Four episodes in, and this series still hasn’t show any signs of dulling in. This episode yet again was amazing and heart-wrenching. I was already suspecting that the creators were going to crash Tokyo Tower at one point. That happened here. Interestingly enough though, it was far from the highlight and main focus of this episode.
Media coverage on such disasters like Earthquakes and the like always tend to be rather one-sided: they always focus on the people who have been hit the worst. These disaster documentaries like the ones you see on National Geographic Channel always tend to pick out the ones with the most spectacular cases and all. That’s why it’s incredibly refreshing to see that this series picked out a bunch of random people who got caught up in the earthquake. This brings things surprisingly close to home: “it could happen to you”. And I think that that’s what makes this so engaging.
The first half of this episode was about… Mirai trying to go to the toilet. Perhaps it’s not the most appealing of side-plots, but for a child her age to suddenly get bothered by a bad stomach… it indeed could happen and this episode showed that even that proves to be full of troubles in such a situation in which millions are stranded.
What struck me also here was that scene in which Mirai and the others tried to get some food. The way Mirai judged that person who walked away with two cups instead of one is exactly what’s going on in just about everyone’s mind in such a situation. We have no idea whether this guy took advantage of the situation or whether he really had a good reason to be carrying two cups, but that single scene said so much about the situation everyone’s in.
The second half of this episode showed Mari leaving the two kids alone as she tried to get information on where to go, at which point Mirai and Yuki get into a fight. At that point, Mirai really felt miserable because of everything that happened to her, not to mention that at that age, you really find your little brother’s whining annoying no matter how good he means it. In the end they both have a good cry and make up.
I’ve always been a fan of realism in anime, so I really love the touches of realism in this series. Yuki may be a bit too nice for a boy his age, but I definitely could see a character like his in real life. And besides, I don’t think that he’s ever seen his sister in so much distress as here, so I don’t think that he had any time to panic for himself. I think that that’s why his tantrum in this episode was so good for him, because it finally allowed him to blow off some steam.
Rating: *** (Awesome)
This is probably the only show that I can watch subbed before you write a review on it.
I’m enjoying this series a lot too, I hope it keeps up!
God, Mirai is so annoying. I’m havig a hard time rooting for her.
the 2 kids are the 2 most annoying characters i’ve ever seen in an anime before, and believe it when i say that i’ve seen a lot of shows lol
The fact that the kids are so annoying says how good this show is: so strong it can get under your skin. personally, I am right there with Mirai. That little brother is so annoying with his ignorant optimism. Mirai is 13, just old enough to be devastated, and too young to control her fears. We’ll see how much she can grow up by the end of the series. But I adore the fact that she is a real 13-year-old, not an unreal anime version.
Was disappointed with the first half, but the second half really hit me, specially the scene where Yuuki tears up because of his parents
Also, I as everyone else hates Mirai, but lets face it, put a teenager in the middle of a disaster like that, and youll probably get quite similar results in the real world
Heck, I wanna see how ANYONE would act if they were in that situation… Dont be so quick to judge Mirai
Unlike Eden of the east this show continues to impress after each episode, its quickly becoming a contender for my top 5
Err, its not posting my comment for some reason or its just not updating.. either way, in case I double posted delete one of them
This episode was rather painful to watch, but ultimately in a satisfying way. I wonder if this is rock bottom for Mirai, or will there still be a host of indignities she’ll have to go through.
Watching her throw her girly punches onto the little troll’s shoulder was unnervingly pleasant, and an unlikely scene that stayed with me.
I love this show because it has such realistic characters. Sure, Mirai can be a bit angsty and/or self-absorbed, but so can a lot of kids that age.
Yuki also seems very genuine, because he comes up with over-simplified schemes like “if we go to the bridge, everyone will automatically be happy.” As for fears that he still might be too idealized, the wailing in this episode brings him back down to earth.
In his own way, he’s dealing with the exact same fears as Mirai. Unlike Mirai, though, he doesn’t take it out on others.
I’m still having trouble getting Mari, though. In all hopes, her motivations and background will be further explored in future episodes.
This is such an awesome show! =)
I’m hooked, hope they keep up the realism and quality of the show.
I actually prefer Yuuki’s optimism,
After Mirai took a chunk out of him, I had real compassion for him, it was well done and very real.
Looks there there is a fair way for them to walk so, Here’s to the ride 😀
I like the realism of the show but I’m having a hard time tolerating Mirai’s antics. Her self-centered attitude is getting to the point of cliche and it’s difficult to follow a show whose protagonist is so unpleasant. I’m pretty certain she’ll reach a point where she “grows up” and starts to take on the responsibility that comes with it but I’ll probably drop the show long before then.
I’m lovin’ the realism of this show. Several times I just wanted to jump in and slap Mirai for being such a selfish brat. But then again, her actions are understandable as a 13-year old girl stuck in a disaster.
Oh, and I can’t help but wonder if Mirai is starting her menstrual cycle. She is around that age and it would explain her PMS-like behavior. But, dang. What a crap way to start your period.