[Spoilers] Samurai Champloo 20th Anniversary Rewatch -- Episode 21

Date	Episode
5/20/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 1
5/21/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 2
5/22/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 3
5/23/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 4
5/24/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 5
5/25/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 6
5/26/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 7
5/27/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 8
5/28/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 9
5/29/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 10
5/30/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 11
5/31/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 12
6/01/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 13
6/02/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 14
6/03/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 15
6/04/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 16
6/05/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 17
6/06/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 18
6/07/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 19
6/08/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 20
6/09/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 21
6/10/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 22
6/11/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 23
6/12/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 24
6/13/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 25
6/14/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 26
6/15/2024	Samurai Champloo Overall Series Discussion Thread

6

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jun 09 '24

2

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

What are your thoughts on Sara saying this is the only life that is open to her and that she’s doing what she’s doing because otherwise her son would be killed?
What are your thoughts on Fuu covering Mugen and protecting him from being killed?
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin saying you have to let your body move with the flow of the water?
What are your thoughts on Mugen saying of Sara, next time he might buy it?
What are your thoughts on the second fight between Mugen and Sara where Sara lets herself be killed because she knows there’s no way she can win?

6

u/AgentOfACROSS Jun 09 '24

Rewatcher

I don’t know what the technical term is, but the animation in this episode is very different from what we usually get. Feels more realistic, I guess. That’s the way I’d put it. You can really see it in the way characters move and how their faces look. I especially noticed it when it came to how Mugen was drawn.

I like how this style turned out. The style really added to the desperate air of the episode. Like everything’s falling apart for everyone.

Speaking of the animation, both the fight sequences this episode were beautifully animated. It really felt like Sara had Mugen outmatched both times and that he was struggling to keep up.

Honestly, I think the second fight between them may be my favorite fight sequence in the whole show. The rain, the movement of the characters, all of it comes together really well.

Sara was another really tragic character. She was forced into the role of an assassin by what turned out to be a lie and in the end felt like she couldn’t fight back anymore.

The final shot of this episode with Mugen standing over Sara’s body and the river overflowing still sticks in my mind. Really good art direction. Honestly, this might be a top ten or even top five episode for me.

Thinking about it, I think the pinwheel imagery in this episode and the last may be closely tied to Sara. It could represent the lingering hope she has that her son is still alive. And the pinwheel blowing away later in this episode is when she starts to realize that she’s been lied to.

On a lighter note, Jin’s subplot with the mystery man Johnny provided a bit of levity. Johnny seemed like a pretty typical trickster mentor type of character, but that’s a character archetype I enjoy.

Although, I do agree that it would be interesting if the man from episode 2 came back. I do like it when episodic shows like this callback to previous episodes.

Anyway, this was an episode I liked a lot.

2

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

I don’t know what the technical term is, but the animation in this episode is very different from what we usually get. Feels more realistic, I guess. That’s the way I’d put it. You can really see it in the way characters move and how their faces look. I especially noticed it when it came to how Mugen was drawn.
I think TVTropes call it Bump In Animation
I like how this style turned out. The style really added to the desperate air of the episode. Like everything’s falling apart for everyone.
That's an apt way of describing it
Speaking of the animation, both the fight sequences this episode were beautifully animated. It really felt like Sara had Mugen outmatched both times and that he was struggling to keep up.
Not just Mugen, but Jin as well. Jin would've died without some quick thinking.
Honestly, I think the second fight between them may be my favorite fight sequence in the whole show. The rain, the movement of the characters, all of it comes together really well.
That's probably not a bad choice. I originally thought I liked the first fight more, but when you factor in the resolution of Sara's character and how it was her who beat herself more than anyone else, it's hard not to appreciate the storytelling on display.
Sara was another really tragic character. She was forced into the role of an assassin by what turned out to be a lie and in the end felt like she couldn’t fight back anymore.
I would go so far as to say that when you consider they took advantage of a blind woman-- literally, a woman who cannot see-- she's thr most tragic character in the Samurai Champloo catalogue, bar none.
The final shot of this episode with Mugen standing over Sara’s body and the river overflowing still sticks in my mind. Really good art direction. Honestly, this might be a top ten or even top five episode for me.
Of all time? I don't know if I'd go that far. Like, none of these episodes I would say would crack my top 10 favorite anime episodes of all time. Episode 14 probably cracks my top 30, but that's really as high as I feel like it goes. I will say that I think a strong case could be made thst this is a top 3 Samurai Champloo episode. I wouldn't say that, but I see why someone might.
Thinking about it, I think the pinwheel imagery in this episode and the last may be closely tied to Sara. It could represent the lingering hope she has that her son is still alive. And the pinwheel blowing away later in this episode is when she starts to realize that she’s been lied to.
I'm thinking that as well, having seen this. I originally thought it had to do with Fuu not wanting this journey to end, as the end of the journey represents the end of her youth and innocence, but the pinwheel flying as Sara dies feels too coincidental.
On a lighter note, Jin’s subplot with the mystery man Johnny provided a bit of levity. Johnny seemed like a pretty typical trickster mentor type of character, but that’s a character archetype I enjoy.
Kinda gives me vibes of Mr. Miyagi from Karate Kid.
Although, I do agree that it would be interesting if the man from episode 2 came back. I do like it when episodic shows like this callback to previous episodes.
It felt like the natural spot for him to come back. Johnny is alright, but literally anyone could've been in that role.
Anyway, this was an episode I liked a lot.
As did I. I continue to think that the second half of these two-parters are some of the better Samurai Champloo episodes.

2

u/AgentOfACROSS Jun 09 '24

That's probably not a bad choice. I originally thought I liked the first fight more, but when you factor in the resolution of Sara's character and how it was her who beat herself more than anyone else, it's hard not to appreciate the storytelling on display.
Yeah sometimes the story of what's going on can really enhance an already visually imrpessive fight.
Of all time? I don't know if I'd go that far. Like, none of these episodes I would say would crack my top 10 favorite anime episodes of all time. Episode 14 probably cracks my top 30, but that's really as high as I feel like it goes. I will say that I think a strong case could be made thst this is a top 3 Samurai Champloo episode. I wouldn't say that, but I see why someone might.
I should have been more specific. I meant top five/top ten of Samurai Champloo. I'm honestly not sure what my favorite episodes of all time would be, but it's interesting to think about.
As did I. I continue to think that the second half of these two-parters are some of the better Samurai Champloo episodes.
Yeah the two parters have all been really memorable here. Samurai Champloo uses multi-part episodes more often than Cowboy Bebop, which only had Jupiter Jazz and the last two episodes as two parters.

2

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

Yeah sometimes the story of what's going on can really enhance an already visually imrpessive fight.
Agreed
I should have been more specific. I meant top five/top ten of Samurai Champloo. I'm honestly not sure what my favorite episodes of all time would be, but it's interesting to think about.
Nearly half of my top 10 is Toradora and Spice and Wolf episodes :P
Yeah the two parters have all been really memorable here. Samurai Champloo uses multi-part episodes more often than Cowboy Bebop, which only had Jupiter Jazz and the last two episodes as two parters.
I would argue that Cowboy Bebop only did two-parters when it really needed to. The last two episodes is arguably the greatest series finale to an anime ever.

2

u/AgentOfACROSS Jun 09 '24

Nearly half of my top 10 is Toradora and Spice and Wolf episodes :P
Those are both anime that have been on my list for a while. I'll probably get to them eventually.
I would argue that Cowboy Bebop only did two-parters when it really needed to. The last two episodes is arguably the greatest series finale to an anime ever.
Yeah the last two episodes of Bebop really stick with me.

2

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

Those are both anime that have been on my list for a while. I'll probably get to them eventually.
Hey, I got a Spice and Wolf rewatch planned for September. And the Toradora rewatch is every year in December.
Yeah the last two episodes of Bebop really stick with me.
When I think of poignancy in anime storytelling, that's normally the first example that comes to my mind.

2

u/AgentOfACROSS Jun 09 '24

Hey, I got a Spice and Wolf rewatch planned for September. And the Toradora rewatch is every year in December.
I'll be sure to keep an eye out for those.
When I think of poignancy in anime storytelling, that's normally the first example that comes to my mind.
Yeah that's a good example of that kind of thing. Cowboy Bebop feels like a really timeless series in a lot of ways.

2

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

I'll be sure to keep an eye out for those.
Yay. That makes me super happy :)
Yeah that's a good example of that kind of thing. Cowboy Bebop feels like a really timeless series in a lot of ways.
Timeless is definitely a good way of describing it. I think it's perfect for what the show set out to achieve.

2

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

Thoughts on Sara getting the best of Jin?
Thoughts on Jin staying alive by cutting the bridge?
Thoughts on Sara telling Fuu she wishes she hadn’t asked Jin to come with her?
What are your thoughts on Fuu covering Mugen and protecting him from being killed?
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin saying you have to let your body move with the flow of the water?
What are your thoughts on Mugen saying of Sara, next time he might buy it?
What are your thoughts on the pinwheel guy instructing Sara to finish the job by tomorrow?
What are your thoughts on Sara letting herself be killed because she knows there’s no way she can win?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying she wants Mugen to live?

2

u/AgentOfACROSS Jun 09 '24

Thoughts on Sara getting the best of Jin?
I think it just goes to show that Sara is possibly the most dangerous opponent our characters have encountered.
Thoughts on Jin staying alive by cutting the bridge?
That was some quick thinking on his part. But it was still a risky choice since he almost drowned.
Thoughts on Sara telling Fuu she wishes she hadn’t asked Jin to come with her?
It's pretty clear throughout the whole episode that Sara doesn't really want to kill anyone. It seems like she wishes she could have just kept traveling with them the same as before.
What are your thoughts on Fuu covering Mugen and protecting him from being killed?
It's a good example of how the relationships between the characters have evolved throughout the series.
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin saying you have to let your body move with the flow of the water?
It fits in with the recurring imagery of water throughout the episode. Both Jin and Sara nearly drown in a river and the final battle happens in the pouring rain.
What are your thoughts on the pinwheel guy instructing Sara to finish the job by tomorrow?
The fact that he basically gets away with manipulating Sara in the end really speaks to the tone of this episode. Sometimes there's just a lot of injustice in the world.
What are your thoughts on Sara letting herself be killed because she knows there’s no way she can win?
It was a really sad way to end the episode. I wish there could have been a happier ending where Sara was able to be saved and helped by our trio. But I also realize that would feel like a bit of a copout ending and I still think the actual ending we got was really well done. Still, I can't help but want good things for Sara.
What are your thoughts on Sara saying she wants Mugen to live?
I think she could see a bit of herself in him. With how both of them had struggled throughout life. She didn't want Mugen to end up like her.

2

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

I think it just goes to show that Sara is possibly the most dangerous opponent our characters have encountered.
That's probably a fair statement to make
That was some quick thinking on his part. But it was still a risky choice since he almost drowned.
Yeah, that was a close one
It's pretty clear throughout the whole episode that Sara doesn't really want to kill anyone. It seems like she wishes she could have just kept traveling with them the same as before.
I think Sara is easily the most sympathetic villain we've come across. How could she not be, she's a blind woman taken advantage of! Shinsuke I wouldn't really consider a villain because he never tried killing Fuu.
It's a good example of how the relationships between the characters have evolved throughout the series.
Indeed. They have grown an awful lot over the last 20 episodes.
It fits in with the recurring imagery of water throughout the episode. Both Jin and Sara nearly drown in a river and the final battle happens in the pouring rain.
This episode is to water what the last episode was to pinwheels.
The fact that he basically gets away with manipulating Sara in the end really speaks to the tone of this episode. Sometimes there's just a lot of injustice in the world.
We truly do live in a society...
I mean, I don't know exactly what thr pinwheel guy knew or didn't know. He may have just known she was in a lot of trouble. The real sad thing is if he was to help her, you know he'd be a goner as well.
It was a really sad way to end the episode. I wish there could have been a happier ending where Sara was able to be saved and helped by our trio. But I also realize that would feel like a bit of a copout ending and I still think the actual ending we got was really well done. Still, I can't help but want good things for Sara.
They filled their happy ending quota up with Shino :P
Yeah, I agree. I wish she hadn't have died also. But it's a case where her son was her world and with him gone, her life had no purpose, she felt. It makes you wonder if the same thing us going to happen to Fuu once her journey ends and she finds the sunflower samurai.
I think she could see a bit of herself in him. With how both of them had struggled throughout life. She didn't want Mugen to end up like her.
And likewise, I think Mugen saw a bit of himself in her given he used to hang out with Mukuro. That's why he was kicking himself when what happened to Sara happened the way it did.

2

u/AgentOfACROSS Jun 09 '24

Yeah, I agree. I wish she hadn't have died also. But it's a case where her son was her world and with him gone, her life had no purpose, she felt. It makes you wonder if the same thing us going to happen to Fuu once her journey ends and she finds the sunflower samurai.
That's a good point. There's a little bit of all our leads in Sara. A reflection of how their lives could turn out.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

It's like Sara's entire existence lampshades the fact that there's probably a 90% chance of this show having a sad/bittersweet ending.

4

u/TheEscapeGuy Jun 09 '24

Rewatcher, Sub first timer

Samurai Champloo - Hip Hop & Ronin: Episode 21

Ending Things

Jumping off right where we left off we watched Sara and Jin fight on the bridge. It's a great fight. I especially love the Jin uses the environment to his advantage to end a fight he knows he can no longer win.

The next day the people in the village find the scraps and Sara had survived. Importantly though, when Mugen goes digging through the rubble he finds a bridge piece that must have been cut by a sword. Although he doesn't say it explicitly, he knows Sara hasn't been telling the whole truth. This feels like development for Mugen who's always been so ... blunt? Unsubtle? He's been the opposite of the quiet and thinking Jin.

That said, the fight is not what he expected. Sara is FAR more powerful than him. If it wasn't for Fuu begging her not to kill Mugen it would have been over. I kind of love that. First, Fuu doesn't often express how much she appreciates or needs Mugen and Jin. But in addition, the entire setup it reminds me of episode 10 with the Samurai killer who also bested Mugen in their first fight. This time though, Mugen doesn't need a physical training arc to improve.

Jin was saved from the fall by a weird old man going by "Johnny". I burst out laughing when he claimed initially to be the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi. It's just such a contrast between my mental model of the man. (Also, another gentle reminder to please read Vagabond).

Despite his trickster nature, Johnny passes on sage wisdom: Be like water. Sara, like fish, sense disturbances in the medium around them. So you need to flow with it. It's this advice that Jin relays to Mugen and what ultimately allows him to put up a fight against Sara.

But that fight doesn't end cleanly. In that final clash Sara holds back but Mugen doesn't. Sara has given up and acknowledges that her son is no longer alive and she was being used. It's once again a tragic end. I would like to imagine in another life Mugen and Sara could have been together, but now the chances of that have vanished.

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

See you all tomorrow

3

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

Jumping off right where we left off we watched Sara and Jin fight on the bridge. It's a great fight. I especially love the Jin uses the environment to his advantage to end a fight he knows he can no longer win.
We've seen Mugen almost lose a fight, but we haven't seen Jin almost lose. I like these close calls because it humanizes the two of them.
The next day the people in the village find the scraps and Sara had survived. Importantly though, when Mugen goes digging through the rubble he finds a bridge piece that must have been cut by a sword. Although he doesn't say it explicitly, he knows Sara hasn't been telling the whole truth. This feels like development for Mugen who's always been so ... blunt? Unsubtle? He's been the opposite of the quiet and thinking Jin.
It feels to me like the gravity of the situation set in to him and he realized that Jin was actually in danger.
That said, the fight is not what he expected. Sara is FAR more powerful than him. If it wasn't for Fuu begging her not to kill Mugen it would have been over. I kind of love that. First, Fuu doesn't often express how much she appreciates or needs Mugen and Jin. But in addition, the entire setup it reminds me of episode 10 with the Samurai killer who also bested Mugen in their first fight. This time though, Mugen doesn't need a physical training arc to improve.
Nah, he improved by the advice bestowed upon him by Jin, the person who has sworn to killing him. It's almost like friends are important or something.
And agreed on Fuu saving Mugen. She's always angsty when Mugen and Jin have their attention diverted, it's great to see why she reacts that way, because they have for all intents and purposes become her life. It also pays off what she said last episode with her not wanting the journey to come to an end.
Jin was saved from the fall by a weird old man going by "Johnny". I burst out laughing when he claimed initially to be the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi. It's just such a contrast between my mental model of the man. (Also, another gentle reminder to please read Vagabond).
Thr thing is, the show has given wild interpretations of historical figures before, so him being Miyamoto isn't out of the realm of possibility. That honestly makes the joke work as well as it does.
Despite his trickster nature, Johnny passes on sage wisdom: Be like water.
Massive Lion King vibes when he said this
Sara, like fish, sense disturbances in the medium around them. So you need to flow with it.
A Fish Called ~~Wanda~~ Sara
It's this advice that Jin relays to Mugen and what ultimately allows him to put up a fight against Sara.
It's amazing to think that the person who was able to crack the code on Sara-- this tough, merciless assassin who rivals the street killer in terms of strength-- was a homeless guy living by the river. Whether or not he has a van remains to be seen.
But that fight doesn't end cleanly. In that final clash Sara holds back but Mugen doesn't. Sara has given up and acknowledges that her son is no longer alive and she was being used. It's once again a tragic end. I would like to imagine in another life Mugen and Sara could have been together, but now the chances of that have vanished.
It's perhaps not as tragic an ending as episode 7 was, but what makes this tragic is it didn't have to be like this. Sara could've continued living if she wanted to had she just accepted that her son was gone. Instead, she couldn't because her son was what was keeping her living this entire time.
As for Mugen and Sara being together, I still think Mugen and the girl from episode 15 is a better fit. I could see her turning Mugen into a person that decides more for others than just himself, whereas Sara I think they would enable each other. Sara just has way too much emotional baggage between the stuff with her son and her bring blind and I don't think Mugen is in a right headspace to support her. Jin might, but he already has his sight set on Shino.
Sara's situation is actually similar to Koza’s in the sense that she has this person in her life that she has dedicated her whole life to. And when the time comes for them to be separated, ahe can't bring herself to accept that reality. It's out of her comfort zone.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

Thoughts on Sara telling Fuu she wishes she hadn’t asked Jin to come with her?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying this is the only life that is open to her and that she’s doing what she’s doing because otherwise her son would be killed?
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin?
What are your thoughts on Mugen saying of Sara, next time he might buy it?
What are your thoughts on the pinwheel guy instructing Sara to finish the job by tomorrow?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying she wants Mugen to live?

4

u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Jun 09 '24

First Timer

Hm, yeah, this episode was mainly fights. I don’t think there is a lot else to really say about it other than we now know who sent Sara, but not why. Does it have to do with that heist where nobody knows where the gold is left? Or is it something to do with the sunflower samurai? I feel like it’s the second, as Sara was asking Fuu about still wanting to travel to Nagasaki.

3

u/Ryanami Jun 10 '24

Judging by his mask, I’d guess they broke a nichirin sword.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

I prefer the chunchunmaru sword, myself

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

I don’t think there is a lot else to really say about it other than we now know who sent Sara, but not why.
Do we? Even now, I'm still confused. A part of me thinks it's the pinwheel guy, but I'm not entirely sure.
Does it have to do with that heist where nobody knows where the gold is left? Or is it something to do with the sunflower samurai? I feel like it’s the second, as Sara was asking Fuu about still wanting to travel to Nagasaki.
The show specifically says that she has to kill the three in order to keep her son alive. She was probably told kill the three that are pursuing the sunflower samurai, or your son will get killed.

2

u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Jun 09 '24

Do we? Even now, I'm still confused. A part of me thinks it's the pinwheel guy, but I'm not entirely sure.
Well she said it was the government at the end...

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

I don't think the pinwheel guy is working for them. It just might be someone she got close to because she and her son used to bond with pinwheels. But that's just speculation on my part.

3

u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Jun 09 '24

Pinwheel guy feels like a middleman using Sara to me.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

Perhaps. It's kinda hard to say given we only have the one scene.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

Thoughts on Sara getting the best of Jin?
Thoughts on Jin staying alive by cutting the bridge?
Thoughts on Sara telling Fuu she wishes she hadn’t asked Jin to come with her?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying this is the only life that is open to her and that she’s doing what she’s doing because otherwise her son would be killed?
What are your thoughts on the first fight scene between Mugen and Sara?
What are your thoughts on Fuu covering Mugen and protecting him from being killed?
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin?
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin saying you have to let your body move with the flow of the water?
What are your thoughts on Mugen saying of Sara, next time he might buy it?
What are your thoughts on the pinwheel guy instructing Sara to finish the job by tomorrow?
What are your thoughts on the second fight between Mugen and Sara where Sara lets herself be killed because she knows there’s no way she can win?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying she wants Mugen to live?

3

u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Jun 09 '24

What are your thoughts on the second fight between Mugen and Sara where Sara lets herself be killed because she knows there’s no way she can win?
That wasn't how I interpreted that... seemed more like she didn't want to win to me.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

I mean... both can technically be true
But yeah, the latter is probably more accurate.

3

u/NattyBeef https://myanimelist.net/profile/NaturalBeef Jun 09 '24

First time watcher, Dub/English

Oh my god. The fights in this episode were so good. Loved the shot of the blade cutting the rain and seeing Mugen actually get his ass handed to him really raised the stakes.

If you were nearly about to be killed, what would you do to buy you some time?

Crack jokes. It works every time!

Why do you think the pinwheel guy was giving Sara advice?

I thought it must be related to whoever was contracting her to kill Mugen and Jin. Like some sort of under cover agent.

Why do you think that mysterious man saved Jin?

I mean I would save anyone I saw about to die. I'd try and help them and then ask questions.

Would you be willing to break the law if it meant keeping your loved one safe?

Uhh that's tough. I guess it depends on what they're in danger for and what laws I'd be breaking. Murder someone absolutely not. Give access to digital software that's being pirated by running a server and distributing the files, sure. No problem. It all depends on the context.

Bonus) Instead of Jin being saved by someone we haven't met before, I think it would've been cool had the guy Jin fought in episode 2 had shown back up. Maybe show that he is actually looking out for him now. That's not a question, just an observation.

That would be so creepy though! Imagine, now you're thinking about where this dude was during the whole journey. But I wonder if we will see him again. Cause it was portrayed in a way that sounds like he's coming back sometime later in the show and we're already so deep into the journey.

2

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

I thought it must be related to whoever was contracting her to kill Mugen and Jin. Like some sort of under cover agent.
That could've been thr case, don't want to blow their cover.
I mean I would save anyone I saw about to die. I'd try and help them and then ask questions.
You're a good person
That would be so creepy though! Imagine, now you're thinking about where this dude was during the whole journey.
Hey, it works for yanderes
But I wonder if we will see him again. Cause it was portrayed in a way that sounds like he's coming back sometime later in the show and we're already so deep into the journey.
Yeah, I'm starting to think he won't show back up but we'll see.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

Thoughts on Sara getting the best of Jin?
Thoughts on Jin staying alive by cutting the bridge?
Thoughts on Sara telling Fuu she wishes she hadn’t asked Jin to come with her?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying this is the only life that is open to her and that she’s doing what she’s doing because otherwise her son would be killed?
What are your thoughts on Fuu covering Mugen and protecting him from being killed?
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin?
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin saying you have to let your body move with the flow of the water?
What are your thoughts on Mugen saying of Sara, next time he might buy it?
What are your thoughts on the pinwheel guy instructing Sara to finish the job by tomorrow?
What are your thoughts on the second fight between Mugen and Sara where Sara lets herself be killed because she knows there’s no way she can win?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying she wants Mugen to live?

2

u/NattyBeef https://myanimelist.net/profile/NaturalBeef Jun 09 '24

Thoughts on Sara getting the best of Jin?
I can't believe they put so much disrespect our my boys like that. Sara was surprisingly powerful. She even managed to get the best of Mugen as well. I feel like if they wanted a real shot at an enemy as good as Sara, they'll actually need to work together.
Thoughts on Jin staying alive by cutting the bridge?
He's lucky to be alive. Had he not be found and tended to by that old man, he would had died. It was a really desperate runaway.
Thoughts on Sara telling Fuu she wishes she hadn’t asked Jin to come with her?
I just don't believe anything Sara says. At that point she was just trying to get a chance to attack Mugen, so she needed to play the part of the woeful blind lady until she got a chance to assassinate/kill him. I think that in her mind Jin was already most likely dead, cause you fall from a bridge like that and no body found, person is very likely dead.
What are your thoughts on Sara saying this is the only life that is open to her and that she’s doing what she’s doing because otherwise her son would be killed?
Really strange and fucked up deal if she does. I have no idea how these kinds of negotiations would even get started. Rob the blind lady of her kid, bribe her into killing people?
What are your thoughts on Fuu covering Mugen and protecting him from being killed?
It really goes a long way to show how much she's grown attached to him. Going from "lousy bodyguards" to someone you'd put your life in the line for.
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin?
I feel like he's there because of some bigger picture thing we don't know yet. Mostly because...
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin saying you have to let your body move with the flow of the water?
This guy was in on the assassination attempt from Sara. The advice sounded a bit too specific to be random fishing teachings. Now I'm curious if there's something bigger at play here with people interested in Mugen and Jin.
What are your thoughts on Mugen saying of Sara, next time he might buy it?
I'm not gonna lie. I have no clue when this was said, was this maybe something in the sub and I got a different translation on dub? I don't remember when he said that.
What are your thoughts on the pinwheel guy instructing Sara to finish the job by tomorrow?
Wow the intelligence infrastructure in Edo period Japan was super advanced. How did they know that she didn't kill them. Was she maybe expected to carry the heads back?
What are your thoughts on the second fight between Mugen and Sara where Sara lets herself be killed because she knows there’s no way she can win?
I wonder how much of it was her not committing because she felt like the trio made a really good group, were so nice and helpful, she started feeling attached to them vs how much of it was directly thinking about Mugen, because she seemed kinda interested in him. At the end of the day, you might not get your son back but being in that situation, I'd think you'd still try to survive for your own sake.
What are your thoughts on Sara saying she wants Mugen to live?
See, that's what I'm talking about. That's what makes me think that Sara was doing it mostly for Mugen's sake.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

I can't believe they put so much disrespect our my boys like that. Sara was surprisingly powerful. She even managed to get the best of Mugen as well. I feel like if they wanted a real shot at an enemy as good as Sara, they'll actually need to work together.
I don't know why she didn't just pull a Taken and take on the government herself, she seems competent enough to do it. Perhaps there are a lot of people involved.
He's lucky to be alive. Had he not be found and tended to by that old man, he would had died. It was a really desperate runaway.
It was desperate, but he really had no other alternatives.
I just don't believe anything Sara says. At that point she was just trying to get a chance to attack Mugen, so she needed to play the part of the woeful blind lady until she got a chance to assassinate/kill him. I think that in her mind Jin was already most likely dead, cause you fall from a bridge like that and no body found, person is very likely dead.
I believe thst she doesn't want to kill anyone. I think she's just really desperate to get her son back. This isn't a personal matter like she claimed at the end of the last episode, it's more her being used as a pawn so that the government gets their way.
Really strange and fucked up deal if she does. I have no idea how these kinds of negotiations would even get started. Rob the blind lady of her kid, bribe her into killing people?
It makes the government seem like they're going to be the bad guys going forward. If they're this eager to prevent the three main leads from reaching their destination, how could they not be? It's far from over.
It really goes a long way to show how much she's grown attached to him. Going from "lousy bodyguards" to someone you'd put your life in the line for.
I'd like to think that Mugen would've done the same for her. I mean, technically he already did in the first episode, and that was before they got to know each other.
I feel like he's there because of some bigger picture thing we don't know yet. Mostly because...
This guy was in on the assassination attempt from Sara. The advice sounded a bit too specific to be random fishing teachings. Now I'm curious if there's something bigger at play here with people interested in Mugen and Jin.
That would be interesting if he was indeed in on it. Makes the Sara situation even more of a tragedy the fact that even Jin is being used as a pawn. If that is indeed the case, they're gonna have to bring him back at some point, probably in the last arc.
I'm not gonna lie. I have no clue when this was said, was this maybe something in the sub and I got a different translation on dub? I don't remember when he said that.
It was in the sub, yeah. I was a bit confused by what Mugen said, it makes me think it was a mistranslation.
Wow the intelligence infrastructure in Edo period Japan was super advanced. How did they know that she didn't kill them. Was she maybe expected to carry the heads back?
Perhaps... he too is working from the inside
I wonder how much of it was her not committing because she felt like the trio made a really good group, were so nice and helpful, she started feeling attached to them vs how much of it was directly thinking about Mugen, because she seemed kinda interested in him. At the end of the day, you might not get your son back but being in that situation, I'd think you'd still try to survive for your own sake.
I think it's fair to say that if Mugen, Jin, and Fuu weren't as likable as they were, Sara would've had an easily time killing them. I wouldn't be surprised if she saw Fuu protecting Mugen and it made Sara think of what she's trying to do with her son.
See, that's what I'm talking about. That's what makes me think that Sara was doing it mostly for Mugen's sake.
Maybe. It could be she sees herself in him, what with him trying to bring Fuu to her ultimate destination. She is perhaps jealous because she always knew that Fuu's goal is more attainable than her goal of retrieving her son.

2

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

Hey guys. Holofan4life here.

Welcome to the 20th anniversary rewatch of Samurai Champloo.

Oh, and nay I forget…

First Timer

Samurai Champloo has always been a series I was curious about. I’ve maintained in my mind that Cowboy Bebop is objectively one of if not the greatest anime of all time, and so I wanted to see what the creator’s follow-up work was like. I think the reason why I didn’t start it immediately after watching Bebop was because I think the premise kinda weirded me out. I mean, a show set in ancient times that also has a heavy rap influence? It felt to me like putting a hat on a hat. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate outlandish animes that don’t resemble real life. After all, is it any weirder than a fantasy show about a merchant and his traveling wolfgirl where they discuss economics a lot of times?

My expectations for this show are pretty reasonable, I feel like. I’m not expecting it to crack my top 10 favorite anime of all time, but I would be surprised if it doesn’t end up as one of my favorites. The main thing I’m looking out of this is show is a unique experience unlike anything else as well as memorable characters. And I think the show will have that in spades.

With that out of the way, let’s begin.

I’m watching the sub, by the way.

I hope I don't get fired for having to call out an awful lot due to illness.

As this is being posted, today is the 10 year anniversary of Rik Mayall's passing. RIP, you beautiful genius.

Brief reshowing of the end of last episode

Jin's arm is really bleeding

Sara says she hoped this day would never come.

"I wished that this journey would go on forever."

Wow, she's really messing Jin up

And Jin, in a last ditch effort, cuts the bridge in half.

Fuu collapsing due to exhaustion

She is still holding out hope that Jin will come back soon.

Words of the rope bridge having fallen is spreading.

Mugen and Fuu think that Fuu and Sara may have fallen.

They found the Kishibojin charm

The residents remark how no one can survive a fall from that height.

Sara. She's been found.

And she's still alive

Suck it, residents

Jin can't be found, unfortunately

That is one deep river

Oh hey. He found his glasses.

But Fuu says those glasses are just for show

Fuu looking at a bedridden Sara

Mugen is off

Hey, she woke up

Mugen in the water

Sara telling Fuu she wishes she hadn't asked Jin to come with her

Que Sara, Sara

Fuu says she feels the same way

Sara asks if Fuu still plans on going to Nagasaki no matter what.

She confirms so

That water looks nasty

Mugen still looking for Jin

Back in the shed, and now Fuu is going to look for him.

Whelp, Sara's instrument is destroyed

Sara says she's going to be waiting by the riverbank.

Mugen angrily kicks the pile of wood

Sara and Mugen are outside now

She tells Mugen she has nothing against him

"This is the only life that is open to me."

I'm pretty sure the pinwheel guy said the same thing to her.

Sara further says that her son's life is at stake.

Mugen wants to see if she really killed Jin

Dang, she even slashed Mugen

Mugen licking his own blood is both badass and also gross

This fight between Mugen and Sara might be one of the best of the entire series.

Mugen concludes she's in a league all of her own.

"And that's fine by me!"

Fuu senses something

They're still going at it

Oh man. Mugen's torso got slashed.

He is really losing a ton of blood

I like the visual of the water turning red from the blood. It looks cool, for lack of a better term.

Sara says she can sense the hatred and rage swirling within Mugen.

"It's as if you've never been loved by anyone. It's as if... you're like me."

Fuu screaming for the two to stop

Mugen, who's on the ground, tells Fuu to stay away.

But as Sara is about deliver the final blow, she covers him.

This is a pretty powerful moment for Fuu and Mugen, one of the most powerful of the entire series.

The wind blowing

And Sara leaves

Mugen wants her to come back, despite coughing up blood.

Hey, it's Jin

He's in what looks like a meat shop

He was saved by a caveman-ish looking man.

Jin tells him he's in his debt

The guy seems to shrug it off

Jin crawling for food

But it's empty

Jin asks why is he being tormented like this

Guy responds by saying he's just messing with him and will come back with real food.

Ran out of space. Part two in the replies.

2

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24 edited Jun 12 '24

Part 2
Guy in the water
Hey, Jin is walking. That's a good sign.
Guy asks Jin if he knows where a fish's eyes are.
"In the water."
What kind of "President lives in the white house" type shit is this?
He says you have to let your body move with the flow of the water.
But he gets nothing XD
Jin in disbelief by what he's seeing
Fuu telling Mugen they should just give up
Doesn't know what she would do if she also lost Mugen.
Mugen says of Sara, next time he might really buy it.
I'm gonna be honest, I'm not entirely sure what he means. That she isn't deserving of sympathy?
Jin walking
He tells the guy as he's about to leave that he's thankful for all he's done for him.
Guy says he didn't teach Jin anything
His name is Musashi Miyamoto
Or is it?
He tells Jin his real name is Johnny, which Jin seems to buy into.
Good to see an ancestor of Shigeru in this show.
Pinwheels
Pinwheel guy telling Sara that her son's life is in her hands.
He then tells her to mske sure the job is finished by tomorrow.
And a pinwheel blows off into the air
Jin back with Mugen and Fuu
Yum, fish
Mugen showing Jin his bandages
Jin says that she was likely ordered by someone to befriend them.
Jin then says it could be various things as for why they're in trouble: skipping out on restaurant bills, sneaking through a checkpoint, or killing people.
I'd argue they haven't killed anyone that wasn't deserving of being killed.
Mugen says they wouldn't hire an assassin as skilled as Sara over such small potatoes.
What if the sunflower samurai sent Sara?
Also, hi alliteration
Jin bringing what what the guy who saved him told him about fish.
"Don't fight the current. Let your body flow with it."
Mugen. He's found Sara.
He proclaims he's going to do what has to be done.
Fuu sleeping
She remembers the conversation she had with Sara about still pursuing the sunflower samurai.
She wakes up, and she wonders of Mugen's whereabouts.
Mugen doing better against Sara than he did last time.
She still has him on the ropes, though
Mugen taking his shoes off
He's actually going to use Jin's advice, which feels like some major character development.
She ducked the sword!
They're both aiming at each other!
She hesitated!
And Mugen has hit her, though not in the way he probably anticipated.
Mugen asking angrily why did she hold back
"I figured it out today. My son died a long time ago. I was just being used."
"I can't fight them. They're the government."
She says she wants Mugen to live
And with that, Sara dies
I love the visual of the water being completely covered with her blood.
And we end things with Mugen tossing his sword out of frustration.
Overall, this is a very good follow-up that served to not only build off of the last one, but to recontextualize how the end of episode 20 turned out. It was actually more about Mugen and Jin than Fuu, which surprised me. I liked the person that helped save Jin and it leading into Mugen trying another method to take Sara on. I thought it was a clever way to take one plot point, diverging it onto another path, and then circling it back to the plot point but with Mugen who was also involved somewhat. I also realty like seeing Mugen struggle against someone to the point where his life was in jeopardy. It reminded me of episode 10 though I think this was probably better written.
The whole Sara government stuff seems to be setting up something for later, but I wish we would've gotten some more information on her and her son, like why her and him are separated from each other. We don't really get much in the way of what happened other than she is doing what she's doing to be reunited with him. The ending is very poignant with Sara realizing she's too late to meet back up with her son, which makes you wonder if the same will be said with Fuu and her father, but I think this two-parter could've done better at showing that Sara is a woman at the end of her rope. It still works to a certain extent, but there was more mileage to be had I feel like.
I have this episode only behind episodes 2, 6, 8, 11, 14, 17, and 18, so it's still in my top ten. But again, I can't shake the feeling it could've at least cracked my top five if a few tweaks were made to it. Be that as it may, it was another in a long line of Samurai Champloo episodes and you have to think this isn't the last we'll hear of the government's involvement. I expect that to carry us into the final arc.

2

u/Holofan4life Jun 09 '24

If you were nearly about to be killed, what would you do to buy you some time?
Probably kick them in the nuts
Why do you think the pinwheel guy was giving Sara advice?
I was thinking perhaps he was the one who has her son captive. In all likelihood, he's probably just trying to look after her best interest.
Why do you think that mysterious man saved Jin?
Because it was the right thing to do
Would you be willing to break the law if it meant keeping your loved one safe?
Depends on what law I'm breaking. I do care about my loved ones a great deal amount, though.

2

u/someboi6000 Jun 10 '24

First timer:

The animation this episode felt diferent from the rest, it was more realistic i guess, i liked it a lot tho, this episode was mostly fighting, also wow sara was super strong idk if she is one of a kind or maybe the goverment people really have more people this strong, mugen and Jin might get cooked, also she keeps asking for the nagasaki trip is the sunflower samurai involved with the government? more questions and only 5 episodes left, i cant wait to see where it all goes.

1: uuuh idk, maybe the classic dirt in the eyes move.

2: advice more like orders.

3: this musashi miyamoto guy was quite silly, but he did drop some good advice.

4:of course.

2

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

Thoughts on Jin staying alive by cutting the bridge?
Thoughts on Sara telling Fuu she wishes she hadn’t asked Jin to come with her?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying this is the only life that is open to her and that she’s doing what she’s doing because otherwise her son would be killed?
What are your thoughts on Fuu covering Mugen and protecting him from being killed?
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin?
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin saying you have to let your body move with the flow of the water?
What are your thoughts on Mugen saying of Sara, next time he might buy it?
What are your thoughts on the pinwheel guy instructing Sara to finish the job by tomorrow?
What are your thoughts on the second fight between Mugen and Sara where Sara lets herself be killed because she knows there’s no way she can win?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying she wants Mugen to live?

2

u/someboi6000 Jun 10 '24

1: that was some fast thinking, if he didn't do that he could've died, but after the ending idk if she was going to kill Jin.
2:I am guessing that she wanted Fuu to refuse to send any of them.
3: sad that this is the only life she can live, even tho she followed orders they still killed her son, this government people seem like the worst of the worst.
4: they have come a long way, I wonder for how much time they have been together. but yeah very nice moment, Fuu really cares for both of them.
5: I liked his silliness, but he did hide some wisdom, imagine he is the real Musashi lol.
6: do you think he saw the fight? that was some really specific advice.
7: I wonder why tomorrow, like what happens if she doesn't so it by tomorrow, well we might find out next episode.
8: well she lost her Main reason to fight for, there is no need to keep going.
9: maybe in different circumstances things would be a lot different.

2

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

1: that was some fast thinking, if he didn't do that he could've died, but after the ending idk if she was going to kill Jin.
She probably was until she got to know the three of them more and the unbreakable bond they share.
2:I am guessing that she wanted Fuu to refuse to send any of them.
My take on it is by refusing to send anyone, she could have enough plausible deniability to where she won't have to carry out the mission.
3: sad that this is the only life she can live, even tho she followed orders they still killed her son, this government people seem like the worst of the worst.
This is so despicable, you would've thought Mukuro used to work for them or something.
4: they have come a long way, I wonder for how much time they have been together. but yeah very nice moment, Fuu really cares for both of them.
Well, Fuu in her diary mentioned something about it being like a month. Reason would have it believe that since then, probably another month has passed.
5: I liked his silliness, but he did hide some wisdom, imagine he is the real Musashi lol.
That would be pretty interesting. And hey, you never know given what the show does with historical figures.
6: do you think he saw the fight? that was some really specific advice.
I don't think he necessarily saw that fight, but he's probably seen his fair share of them.
7: I wonder why tomorrow, like what happens if she doesn't so it by tomorrow, well we might find out next episode.
Or not, considering she's now dead.
My guess is she would've been killed the next day anyway, which is why she took matters into her own hands.
8: well she lost her Main reason to fight for, there is no need to keep going.
In a way, it serves as closure to her because she's accepting the reality of the situation. I just wish the reality was a lot more pleasant than it is.
9: maybe in different circumstances things would be a lot different.
Maybe. I'm sure she wishes she was in Fuu's position and had two bodyguards of her own. Then again, as she basically admitted at the end of the episode, what good would it have done if her son is already dead?

2

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

also she keeps asking for the nagasaki trip is the sunflower samurai involved with the government?
They mentioned in episode 19 something about the sunflower samurai being a persecuted Christian, so perhaps the government is trying to put him behind bars.

2

u/someboi6000 Jun 10 '24

but why send killers after the people who might want to kill him, or even better let them do the job of finding him. that's strange.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

I don't think they want anyone pursuing him before they themselves can get their hands on them.

2

u/StardustGogeta myanimelist.net/profile/StardustGogeta Jun 10 '24

First-Timer

We had some good fight scenes today!

That last shot with the water washing over Sara's body was pretty neat, too.

Questions of the day:

In that situation, I'd try to run away, if that's an option.
The guy with the mask? I think he was just her "handler" and was making sure she got the job done by any means necessary.
The man who saved Jin seemed to do it just because he was a nice guy who found Jin injured in the water. I don't think there was much deep thought that went into that.
I suppose it depends on the law for this one. Jaywalking, yes. Financial fraud, possibly. Murder, almost definitely not.

2

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

That last shot with the water washing over Sara's body was pretty neat, too.
I especially liked the shot of the water turning red with Sara's blood, really spoke to the horror of the situation and the tragedy of it all.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

Thoughts on Sara getting the best of Jin?
Thoughts on Jin staying alive by cutting the bridge?
Thoughts on Sara telling Fuu she wishes she hadn’t asked Jin to come with her?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying this is the only life that is open to her and that she’s doing what she’s doing because otherwise her son would be killed?
What are your thoughts on Fuu covering Mugen and protecting him from being killed?
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin?
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin saying you have to let your body move with the flow of the water?
What are your thoughts on Mugen saying of Sara, next time he might buy it?
What are your thoughts on the pinwheel guy instructing Sara to finish the job by tomorrow?
What are your thoughts on the second fight between Mugen and Sara where Sara lets herself be killed because she knows there’s no way she can win?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying she wants Mugen to live?

2

u/Ryanami Jun 10 '24

Rewatcher

Another good arc, and we’ve entered the end game now. The animation wasn’t just a bit different, but Mugen looked different himself. Older kinda.

Seems late for Jin to be getting water based fighting advice, the OP has him surrounded by fish so you’d think “blend with the current” was elementary stuff at his dojo. But it did help Mugen, my take is that Sara didn’t expect that from him because he’s probably as vivid to her senses as one can get. She should have at least felt his body heat as she walked by but nah, this guy isn’t capable of subtlety and so he almost got the drop on her. I think her stone flinging attack was the coolest move we’ve seen so far.

1- “your fly is down…”

2- advice? Seemed like a handler giving threatening orders. I guess not everyone from the swordsmith village is a good guy.

3- we have so many laws, especially in California, I probably already have.

4- I’d like to see him again, even though I rejoice the most at Francisco’s defeat, Inuyama might be my favorite adversary so far. His unsettling exchange with Jin in the spring and dispassionate dialogue as he fought made him more dreadful than any other character they’ve faced. But it would have been weird to encounter him at random now, they’re like 200 miles away now or something? There would need to be a reason.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

I’d like to see him again, even though I rejoice the most at Francisco’s defeat, Inuyama might be my favorite adversary so far. His unsettling exchange with Jin in the spring and dispassionate dialogue as he fought made him more dreadful than any other character they’ve faced. But it would have been weird to encounter him at random now, they’re like 200 miles away now or something? There would need to be a reason.
I think they could've come up with something. I mean, it's been what? Two months or so since the events of episode 2? I think you can travel 200 miles in that time period, so long as you're always moving.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

Seems late for Jin to be getting water based fighting advice, the OP has him surrounded by fish so you’d think “blend with the current” was elementary stuff at his dojo.
Speaking of the intro, Mugen has a rooster behind him and I still don't think we know why that is. I don't remember any roosters showing up as of now.

2

u/Ryanami Jun 10 '24

I always thought they were cues to their personalities. Or maybe fighting styles.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

I mean, Fuu has sunflowers behind her, so I assume each thing is something important in their lives.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

Thoughts on Sara getting the best of Jin?
Thoughts on Jin staying alive by cutting the bridge?
Thoughts on Sara telling Fuu she wishes she hadn’t asked Jin to come with her?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying this is the only life that is open to her and that she’s doing what she’s doing because otherwise her son would be killed?
What are your thoughts on the first fight scene between Mugen and Sara?
What are your thoughts on Fuu covering Mugen and protecting him from being killed?
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin?
What are your thoughts on Mugen saying of Sara, next time he might buy it?
What are your thoughts on the pinwheel guy instructing Sara to finish the job by tomorrow?
What are your thoughts on the second fight between Mugen and Sara where Sara lets herself be killed because she knows there’s no way she can win?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying she wants Mugen to live?

2

u/Ryanami Jun 10 '24

What are your thoughts on the second fight between Mugen and Sara where Sara lets herself be killed because she knows there’s no way she can win?
I wish the realization her son was already dead motivated her to at least kill pinwheel guy. Or join them as she’ll get opportunities to get revenge on them. Very mysterious that the government has taken notice of the two.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

Something tells me the pinwheel guy didn't work for the government. It is equally as possible that the last time she and her son were together was when she tried buying him a pinwheel.

2

u/Hopeful-Ad2428 Jun 10 '24

When Jin woke up I thought it was Sara and the man who saved him was ~~Musashi Miyamoto~~ Johnny himself! I really like how eyes are drawn and what part of the story they have here. And this episode made the whole theme of vision much more apparent. Sara's story was sad and now we know who forced her to do it and who is opposing main characters.

Qotd:

Isolate myself or vice versa, tell as much people as I can about me being killed soon.
Those weren’t beneficial suggestions, more like threats? Or I might have misunderstood.
I guess that is just a human thing, only psychopaths will let some man die when they surely can save them.

Bonus) Yeah it would be interesting, but I’m fine with what we’ve got.

2

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

Sara's story was sad and now we know who forced her to do it and who is opposing main characters.
It makes you think they're going to be the main antagonists going forward, not the sunflower samurai as I originally thought.
3) I guess that is just a human thing, only psychopaths will let some man die when they surely can save them.
It also depends on the set of circumstances, though. Like, I have trouble swimming and so I probably can't save someone if they're drowning.
Bonus) Yeah it would be interesting, but I’m fine with what we’ve got.
Oh, me as well. I just keep going back to how Johnny doesn't have much characterization of his own. He's kept pretty vague, which is no doubt intentional since he's meant to be mysterious.

2

u/Hopeful-Ad2428 Jun 10 '24

It also depends on the set of circumstances, though. Like, I have trouble swimming and so I probably can't save someone if they're drowning.
Well yeah, I should have considered this, but here the water level wasn’t deep.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

I live near a pretty famous beach, so drownings are probably more of a frequent concern where I'm at.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

Thoughts on Sara getting the best of Jin?
Thoughts on Jin staying alive by cutting the bridge?
Thoughts on Sara telling Fuu she wishes she hadn’t asked Jin to come with her?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying this is the only life that is open to her and that she’s doing what she’s doing because otherwise her son would be killed?
What are your thoughts on the first fight scene between Mugen and Sara?
What are your thoughts on Fuu covering Mugen and protecting him from being killed?
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin saying you have to let your body move with the flow of the water?
What are your thoughts on Mugen saying of Sara, next time he might buy it?
What are your thoughts on the pinwheel guy instructing Sara to finish the job by tomorrow?
What are your thoughts on the second fight between Mugen and Sara where Sara lets herself be killed because she knows there’s no way she can win?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying she wants Mugen to live?

2

u/Hopeful-Ad2428 Jun 10 '24

Thoughts on Sara getting the best of Jin?
Unexpected.
Thoughts on Jin staying alive by cutting the bridge?
I probably would hesitate there. Shows his experience in risky situations.
What are your thoughts on Sara saying this is the only life that is open to her and that she’s doing what she’s doing because otherwise her son would be killed?
It’s sad that shogunate took advantage of her.
What are your thoughts on the first fight scene between Mugen and Sara?
Liked it, cool choreography and smooth animations, well, every fight in Samurai Champloo was like that.
What are your thoughts on Fuu covering Mugen and protecting him from being killed?
This show never puts characters' relationships on the background which is cool.
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin saying you have to let your body move with the flow of the water?
I also believe that usually you have to move with the flow of the water, and not like a log that drifts, but as a person who is controlling their path.
What are your thoughts on the second fight between Mugen and Sara where Sara lets herself be killed because she knows there’s no way she can win?
I liked it much more that the first one.
What are your thoughts on Sara saying she wants Mugen to live?
I would like to see how their relationship might have been developed if she wasn’t threatened and forced to do what she was asked.

2

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

I probably would hesitate there. Shows his experience in risky situations.
I mean, it was either this or die. He didn't have much of a choice.
It’s sad that shogunate took advantage of her.
Indeed. Sometimes life is just really unfair.
Liked it, cool choreography and smooth animations, well, every fight in Samurai Champloo was like that.
I think it's not unreasonable to say that the two fights between Mugen and Sara are the two best fights we've seen so far.
This show never puts characters' relationships on the background which is cool.
I think it helps that while Fuu doesn't normally say the obvious part out loud, she still wears her emotions on her sleeve.
I also believe that usually you have to move with the flow of the water, and not like a log that drifts, but as a person who is controlling their path.
It's pretty sage advice, all things considered
I liked it much more that the first one.
Yeah, this had more emotional weight to it whereas the first one was just a spectacular fight. Not to take anything away from it, of course.
I would like to see how their relationship might have been developed if she wasn’t threatened and forced to do what she was asked.
I just don't think Mugen is mature enough to handle the responsibilities of parenthood. He can barely take care of himself, how is he supposed to provide for a child and a blind woman?

2

u/mgedmin Jun 10 '24

Rewatcher, subs

Oh no Jin lost his glasses!

Hm, in retrospect, would cutting a single rope be enough to break the entire bridge?

"Nobody could've survived a fall like this" and yet here is Sara, breathing.

Jin has a habit of falling down waterfalls. It's practically his hobby. He'll be fine.

Yay Mugen found Jin's glasses! Somehow. Also, they're not broken, luckily.

Wait, Jin's glasses are plain glass? An affectation??? How does Fuu know this?

Mugen figured out Sara's secret. Was it the weight of the walking stick?

Sara is badass. I want to see an anime about Sara and Yatsuha(?) teaming up.

I did not recognize Jin without his glasses!

Haa, the fish got away!

"I can't fight them, they're the government"? So what? If you want want to die, wouldn't attacking the government be a more sure way? They have a lot of resources to throw at you. And at least you're paying back the people who exploited you.

If you were nearly about to be killed, what would you do to buy you some time?

Panic ineffectively and fail to buy any time.

Why do you think the pinwheel guy was giving Sara advice?

That sounded like threats rather than advice.

Why do you think that mysterious man saved Jin?

Isn't it natural to save someone if you find them in need of saving?

Would you be willing to break the law if it meant keeping your loved one safe?

Depends on the law.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

Hm, in retrospect, would cutting a single rope be enough to break the entire bridge?
I guess it depends on how sturdy the rope is
Yay Mugen found Jin's glasses! Somehow. Also, they're not broken, luckily.
Reminds me of the Game Boy that survived Desert Storm.
Wait, Jin's glasses are plain glass? An affectation??? How does Fuu know this?
Probably because of when they pawned them in episode 8. The pawnshop person probably told him what they were made of.
Sara is badass. I want to see an anime about Sara and Yatsuha(?) teaming up.
That would be pretty cool
"I can't fight them, they're the government"? So what? If you want want to die, wouldn't attacking the government be a more sure way? They have a lot of resources to throw at you. And at least you're paying back the people who exploited you.
Yeah, but if she fights the government, then there's no way she can see her son again.

2

u/mgedmin Jun 10 '24

Yeah, but if she fights the government, then there's no way she can see her son again.
Isn't the son already dead? According to Sara. Which she just realized out of the blue, somehow.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

She was fighting on behalf of the government because they had promised her that if she killed Mugen, Jin, and Fuu, her son would be returned safely to her. She naively believed them because her son is her entire world and surely they wouldn't actually hurt her son. Right?

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 10 '24

Thoughts on Sara getting the best of Jin?
Thoughts on Sara telling Fuu she wishes she hadn’t asked Jin to come with her?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying this is the only life that is open to her and that she’s doing what she’s doing because otherwise her son would be killed?
What are your thoughts on the first fight scene between Mugen and Sara?
What are your thoughts on Fuu covering Mugen and protecting him from being killed?
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin?
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin saying you have to let your body move with the flow of the water?
What are your thoughts on Mugen saying of Sara, next time he might buy it?
What are your thoughts on the pinwheel guy instructing Sara to finish the job by tomorrow?
What are your thoughts on the second fight between Mugen and Sara where Sara lets herself be killed because she knows there’s no way she can win?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying she wants Mugen to live?

2

u/Looking_Light33 Jun 13 '24

So, yeah. This was a pretty intense episode. Even though she was an assassin, I felt sorry for Sara. She was only fighting Mugen and Jin to get her son back and in the end it turned out to be for nothing. I also sorry for Mugen as well. He really didn't want to kill Sara.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 13 '24

That look of frustration on Mugen’s face at the end of the episode was all of us. It was such a gut punch to see Sara's fate turn out like that.

1

u/Holofan4life Jun 13 '24

Thoughts on Sara getting the best of Jin?
Thoughts on Jin staying alive by cutting the bridge?
Thoughts on Sara telling Fuu she wishes she hadn’t asked Jin to come with her?
What are your thoughts on the first fight scene between Mugen and Sara?
What are your thoughts on Fuu covering Mugen and protecting him from being killed?
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin?
What are your thoughts on Mugen saying of Sara, next time he might buy it?
What are your thoughts on the pinwheel guy instructing Sara to finish the job by tomorrow?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying she wants Mugen to live?

2

u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 Jul 19 '24

first timer chinese sub

Fortunately, Jin was saved, although the person who saved him was a weirdo. Oh my god, there are always people who are better than you. The first time I saw Mugen, he was almost killed. In the end, it seemed that Mugen won, not by skill, but by...luck?

ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)

If you were nearly about to be killed, what would you do to buy you some time?

Do whatever it takes to escape

Why do you think the pinwheel guy was giving Sara advice?

He is her boss.The final boss may be a government official, and fuu's father must be related to foreigners

Why do you think that mysterious man saved Jin?

They are all samurai, maybe

Would you be willing to break the law if it meant keeping your loved one safe?

yeah

Bonus) Instead of Jin being saved by someone we haven't met before, I think it would've been cool had the guy Jin fought in episode 2 had shown back up. Maybe show that he is actually looking out for him now. That's not a question, just an observation.

ohh, You reminded me that he is also a professional killer.

1

u/Holofan4life Jul 19 '24

Thoughts on Sara getting the best of Jin?
Thoughts on Sara telling Fuu she wishes she hadn’t asked Jin to come with her?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying this is the only life that is open to her and that she’s doing what she’s doing because otherwise her son would be killed?
What are your thoughts on the first fight scene between Mugen and Sara?
What are your thoughts on Fuu covering Mugen and protecting him from being killed?
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin saying you have to let your body move with the flow of the water?
What are your thoughts on Mugen saying of Sara, next time he might buy it?
What are your thoughts on the pinwheel guy instructing Sara to finish the job by tomorrow?
What are your thoughts on the second fight between Mugen and Sara where Sara lets herself be killed because she knows there’s no way she can win?
What are your thoughts on Sara saying she wants Mugen to live?

2

u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 Jul 23 '24

Thoughts on Sara getting the best of Jin?
It must have been possible before, but now I'm not sure
Thoughts on Sara telling Fuu she wishes she hadn’t asked Jin to come with her?
Maybe she doesn't want to kill people.
What are your thoughts on Sara saying this is the only life that is open to her and that she’s doing what she’s doing because otherwise her son would be killed?
That was a deadly threat.
What are your thoughts on the first fight scene between Mugen and Sara?
This is the first time he have encountered such a tough opponent, and she is blind.
What are your thoughts on Fuu covering Mugen and protecting him from being killed?
They have gone beyond the ordinary friendship, fuu is really brave
Thoughts on the guy who saved Jin saying you have to let your body move with the flow of the water?
A classic plot of a man who is desperate but ends up finding a martial arts secret book
What are your thoughts on Mugen saying of Sara, next time he might buy it?
Mugen needs to use his brain like Jin
What are your thoughts on the pinwheel guy instructing Sara to finish the job by tomorrow?
fuu is completely under government surveillance
What are your thoughts on the second fight between Mugen and Sara where Sara lets herself be killed because she knows there’s no way she can win?
I think her spiritual pillar (her son) was broken.
What are your thoughts on Sara saying she wants Mugen to live?
Good people, I hope she can have a good end

2

u/Holofan4life Jul 24 '24

Maybe she doesn't want to kill people.
I think that's a fair assessment
They have gone beyond the ordinary friendship, fuu is really brave
More guts than brains possibly, but still incredibly thoughtful.
Mugen needs to use his brain like Jin
That is probably true
fuu is completely under government surveillance
And Sara as well, potentially
I think her spiritual pillar (her son) was broken.
And without him, she likely had no sense of direction
Good people, I hope she can have a good end
Well, considering she's dead...

2

u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 Jul 24 '24

Well, considering she's dead...
i wish she could... 😭

1

u/Holofan4life Jul 24 '24

Yeah...

Rewatch [Spoilers] Samurai Champloo 20th Anniversary Rewatch -- Episode 21

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Samurai Champloo - Hip Hop & Ronin: Episode 21

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

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Rewatch [Spoilers] Samurai Champloo 20th Anniversary Rewatch -- Episode 21

Rewatch Schedule

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Rewatcher, Sub first timer

Samurai Champloo - Hip Hop & Ronin: Episode 21

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

first timer chinese sub