Ano Hana 10

What was supposed to be a celebration turned out to be more of a funeral.

The final set piece, the Tsuruko/Anaru scene and the re-enactment were brilliantly directed and executed, quite possibly the highest points in the entire series. After the subpar animation and art consistency in the past few episodes, I’m happy that they managed to get it all sorted out in time for the finale. This episode was definitely befitting of a penultimate showing, since everything visually matched up perfectly with the heavy tension and high emotions (minus a few long shots). Unleashing a new BGM for the hanami scene was a masterful touch, since the old piano rendition was starting to grow a bit old (I want that new track! >_<)

It's really nice to see the family finally receive closure

After listing out all the loose ends in a previous post, I’m quite surprised at how many they managed to cross off in the span of the episode. The Honma family was provided with some much-needed development and a satisfying closure, Tsuruko and Poppo are finally allowed some personal development and everyone are finally starting to be honest with themselves.

No yanderes here, but it's still considered breaking loose

As expected, the scene between Yukiatsu and Anaru last week has turned out to be the catalyst to Tsuruko breaking out of character. She consciously blabs about Yukiatsu’s crossdressing habits to their classmates, shedding tears right in front of Yukiatsu as well as confronting (if you can call it that) Anaru about their relationship.

It’s been a long time coming and while they didn’t embrace the dark side and act on the subtle psycho hints Tsuruko has shown, it was actually done pretty well. It may have been done in an episode, but it didn’t feel forced at all. The escalation rose from the start but it managed to reach the climax and hit a resolution in a very believable manner, so I’m happy that the writers have finally allowed Tsuruko to let her emotions loose for once. Though I’m not sure what cutting her hair was supposed to signify…

And now we know why he travels and asserts himself more. It was good development

Poppo also broke loose, culminating in that eerie scene during the reenactment where he started chanting out of nowhere. At first I thought it was some sort of voodoo that he picked up from his shaman training but looking back, he was actually playing the same part he did in the past, albeit in a much more somber tone. Pointing out that Jintan would make a mistake if he ran away again turned out to be a stroke of genius, since it means that everyone needed to let it all sink in. Poppo may have been a supporting character in the series, but without him and Yukiatsu the plot would have gotten nowhere, so I’m really happy that he is able to take the initiative now and right the wrongs of his childhood.

Jintan has been taking lessons from Creepiatsu!

Speaking of Yukiatsu, he still seems to have a bit of trouble leading that double life. His outward persona is still vastly different to his inner thoughts and I still can’t shake the feeling that he is a bit off the rocker. It certainly didn’t help to find out that he is still talking to that freaking wig and while his idea on the reenactment was the final push the group needed to move forward, I couldn’t forget that slight smirk of his as he suggested it.

A little long? For what!!??

The beginning of reincarnation perhaps?

My theory on Jintan’s mother’s message was fleshed out more here, as the idea of reincarnation has now been tossed into the mix. She trailed off during her talk to Menma there but I’m now fully convinced that Menma came back to relay this message to Jintan, since she wasn’t able to on that fateful day. With Menma slowly disappearing, she seems to be on borrowed time so whatever Jintan tries to do to persuade her to stay is pointless. I’m not sure what triggered her slow disappearance, but I first noticed it right at the beginning of the episode. Perhaps it’s the beginning of her reincarnation and Menma really wants to relay the message for the group to move on before she’s gone for good. We’ll just have to see where it all leads to next week.

Best scene #1

I’m honestly not sure how the finale will play out. While my prediction is still on track, it doesn’t change the fact that the group are still close to where they were 10 weeks ago. Menma is still acting as the glue for the group and since their past still drags deep in their hearts, it’s really difficult to see a resolution where the group can move on while maintaining this shallow friendship. Tsuruko and Anaru now seem more determined than ever not to let their love slip through their fingers this time, so that might be a change for the better, but they will need to sort themselves out first and foremost.

Best scene #2

I hope that the writers address this huge hole since I’m anxious to see how they plan to resolve all their past trauma in one episode. Perhaps this isn’t the type of series to have a happy ending after all? The OP and ED do seem pretty melancholic and solemn in tone so perhaps the message of the series is that some things just can’t be fixed over time. I’m hoping for the best though since I’ve really grown attached to these sad sacks but based on my own personal experience, certain bonds just weaken over time. Hopefully Menma’s message is strong enough to challenge that notion.

Best scene overall

AHHHHHHHH WHAT DID YOU DO TO YOUR BEAUTIFUL HAIR!? (Kidding, it's actually quite cute)

/ 10 Commentsleave a comment /

• Zabobinator says:

  June 19, 2011

  This show has been beautifully animated through and through. I am such a nut over good animation/art/scenes and this show has not disappointed in the least. The moment that got me the most was the final scene where Jinta tried to stop the firework.

  Creepiatsu. Dear lord he gives the shivers. Tsuruko has some big unconditional love going on there. xD

  I noticed Menma's hand as well. I wasn't quite sure what to think of that but it makes sense that she's disappearing.

  Hehe, if I keep going I won't have anything left to say in my own post. xD Awesome post though! :)

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  • Bass says:

    June 19, 2011

    The animation has been stellar and you can definitely tell the difference between the budgets of the two noitamina shows this season (which is sad cos even though I love the artstyle of C, if it had a higher budget it would have been a visual eyegasm with the awesome battles and metro themes).

    Still, some long panning shots leave a lot to be desired, at least in regards to the character faces. Then again, no anime is perfect so I hope they fix it up for the bluray releases.

    Btw, can't wait to read your take on the episode. Thanks for dropping by XD
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• Zero says:

  June 20, 2011

  I cried throughout the last half of the chapter. It was very good.

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  • Bass says:

    June 20, 2011

    Yea, that last half after the re-enactment was perfect. I really hope that keep it up (or do better) in the finale this week
    My recent post Sekaiichi Hatsukoi 11

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• Akumetsu says:

  June 20, 2011

  My interpretation of her slowly disappearing is that she's been on borrowed time the entire time. Whenever she had to move something, I think she had to use up some sort of strength or energy and this is why she seemed reluctant to outwardly contact any of them initially (as it would mean she would disappear faster). So in essence, she wanted to stay with them all for as long as possible, but particularly with Yadomi.

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  • Bass says:

    June 20, 2011

    That's a good theory, it would also make sense given the circumstance.
    My recent post Sekaiichi Hatsukoi 11

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• SnippetTee says:

  June 21, 2011

  I really like Ano Hana, from the get-go it didn't disappoint me, of course there are minor flaws but they're forgivable The drama is so sensibly written that I .can't help to be emotional at times.

  Perhaps, Menma’s wish has something to do with Jinta’s mom, because she’s always praying to her and telling her to wait for her. So my speculation is there’s a chance that we’re going to see Jinta’s mom in the last episode. Also, I think it would nice if the others can also see Menma before she reincarnates.
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• Starburst-chan says:

  June 21, 2011

  Wow, i really didn't notice Menma's hand, nice catch!
  Like many others, I'm really enjoying Anohana. I especially love how they animate the ending of each epsiode so that it just ties into the ED amazingly well. Listening to the ED gives me chills every time.
  It was really nice to see Jintan confess and actually have Menma accept it. Then came all the unrequited love of Tsuruko and Anaru. They're really jam packing all this drama and issues into it now so that Anohana will go off with a bang. Will they have an epilogue for the story? I'm thinking that they are probably play on reincarnation and just did what angel beats did with their ending.
  Anyways, great episode, awesome post, i totally agree with all the points you raised.
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• yvoonmanga says:

  June 21, 2011

  I HAVE CRIED SOOO MUCH FOR THE PAST FEW EPOSODES!! >_<
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• Gene says:

  July 2, 2011

  I'm not going to lie. I shed a tear during the fireworks scene. Which is weird because I fucking hate Menma.

  I think I was crying because she was still there.
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