After compiling the preview for the next season, at this point I’m about 90% sure of this: my favorite series of 2012 will be either Uchuu Kyoudai or Natsuyuki Rendezvous. Both series stand far above the other series this year in terms of characterization and acting. This episode of Natsuyuki Rendezvous only reaffirmed this.
It went on even longer with the body takeover: this episode still didn’t resolve it, but instead it was entirely dedicated to Atsuhi coming ot terms with his own death, and Rokka moving on. This episode didn’t pull the soap opera card by hammering on that Rokka was falling in love with him again, but rather it was about how he realized that she had fallen in love with someone else. Something that both of them couldn’t imagine for years.
Even at the end of the episode when Rokka realized the hints of Atsushi, this again wasn’t with a soap opera in mind, but again with the themes of goodbye. I love how the creators used that small potted plant thingy as the way for him to leave Rokka, in order to “correct his own mistakes”. I have no clue what that means, the way in which it symbolizes his character-development was really well done.
What’s more: this series really was made for Noitamina. 11 episodes is the perfect length for this story, and that makes it also very easy to pick up and just watch for those with little time. And really: this series wastes no minute of its airtime: every scene feels like it contributes subtly to the cast.
Rating: 6,5/8 (Amazing)
The ‘potted plant’ thingie I think is related to a Japanese superstition about bringing potted plants into hospitals. I think the gist of it is that if you give someone a live plant instead of cut flowers they become ‘rooted’ in the hospital and hence will end up staying longer. That’s why I think he’s taking away the plant … so he is no longer ‘rooted’ at the shop.
The body occupation goes on pretty long. Still cringed a bit when Rokka and Shimao did what they did, even though I knew it was coming
Yeah .. I can imagine that Hazuki is going to be pretty heartbroken when he finds out about that.
actually, you’ll be suprised by how he reacts. All I can say is he really stays true to his word for the most part
arrr …. don’t do that! You’re effectively posting a spoiler :S
Dont worry, it’s never really addressed in the manga, they left that super vague
but I apologize, that was out of bounds
So is that like, 4 stars?
I’d say 3,5 stars. 7/8 for me is now what 4 stars used to be.
This anime has the quality of a well written novel, that and the delivery are what make it so refined. Hazuki is going to be so confused when he finally comes back, I’m enjoying this story, the sadness is really starting to get to me
This was indeed a lovely episode that gave Atsushi time to set his affairs in order and say goodbye to his love, who had once only loved him but now loves Hazuki.
We’re not sure who we feel worse for: Hazuki, having the ability to interact with Rokka, but only through the body of her new love, or Hazuki, who has been sidelined and misses out on crucial milestones in his relationship with Rokka (her confession to him and their first night together).
As we’ve been tallying our ratings, this series is far ahead of anything else this season. And as anime fans with limited time, we appreciate 11-episode series, especially of such surpassing quality as this.
Story excellency aside, art direction in this series is awesome as well without being the usual trippy art form
Another great episode, I like the direction that the show is going towards right now, the conclusion is going to be pretty solid if this keeps up. The other thing I like about this show is the artistic expression it’s enough to make the show meaningful and not overdone, which balances the show’s drama and characters really well.
This series is becoming very difficult for me to watch. The feelings conveyed by Atsushi and Rokka are so expressive that they tug at the heartstrings. Watching this series makes me question what message the creators are trying to convey. Is it a love that is eternal or the mortality of everything even love? Atsushi or Hazuki, which will be rewarded and which will not. I am curious to see what path they will take in later episodes.