I gave this ep a 9, though I only watched the raw (so basically I can't understand every word they are saying, and I'm using the preview on baka-tsuki as a guide). The episode is a great emotional one, and shows another side of Haruhi before the last two action-packed episodes.
Ah yes, the animation on the instrument playing was superb and very realistic (might even match up to Beck), plus the closeup solo of Yuki is probably the coolest one of all the episodes. Aya Hirano's voice was so cool I didn't know she could do Emo Rock. I merely thought she was a pop-star, but her voice is so good that it convinced me that she might be a rockstar instead. XD
Spoiler for the guest superstar:
OMFG ITS HARD-O GAY!? and whos the dude beside him, harassing Kyon!?
Uhh, I think Kyon smiled at Haruhi before (Episode 4 I think, Boredom of Haruhi Suzumiya).
EDIT: Come to think of it, if you compare the two smiling pictures, thats the best smile Kyon ever gave to Haruhi. Hahaha
I don't think it'd be too far fetched to say that the concert animation in this episode is among the best this season let alone the series. The little details in the BG building up to the actual show was pretty funny too. The music was pretty awesome too.
And the development and growth of Haruhi was really touching at the end. A fantastic episode with everyone being shown their characteristic strengths except Mikuru's. But as the series progresses it's becoming painfully obvious that she is quickly becoming the most two dimensional character.
I knew we could expect great singing, after the classical singing she'd done for Canvas 2, but this was great in a different way. The scene gave out so much energy, along with the so well done animation. And once the song's over, we get to hear such a cute Haruhi. Who would have thought the Mikuru-molester could ever be so damn adorable? Aww, the tone in her voice
The end scene under the tree was also very nice, Haruhi showing even more cuteness. I like the evolution between the two, Haruhi doesn't drag Kyon around by his clothes too often anymore, she takes his hand instead.
Also, yay for Tsuruya-maido's apparition! I just love her genkiness. The scene with her also showed that Kyon isn't your typical male lead, not being charmed by the maido outfit unlike Kunikida and Taniguchi
I think, you definitely want to read the novel chapter for this episode - otherwise ALOT of important details will be missed (Kyon was particularly quiet in the anime version, but NOT in the novel, of course).
Just watched the episode... Aww~ ,how nice of Haruhi to help that girlband . What I really never expected from this girl is that she would ever sincerely help someone in trouble (and that she would be such a singer . Of course , the tribute also goes to VA ). Definitely , I begin to like her character more and more.
And I loved how they animated the concert : Yuki soloing on the guitar , lips movements, Haruhi sweating , camera angles etc. etc. ... Man, KyoAni really puts a lot of effort into this series. XD (the last time I've seen something close to this level was in Beck . But maybe I just watch too little anime )
Quote:
Originally Posted by Katapan
Also, yay for Tsuruya-maido's apparition! I just love her genkiness. The scene with her also showed that Kyon isn't your typical male lead, not being charmed by the maido outfit unlike Kunikida and Taniguchi
He gets to see Asahina in the maid uniform every day, of course he would get used to seeing stuff like that
Nope, good ol' tie grabbing Haruhi is still around.
Spoiler:
Oops, just when I was thinking we were getting some obvious character development. Haruhi just can't help being Haruhi in the end I guess the last scene when she takes his hand still keeps somewhat of its meaning, though, especially combined with the fact that she wanted Kyon to be around when facing the band's girls.
Location: On the whole, I'd rather be in Kyoto ...
Age: 66
Sounds like we're moving towards the finish on a more "human level" channel (Kyon and Haruhi's bond) ... can't wait to see this, must find a Shinto bell to ring and pray our friendly fansubbers can share it at their previously established pace.... Absolutely great work on this fansub project.
Oops, just when I was thinking we were getting some obvious character development. Haruhi just can't help being Haruhi in the end I guess the last scene when she takes his hand still keeps somewhat of its meaning, though, especially combined with the fact that she wanted Kyon to be around when facing the band's girls.
Extra bit of development from the novel:
Spoiler:
In the novel, Kyon finds Haruhi under a tree because (paraphrased) "for some reason, his body directed him there".. it was an unconscious process, an invisible pull. Possibly a sign of Haruhi's desire to have him there while she was lying down at the tree.
Both songs were surprisingly good, although the first song felt like Hirano Aya was singing too much in her normal voice as opposed to Haruhi's voice; however, that's just nitpicking because both were still very good.
A fantastic episode with everyone being shown their characteristic strengths except Mikuru's. But as the series progresses it's becoming painfully obvious that she is quickly becoming the most two dimensional character.
Unfortunately, that's true. Even in volume 7 of the novel, where she takes the center stage with Kyon, we still didn't get to see any major developments with her (character-wise).
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As for this episode, all I can say is wow. Kyoani took a "so-so" short story from the novel and turned it into an absolute stunner. Of course, being able to actually see and hear Haruhi sing played a big part in this, but really, when I saw the quality of the live scene, I was left stunned until end.
Thanks for convincing me that the Haruhi DVDs were worth pre-ordering.
Highlights:
First of all, the first half of the episode:
- Kyon's tour around the school proved once again that Kyoani is crazy, look at all those background actions!
- Mikuru's waitress dress was spot on. And Just hearing Tsuruya-san say "megassa-" made the day for me.
- The following two expressions:
Spoiler:
The live scene:
Spoiler:
The details in this scene are amazing, from the meticulous animation showing the band setting up of their equipments:
to the detailed crowd (and this shot was only used for 1 second!):
You already can tell this is a high-quality anime. By the way, when I first watched this scene, my face was probably just like the audience members in this shot.
For the actual performance, what can I say? My jaws dropped at Yuki's "I-swear-they-used-motion-tracing" finger movements:
Hell, it wouldn't surprise me if they actually synced her finger movements with the actual sounds, because it looked like it. (the synced the drums too) o_o
As for Haruhi's (Hirano Aya's) singing, I loved both songs, but especially "God knows..." (the first song). The animation... really, from the lip syncing to small, detailed movements, to effects like blurring and camera wobble, to the portrayal of Haruhi gradually drenching in sweat from the heat... m(_ _)m:
That last shot there was particularly significant for me, it really portrayed that "exhausted but fullfilled" look on Haruhi's face so well.
Oh, and personally, this shot is against the rules:
Haruhi's "douyou":
Spoiler:
"Live a Live" is the first story in volume 6 of the novel, "Suzumiya Haruhi no Douyou" (涼宮ハルヒの動揺), and the douyou (which roughly means "unrest", as in "to be emotionally shaken") in the book's title was referring to this scene.
Haruhi has always been charging ahead without thinking about the consequences of her actions, that's why, when the band members thanked her for her help, she was hit by a side of humanity that she's not used to seeing. As a result of this new emotion that came with being appreciated, it caused doubt in herself about what she has been doing all this time. In a way, this is an event showing Haruhi becoming in touch with her own humanity.
Anyway, the important portrayal here is the display of trust between Haruhi and Kyon. Even though it's subtle, Haruhi was able cheer up because of Kyon.
Of course, it's expected that Kyoani would faithfully anime the part in the novel where Haruhi tried to throw grass at Kyon, only to have the wind blow it back into her face :
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Next Episode: "Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu V"
Get ready for Haruhi's first big serious confession scene (chronologically speaking) about her past and her reason for the things that she's doing. And of course, the much-anticipated battle against the 神人. ^^
Now that I think about it, there are only 2 episodes left.
. What I really never expected from this girl is that she would ever sincerely help someone in trouble (and that she would be such a singer . Of course , the tribute also goes to VA ). Definitely , I begin to like her character more and more.
I guess the last scene when she takes his hand still keeps somewhat of its meaning, though, especially combined with the fact that she wanted Kyon to be around when facing the band's girls.
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