House of Five Leaves 7

Best visual of this episode.

After last week’s slightly lacking episode character development returns to House of Five Leaves in style. We learn more about both Yaichi and Masa’s pasts while hearing their opinions on the present. And there is a large amount of side characters that give us a more in depth look on our protagonists. Something I keep finding about this show is that even when there’s action, the whole show is still oddly slow and relaxing, it’s the exact opposite of something like The Tatami Galaxy in that sense. I have been quite happy this week with all three of my shows and not doing summaries is the best decision I’ve made in a while!

"I pretended to be the ideal brother." *shivers*

Question: Was Masa’s brother voiced by Itachi? It really sounded like it did; leave it to Ishikawa Hideo to voice a brother that completely warps one of the protagonists. Oh, speaking of Naruto I’ve been watching it for the Pain Arc right now because I love that bit in the manga and I read a couple days ago that Supercell’s next single will be either the OP or ED (more likely) for Naruto Shippūden starting July 1st. I imagine that the Pain arc will just have ended but I might have to watch some of the awkward “Sasuke’s Revenge!” arc to listen to their new single. Man, I love Supercell so much, I kind of wish that they would re-release their first album that has Melt and Black★Rock Shooter on it with Nagi (Gazelle) on vocals, though you can find her covers from her Nico days out there somewhere; after all that’s what got Ryo to produce her.

In contrast to the last episode, this episode was almost entirely outdoors!

I didn’t quite understand what exactly the shameful thing was that Masa did in front of his official (and his brother apparently) but knowing his uke tendencies I can only imagine. Well okay it probably wasn’t anything like that but it must have been serious in order to scar him so deeply. The impression I got was that he locked up in a fight or something and everyone laughed at him. With what we know about Masa’s family and how he has to send them money, I feel as though the series is perhaps building to a meeting between him and his brother. Though I’ve been completely wrong before, and with five episodes left it is unlikely that he would see his family.

The colours reminded me of The Tatami Galaxy...

As for Yaichi, we now know that the elder met Yaichi before he donned the name “Yaichi.” Previously he was part of a group called the “Bakuro” gang which has since been destroyed; most were executed and the rest were exiled to an island, though elder says that those who are left are almost done their sentence and will return soon. This could be the set up for what I will assume is the climax of this series, I do not read the manga so I don’t know how far it has gone, but I don’t think much of it is translated anyway. We also get a hint at the end of the episode that perhaps Yaichi’s façade will soon be removed.

My favourite character is Heiza!

To be honest, when I saw that Yagi was carrying flowers that weren’t sunflowers I was very disappointed, I feel that Manglobe has missed a self-reference opportunity there that Kyo-Ani constantly misses. After the ending where Yagi and Masa visit the grave of the real Yaichi I went back to check the first episode and confirmed that Yagi was in fact the man that the real Yaichi referred to as “Heiza.” This means that Yagi knows about Seinoshin and may recognize Yaichi if and when he meets him. Also, I don’t believe that the real Yaichi died by falling down a well, I think that the current Yaichi probably killed him in a misunderstanding over his kidnapping. The other possibility could be that the real Yaichi killed himself after learning of Seinoshin’s death; Yagi didn’t say when he died.

The art is still great!

“Comparing the past to the present, I like the present better. I want to always be able to feel that way.” If that is Natsume Ono’s writing then she really has a great way of conveying a feeling without an emotional response. And Sakurai Takahiro’s delivery of the line just gave a sense that while what he’s saying is true, and I as a person certainly agree with what he says, that he is just running away from something. This is a running quality in the show that I am really enjoying, the writing and voice work is excellent. Mochizuki Tomomi is doing a wonderful job directing this show and I hope he manages to keep it up through to the last episode.

Why so serious?

Within one episode Masa has gone from hair down smiling at Yaichi’s very presence to instinctually putting his hand on his sword just from his aura, that’s a pretty big jump. Yaichi is clever though and noticed the change immediately. Hopefully Masa’s training with Yagi will give him some confidence in his own ability, and improve his overall mental state. It looks as though the next episode will concentrate on Matsu helping out the second person he owes his life to, the first being Yaichi. Now that Ume has come full circle and Yaichi and Masa’s pasts are being revealed, Matsu was in need of some screen time. Though, not as much as Otake who has now become the most mysterious character in this show.

/ One Commentleave a comment /

• chudleycannonfodder says:

  June 12, 2010

  I saw in your Tatami reviews that you said no one comments here, so I wanted to comment and let you know that I am reading your reviews (all 3 series actually). I was interested in watching the three series before I found out you were reviewing them, but I'd be willing to try out (if I can find it legally) the anime you review once House and Tatami are over because 1) we have similar tastes and 2) I really enjoy your writing. (wow that was a really long sentence)

  I like the move from synopsis and analysis to just analysis. My favorite reviewers tend to focus more on analysis and talking shop instead of simply restating facts, so you're well on your way to the top.

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