ef - a tale of memories - 06
Nice sky nice sky nice sky nice sky nice sky…
Summary:
Being separated from her by train tracks, Kei threatens Miyako’s existence. When Kyosuke arrives at Hiro’s home, he desperately tries to get in. Hiro insists that he wait a bit, but Kyosuke enters anyways to discover that Hiro is a mangaka. Kyosuke promises not to tell anyone, but under a condition. This is, of course, to meet Kei. Kei slaps the two boys after the strange things Kyosuke says to her, but Kyosuke has her watch a video afterwards. After getting her opinion of it, Kyosuke finally requests Kei’s participation in his film. He explains to her that she does not need any experience, but after Hiro hears Kyosuke’s approach, the two boys get into an argument. The argument ends when Kyosuke’s expresses his wish to capture dreams, but Kei reaffirms that she has not even agreed to be in the film.
While walking alone with him afterwards, Kei asks Hiro about Miyako. After finding that she has only been to his room twice, Kei then asks if he finds herself annoying. Hiro replies that it isn’t like that at all, and gives his reasoning by saying that they are not kids anymore. Kei expresses that it is too soon to be an adult, when she receives a message from Chihiro. Finding that Chihiro has made friends with Renji, someone who appears to be like her boyfriend, Hiro states his gladness. Kei then mentions an upcoming basketball meet. Wishing that Hiro will watch, she claims that she will tell him something important after winning. She refuses to tell him what the talk will be about, but she promises to win as she runs off.
Renji visits Yu in the church, with questions about Chihiro’s story. Yu explains to him that writing is the same as surviving for Chihiro, as she is trying to connect her past and future existences. When Renji asks what Yu does, and why he is always in the church, he replies by saying that he is waiting for someone. Chihiro continues her story with Renji later, where the girl on the island has started to create numerous paintings. Chihiro expresses the trouble she has with envisioning some of the locations on the island, so Renji suggests that they visit the school library.
Kei confronts Miyako at the train tracks, as she begins to reveal her past with Hiro to her. When Kei explains how she invited the then friendless Hiro to her home, Miyako only taunts her. Kei goes on to tell about the influence her shoujo manga filled room had on Hiro, and how accomplishing people ignore or dislike those who do nothing. Kei then reveals the feelings she has always had for Hiro, as a train rushes past the two. Miyako doesn’t believe that Kei’s telling her this will do any good, but Kei declares that she will not lose to Miyako. When Kei claims that she will make Miyako disappear from Hiro’s heart, Miyako shows fear of disappearing once again.
Renji asks his mother if she has any school outfits for a girl, so she tells him that Kuze has one. Renji wonders why Kuze has a girl’s school uniform in his house, but his thoughts are interrupted by Chihiro’s appearing behind him. Renji continues to ask why his mother knew that Kuze had a girl’s uniform with him while Chihiro changes. Chihiro comes out wearing something a bit different from expected, but she finally appears in the school uniform afterwards. Chihiro is delighted to be wearing the same uniform her sister would wear, but when Renji suggests that they go to the school the next day, Chihiro wonders if they can go at that moment. Chihiro sends another text to Kei, making her sister quite happy. Miyako presents Hiro with some food on the school rooftop, as she begins to ask if he is free during the weekend. Miyako brings up the basketball game after hearing Hiro’s answer, but he replies by saying that he only forgot about it. Finding that he does not fully intent to attend the game, Miyako makes Hiro promise to go on a date with him instead.
Kei injures herself during the basketball game, and Kyosuke films the unique moment while she expresses her regret in the infirmary. Kyosuke claims that it is not over as long as he does not give up. Hiro shows up because he was called by Kyosuke, which instantly changes Kei’s mood. Kei realizes that Hiro was going to go on a date with Miyako while being carried home by him, but he replies by saying that he could not leave Kei alone. Hiro asks about the important thing Kei wanted to tell him, but Kei expresses that it is fine now. Chihiro becomes extremely excited when she goes into the school with Renji, so she happily thanks him. On Hiro’s cellphone that he has left at home, he has missed a ridiculous amount of calls from Miyako.
ED: “Sora no Yume” by Natsumi Yanase - I love the style of this ED, even though it is a bit similar to the last special one. Instead of being focused on Kei, it has various abstract representations of Chihiro. The song itself is only decent, and isn’t to my usual tastes.
Impression:
So Kei cannot understand how to appreciate Kyosuke’s videography, just like the typical otaku cannot understand how to appreciate this show. As usual, there were so many things that stood out to me in this episode. From the start of the episode, we were given a lot of stylish shots of the sky, something that everyone has been complaining about. I find that really funny, because nobody cried about that same concept in the mediocre bishoujo anime sola. Ironically, a lot of the shots reminded me of scenes in Negima!?, another show that no one else seemed to like. The train and stoplight focus was beautiful, and it really reminded me of shows like KareKano. I’m not sure if that is a coincidence, because Shaft has done a lot of work with Gainax in the past. Maybe this post had something to do with my focus too. Traffic lights represent the stop of time right? I loved the piano pieces as well, and the scenes dealing with Chihiro’s story are always a plus for me.
I was thinking about this earlier, but it seems like I’m the only episodic blogger who is taking an art related major. Well, then again, there aren’t that many episodic summary bloggers out there in the first place. Hiro and Kyosuke’s argument stood out to me in particular, as they were arguing about different approaches to art. Whether it is manga or videography, this is something any artists should be able to relate to. Chihiro’s story also follows an artistic approach, as I’ve said numerous times. It is probably obvious at this point, but the text in the OP and eye catches all relate to Chihiro’s story. Thanks go to Omni for making that a bit clearer in one of his earlier posts. I also love the use of black faceless characters when the characters refer to the past. This is a concept that I’ve used in projects before as well, although a bit different.
The story is moving forward, and this may be surprising, but I have actually taken more of a liking towards Kei after this episode. Miyako was coming off as a really dislikable character in this episode, and I actually liked Kei’s getting back at her at the train tracks. That’s not to say that I like Kei a lot, however, as her “onii-chan” and random leaning forward are really annoying. This is just my typical bishoujo stereotype complaint though. Like Owen mentioned to me earlier, character attachment or even resent towards a character in an anime proves that it is doing well. People should check his post on the series up to this point as well, as he shares similar views on ef. I really liked Kei’s statement about accomplishing people and those who do nothing. It is very true that those who wish to do something with their lives cannot stand those who do not.
I’m going to have to cut this short again, or my generic summary blogging style is going to shift into an editorial. This always seems to happen when I blog about Shaft shows. Anyways, I can’t wait for the next episode, “I…”. I’m sure it’ll be as great everything else has been so far.
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Why is my face on the second picture there? Damn you Kakarotto
Haha, then I guess, I’m not a typical otaku because I love this show a lot, right? I’m glad that you are starting to like Kei little bit more. I’m looking forward to this episode because the drama is starting to build up. Even though, I’m not an art major but I really appreciate their art’s work. It’s unique on its own, I think. The only problem is that the sub should come out faster. So far, Clannad, Myself; yourself, Shanna, Gundam 00, Nomiya-kun are the only series that come out fast.
Ef does seem to have a lot of generic stuff in it, such as service shots and sky and the otaku that all the really cute girls flock around and call “Onii-chan”! BUT in other respects it has things that i havńt seen in anime since… For instance I really like the way Reijis and Chichiros relationship is established and you just know that in animes that sort of thing can only be going to be f*cked up by an indecisive or insensitive guy.
Anyway this episode was far better than the previous ones have been. The quality of animation looked movie worthy at times and they took a rather laid back pace when they showed ReijXChiChi while all the others had their hands full with drama.
Ef is becoming more and more intense and interesting, while other shows this season just seem plain and dull.
I also don´t understand why most otakus dislike it!?
( x
I’m not too fond of Kei but I don’t hate her either. I think I only find her a bit annoying when she’s all pushy and wants attention, but other than that she’s fine. I kinda dislike Miya for some reason, maybe it has something to do with the love triangle. The play of words and metaphors, especially with Chihiro and Renji’s story, is one of the highlights of this series for me as well.
Same here, I’m not an art major either but I’m totally captivated by the art and style of this one since it’s different from the usual. =)
I still dislike Kei, probably because of her kind of “don’t give a crap but pay attention to me anyways” attitude. Or maybe because I just love Miyamura too much. I do want Kei to have a happy ending though, because I feel sorry for her. But Kei doesn’t know how to face her problems directly and rather just wants someone to lean on and guide her.
I think alot of people were freaked about the whole thing with Miyamura leaving 99 messages, but personally I don’t think that’s *too* weird. Number 1, Hirono DID stand her up without calling her and telling her the situation, so naturally she’s worried. And she got a little jolted by the whole thing with Kei telling her that Hirono is going to forget her, so that scared her too. If I were in her place I’d be calling like mad too, because I’d be worried that Hirono died on his doorstep or something.
One reason I’ll stick to ef is because SHAFT’s usually random shots work well for this series. I think the style is more fitting than in Zetsubou (close though) or Negima.
I thoroughly enjoyed the argument ^^
As for the characters, Kei and Miyamura are bittersweet with positives and negatives, but Chihiro is my fav. She has a sad-awesome presence in the story, which is easy to empathize with ( she strikes those otaku moe sensory glands ).
There is a lot happening in ef for a 12 episode series. The end should be an interesting one, and I’m hoping it will be better than sola, which I found mediocre as well.
I agree w/boatswain I still like Miyako…I think this episode made me dislike kei even more. It is a very big thing to “erase” some1 from their memories. i thought it was rude..I know she loves hiro but still it was annoying…also does she ever actually go c her sister Chihiro…? All she does is text her…Anyway i’m focusing more on Chihiro’s story it’s nicer…and she isn’t evil..like kei.
Still a Miyamura fan here, Kei is a hypocrite in my opinion. She’s trying to control Hiro’s life while not at all in control of her own. She tells Miyamura that one lacking a purpose in life cannot be with someone who has a sense of direction, yet her determination only goes so far as following Hiro.
Miyamura, on the other hand, initially came off as independent. While she doesn’t have any apparent goals in life, she’s living the way she wants to, on her own terms. That did change a bit this episode though, seeing how she messaged Hiro 99 times…but her upbeat personality still wins me over, even if she is a little too quick to dodge confrontation.
Oh, and Chihiro ftw.
I really like this show. and the way it’s been going. I don’t think I’ve ever completely watched a SHAFT work before (though I will finish Zetsubo sensei when it’s subbed and I do want to watch Tsukuyomi) but they’ve really become one of my favorite studios because of this
I like how this show is sort of opted to be POV of the three male protagonists and their encounter with the 3 heroines. But really keeps POV even on both sides (example: here we got alot more of Kei’s side than Hirono’s)
On the characters. I think I hope for Miyamura to be by Hirono’s side in the end. I think it\’s obvious that both her and Kei care for Hirono (though in different way, Kei: wants Hirono to finish school. Miyamura: Wants Hirono to follow his own path)
On the story I’m focusing on. I think I’m focusing more on Hirono’s and Kyosuke’s stories (I like seeing Hirono’s drawing and his relationship with Miyamura develop and I also enjoy seeing Kyosuke following his love of film). But I actually enjoy all of the stories and the way they’re linked. Chihiro’s story has a “empty” sense of beauty. And by this I mean her life is apparently empty until Renji comes and gives her a goal to proceed with
“I find that really funny, because nobody cried about that same concept in the mediocre bishoujo anime sola.”
This post made my day. I kind of dislike Sola so….yeah
YEAH LONG POST
First of all, for those who actually check for my replies, I’m sorry this is late. I got caught up in studies and I didn’t manage any time to reply until now (a week late). Also, my review of ep 7 will be a bit late!
Vegeta > You just wish you were the strongest being in the universe.
kenshin514 > eh, the subs for this are coming out way faster than with other Shaft shows.
Dularc > yea, I definitely agree about the generic things…but once again, I blame the source material.
hazy > because she’s a psycho? xD Eh, don’t need to be an art major…just be able to appreciate something different. There is definitely a lot to take in from such a short series, but I think it will be a ride all the way through. It’s already topped sola for me since the get go.
Orihime > I think it has to do with her having to be distanced from people. But yea, I like Chihiro’s story a lot more.
Ryan A > but it isn’t random!
boatswain > She was also afraid of disappearing, so she could be desperate. Eh, there’s so much siding in the Kei, Miyako, and Hiro triangle. I just think that’s kind of played on way too much…and something typical of a bishoujo plot. That’s why I tend to side on the Chihiro side
Shirukii > Sides and more sides! Yea, I admit that Miyako does have development in her character…but it still seems typical to me. We’ll see.
Avisch > This is a bit of a different work coming from Shaft, but it’s definitely doing well to show off their talent. Haha, long reply to a long post….hey, there’s nothing wrong with that xD