(L) ef - a tale of memories.

[Grimkill7]

Ok let me see if I can get this straight.
Renji likes Chihiro and vice-versa. They both know Yu. Renji met with Yuko. Chihiro and Kei are twin sisters. Kei Likes Hiro. Hiro is friends with Kyosuke. Kyosuke likes (or is obsessed with seems to be better) Kei. Miyako likes Hiro (and he may seem to like her too). Yuko seems to be associated with Yu (I'm just guessing that he was the one she was waiting for). She also has some connection to Hiro through his dreams. Is that all the connections revealed so far or am I forgetting any?

[relentlessflame]

Originally Posted by Grimkill7

Renji likes Chihiro and vice-versa. They both know Yu. Renji met with Yuko. Chihiro and Kei are twin sisters. Kei Likes Hiro. Hiro is friends with Kyosuke. Kyosuke likes (or is obsessed with seems to be better) Kei. Miyako likes Hiro (and he may seem to like her too). Yuko seems to be associated with Yu (I'm just guessing that he was the one she was waiting for). She also has some connection to Hiro through his dreams. Is that all the connections revealed so far or am I forgetting any?

I'm pretty sure you've got them all. Somehow it all makes sense in the anime, but when you actually sit down and try to map it out, it makes for a very complicated web of stories. That's part of what I like about it, though.

[Deathkillz]

ep 3

Spoiler:

wohoo its a good thing that this series has continued to be good throughout...and now that we are in the main part of the story, it actually makes a lot more sense compared to the first one.
I soo saw the renji and chihiro event coming. what is a romance tale without betrayed trust? even if he didnt mean it he should have guess that for chihiro, a promise is a promise. And i bet she would have still met up with him even in a hurricane. Well now he has to work his way to get her trust back - but that memory loss thing would come in handy though he still has to live with the guilt of being the cause of her temporary illness.

moving onto the other side of things hiro has his hands full with both girls. another tale of betrayal as kei finds out where he was on xmas. quite a big misunderstanding here but i do understand where she is coming from especially when she is assuming things. but right now she feels that hiro is going out with miyako or rather he is being stolen from her so i should be expecting a cat fight later on

i think im beginning to get used to these animation cutscenes and they seem to be getting less frequent in this ep. the "boob press" scene is a part that i wont forget

[Kaoru Chujo]

This show has risen to the top for me, just below Blue Drop. I still find the relationships confusing, especially without subtitles, but they are fascinating, and the people are becoming real. The beauty of so many of the scenes and so much of the music is just breathtaking.

Spoiler for ep3:

The beach scene near the beginning of ep3 may be one of the great anime scenes ever, with the waves embodying the ebb and flow of Chihiro's memory.

[Sorrow-K]

First chance I've gotten to post a proper comment on this anime.

First things first, I can't believe this show has gotten such a negative backlash, since, IMO, it's hardly put a foot wrong in its first two episodes. The characters interactions are extremely well done, the dialogue is pretty good, the relationships are set in stone to a large extent, and actually make sense, and the atmosphere is suitably surreal. The animation isn't great, but I don't understand how people can berate the visual directing. This, IMO, is how one pushes boundaries in what is otherwise a fairly stagnant genre. It might be a superficial uniqueness, but it's a uniqueness nonetheless that will, once it's over, separate this anime from others in the genre. The best things in this anime, so far, aren't aesthetic, but the aesthetics do a wonderful job of setting up a surreal atmosphere and keeping the audience on its toes. Too often directors aren't willing to push the boundaries of animation, so I'll almost always applaud the few cases that do.

Ep 2

As one could probably guess, I think this has "winner" stamped all over it. Never mind the visuals. I may be biased towards a unique visual effort, but I won't back away from defending it. But, it's plot and characters that make this anime, and they're all interesting and fairly human at this stage, and that's step one towards making good romance anime. Step two is genuine character interactions, and this has that as well. I think this show has serious potential, and I continue to watch with baited breath.

[relentlessflame]

Originally Posted by Sorrow-K

First things first, I can't believe this show has gotten such a negative backlash, since, IMO, it's hardly put a foot wrong in its first two episodes.

Well, I don't think there's a huge negative backlash. Like any artistic experiment, some appreciate it, and some don't. Certainly I think some might come to appreciate it a bit more once they get used to it (if they continue giving the show a chance).

I've noticed especially that fans of the game seem to be the least initially-appreciative of Shaft's distinctive visual flair, and the reason I most commonly see is that the game itself had an already-distinctive atmosphere that got lost in the transition. (Pleasing game fans in a short anime adaptation is always difficult, though, especially if they decide to do "something different".) The other comment I've seen a fair bit, both here and elsewhere, is wondering whether the character interactions are really enhanced by the artistic direction or not; wouldn't they be even more potent with more traditional shot directing? Sort of like "the characters are great, but I'm so distracting by the weird shots, angles and cuts". I know that, for me personally, it's been a show that works even better on the second viewing. Those most open and even vocally supportive of the show seem to be fans of experimental filmmaking coming at this with little-to-no prior exposure to the property. And since I myself fall in that category, I find myself agreeing with you (unusual! ), and liking this show a lot.

I certainly think that, in a crowded genre, this show stands out in more ways than one. That in and of itself is probably a good reason for people to check it out, even if it does turn out to be a "love it or hate it" sort of show.

[holyman282]

I agree with both Sorrow-k and Relentless, love it or hate, it's certainly unique and you have to at least give it that...

I give extra points to Shaft for taking chances..

[Shiroth]

Originally Posted by holyman282

I give extra points to Shaft for taking chances..

You should have said that around 2/3 years ago.

[siden87]

I've just finish watching episode 3. I'm watching Nuke fansub, and they come out with a slightly different lyric of the OP.

Spoiler for episode 3 thought::

I admit that the series is getting more interesting that I can see this series to be included in my regular weekly dose anime. And as I though, this episode tells much more regarding Chihiro and her books. The visual arts are magnificent as usual, and after the OP Euphoric Field, I started to like the current ED as well.

For someone who never have a grasp on the game like myself, now I can partly understand the story. Seems like there are 3 plot involved: Renji, Hiro and Kyousuke. Renji still with her scenes with Chihiro, but Hiro got his hand full to deal with Miyako and Kei. I'm still wondering what's the relationship between Kei and Hiro, and why would she call Hiro "Onii-chan"(thankfully some people already give some nice explanation regarding this issue in previous pages)

btw anyone has any information about the maga? I've search and search but barely got any info about the manga, except that it's currently has reach volume 4 in japan and has no information whether it's been scanlated or not.

[Albin]

the first episode was kind of confusing and left many of my questions unanswered. When i watched the second ep the pieces fell into place and actually gave me hopes for this anime!
(I actually said I wouldnt watch it cus I didnt like the first ep but I just had to download the second one and guess if Im lucky i did that XD)

[FlareKnight]

Spoiler for Ep3:

Well another interesting episode. Renji gets to hear all the details in terms of Chihiro's situation. Sad to see her almost wishing her existence would just fade away as to not be a bother. Can only imagine the sadness being in such a condition would leave on you. It's too bad she got a cold from spending time outside. Common sense would dictate she wouldn't be out in that weather but sometimes you can't count on common sense. Wonder how he'll act now.

My condolences to Hiro who is in a bit of a jam here. Looks like finishing his work didn't mean he'd have an easy day at all. Mizuki is quite the girl, telling on Hiro so that problems would arise with Kei. Then she can sweep in...Obviously Kei is worried and jealous about Miyako spending time with Kei and the news about Christmas will only make it more problematic. Somehow I doubt he'll have time to explain the circumstances. Toss in Miyako being a bit upset with him forgetting her name and so he'll have some problems to settle.

Episode 3 was solid and pretty fun. So looking forward to the next episode.

[Klashikari]

Wasn't too sure to comment about it without the subs, tyhings don't change much after that.

Spoiler for episode 3:

Well, episode 3 was better than the 2 previous episodes in a sense that "something" happen. More accurately, Chihiro and Renji's interactions taking off with this discussion, which brings substancial development and understanding for the eye patched girl.
Meanwhile, the "triangle", Miyako/Kei/Hiro shows some premises of drama and such, as demonstrated in the trailer.

Now, again, i'm again annoyed by the lame uses of still shot and far sight camera. Things go even worse around the "beach scene" and "rooftop scene". These powerful scene could be much better with an emphasis on the faces and all (seriously, despite being pretty, the beach took like 4/5 of the screen, and all we have is the "monologue" while Renji and Chihiro are walking like some dolls).
Other meaningless far sight camera are rampaging Kyousuke and his girlfriend scene, and when Hiro is with Kei.

The art shift is at the same level as last week, so not so rampant, and it was very well done for Chihiro, for the "joke scene".
OTOH, otowa scene (when miyako and hiro are skipping classes) wasn't exactly great in term of experimental changes.

The pace of this episode is much less cranky, though the unbalance of speed and "content" between the triangle and chihiro/renji hurt somehow the possible "link" between them, which is barely the fact Kei and Chihiro are twins. Both "routes" are disjointed from each other and doesn't seem to be as "balanced" as in Kimikiss Pure Rouge.

As for the quality, I'm very concerned by this unbalance budget management. I agree we got many pretty sceneries and all, but the animation is BADLY hurt in several instances becauses of this. Many mouth animations are choppy, or even get some lipsynch issues. Movements are hardly natural, especially when Chihiro and Renji are walking in the beach. Mixed with the lame attempt to lessen issues with still shot and far sight camera, it isn't exactly a good result.

Finally, sound don't have any problem at all, except maybe the final scene with Kei... BGM doesn't match much, while Kei Seiyuu's performance is VERY weak. Between like "indifference" and "reading/lecture"... not convincing at all.

I may sound ranting like hell, but this episode was still enjoyable, though I'm certainly hoping for a better "evolution" for the visual treatment (not quality) and thus, the execution. As far as I said for the 3 episodes, many things could be much more powerful and empathic if they focalised on the right things.

[theused69]

Originally Posted by Klashikari

I may sound ranting like hell, but this episode was still enjoyable, though I'm certainly hoping for a better "evolution" for the visual treatment (not quality) and thus, the execution. As far as I said for the 3 episodes, many things could be much more powerful and empathic if they focalised on the right things.

Yeah me too. I think the poor frame rates and frequent wierd camera angles make ef- a visual eyesore (really, my eyes hurt that time). But storywise, it's pretty good and coherent, although I still can't believe 12 episodes is enough for this. Anyway, I still would watch this show even though I almost fell asleep at the OP

[deffusse]

for me, watching ef - a tale.... is one of the greatest experience. It's realy hard to say, what is the the main feature I like the most. I can't even understand, what are you guys talking about [borring etc...] Beautiful visual, emotional work + grand plot. It's hardly possible that this serie surprise me badly in the future and btw the OP is great.....

[Ascaloth]

Watched the Nuke sub of Episode 3, and I have this say, this episode was a lot better than the first two.

The Shinbo-WTF visuals are still there, but it's been toned down a bit, and this time I actually felt that they complemented the plot well; the best examples would be Chihiro's "joke" scene, and the colour overlay on Kei when she was interrogating Hirono about Miyako was simply genius. Overall, the pacing is a lot less erratic and epilepsy-inducing, as are the visuals, and the story still goes fairly strong as always. In other words, ef has just become a lot more watchable to me, enough that I'm convinced to give it a few more episodes at the very least.

I want to see how each story is linked to each other soon, though. Right now it still feels a little disjointed, particularly how Kei and Chihiro seem almost unconnected despite being sisters.

And on a last note, Renji's mom. >_<
minori outdid KEY on the "loli mom" factor this time.

[relentlessflame]

Originally Posted by deffusse

I can't even understand, what are you guys talking about [borring etc...] Beautiful visual, emotional work + grand plot. It's hardly possible that this serie surprise me badly in the future and btw the OP is great.....

Once the series is over, it'd be very interesting to poll those who watched the series. It's pretty unusual to see something so polarizing. As I said earlier, the visuals definitely seem to be "love it or hate it". Interesting...

[deffusse]

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

.......the visuals definitely seem to be "love it or hate it". Interesting...

absolute agreement....

[Deathkillz]

for me the animation has never been much of a bother...hence im rather neutral - but yea it has been toned down quite a bit, i liked the spice they added when miyako was "playing" with hiro, they look soo soft

Originally Posted by Ascaloth

And on a last note, Renji's mom. >_<
minori outdid KEY on the "loli mom" factor this time.

funny thing...she reminded me of Ama when i first saw her

[guuchan]

For those who're interested in the official lyrics of the opening song "euphoric field":

Fly high, make it
Get to the new world that I seek
Someday, with my little wings

Don't look back to the sorrow I left behind
Here's my real intention I hide
I wish you were here, and so just by my side
Need to be strong enough to swallow my pride

I have been looking for my own style
Don't give it up, here comes the life

Be alive, take it
Promise to find, yes I will
Shining wings filled with wishes
Fly high, make it
Get to the new world that I seek
Someday, so I believe

[deffusse]

Oy guuchan I'm realy interested in that song..... Do you have a full version of it? I havent found it yet and thx for lyrics also