ef – a tale of memories – 12 (Final)
I didn’t tell you to forget. My final impression is included!
Summary:
Chihiro writes to her future self not to worry about the thrown away pages of her diary. She tells herself to continue as she always has, and of her obligation to Renji. On the school rooftop, Renji sheds tears for his seemingly lost love. Renji goes to the empty train station during the day, but finds that no one is there. He comes up with the courage to visit Chihiro’s home as well, before recalling his memories on the beach. As the church bells ring in the distance, Renji realizes that Chihiro would have forgotten everything about him. When Renji meets Yuu on the rooftop, Yuu explains that Chihiro has returned to how she has always been. He confirms to Renji that it is over, however, as the things she has lost cannot return. Yuu asks Renji if he realizes the reason Chihiro wrote the novel, but Renji is not able to answer such a painful question. Renji refuses to forget, but Yuu states that he did not tell him to do that. Yuu simply tells Renji to live on with his experiences. When Renji inquires about Yuu’s reason for always being there, Yuu states that he has already forgotten.
Sumire approaches a depressed Renji in his room, asking if he has decided upon his future aspirations yet. Renji states that it is impossible, as he cannot even decide on the next day’s events. When Renji declares that it would be better if the next day would not even come, Sumire suggests that the next day could be better than the present. This causes Renji to run out of his room, as it is the same thing Chihiro told him the previous day. Kuze finds Renji in tears outside, so he offers him a drink on the beach. Renji mentions how unsightly humans are, as they will still eat and sleep no matter how much pain they feel. However, Kuze says that this is proof of being alive. When Renji asks Kuze what it would take to make dreams come true, he replies that he must have the feelings to keep that dream. Renji goes on to ask what to do if that feeling is uncertain, so Kuze replies that he would have to wait for a miracle. Renji starts to say that there are no miracles in this world, but Kuze finishes his sentence by knowing that it came from Yuu’s lips. Kuze is only able to say one thing for certain; that nothing will come if there is no feeling. Renji believes that even with feeling, there are things that are impossible.
Renji is shocked when he sees Chihiro waiting for him at the train station one day. Renji remembers things that Chihiro had told him in the past at that moment. As he approaches her, however, Chihiro asks if she has met him before. Renji runs away from this, finding himself in pain on the school rooftop. Suddenly, he sees a paper airplane flying through the air. Desperately chasing after it, he finally catches it on the beach. When he opens it up, he finds that it is a page from Chihiro’s diary. This page is the last one Chihiro wrote before tearing her diary to shreds, describing her extremely painful feelings for what she must do. After reading this, Renji decides that there is one thing he must do. Even though it may be impossible, Renji starts running through the town to gather the lost pages of Chihiro’s diary. A tattered Renji meets Chihiro at the end of the day, presenting the small amount of pages he was able to gather for her. He begs her not to forget about him, but Chihiro reveals that it was impossible for her to forget about him. The two embrace in extreme happiness, as the chains that bind Chihiro shatter.
As the days go on, many things have changed. The film club’s president is working hard on the project Kyosuke left behind, while Kei has become Kyosuke’s subject for filming. Miyako prepares breakfast for Hiro as he wakes up in their home, arguing about simple things. In reality, Miyako is simply happy that she can eat in a warm household. Hiro recieves a message from Kei informing the two of her progress, making Miyako express her gladness. Kei is also happy on the other end with Kyosuke, as Mizuki expresses her annoyance that Kei did not reveal that Hiro was actually the manga author she respects. When the three reach the school, Kei leaves Kyosuke and Mizuki. Kei declares that she will be able to run anywhere on her own, so it is up to Kyosuke to chase after her. With this, Kyosuke realizes that he has finally gotten the shot he was desperately trying to capture. After experiencing happy days with Chihiro, Renji has finally been able to decide his future aspirations. Hiro, Miyako, Chihiro, Renji, Kyosuke, and Kei all have found their own reasons and dreams. However, it isn’t the end. Things have just begun. In the church, Yuu and Yuuko finally meet each other again.
The last ED, “Yuukyuu no Tsubasa 07mix”, just shows a paper airplane flying through a color changing sky. However, it is wonderfully placed as a transition between the two endings. They also used the Japanese version of “euphoric field” for the OP this week, along with a subtle change in animation.
Impression:
You know what? My rating for this show just went from a nine to a ten out of ten. My frantic impression from last week, where I believed that it couldn’t be over yet, turned out to be true. I was surprised to hear that some people cried last week, but I certainly did this time around. Those tears would be tears of joy and amazement. Everything about this episode was astonishing, from the subtle changes to the OP to the beautiful soundtrack being used at the perfect times. My eyes were wide open, my jaw dropped, and I had chills all over multiple times while watching this. Watching Renji struggle to keep himself with Chihiro had me breathless, and when the miracle did happen, I was in tears. Love will save us all. By the end, everyone’s lives went on in peace and happiness; something that I did not believe was possible just two episodes ago. It was unbelievable, and spectacular. This impression doesn’t do any justice though. You have to watch this for yourself. The ending made the show for me, and I believe that you will feel the same. My final impression is next, but I think you already know what I’ll be saying.
Final Impression:
From the start, I was iffy about Shaft picking up a bishoujo game adaption rather than its typical comedy. However, my expectations were totally changed right after watching the first episode of ef. There have been arguments about Shaft’s use of visual style in this show all throughout its airing. Although nothing new, the amount of discussion just proved that this series was getting some of the biggest attention of any Shaft production yet. Some people were quickly turned off, but as I have just shown, it is impossible to judge a series to its full potential without watching it all the way through. Those who stayed with us realized that this would turn out to be an unbelievable show. Some even labeled it as the best series of 2007 before it had even ended. Would I say this? Probably not, but that’s a matter of personal preference. I will say this, however: ef – a tale of memories has probably been the best series to display what kind of amazing talent and potential the Shaft team actually possesses. Further more, this was hand down the best bishoujo game adaption I have ever seen. I cannot believe that I appreciated a show of this genre SO much. Shaft does not only rival Kyoani for me; they surpass them.
It is amazing how much my attitude towards this show’s story has changed throughout the season. At first, I found all of the characters typical, cliched, and even annoying. By the end, however, I felt an amazing amount of character attachment for every personality. I would credit this to the spectacular directing, wonderfully symbolic storytelling, and the perfect use of a breathtaking soundtrack. As I’ve said many times before, or even argued, this show has been a work of art. Those looking for their standard selection of generic anime should look somewhere else, because this was a masterpiece full of surprises and twists to be found. ef – a tale of memories has certainly been an extraordinary ride, and I’m still taken back at the beautiful story I have had the chance to experience. I don’t think I will have an empty spot in my heart for long, however. Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei starts back up next season, so It’s back to the good old days for a Shaft fanboy. See you on the other side!
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I’m so happy that ef- had a good ending for everyone, and a well done one at that. I’m catching up from episode 9 this weekend since finals week prevented me from even looking at the computer. XD I do not know where my willpower to make it through the week came from, though I did slack off for spoilers.
The simplest reason for Chihiro remembering Renji would of been the one I probably least expected or even thought of, no human sleeps 13 hours straight normally of course, so Chihiro wouldn’t be able to forget so easily. All it’d take was one second of remembering what happened, and I am glad Renji fights for her, though I’m surprised her notebook papers were still flying around town, what luck!
I’m going to miss this show so much, the story the visuals, I loved it all. I still wish we had seen more Kyosuke, I liked his character better than Hiro, I can’t say why, but I guess I believed he had a more interesting story to tell, and am happy Kei didn’t just disappear out of Hiro’s life because he got together with Miyako, and that she has Kyosuke. I don’t think they have enough material for a second season, which is sad, though with Yuu and Yuko and even some more Kyosuke and Kei, I still think there are things that would be interesting to see.
Though I’m left wondering does no one else besides Renji and Yuu have contact with her?
I’m like you. At first, I don’t think this show will fits Shaft at all. With Shinkai’s involvement in original game, it’s like they’ve open path to a self-destruction. But I’m surprised. This is their masterpiece. There’s no more “Shinkai should make this into an anime!”, there’s only “Ef is awesome!”
For me, I don’t think Shaft surpass KyoAni yet; not until they hire more staffs and have a strict schedule. Other than that, with ef’s (rumored) low budget, I don’t believe there’s any other studio that can done a job like this. Even if they can, I’m sure it’ll turn to be another boring moe anime that I won’t even watch. I’m glad it’s Shaft and Oonuma, he sure put ef to his limit.
OK, enough Shaft rant. This episode is awesome, from that minor, but major change in opening picture to the end of coda part. This perfectly ends without a need of second season or without a need of “extra fun” special episode. Renji scene on the school rooftop is amazing and powerful. Now ef is on top of my favorite drama anime of all time, along with Air.
And the other thing, there’s also this “keyword” in this episode: 幸せな場所(euphoric field); if you take all first letter from each episode title (plus coda) and matches it with this, perhaps it’s their way of saying “have you found your place of happiness yet?”
I’m not yet. But I’m sure our three main protagonist in this series have already.
I thought the first episode was intriguing but never thought the characters were cliche so to speak. Other than that they seemed like empty canvases. It seems that Shaft just painted them with all sorts of colors and it just shaped the story from there.
Personally, this show rivals stuff like Gurren Lagann, Denno Coil and Code Geass. Quite an elite grouping of anime if I say so myself.
And I agree as far as surpassing Kyoani at their own game, Shaft did excellent. Now only if they make a longer, full fledged type of bishoujo shows like Kyoani does (as in 24+ episodes with ample humor included), then we may see something special.
I know I’m not the only person who wants to see more serious works like this from Shaft. They PROVED they can do it. You can’t argue with that as I see it. Either you get the message, or you don’t.
This is still one amazing anime. I’m still kinda disappointed in the ending. It should have been more bigger and better. I wish it was like School Days. But we all have to agree this anime has one of the best arts and music. There were so many good scenes and so many unexpected one too.
Oh yeah Totali don’t forget to put up the 2008 Winter Preview, i’m looking froward to it. It doesn’t seem that they will have any good anime. I saw a few previews and all the winter anime seems weak. I hope they live up to my expectations.
Oh wow they redeemed themselves with this episode!
I loved how they put the japanese ver. of the song and how the girls in the song had the support of their guys….Yay! I’m sad it’s over but at least the ending was happy..and the ending was really final. No what ifs.
As soon as Renji made it hi so goal to find the pages…I was so happy at how the ending was done
It definitely gave a great sense of conclusion. Every main character got a chance to say some ending words.
Orihime: I agree. The animation changes in the OP (the Japanese version is also nice BTW) were nice.
It would be possible for a 2nd season if the last story has enough material (this season would have covered three of the four stories).
But really I think it would be fine if there wasn’t a second season. As this first series was so epic.
OMG!!! WTFBBQ! Did my wish from ep 11 has been granted?
What do i need to say when the ending become like this?
Do we need a second season? NO NO NO
But it is not that bad if we can have a few OVA episodes for YukoXYuu only.
…. wow that episode had me breathless. sadly i did not cry on this last episode but i did get plenty of chills and even a fist in the air Screaming “YESS!!!” when Chihiro and Renji hugged. Sorry for a late late reply because of the subs released late, but man it was worth it. The opening change was very noticable and also cool. (I like the English better though XD) Ending was nice and everyone ended on a good note. It seems that in life, Miracles do Exist and that was nice when it did happen.
Ok Totali I will have to give it to Shaft that made an amazing job on this game adaptation. It could be their best yet and i have not seen such a well done anime from them. This cannot be just an anime but also call it art. It too made my eyes wide open, and jaw dropped amazed. Now that Shaft has done a nice job on this, i will begin researching on other animes they have made. (Is Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei Good?) I still kinda do not think this topped Kanon or kyoani at all but the ending likewise, It did top it. Art and amazing visuals, not likely but are equal to Kyoani. If the rumors of a low budget being put on this anime were true, i would think the staff must did a tremendous job on making the visuals looks that equal to Kyoani’s, but still i get this feeling that comparing to the visuals to KyoAni, Ef was just not powerful enough. I felt that by looking like a low budget anime (and i’m not saying it was) And creating this anime by maxxing all they got, it just could have been a little bit better. But thats just me. I still have to give props to Shaft, with amazing artistic visuals, well directed story, and Characters getting attached to, you can make an amazing story that can be compared to one of the greatest anime series ever. I still think Ef did quite that. An Epic that lasted quite well. (13 Eps fits nice and felt like it just couldn’t expand further) I will forever miss this Wonderful series as i continue to watch other animes coming my way as well as others that i have not yet complete.
10/10 Great story Shaft, you have Earn the joys of the all anime veiwers with Ef
Requesting a nice feedback comment on this Totali
Wow, this definitely the one of the best for 2007 for sure. I said this many times about the prologue video, but I have to say it again (Sorry). In the beginning, when I saw the video, I thought that the main story is gonna be about the love triangle of Miyako/Kei/Hiro and Renji/Chihiro will be the side story. I’m glad that I was wrong. Renji x Chihiro are basically stole the whole show. Renji x Chihiro is now my favorite anime couple. I’m a happy ending sucker, so this ending definitely satisfied me and so does to a lot of other people.
No wonder you are SHAFT fan boy, Totali. It was a great series as I expected before I even saw it.
2nd season?? Meh, I doubt it. It delivered everything we need in this episode. Kei and Kyosuke are not super important characters. Yu and Yuko’s story might be nice, but technically they are just the supporter. OVA will be nice, but still it’s not that necessary.
BTW, is this the first and only time that the opening theme is in Japanese version instead of English one (beside 10th episode where there is no opening theme)?
kenshin514:
Yeah it is the only time they’ve played the opening in Japanese. and BTW the fourth story i was referring to was actually Kuze’s and Hayama’s story (got this from wikipedia) don’t know how that relationship works.
Hayama is Mizuki’s last name BTW
stevelikesanime:
“Is Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei Good?”
I personally love it. But it requires some attention to the themes. Watch the first two episodes and that will probably give you what the show is about.
If you guys happened to watch the OP of ef: a tale of the two.(game) – All i can say it “WoW!!!” it makes me want to see YukoXYuu even more now.
I usually watch the anime without knowing the label of the studio because it is not the real point of watching anime you like.
@stevelikesanime: just like Avisch mentioned it above all u need to do is understand the title and watch the first episode.
After making me quite worried for a bit with all the tearful drama going on, tugging at my heartstrings, I’m really glad it ended well for everyone and all conflict got resolved (especially Chihiro x Renji which is my favorite arc. I was totally rooting for those two! ^^).
The symbolisms, parralelisms, art, style… everything blended well together resulting in a remarkable series with such emotion. They did a good job, managing to do so much and finishing it off properly in just 12 episodes. Very nicely done. =)
one of the best moments of the season for me was when ef seamlessly and unexpectedly kicked into overdrive and brutal coherence after the first few episodes (never mind the specifics) but i felt like there was a definitive point when the narrative surpassed its medium and subsequently shattered my mind. for that reason this series bears more resemblance to anno’s transcendent style than kyoani’s measured whirlwinds.
my only complain was the end where it switched scenes between the 3 pairs. That would have been ok but the way it was done was corny, like hell i was scratching my head in frustration since i had grown to like it very much and i think they could have done better than that
hey wthere’s this question in mind…
did chihiro finally regained his memories without looking her diary??
ANYON?? can you please answer my QUESTION…