ef - a tale of memories - 09
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Short Summary:
Yuu speaks with Renji about Chihiro’s memory restart, reminding him of his original warning. Yuu suggests that this is Renji’s chance to have Chihiro forget about him, but Renji obviously cannot accept this. Chihiro cannot see the point in reading her diary in order to regain her memories, so Renji can only watch her frustrated state. Kyosuke meets a troubled Kei, as she describes how far away she feels from those who are chasing after their goals. Hiro finally meets Miyako at the phone booth, and they begin sharing thoughts on the beach. The two realize that they feel at ease while they are with each other, and share a kiss. Renji admits that he is scared of Chihiro when he meets Yuu at the church, and wonders what he should do. The only advice Yuu gives him is that he should take her novel seriously. Chihiro finally starts returning to normal after reading through her diary several times. However, when Chihiro suggests that her former self might have died with her memories, Renji can only run away in panic and frustration. Kei discovers Miyako in bed with Hiro, causing her to run out of the apartment screaming. Kyosuke chases after her on his bike, but finds that she is in tears when he finally catches up.
Impression:
HAHAHA Kei you noob. Oh wow, that was funny. Ok, so this is late like I said it would be. Hey, University and life takes priority over this fun little anime blog. I’m sure all of you have seen the sub by now, but if you want a detailed summary for some reason, check Omni’s post as you probably always do. It feels like it’s been forever since I watched the last episode, but wow, I’m totally back into it after watching this today. Renji’s reactions to his seeing of Chihiro were actually surprising, but it was very pleasing to finally see him frustrated. I’m sure most of you already understand Yuu’s role according to the discussion from last week, but the way he revealed his actions in this episode just strengthened that. I’m a resident psycho lover, so seeing Chihiro freak out was amazing too. I laughed pretty hard when she threw her diary at Renji (agghh take that!). Her comparison of the memory loss to her former self dying was beautiful. I don’t think I even need to explain the symbolism in the graveyard she and Renji were standing in. I would like to say that this reminded me of Negima!? though, a show that seemingly only I actually liked. It’s interesting how easily Chihiro accepted Renji back after completely forgetting about him. Well, I probably shouldn’t say easy, but I still find it amazing that they seemed so natural together again. That diary is powerful in so many ways. Ah, but what else is there to say about this situation? Love power will overcome all obstacles. Fight-o!
Chihiro’s sister Kei on the other hand is….pfff…..HAHAHA.
So Miyako bought a Clannad phone card. She’s obviously a Dango Daikazoku fan. If it wasn’t clear from the start, it’s dead obvious now that Hiro will end up with her. Kei just can’t get out of that sibling like relationship. If she somehow ended up with Hiro, everyone would probably be pissed. Besides, they banged! I loved the scene where Hiro and Miyako finally kissed. Wow, that was beautiful. Give me a freaking break, Shaft haters. The random outer glow statement has been bothering me for awhile, but just take this episode for an example. It’s pretty obvious that it isn’t some pointless effect. The aura shifted colors according to he emotion or situation. Actually, all of the colors in this show are effectively used in that way. The cool blue green was used brilliantly during Hiro and Miyako’s peaceful scene, while red covered Renji’s beachside hell. Anyways, I also humored myself with Miyako’s shoujo manga mention. As funny as that was though, Hiro’s reply really hit me. Art. I’ll keep going back to that, because this show draws so many parallels to all forms of it. Hiro’s inability to draw out words when away from his form of art is just like anyone else’s inspiration. As I come from this kind of background, any series that hits on that kind of stuff always makes my favorites list. Now, finals week is approaching, so I should probably get back to studying. Not that I have a whole lot to study for though, since all my finals work is project based. Digital Media/Art Majors represent!
11 Comments so far
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Back from a long trip and catching up on the episodes. I’m not so sure what to say on this one. That was such a slap in the face for Kei. After last episode, Miyako got her payback bigtime. However forthcoming it was, I felt a bit sorry for Kei. As I expected, it’s definitely Miyako/Hiro from the start, unless some twist happens which I kinda think is unlikely. I’m still waiting for more of Kyosuke’s story. I know many people will disagree but I actually like his story better than the Miyako/Hiro/Kei triangle. =D
Chihiro and Renji’s story is still my favorite. So much drama, so much emotion. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for their good ending against all odds. *fists in the air* Love power!
Probably won’t mean much since I’m a science major, but I appreciate the art in ef very much. I think everything seems to blend well together and helps create the necessary atmosphere and feeling.
This is Amazing!
The kiss scene, if it were a movie in the theater everyone in that room who are watching it will yell out loud “YES! YES! YES!” It was a really good combination with the music.
@Totali: I think you are missing something big in RenjiXChihiro arc in this episode, It is clear that Chihiro is pretending to be happy and accept the fact BUT she didn’t understand anything at all about all her past memory with Renji and how is she going to understand the real feeling just by reading her dairy? She even said she has reread it 3 times, if she can understand her former by reading that dairy I think 1 time is enough.
As for Renji, he seems to be able accept the truth and acting to cheer Chihiro up BUT the fact is he couldn’t bear the pain that the former Chihiro was already dead(Hint:He said to Yuu “Why didn’t you keep me away from Chihiro?”). Now Renji is being struggle. Run or Stay? and the title said “I’m here”
And my prediction is he forgets that the former Chihiro was already disappeared from Chihiro but NOT from this heart yet and which is the only lead I can see for now for him to be able to brings the former Chihiro back to Chihiro.
I am dying to see which patch they are going to take for the next episode.
@hazy: Don’t worry about Kyosuke’s story, I guess you will see it in the next episode as the title said “I’m here” which mean it is for KyosukeXKei and RenjiXChihiro.
It already assigned from the first episode that it will be like this MiyakoXHiro , KyosukeXKei and RenjiXChihiro. No matter the what kind of plots they used but the outcome will just be the same like that. If Shaft actually wants to bring the “Nice Boat” ending to ef then they are just trying to kill themselves. Actually I never expected it to became Nice Boat ending from the beginning because there is no point in doing that.
hazy: I’m also looking forward to seeing more of Kyosuke’s story, as well as Yuu and Yuuko’s. I’m assuming their stories will be very short though, considering how close to the end we are. Hey, it doesn’t matter what your concentration is to enjoy art!
Siva: You are absolutely right! I can see that clearly now, but I must have been totally distracted by Kei’s hilarious screaming out of the house (that, or the work I’m flooded with atm ;P). I hope I didn’t come off as totally off base though, especially with the mention of Renji’s situation at the end x_x. Renji and Chihiro’s story has always been my favorite since the start, and I’m really liking where it’s going right now.
In term of emotional driven, I feel like like this episode doesn’t it that much compared to the last episode, but it’s still very good episode. I pay attention of Hiro/Kei/Miyako story too much in the beginning, but Chihiro x Renji is now my favorite couple. Their story-line is so symbolic and it can be represent in so many way. It’s simple yet very deep. That what I like about it. Some of my friends complained that they should focus on Miyako x Hiro more in this episode. All I have to say “that’s bullshit.” It’s all about Chihiro and Renji!! They are the highlight of the show, people.
As far as for the other couple, I am not really rooting for either Miyako or Kei. IMO, their personalities are like any typical shoujo anime character. Therefore, I have to admit that I like Kei more just because she look cuter than Miyako. Yeah, I know that I’m the only outcast here. lol. Poor Kei. Then again, just like what Siva said. The couples are already from the beginning.
This can be prove from this prologue video (I think most people already saw it anyway):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3hQbKqpKEdA
Siva: Thanks a lot for your analysis. When I finished this episode, I felt like I missed something important from Chihiro x Renji moment. Now I’m crystal clear. Really looking forward the final two episodes.
That prologue is/was probably the best promotional material so far (Though Ayakashi’s (the new series coming this month) was good). I love the music in it.
Dango reference was good.
I agree with Omni that they may have focused two much on the Reniji/Chihiro relationship this episode. Though I really loved the scenes with Miyako/Hiro (I basically watched the episode for that side anyway).
Kei may have gotten some payback. Though I’m looking forward to the one scene with Miyako in the prologue (the confrontation between the two)
Totali: I imagine Yu and Yuuko are gonna be seen in the final episode (and wow we have 4 left…. and I feel everything’s already almost done) reminiscing over everything that’s happened.
Siva: “It is clear that Chihiro is pretending to be happy”
I don’t think I saw it at first. But I definitely felt it.
kenshin154:
“All I have to say “that’s bullshit.” It’s all about Chihiro and Renji!! They are the highlight of the show, people.”
I think are INTENDED to be the highlight of the show by the studio . Though my highlight is on Miyako and Hiro……But hell the series would not work if we didn’t get all the relationships and their connections
kenshin514: Well said! I mean, look at how much the show is centered around the text and Chihiro’s story. It could easily be argued that the “a tale of memories” is just as relevant to the other couples, but I’ve always leaned towards Chihiro and Renji. I have no problem with seemingly everyone else preferring the love triangle though. It’s interesting in its own way.
Avisch: Eh, I don’t think this show will ever just focus on one character. From the start, it has always split up stories. Haha, I don’t usually reply to Omni’s posts because by the time I get to them they already have like 40+ comments on them….and that intimidates me =(. If Yuu and Yuuko are saved for the last episode, I would be completely fine with that. I’m sure they’re also saving a dramatic ending for the main characters too though.
Totali:
It’s funny. I don’t usually post on Omni’s post for the EXACT same reason. Damn intimidating.
Best episode ever! Take that Kei!
I feel really bad admitting this, but I cheered and laughed when she fell on the ground and started crying. I’m such a horrible person lol, but hey, she deserved it.
Miyako ftw!
Also, I envy you so much for not having intense finals while I’m sitting here grinding through Fourier integrals.
I liked this episode
haha kei! yay!!! As 4 chihiro i feel so..awful..and what renji said made me feel worse…”is chihiro’s memory weaker than sand?” GAH!! She WILL be cured by the end of this…
Avisch: olol let me comment on this school days post…120 comments, omfgwtf!!! *simply reads the impression and walks away slowly*
Shirukii: My big lol part was when she let out that huge scream from what we obviously knew she saw. It makes me snicker just thinking about it. So yea, I had to search google to even figure out what Fourier integrals were. That’s why my major is based on drawing pretty things and putting them in the computer! ;P
Orihime: I think watching the suffering actually makes the episode more enjoyable, as odd as that may seem. The sandcastle is such a wonderful symbol. Notice that they put it up once, were able to rebuild it, but now it is crushed to the ground. Woo~!
@kenshin514: Never know about that prologue video before. But i dont want to see it yet before i finished the show because i want to avoid any spoilers at all cost.
@Avisch: Actually, I never check Omni’s site at all because it is too much for me to handle it XD.
>> “I don’t think I saw it at first. But I definitely felt it.”
I feel something strange about Chihiro since the last episode where she just wake-up and cry out loud. But i just get it when see the scene at 3:48 in this episode. So i saw it at first. If you notice it a little bit more you will see that the new-Chihiro is completely difference from the former Chihiro(I am not talking about the losing memory but the CHARACTER)
@Orihime: >>”She WILL be cured by the end of this…”
Realy? But for me, I dont even know if she is going to be disappear at the end or not. Unless it is a miracle ending.
@Shirukii: As for Miyako, I really like the way she is, by showing the strong outside but keeping the weak inside.
I admit Kei deserves it But too bad it wont last for long because there is some1 already prepared himself to step in.
Kei: “cries, cries”
Kyosuke: Kei, i am here the one and the only one who will be stay by your side forever.
Kei: Really? Can i cry under your shoulder?
Kyosuke: No, you are too dirty because you fall on the ground.
Kei: W..What?