ef – a tale of memories – 10
Get more minutes, noob.
Summary:
While in bed with Hiro, Miyako declares that she was right about him. She confirms that he thinks of her important, and states that she does not want to lose any more important things. Kei recognizes the state Hiro and Miyako are in when she enters the room, causing her to run out in fury. Hiro starts to chase after her, but Miyako attempts to stop him. She tells Hiro to only look at her, but he leaves just as she expected that he would. Kyosuke has caught up to Kei on the beach, but she can only believe that he would want to capture such an amusing scene. While Hiro is trying to find Kei, he gets a phone call from Kyosuke. When the two meet, Kyosuke starts beating on Hiro. He attempts to make it clear what he is doing to Kei, but Hiro refuses to understand. When Hiro returns to his flat, he finds that Miyako has disappeared. He soon talks on the phone with her, however, and panics when she suggests that they stop meeting. Miyako expresses that it is hard for her to think about Hiro, as she is not the only one in his heart.
Hiro meets Mizuki outside while searching for Miyako, and she reveals that the sandwiches left in his room were made by Kei. She also tells him of the desperate work Kei does for his sake, before revealing a postcard to him. Hiro is surprised to find that Mizuki is a fan of Shindou Nagi, as she goes on to express how uninteresting his work has become as of late. As Hiro makes his way to the school rooftop, he discovers that Yuuko is already there. Bringing up his situation, Yuuko tells him the importance of his having to decide what is important to him. Hiro believes that everything is important, but Yuuko suggests that if he does not choose, he will end up losing everything. Hiro realizes this, and as he lets off a paper airplane made from his future aspirations sheet, he mentions that he can now see a bit of the color he has been looking for.
Hiro visits a paining Kei, but she will not let him inside of her room. Hiro thanks her for the sandwiches, and reveals what he learned from Mizuki. Hiro tells Kei that he will quit school to become a full time manga author, making her express that he was always the type to make his decisions that way. When Hiro brings up the past he shared with Kei and Chihiro, Kei begins to describe how sudden endings are more realistic. Kei begins to shout for Hiro not to leave, as she believed that the days would continue the way they always have. Kei finally confesses to Hiro from behind her door, causing both of them to drop tears. Hiro still insists that they can go back to the way they were before, and that Kei is still someone very important to him. Kei finally opens the door, as she suggests that she will be okay.
Miyako has prepared to leave again, but Yuuko appears before her. Yuuko believes that it is unfortunate, as she wanted to see a person like her obtain happiness. Miyako inserts her phone card in a phone booth to make a final call to Hiro. Refusing to tell him where she is, Miyako admits that she might have been testing Hiro to see if someone could really cherish her. She finally reveals the situation she had with her parents, where they would not even recognize her for her achievements. Miyako expresses that she was someone that could go anywhere, but that also meant that she did not have anywhere to stay. Changing his tone, Hiro then suggests that Miyako should have told these things to him. Hiro suggests that he would be the place for Miyako, and that he would accept everything about her. Hiro prepares to confess to Miyako, but at that moment, Miyako’s minutes run out. This puts Miyako in tears, but her world lights back up when Hiro confesses behind her. After the two share a kiss, Miyako forces Hiro to take responsibility. As he has taken hold of her, he can no longer let go. Hiro brings up Miyako’s previous attitude towards this, but she simply states that people’s feelings can change.
Impression:
Wow. You know that feeling of weakness you have after watching a ridiculously good movie? Yea, that’s what I feel like right now. This episode was amazing. I don’t need to say more. ….but I will anyways. The most surprising thing about this episode was that it took the story that I like the least, and made me have a wonderful appreciation for it. I’ve always hated the standard love triangle set up that Hiro, Kei, and Miyako share, but I was totally blown away today. In the beginning stages of this episode, I could only say things like “Shut up Kei” or “Shut up Miyako”. By the end, however, the only thing I could say was “Holy shi-”. Both confession scenes were done extremely well, with the spectacular soundtrack fitting in beautifully. When Kei confessed in particular, I had chills all over. There’s also something about Kyosuke and Hiro’s conflicts that I can’t help but love. The two are like worst enemies, but best friends at the same time. It’s like that saying that says people get the most angry when they are insulted about what they know they are wrong about. Kyosuke knows everything about Hiro’s mistakes, and he wasn’t afraid at all to punch some sense into him.
Looking around at opinions about this show around the community, it seems like many people are forgetting that this is a “Shaft show” and are starting to appreciate this show just for what it is. After this episode, it was totally easy to see that. The symbolism was as relevant as always, however, and everything fit into place perfectly with this story. I absolutely loved Miyako’s butterfly wings near the beginning. Hiro was forced to pick a path in the city, and he did travel both “paths” by visiting Kei and Miyako. With the paper airplane being let off, Hiro finally realized his true intentions. In an area with “Keep out” tape surrounding it, Kyosuke and Hiro once again engaged in a conflict that only they were allowed to be a part of. Of course, the countdown at the end was probably the thing that stood out the most. I don’t even need to go into how effective that was. The color of the world was a nice touch as well.
As much as I very much loved this episode, my favorite story continues to be Chihiro’s. Since they finally had an episode focusing only on one story, I’m assuming the next episode will finally end Chihiro’s arc as well. As some others have been predicting, the final episode may go into Yuu and Yuuko’s stories. I cannot tell you how excited I am to see the final episodes, especially since I should finally be able to watch them at a regular time again! I hope a few days are enough to get over this overwhelming feeling I have right now, just like a countdown…
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Looking around at opinions about this show around the community, it seems like many people are forgetting that this is a “Shaft show” and are starting to appreciate this show just for what it is.
I certainly didn’t forget :^)
My guess is that next week will finish up Chihiro and Renji’s story, and the week after that will probably be some kind of closure to Kyousuke’s movie thing, or at least I hope so because it would be sad if that plot line is just left hanging. Though I would be nice to at least find out what Yuko actually is.
Heh, I was actually just telling a friend that I was amazed by this episode. Like you, Chihiro and Renji’s arc has far and away been my favorite. But this episode made me glad the Kei-Hirono-Miyako existed, if only for the incredibly powerful scenes near the end. It was absolutely amazing, and if my least favorite arc left me shaking like this, I can only imagine what Chihiro and Renji’s arc will do.
Only thing i didnt like is dude beaten on him, i mean hes known the girl 2 weeks , If im lookin for a girl an some dude tries to be the big hero for somethin he doesnt know jack about, Im throwin him a beatin, a haaaard beatin, as in stompin a mudhole in his ass an walkin it dry, Ugh that scene made me mad
OMG! Totali, you said everything next time left me something to say, ok?
I really love the ending of this love triangle. We know that it would come out to this but we never expect it would be this amazing. LOL remember back then when some people mention about “nice boat” I was like they have no idea of what is going on.
That 99sec countdown will be the first meaningful and longest 99sec of conversation I ever know.
I have been waiting for this episode so long for it to shows how flawless Miyako is. She is the type of character that share no tsundere/yandere/clumsy or begging for pity, and the one which i have been waiting for many years to see one exists.
I am dying to see how they r going end ChihiroXReiji arc.
ItAintEazy: Oh crap I forgot to mention that. The dango daikazoku phone card totally showed up again in this episode. Kyoani SHAFTed!
Lana: Maybe it’ll be a combination of both. I’m also very interested in seeing some closure to Kyosuke’s story. I’m pretty sure both major arcs will be done by then though.
Jobrill: Haha! Tell me about it. I wanted to tell everyone how awesome this episode was after I watched it. I can’t even imagine how amazing Chihiro’s ending will be. Wow, it’s a good thing I only have to wait a few days. xD
wikachaw: I wouldn’t say that he is only doing this for Kei. Like I said, Kyosuke and Hiro are like very close friends. I’m assuming they’ve known each other for awhile. Kyosuke was able to beat Hiro up so badly because he understands Hiro, not necessarily Kei.
Siva: Haha! That’s the thing about things kinds of shows! I want to say so much about them! Man, it killed me when people were making a big deal about the ‘nice boat’ ending just because of the reference. If they had a nice boat ending in this show, it would just be ridiculously out of place. You’re probably right about Miyako, but I can still only see her situation as stereotypical. That’s just a minor gripe I have about any kind of bishoujo anime though.
The conversations did it for me, Kei to Hiro, and especially Miyako and Hiro on the phone. I thought the 100 second thing was a bit much, but it was effective. Miyako’s situation is stereotypical, but it’s pretty real. From what I understand there are a ton of young girls who go through the… extremely loving atmosphere to plain cold emptiness, there are many outcomes, but I guess Miyako was that kind of character who would have grown up watching Audrey Hepburn movies, believing in the happy end, etc. (possibly a romantic)
Can’t wait for Chihiro’s conclusion, since it really pushed the series at times.
Nah, what i truly love about Miyako isn’t about her situation and compare it to Chihiro’s I would say Chihiro’s situation is much better.
And the true reason is her character itself. I really love how she plays her role, how she reacts to her situation, and how she accepts her fate. And the scene that hits me really really hard is in this episode at 5:07 where Hiro comes back to his room and saw everything clean up so nicely(I am sure this the scene left Hiro a big shock). I am really shock there if it wasn’t Miyako all i can image is that girl would have destroyed everything inside the room and run off. And what is more, look at Kei’s Walking Stick and sandwich.
I have questions, Would yo do that if you were Miyako? How many times in ur life have u seem like this happened?
I loved the symbolism in this episode. The paths metaphor(you mentioned) was very relevant to Hiro’s situation.
Another (possible) symbolism I keep seeing. Is the auras around the characters in their dramatic moments it was on Kei early in this episode. And it was also on Hiro and Miyako likely symbolizing that they finally understand each other.
Overall…..
Episode 10 was great. I’m so happy on how Hiro’s and Miyako’s romance came together.
Truth be told, I almost thought it was over after episode 9 ended and the only thing that had to be resolved was Kei’s story on that side. I think ending it more on Hiro making a big decision was nice. We had seen all of Miyako’s feelings and her side and concluding it with Hiro understanding her feelings was great.
Siva:
“That 99sec countdown will be the first meaningful and longest 99sec of conversation I ever know.”
Same here. It’s annoying that other anime can’t be more serious-meaningful moments like that.
“I have been waiting for this episode so long for it to shows how flawless Miyako is. She is the type of character that share no tsundere/yandere/clumsy or begging for pity, and the one which i have been waiting for many years to see one exists.”
Quoted because it speask the truth
Totali:
“The two are like worst enemies, but best friends at the same time.”
It’s so true. I really like their interactions.
Boooooo. No Chihiro and Renji !! This episode suck ass. Just kidding. LOL
I definitely can see why so many people hyped about this episode. The music and everything fit very well and the outcome of this love triangle was satisfied. Tell you the truth, my friend and I like Kei way more than Miyako (yeah, we’re weird), so the ending in this episode was OK. However, we are really exciting during Kei’s confession.
I still have question through. What happen to some of these screens in the prologue video:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FwtX2MnWuIY
I mean, they kinda did it, but it wasn’t really like in this video. I’m just curious what happen to it.
Is it just me? The confession behind the door from Kei to Hiro remind a lot of confession in ichigo 100% (manga version from Aya to Junpei). For both series, the time conflict/issue was the main problem for the main two characters not being together.
Siva: Well, it wasn’t really surprise for me that Miyako clean up everything before she left. She planned to left with good memories for Hiro. So there is no point for her to destroy his room. Once she found someone like Hiro, she won’t do anything that hurt him. I dunno. I felt like her character is too cliche. We saw that Kei wasn’t being her true self in the past episodes. However, in this episode shows that Miyako is probably not even more to herself since from the beginning. She is kinda typical to me. You know, the one acts tough but deep down really lonely and weak and want to find someone/somewhere that she belong. Oh well, it’s still very good outcome from this love triangle. I’m really looking forward the outcome for Chihiro x Renji in next couple episodes as much as you do.
What’s Kei and Miyako’s “true self”? I wouldn’t write off their previous actions as mere superficialities compared to how they’ve recently expressed their secrets. Kei’s possessiveness and drive are a part of her character. How does Miyako act tough? I could tell she was lonely from the beginning. It’s easy to classify Miyako as weak and desperate from the last scene, but I remember when she knew the right things to say to ease Hiro’s heart and to stir Kei’s mind – that wasn’t an act.
Ryan A: I was thinking the countdown was a lot too. Honestly, I had to look away from the screen a bit during it. The buildup was so strong though. Chihiro’s arcs had moments almost as strong as this episode itself for me, so I can’t wait.
Siva: Chihiro’s situation better?? Really? Miyako has just had parental issues, something that is actually pretty common in the real world. Chihiro has to desperately hold on to her memories. Eh, preference. It seems like most people are very sided on which arc they prefer in this show.
Avisch: Yea the auras are always relevant. Kei’s was purple in this episode if I remember correctly. This totally makes sense with the scene in color theory. Oh, and Hiro’s finally getting Miyako to tell him everything was amazing.
kenshin514: HAHA! That’s what I said at the start of this episode. I was like “where’s Chihiro!?” Mmm…it’s quite common for things to change in the actual anime from the prologue. Btw, that’s the first time I watched the prologue. Wow, it was awesome.
Myschief: Eh, people aren’t linear. Take what Miyako said at the end of the episode for example. People can change. I’d call it development!
The release was great.
Masterfully done.
Music also (I’ve noticed that the music is great in ef… really adds to the emotions).
Totali right ^_^
I liked the Miya/Hiro/Kei arc more in the beginning, but Chihiro’s character is so much more intricate than I had ever imagined.
I think everyone loves the artistic quality of this series. I especially love the camera angles, shadows, and color tones. My fav scenes included ep. 9’s walk with Miya + Hiro and Kei’s shower scene in ep. 8!
Myschief: OK, you’re right. I don’t like to argue with other people, so sorry if my opinion isn’t the same as you. English is definitely not my first language, so I’ll end up using some unappropriated words. Please understand me. Actually, I was thinking that I wasn’t gonna post any comments in this episode because I really have hard time to describe my reaction after this episode and eventually a lot of people gonna flame on me. I like Kei and Chihiro more than Miyako. You could say that I’m very one side person. It doesn’t mean that I don’t like Miyako. It just that her character isn’t as much as appeal to me compare to Chihiro and Kei. But I still really like this series a lot.
Totali: Wasn’t the music in this video really awesome. I saw it before I watched the show and I knew instant that ef is gonna be a great series. I was hoping to see the scene in the video that Miyako argue with Kei. It seems really intense.
Gomennasai!!! I didn’t mean for you to take it harshly =(
I don’t think you’re one-sided at all! You’re entitled to your own opinion. I’m glad you’re sharing your ideas =)
p.s. I’m new to this blog and not yet well versed with blogging etiquette
Myschief: No, you don’t have to say sorry. Discuss anime that I watch with other people is probably my favorite thing to do. It’s just that I remembered that one time I had a discussion on the “School Days” series with one guy in other blog. We kept bring more stuff to prove that our opinion was right for while. After that incident, every time I tried to discuss something with him. It seemed like he didn’t want to talk to me anymore due to the fact that our idea was too different. I just don’t want that to happen again. Anime suppose to bring people together not driving them away. That’s what I think.
Welcome aboard! Don’t worry if you are new to this blog. You will see me quite often in this website. Totali is very cool guy with a lot of anime knowledge
(Hey, did I give too much credit for you, Totali? LOL)
Wow, I’m still at episode 2. Did I miss any action? XD
korosora: Oh definitely. In those dramatic moments, it’s very easy to see how effectively the soundtrack is being used. Everything is done so well.
Myschief: Not everyone loves the artistic feel of this series. A lot of people hate it! Haha, but who needs those haters.
Haha, there’s no need to apologize. Like other bloggers, I like to encourage conversation. Most people don’t mean anything harsh, but if they do, it’s totally acceptable to be harsh back. ;P
kenshin514: Oh heck yea. That prologue was just as awesome as some of the actual episodes! That argument was displayed differently in the anime, but the message was brought across.
Haha! No, you didn’t give too much credit, because I’m totali awesome. JK xD I’m just an anime fan like you guys! I just happen to like to spread the joy.
zenical: Just a little bit? ;P Catch up! You won’t regret it! xD
@Avisch: Since the screen show 100sec countdown I already paused the video and told myself the last 99sec will be a meaningfulness so you have to caught up every second of what you see, hear and feel. Then I switch to play. I trust my feeling that it is going to be like that.
@kenshin514: There is nothing wrong with Kei character for me and the reason i am not interest in her character because I can see through her character that it is going to end up like this. On the other hand, Miyako is a type of character that I felt like she is strange the first time I saw her but at that time Chihiro took all the screen time and I left Miyako behind until her arc started.
About that scene, You should think of it this way like you finally get to be with some1 important to you that you have been waiting for a long long time suddenly some1 else shows up and snatch it away from you just right about everything going to start. what do you think most people would do?
@Totali: Ah! I was using the wrong word XD, what i mean is that Chihiro’s situation is more interesting. I am a Baka.
@kenshin514 & Myschief: LOL, 2 people meet each other without having a figh, they will never get to know each other well.
LoL…I
Siva: Oh crap! LOL that’s my bad too. Ah, misunderstandings through type……
Myschief: Having trouble with comments? Try to avoid characters like < or >. :S
wah =( my whole message is gone…