ep.3 apart from it being just as good as the other two. Plenty of character development and the drama is coming up, pretty much literally with the school play. Talk about a classic romantic device.
Sugimoto is coming through as a bit too relaxed and casual, just as it should be. And yes, sure Fumi fell for her very quickly but Sugimoto is the school idol, as we saw from the start Fumi has grave difficulties saying no and I reckon she needs to rebound from Chizu's betrayal.

[Bath-Teth]

Originally Posted by Deathkillz

Though nothing is stopping her from being BI-sexual

To me, she seems like the dominant type (or wants to be) of any relationship, which is why she is interested in the submissive Fumi.

ep 3

Spoiler:

Another good episode I guess but maybe the pace is slowing down a tad too much here for my liking.

Still overlooking Fumi's case in favour for Akira, I find it hilarious that she shows such disgust towards her own brother, losing all composure and playfulness that we seen when she is with her girl friends. Now that may be an indication of something but it isn't solid enough to draw a full conclusion. But asides for her brother being a creepy sis-con and a stalker, I find that Akira is rather overreacting and abusive towards him, even when he doesn't ask for it.

I can just see Fumi being hurt later on by Sugimoto and this time she will go running to Akira. This may also be the part where Akira finds out that she is actually homosexual.

I've got the same impression from Sugimoto.

Spoiler:

That's why I'm not a fan of Sugimoto, I don't like the dominant type and I don't think such a relationship as Sugimoto and Fumi has much of a future.
You're probably right about them breaking up along the way (hell, the OP would be totally wrong if they don't ).
I just hate for Fumi to get hurt again. Not a good start to your love-life when you're being used in your first 2 relationships. Doesn't bode well for Fumi to gain more self-confidence, which she needs desperately, imo.

[Shiroth]

People shouldn't hate on Sugimoto straight away. Take her feelings into consideration when you're judging her character.

[Bath-Teth]

Originally Posted by TJR

With this issue, I don't think there's any consensus. By textbook definition, lesbianism is defined by a woman's prevailing attraction to other women. However, that works on the assumption that sexual orientation falls along a gradient (develops throughout one's life), with most individuals having some potential to be homosexual or bisexual (and perhaps some degree of same sex attraction from the start).

This view is still contested by many people. To those who believe in fixed, rigid orientation, any homoerotic attraction equates to non-heterosexuality, so heartfelt kisses and emotional longing apply.

So yeah, in the view of the latter, Kyoko and Sugimoto are definitely non-straight.

Agreed.

I just wanted to clarify that dating or crushing on girls (as a teen) don't automatically makes you a lesbian. I guess they are a form of discovering your own sexuality and for many girls that age having a crush for another girl doesn't mean they'd actually enjoy being intimate (having sex) with girls. If you don't enjoy sex with other girls you are not a lesbian (and not even Bi), period.

As I said, as far as we know only Fumi had sex with a girl and she obviously liked it, which makes her the only confirmed lesbian (since she doesn't seem to be interested in the male gender at all) in my book.

[Bath-Teth]

Originally Posted by Shiroth

People shouldn't hate on Sugimoto straight away. Take her feelings into consideration when you're judging her character.

There's a big difference between "hate" and "don't like".

I don't like Sugimoto, but you're right we don't know much about her. Still she made Kyouko cry and is hitting on an emotional unstable Fumi. That's enough for me to dislike her, for now.

I definitely hate Fumi's cousin, though(what was her name?). Seducing a minor (while being engaged) and praticaly throwing her away afterwards is just disgusting behavior.

[MeoTwister5]

I'd like to add that girls like Sugimoto who are somewhat tentatively selective in their words, likes to take charge, has short boyish hair and really frakishly tall are exactly my type.

[Shiroth]

Originally Posted by Bath-Teth

There's a big difference between "hate" and "don't like".

It was just a line i use. I basically meant hate.

Originally Posted by Bath-Teth

I don't like Sugimoto, but you're right we don't know much about her. Still she made Kyouko cry and is hitting on an emotional unstable Fumi. That's enough for me to dislike her, for now.

Have you stopped to think why Kyouko cried? For all you know it's not Sugimoto's fault at all, and your dislike against her for that reason may be completely wrong.

& regarding her hitting on Fumi, how is Sugimoto supposed to know Fumi is in that state? Maybe she's just following her heart, and going for a girl she likes.

[MeoTwister5]

Kyouko most likely cried because she was turned down by Sugimoto, and Sugimoto was apparently attracted to the bookish Fumi. Is there anything wrong with turning down people you don't like because you already have someone you like? It's human nature, unless people think that it's better to lie to yourself than make others cry.

In any case, Kyouko should have known it's a two way street. Just because she apparently confessed to Sugimoto doesn't mean she'll respond in kind.

[Shiroth]

Originally Posted by MeoTwister5

Kyouko most likely cried because she was turned down by Sugimoto, and Sugimoto was apparently attracted to the bookish Fumi. Is there anything wrong with turning down people you don't like because you already have someone you like? It's human nature, unless people think that it's better to lie to yourself than make others cry.

In any case, Kyouko should have known it's a two way street. Just because she apparently confessed to Sugimoto doesn't mean she'll respond in kind.

Basically yes, you're right. This is why i'm saying the dislike for Sugimoto at this point is completely uncalled for when she's done nothing which should build up any dislike for her.

[Sinestra]

Another beautiful episode done perfectly. Im starting to see a running theme here since i say this every week but its true. Fumi is just adorable to watch her subtle moments and akward facial expressions are just a joy to watch since i think they are very detailed especially when she blushes it doesnt seemed forced even her smile reflects her personality very subtle.

It was interesting to me to hear Sugimoto was interested in Fumi. I think this might be where the "opposite attract" comes into play. However it was very easy to tell she was interested in Fumi besides her actually saying "I realized your my type". The animators did a wonderful job not with eye moment but body posturing as well. When they are sitting on the bench the animator adopted the technique of if a person's body posture faces towards you they are interested. I noticed this right away her body gave it all away i cant help but to think that the animators payed careful attention to this fact. On their date it was funny because when i saw Sugimoto and Fumi walking together my first thought was "i can tell who the masculine one is" Fumi was dressed in something like a Sunday dressed with a over the shoulder shaw i think with nice open toed heels. While Sugimoto wore sneakers what looked like capri's and a pretty tomboyish shirt which could directly be attributed to her playing basketball. Very lovely scene of them holding hands and the kiss (which had to be initiated by Sugimoto) was done well. I was actually satisfied with not seeing the kiss just they lower halfs standing close to one another.

Akira's development well i can understanding her feelings. I mean her brother needs to get over this sister complex thing its going to end up sending her to therapy. What i find interesting was seeing Akira cry for the first time she was always comforting her Fumi when she cried. She always appeared strong and confident it was a change to see her vulnerable her crying it depths to her character and shows she herself has a sensitive and emotional side.

So far this is one of my favorites series this season. This emotional and heartfelt series i wouldn't recommend to beginner anime watchers. I dont feel that most viewers would be able to grasp how deep this series goes romantically, emotionally and just how beautifully the story really is, it being a Yuri happens to be a byproduct in my mind. Im not being a dick i just notice how these kind of series that favor enjoyable and fantastic writing along with character driven plots can be easily passed over for powered up giant robot smash em all series not that anything is wrong with that hell i love explosions too. But after watching anime for so long it takes a lot more than pretty transformations and visuals to impress me. Aoi Hana just happens to good visuals good music and fantastic writing.

[Bath-Teth]

Originally Posted by MeoTwister5

Kyouko most likely cried because she was turned down by Sugimoto, and Sugimoto was apparently attracted to the bookish Fumi. Is there anything wrong with turning down people you don't like because you already have someone you like? It's human nature, unless people think that it's better to lie to yourself than make others cry.

In any case, Kyouko should have known it's a two way street. Just because she apparently confessed to Sugimoto doesn't mean she'll respond in kind.

No there's nothing wrong with it, as there's nothing wrong with me being biased against Sugimoto for turning Kyouko down and dating Fumi.
It's simple, I like Kyouko more than Sugimoto and seeing her making Kyouko cry (for whatever reason) won't make me suddenly like her more.

As much as Sugimoto's your type, I don't care much for her looks and nonchalant character. It's a good thing tastes differ.

At least she's not 2-timing Fumi and going out with both at the same time.

[scr]

Originally Posted by Bath-Teth

Any Yuri-ish anime without any males in it (e.g. SP) or only as a comedy relief (Saki) is plain male fanservice, anyway. I'm glad Aoi Hana is not one of them. On the contrary, the males in this show are essential to the plot.

Um, at least Strawberry Panic had some depths of story in it, if you play[*1] the PS2 visual novel. People easily dismiss SP since the other contender for yuri of the year was Simoun [*2].

As for Saki, being a fanservice for males is one of its selling point, but in no way its only[*3].



[*1] Is this even the correct verb?
[*2] My favorite character was Anubituf. Man, ain't he had it tough.
[*3] Momoko's backstory is especially touching, with or without yuri goggles.

[TheBigN]

Originally Posted by Shiroth

Basically yes, you're right. This is why i'm saying the dislike for Sugimoto at this point is completely uncalled for when she's done nothing which should build up any dislike for her.

And granted that the show still hasn't revealed a lot about her yet. For those who haven't read the manga, all in good time. :P

[Shiroth]

Spoiler for Episode 04:

Yes i'm going to say it again, another good adaptation of the source material. This series goes at such a nice smooth pace, that it's capturing the correct spirit of the manga.

One of my favorite scenes from the manga was animated this week. It's the flashback to when Sugimoto's was attending A-chan's school, and it involves Nagami-sensei. Such a beautiful piece of music to accompany the scene, along with a very strong dark water effect for the backgrounds. It worked like a charm.

It wasn't actually said what the purpose is, and what happened during the events of the flashback (in the manga it was actually mentioned), though if you put two together then it's pretty obvious what happened. Hopefully none-manga readers will click onto this while watching this weeks episode. From here on starts Sugimoto's development, which should change some peoples opinions that they have on her already.

Another powerful scene this week was Fumi telling A-chan that she's in love with someone of the same gender. It was handled very nicely.

There were a few little changes from the manga in this weeks episode, though it just goes to show that the anime wants to keep something a secret at this point, even though a few none-manga readers in this thread have already pointed it out. I quite like that they're doing this. If anyone wants to know what scene i'm on about, just ask and i'll answer in a pm.

[Kaoru Chujo]

Yes. Yesyesyesyesyes.

Spoiler for ep4:

As Shiroth says, an excellent and faithful adaptation of the source, reminiscent of Honey & Clover -- by the same director.

Fumi's combination of vulnerability and determination. Ah-chan's finding it so easy to accept a yuri relationship emotionally, even though she thinks intellectually she should find it harder. Kyoko gradually realizing who her rival is. The realism of Sugimoto and the teacher. The first glimpse of Sugimoto's family. The lips-only kiss.

And I continue to be delighted by that 3DCG train going through the watercolor cut.

And the OP continues to be so enjoyable. The song is pleasant and very suitable. The legs running is just outstanding animation. The tilting ground of flowers is wonderful. The dancing, the whirling, the hands, the final little finger. And especially the dropped flowers and the nude scene. About the only thing that doesn't make it for me is the blue flower, which somehow seems too metallic, not soft like the rest of the OP.

[adamatari]

Spoiler for Ep 4 stuff:

This is getting a bit more involving, maybe just the cumulative effect of watching the characters for a while is drawing me more into it. The thing that stands out to me the most is Fumi's insecurity and hesitant (but honest) nature. She's freaked out by meeting up with both Akira and Sugimoto to go to school (her mistake), but honestly Akira is very laid back and nonjudgemental, so it's not like she really has anything to worry about. Not that I can blame her for worrying, but to some extent she should trust Akira more. She confesses that she's dating Sugimoto that afternoon, but she avoids Akira the next day, coming to school slightly late to avoid her. When Akira brings this up later at the school cafe, and then asks how she can support Fumi, it really shows the sort of understanding person Akira is. Fumi's lucky to have a friend like her.

I think Fumi confessing to Akira that she's dating Sugimoto is kinda the key event. Sugimoto was right that Fumi was brave to do that, but I think that Fumi has the sort of relationship to Akira where she feels she can't keep secrets from her (well, this one she pretty much let out on accident anyways, but still).

It seems Sugimoto may have confessed to that teacher (the drama club guy), and transferred because she was turned down. At least that's what it seemed like to me. Fumi realized that (or part of that) but can't quite bring herself to ask...

There really is a lot to this, isn't there? I'm pleased with the development of this series, what seemed like a slow pace at first now does not at all.

[pagan poor]

I'm thoroughly enjoying the story, regardless of the subject matter. The slowness of the story I think, allows us to breathe in the depth of the relationships revealed to us. Not everything has to be smash bang and in your face all the time.