ef - a tale of memories - 11
Daisuki desu yo~!
Summary:
Chihiro surprises Renji when they meet by presenting him with her finished novel. Renji congratulates her for finishing it, but she states that it will only be complete when he approves of it. Renji starts to open the package, but Chihiro insists that he do not read it while she is there. Chihiro thanks Renji for letting her dream come true, and asks if she can do anything for him. With this, Renji asks for a date. Chihiro believes that this is something that couples do, but Renji suggests that they become one. Chihiro agrees on the date, but states that it can only be on one day. She sets that day as the next, and requests that Renji read the novel for her afterwards. In the church, Yuu mentions that Chihiro has started looking like someone, but he will not say if it is the person he is waiting for. Chihiro then asks what it is to fall in love with someone. After getting Yuu’s answer, Chihiro goes on to thank him for what he’s done. When Yuu states that he has not done anything, Chihiro mentions that Renji said the same things. With this, Yuu brings out a key for Chihiro to give to Renji.
When Renji meets Chihiro the next day, he finds her in a nice dress. The two decide to see a movie, but the end result is a bit unexpected for Chihiro. Chihiro does express how glad she was for the movie to have a happy ending, but she still can’t stop crying. Chihiro tries a claw game afterwards, but she is unsuccessful. To cheer her up, Renji takes her back to try again. This time, Renji successfully gets the plushie for her. Naming it in happiness, Chihiro mentions the similar plushie she has at home. The two visit a photo booth next, and Chihiro becomes happy just by placing one sticker in her notebook. On the way home, Chihiro requests to hold hands with Renji. Renji suggests that this is a given for a couple, so Chihiro tells him how she feels while she is with him. She has him accompany her to the beach next, as that is what couples do. Simply sitting together there, Chihiro mentions all of the things that happened between them there. Chihiro cannot remember the events herself, but she read about them in her diary. When she suggests that the same will happen the next day, Renji states that it would be better if the next day did not come. Chihiro does not believe that it is good to say this, and takes the chance to present Yuu’s key to Renji. This is the key to the school roof, so Renji suggests that they go there.
While witnessing a beautiful sunset on the rooftop, Renji states his love for Chihiro. He asks for a kiss, so Chihiro agrees as his girlfriend. The first kiss is awkward, and Renji startles Chihiro during the second try. Chihiro tells Renji not to stop, however, as she has gotten so far with her current self. After the two make love, Chihiro also states her love for Renji. Walking through the empty building later, Chihiro takes a kiss from Renji again. As it gets later in the night, Renji notices that the time for Chihiro’s memory to start disappearing is soon. Renji embraces Chihiro, but he refuses to say why. Chihiro brings out her novel, but she again decides that it is embarrassing for Renji to read it in front of her. She suggests that she will read through her diary elsewhere, leaving Renji to read the novel by himself.
The girl was alone in the world. therefore, she was god. One day, the girl looked into one of her paintings. Inside, the people were moving. She looked closer at this, but she was unable to find it strange. The only thing she felt was the couple’s smiling faces. The girl continued painting, but she eventually started to wonder why. The girl decided the the world was once much more beautiful, so she set all of the paintings to flame. Finally, she threw away the remanence of the world. Renji finds Chihiro on the school rooftop after reading to the end, and expresses his surprise. Chihiro does not believe it is that strange, and finally admits that the girl was her. Chihiro suggests that she and Renji break up, but Renji refuses. Chihiro explains how trapped she was, and that her dream was to bring together all of her experiences. Since she finally completed this, it was the end. Chihiro states that she was going to disappear from Renji, but she was weak. Renji claims that this is okay, as he could be her prince. However, she states that he is wrong. Chihiro was extremely happy, but she could not stand to lose her memories of Renji. Renji had given Chihiro many wonderful experiences, and shared her feelings. Chihiro wishes for Renji to be happy, and staying this way would only make him suffer. Disappearing is the solution Chihiro came up with. Letting out all of the pages of her diary, Chihiro prepares to end it all. Frightened, Renji chases after her in desperation.
Impression:
Wow….wow, wow, wow, wow. This isn’t what I expected. It’s not over. It can’t be. Chihiro’s story has been the main since the start, and ending the other major arc probably proves that. The first part of this episode was very mellow, but it gave us many clues as to what was going to happen at the end. There were the many feathers upon Chihiro’s arrival and actions, and Chihiro’s reaction to the movie they watched was the biggest foreshadowing. If you pay a bit of attention to this, it parallels the ending of the episode exactly. They’ve been doing this kind of thing all along, especially with Chihiro’s story. Speaking of that story, I was so happy to finally hear the end. It was horrifying and lovely at the same time. Seeing the paintings burn and Renji’s reaction gave me chills all over. Of course, the paintings are the representation of Chihiro’s diary pages.
Just like the last episode, the various piano pieces and bgms were extraordinary. When it played during Renji’s pulling on Chihiro in the city, it was like a shining ray of light. By the end, it was flowing straight into disaster. The return to the beach was a wonderful and extremely necessary touch as well. I was somewhat surprised at how revealing Chihiro was after her sex with Renji, but I guess I should have seen it coming after Miyako’s scene. I also loved how things came to a full circle, to speak. Renji’s wish to be a prince was stated in the very beginning, and his wish returned by the end of this episode. It will be hard to guess if we will be getting a bittersweet ending, or just a bitter one, but having Yuu’s voice play during the preview seems to suggest that we will be going into his and Yuuko’s story for the finale.
EDIT: Oh, almost forgot. This is pretty funny. Notice how Chihiro is in the exact same position in this scene and this scene. Also, Negima!? rocks.
31 Comments so far
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Yo whats up? This anime still amaze me because its a work of art. They is the most beautiful anime. Its only once every blue moon that you would find an anime like this. This anime is really good with its drama. The thing that surprise me was Chihiro having sex with Renji. I think none of us saw this coming.
Haha, hey Sniper! Been busy? (Don’t worry, I have been too ;P)
Yea this anime is like a masterpiece unfolding before us. I dunno, I tend to find at least one gem in every season, but everyone has different tastes. I should have seen that scene coming, but I totally didn’t…..so yea, I was surprised! ;P
It might be heresy to say this…but I’m considering not watching the rest of Ef.
Not at all to say that I don’t like it, just that I feel like the end of the Miya/Hiro arc was an apt conclusion point. Truthfully, I don’t really like the Chihiro arc that much, and rather than watch it and be disappointed that there’s no more Miyamura screentime, I’m seriously thinking of stopping here ;_;
Last episode particularly struck a nerve with me because I actually did something similar to what Hiro did, confessed to a girl holding back no emotion. No shy little “I like you” followed by an awkward silence, I went full out. I wasn’t radiating Spiral Power and shouting “ORE WO SHINJIRO!”, but the effect was similar.
So my kouhai, should I continue? Taking my slight bias against the Chihiro arc into consideration.
Sempai! Do you really want to quit with only 2 more episodes left? I do see where you’re coming from though, since the last episode really did seem like an end if you’re a fan of Hiro’s arc. As for my answer, well, I can’t say for sure at this point. This episode was definitely all Chihiro, but the next episode might do wrap ups for the rest of the series. It might turn out to be worthwhile, and I don’t think an extra 40 minutes will hurt that much!
Also, you’re like one of the only people I’ve seen who bothers to point out their proofreading mistakes in comments ;P
Back to Zelda… :3
That may have been one of the greatest anime episodes I’ve ever seen. And so may the previous one have been. Maybe the next one will be even better. My advice: keep watching. Give the people making the anime their due and don’t ignore the episodes they may have put most of their heart and soul into.
Of course, I love the ChihiroxRenji arc, so that’s easy for me to say. I love the HiroxMiya arc, too. And I think a development of some kind (plus or minus) between Kei and Kyousuke could be good, too. In summary: this is probably the best anime of 2007, for me.
I never cried so much for a long time. Strangely enough, the first place I decided to write is not my own blog, but yours. I guess it’s because I generally prepare myself for what is going to come by reading your entry before watching it myself. My eyes are running somewhat dry after crying, and watching this. If this comment sounds really incoherent, it is because I am fighting back tears while writing it.
It has been a while since I cried. The last time I truly cried after watching an episode is AIR, during the incident where Mizuru depreciated into almost nothing but an empty moe blob.
It feels so painful because Chihiro really did something that can make her happy. It will only make her sad if she realizes that she forgets again. The person that will be hurt is not only Renji, but also Chihiro who has to hurt the person she loves again and again.
I always like the Chihiro x Renji arc since Chihiro is the main female lead that I like the most in this excellent show. I also like the ending of the Hiro x Miya X Kei arc, but there is more strength for this story. I have no clue why, but I guess I feel it is because there is really no other way to resolve this permanently.
That is the only way.
You sure are quick this time!
I don’t very like Chihiro arc from the beginning. Mainly because I dislike Renji personality. But episode 11 is amazing. I still somehow can’t accept the fact that I like this episode more than episode 10. This episode is like the end of AIR’s Michiru arc, made me cry so much with happiness and sorrow at the same time. Except it’s not “the end” yet. Though, “sorrow” is not the right word here, it’s like overflow of mixed emotions. I’m already in tears when they cut into the ending song. Monotone-colored ED with second verse of Sora no Yume, I think, is the best ED ever used in Ef.
I still amazed at how these two story arcs are linked together. Beach, church, school’s rooftop, career interest survey and paper plane. I can’t wait and watch the last episode.
hashihime: Best of 2007! That’s a strong statement :P. It wouldn’t be a bad choice at all though, as this series is just amazing. As for myself, I can’t even come up with my own favorites list….
Impz: *gives oneesama tissues* I didnt’ cry, but I guess that just proves you had way more character attachment to Chihiro than me (I cried lots with Air btw :S). I definitely agree with your thoughts on this arc. Most of us were wondering how such a problem could be resolved, and I guess we found the only way with quite a lot of shock. With just your short analysis, I’m now fairly sure that this ends the 2nd arc as well. Next week will probably be a few mini stories, and maybe a few caps off to the two main arcs.
Nai: Haha, having a break from school helps with speed! >:] Another one of “them”….! Kidding xD! I can see why you dislike Renji, but I usually try to look at things as a whole. I understand your mixed feelings too. It’s like we’re so sad, but so amazed at the same time. As for the similarities and links, I’m sure most of that carried over from the game. It’s more of need to have the same setting, but I definitely think it was done well.
OMG! Totali what have u done? why did u post it so early?
I have to fight against my urge to read the summary and the rest of the pics.
@Shirukii: Wow, What’s wrong? Why do u have to go that far? Is that really painful to watch the last 2 episodes?
lol Siva, don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I hate Ef or think that it would be a pain to watch the last two episodes. What I’m scared of is that it might detract from my overall impression of the series, having topped out with Hiro’s confession.
But I suppose I’ll keep watching, everyone seems to be raving about it, so I guess I owe it to myself (and as hashihime said, the animators) to give it a chance.
I just have one comment… Ms Eyepatch reminds me of Nick Fury. That is all.
LOL Shirukii, don’t tell me you r like “Don’t want to love it because afraid of losing it”
Siva: Haha, I’m sorry! I might end up posting later next week though….I’ve got plans. Also, I see what you did there on the second comment! xD
Shirukii: So basically, my sempai is a tsundere.
Di Gi Kazune: But…….but eyepatches are moe! =(
Urusai! Urusai! Urusai!
;_;
LOL@ Chihiro’s clothes being neatly arranged during lovemaking scene. Too bad there’s no pic.
Wow. I’m not sure what to say. Being that Chihiro x Renji’s story is the one I’m mainly following in ef, I’m quite torn. Holding on to something or letting it go… I was never good with being completely decisive with that kind of Q. I was secretly hoping for their happy ending.
I knew from the start that it might come to this with their arc, especially with the memory loss. But even if you’ve imagined it and how it might affect your feelings, the impact turns out differently when the moment is actually there. I guess that’s how it is generally in life. Ugh, and now I’m being all reflective and stuff, I’m not sure if what I said made sense. ~Lol.
*gives Shirukii melon bread*
ItAintEazy: Yea that was hilarious. I was actually thinking about switching one of the pics but I can’t get into my site through FTP atm….also delaying posts x(
hazy: Yea, definitely. It’s like, this could be the worst possible outcome….but I still don’t want it to happen. Eh, it’s hard to think straight after this episode. Take one of the comments above for example. ;P
On a completely unrelated note, I thought Chihiro is supposed to be poorly endowed @_@?
You mean there is ACTUALLY a h-scene?
Now I must watch if there is one!
Impz: LOL somehow I think you’re the only one who actually though of that. Maybe I’m wrong. xD
Di Gi Kazune: No silly…..this is a broadcast animu!
Oh….and I got the picture of the folded up clothes up there now. Kekeke
I have to say this was the best yet worst episode by far…does that make sense lol? Anyway it was good until the end…I mean how cliche!! Can anyone say 50 1st dates?
It looks like she even had time to hardpress iron her clothes before raping the guy.
Hey seriously! Why is chihiro so well endowed like Miyako. My image of a delicious flat chest is all gone. All gone X_X
Orihime: You’re like one of the only ones who think that! xD Eh, I guess you could call it cliched. I thought it was great though. How original can you get?
Di Gi Kazune: The mental image….is too much.
Impz: Poor Impz….no delicious flat chests for joo
Impz rather she be a… trap like Jun. :3
OMG Shaft!!! You already made an amazing arc and yet you still want to made a cliff-hanger? Do you want to kill us instantly?
It seems like i am right when i said this to Orihime in ep 9 “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.”
So now, what kind of ending for Chihiro and Kenji will we got? Why do i have to suffer another week of pain to see this ending?
Oh well, one arc is the most enjoyable and the second one is a jerk tear, and i will accept it since i love them both but what will be the third one.
this cannot be happening. this episode was truly an amazing episode. i cant believe in the end it turned out sad. whats going to happen after that i wonder. damn if only i was in that dude’s position. i always think about what i would do if i was in his place. it would have work things out. man i would rather suffer than let chihiro disappear. damn right. why do people think of the “only” solution to their problem? argh im just confused and angry after watching the episode. the night sky was really put in beautifully and i thought was the best out of the entire series.
omg last episode is gonna rock. im expecting another season of this if there is more story in the game. but im guessing not.
Totali, that was really true that her crying after the movie was related to the outcome of this episode. i never knew that til i read your impression. that was suprising. Thanks!
This episode was very dramatic.
Sue me. But I don’t like Chihiro’s reasoning on the scattering of her diary.
That ending to novel was damn shocking….my eyes widened at the time.
@stevelikesanime: I didn’t really pay attention to the movie that much because she said that she would cry really hard if it was a bad ending but I know that everything will turn out not good since Chihiro said “Please read it after I’ve gone home.”
@Avisch: That scene was the best. You should rewatch it and think of it this way that she scattered only the dairy of Renji’s pages which is the only way for her to remember him forever who is the only person she can never forget. And she done all this just because of his own sake alone. She will have nothing to remain after that but the repeating of loneliness.
Di Gi Kazune: Mmmmmm Jun. Impz’s role model!
Siva: You know, I swore that this was a cliffhanger too right after I watched the ep, but after thinking about it, I think it’s the end for this arc. The last episode will most likely be side character stories and wrap up.
stevelikesanime: Wasn’t that awesome? I totally saw what was coming…..they never had useless conversations in this show……a work of art in writing as well as visually.
Avisch: I’m pretty sure a lot of us don’t agree with Chihiro’s reasoning. Think about it though, what other end could have we gotten? ;_;
If they do reveal that Chihiro made it in the next episode, I will probably be begging Shaft to stop playing with my mind.
@Totali:You know, I wouldn’t disagree with you that this arc is already at its end. But we are totally unclear about it’s the end for this arc or not. I wouldn’t upset if they started the next ep with YukoXYuu and KeiXKyosuke only. But i will pray for a twist good ending for ChihiroXRenji.