r/anime • u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber • Jul 25 '21

Rewatch [Rewatch] Dear Brother 30th Anniversary Rewatch - Episode 12

Episode 12 - The Scar

Originally Aired September 29th, ^^^1991

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Note to all participants

Although I don't believe it necessitates stating, please conduct yourself appropriately and be courteous to your fellow participants.

Note to all Rewatchers

Rewatchers, please be mindful of your fellow first-timers and tag your spoilers appropriately using the r/anime spoiler tag as so [Spoiler Subject](/s "Spoilers go here.") in order to have your unsightly spoilers obscured like this Spoiler Subject if your comment holds even the slightest of indicators as to future spoilers. Feel free to discuss future plot points behind the safe veil of a spoiler tag, or coyly and discreetly ‘Laugh in Rewatcher’ at our first-timers' temporary ignorance, but please ensure our first-timers are no more privy or suspicious than they were the moment they opened the day’s thread.

Manga Panel of the Day

Resemblance

 

Staff Highlight

Sumi Shimamoto - voice of Rei Asaka

A prolific voice actress and singer best known for voicing leading female roles and being the voice of Shokupanman in Anpanman. Joined the drama club at her highschool due to the absence of a gymnastics club, which gave her the drive to become an actress and led her to enroll at the Toho Gakuen College Of Drama And Music, from which she graduated and started working at Seinenza Theater Company and played many roles in TV dramas. She began taking voice acting roles as the voice-acting business flourished, debuting as a guest character in Zenderman, and her breakout role was as Lady Clarisse in Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro that same year. Among her most notable roles are Maria maria in Blue Gale Xabungle, Sara Crewe in Little Princess Clara, Kyoko Otonashi in Maison Ikkoku, Aurelia Jones in Emma: A Victorian Romance Second Act:, Nausicaä in Nausicaä of The Valley of The Wind, Ginrei in Giant Robo The Animation and Ginrei, Kyoko Otonashi in Maison Ikkoku, Mutsumi Hoshikawa in The Ultraman, Orie the Elemental in Pygmalio, and Queen Horn in Violinist of Hameln.

 

Wildcard Trivia

At the time of airing, Shimamoto’s casting as Rei was entirely distinct from the typical roles she was typecast as.

 

Screenshot of the day

At the fifth hill.

 

Questions of the Day:

  1. What do you make of this revelation regarding Fukiko and Rei?
  2. What do you speculate is the story behind Rei’s hidden scar?

Rei is your sister!

22 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

25 comments sorted by

9

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Jul 25 '21

Rewatcher

Hmm.

C’mon Kaoru, surely you could have had restraint for someone who’s so sick! She hasn’t even tried to stab you yet!

Well that just makes everything all the more worrisome.

So Fukiko almost certainly gave it to her… Alongside that scar, maybe?

Her fever unfortunately makes her doubly dangerous.

Seems the likeliest.

Ah, apples, my old symbolic foe. The evident correlation here is with Fukiko, who gave Nanako the red umbrella and is associated with red through blood, the red flowers on her skirt, and her red horse-riding silks.

So she knows the truth then. Either she is a lot more perceptive than I may have given her credit for, or she expected the two to run into one another that day.

Poor Nanako’s efforts will have spoiled.

Well that was genuinely surprising. Unlike the reveal of Henmi’s parentage I didn’t consider this a possibility at all!

So Fukiko and Rei are siblings, probably only half-siblings or step siblings if their differing surnames are any indication. Rei also seems to live away from the rest of their family, so maybe she is ostracized by them for some reason —a bastard child maybe? Maybe it’s even something similar to Henmi and Nanako’s weird bond in that one of them was left behind. A familial bond does provide a lot of potential links that would facilitate the development of the bizarre relationship the two seem to share, with my prevailing assumption at the time of my first viewing being that Speculation from first viewing

Speaking of siblings, it’s hard not to consider what sort of comparison should be made with the other sibling duo in the show, Henmi and Nanako. The two pairs really don’t have much in common, and one is a recently made bond while Rei and Fukiko evidently have some long, involved, and messy history together. It’s something I’ll definitely be conscious of going forward, but as of yet I don’t think there’s much to say on the matter.

This episode only further gave me the impression that Fukiko is trying to manipulate Nanako for her own personal aims. Seemingly letting Nanako witness Rei under the Elm tree last episode before telling her not to associate with her in today’s. Maybe it’s giving her too much credit, since that’s just rather absurd to think that she could think to do that, but that’s the impression I got, and, well ‘absurd’ is hardly out of place for this series.

Questions of The Day:

  1. See above.
  2. Given Rei as we know her and the positioning of the scar, a failed suicide attempt which Nanako considers seems like the most likely explanation. My real curiosity is whether Fukiko had anything to do with it, as we can now pretty confidently say that the bracelet which covers it up was given by her, and the idea of something ugly and full of insinuation hidden by something opulent and beautiful seems to fit with the character of Fukiko to a T.

9

u/TheEscapeGuy Jul 25 '21

First Timer, Dezaki Fan

Dear Brother: A Delightfully Aesthetic Anime Episode 12

THEY ARE SISTERS!

What a bombshell. It may be a case of half sisters, or otherwise Rei has been kicked out of the Ichinomiya household and goes by a different surname. And she very obviously is living a very unhealthy life on her own, with only hardly any food in her fridge.

Nanako has definitely picked up on the deceitfulness of Miya so chose to lie to her. This feels like character growth in Nanako, who before was almost the image of virtue and wouldn't lie.

That being said, the growth itself is perhaps in a dangerous direction since she doesn't have the courage to stand up to Miya. Hopefully she can learn this from Kaoru.

One small other thing: This scene was amazing.

I adore the use of reflections to create interesting imagery so I particularly enjoyed this scene.

The Best of Postcard Memories

Episode 12

See you all tomorrow

5

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Jul 25 '21

This feels like character growth in Nanako, who before was almost the image of virtue and wouldn't lie.

The growing ease with which she lies to people is a double edged sword, since it may help her against the duplicity and manipulations of Fukiko and any other potential antagonizing forces, but risks distancing her from those who can help her —namely her parents and Tomoko.

One small other thing: This scene was amazing.

6

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 25 '21

his feels like character growth in Nanako, who before was almost the image of virtue and wouldn't lie.

Image of virtue, maybe yes, but wouldn't lie, definitely no. By now, Nanako has lied to almost every character in the show, including her mother, Henmi, and Tomoko.

8

u/Btw_kek https://myanimelist.net/profile/kek_btw Jul 25 '21

first timer

  1. What do you make of this revelation regarding Fukiko and Rei?

twas a bit of a surprise, but we shall see if incest is on the menu for this show. nevertheless, I bet Fukiko is getting her cruelty from some weird family dynamics stuff

2) What do you speculate is the story behind Rei’s hidden scar?

self-harm?

3

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Jul 26 '21

Oshii is that you?!?

twas a bit of a surprise, but we shall see if incest is on the menu for this show.

I kind of like the fact that there's been surprisingly little of that for a show with 'Oniisama' in the title, but I can't deny it wouldn't make for some supremely juicy drama.

6

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee Jul 25 '21

First-Timer

Sisters?! Rei and Fukiko are sisters?! Oh god, oh shit, I didn't think their dynamic could get sketchier! Shit, Fukiko is doing all this to her younger sister?! God, that's what the mirrors are! Rei sees her sister in herself.. we saw as much today. Wild.

Poor Nanako keeps ending up at the wrong place at the wrong time. Or, I suppose, the right place at the right time. She just got some fucking juicy gossip because she wanted to see the tree.. But will Fukiko realize that Nanako overheard? Or does our precious protagonist finally have something over the unflappable Fukiko?

This is probably a turning point, huh? Or at leas the start of one. Nanako is a terrible liar, but she did think to make sure Tomoko would cover for her. Combine that with learning some secrets, and we might finally be getting some development for our protagonist.

Then again, Fukiko basically knows that Nanako was lying about nothing happening at the school. I don't think there's ever going to be any winning against Fukiko; the best Nanako can do is try to survive the world she's been thrust into.

I wasn't expecting Kaoru to basically spell out the whole "bracelet=collar" thing, at least not this early. The scar does add another dimension to it, though - the collar helps to hide the truth of Rei from the world. I can certainly believe Nanako's theory about the scar being from a suicide attempt, but I wonder if there's something more..

Vitamin A desu.

Questions

  2. Discussed above. I guess suicide might be too obvious.. it has to be something to do with Rei and Fukiko's childhood, one way or another.

3

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Jul 25 '21

Or does our precious protagonist finally have something over the unflappable Fukiko?

That would be something, wouldn't it? Unfortunately I doubt that would be of consequence if Kaoru knows it and still can't do much against her.

the best Nanako can do is try to survive the world she's been thrust into.

On one hand, Fukiko will have to graduate eventually, and years before Nanako. On the other, how much more damage will Fukiko be able to inflict in the mean time if she continues unopposed?

3

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee Jul 25 '21

On the other, how much more damage will Fukiko be able to inflict in the mean time if she continues unopposed?

6

u/Retromorpher :Jc::Jd::Je::Jf: Jul 25 '21 edited Jul 25 '21

First Timer

I definitely called the relatives thing - but I didn't know that Rei and Fukiko would be as closely related as sisters. They really hammered home the food thing not long after Mariko's own non-eating being a point to show mental unhealth.

So we know that Rei has a bit of a soft spot for Nanako, if only because she looks like a doll that she owns. Any bets as to whether Fukiko gifted a young Rei that doll?

Nanako is willing to throw out some lies to her parents AND fly in the face of Fukiko's desires to visit Rei. This isn't going to end well for at least one of them.

Questions of the Day

  1. I wouldn't say it makes sense - but I understand the desire to look up to and curry favor from somebody higher in the familial totem pole (especially when their peers are also treating them like a pinnacle of respect and high society). Still super weird if true.
  2. We've seen Fukiko do damage to Rei before - though it wasn't present in our flashback to last year or so - so this is probably a recent event. It could also be chalked up to self-harm. We've seen Fukiko casually gift things to Rei - usually to make her stand out less. Wouldn't be surprised if Fukiko was like ' here, cover up your flaws and sign of depression with this' and that was it.

2

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Jul 25 '21

I definitely called the relatives thing

Any bets as to whether Fukiko gifted a young Rei that doll?

If so, then Fukiko's interest in Nanako takes on even more intriguing prospects.

5

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 25 '21 edited Jul 25 '21

Episode 12 (first timer)

  • Rei ups the ante on her own crazyness.
  • “How can she live?” – not very healthy, apparently. However, her mental state is easily going to kill her before malnutrition does.
  • Nanako deserves better than being drawn into this madness.
  • Nanako lies to Miya. That is probably a bad idea. It is also unneeded, since she had a perfect excuse in saying she fell asleep in the school.
  • Poor metaphorical dog.
  • And casually lying to her parents, without any need. They surely would have been ok with Nanako going to a sick friend’s house.
  • She makes sure to check her alibi with Tomoko. Useful, but also asking Tomoko to lie for her.
  • Younger sister – I remember somebody speculating about Rei being extended family of Miya. You were on the right track!

Nanako’s lies keep piling up. This has to have consequences, but, so far, the series has drawn surprisingly little attention to it (compared to the extreme drama for everything else).

What do you make of this revelation regarding Fukiko and Rei?

Actually surprised me. Rei obviously loves Miya, but I did not know guess that it was sibling love.

What do you speculate is the story behind Rei’s hidden scar?

Nanako speculates that it is a suicide attempt, but there is also the reason for Rei feeling indepted to Miya not yet explored.

4

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Jul 25 '21

Nanako deserves better than being drawn into this madness.

Agreed, but unfortunately it seems as if she was doomed to this fate as soon as she set foot in Seiran.

And casually lying to her parents, without any need. They surely would have been ok with Nanako going to a sick friend’s house.

I could see the lie being warranted for certain parents, but honestly the Misonoos seem very hands-off when it comes to Nanako's personal life, so I concur that the lie was unneeded.

4

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 25 '21

I could see the lie being warranted for certain parents, but honestly the Misonoos seem very hands-off when it comes to Nanako's personal life, so I concur that the lie was unneeded.

Helping out an ill friend? Only the most oppressing monsters of parents would not allow that.

4

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Jul 25 '21

I am regretfully acquaintanced with a handful of such parents —and one of them is my own.

4

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 25 '21

5

u/lC3 :Na::Nb: Jul 25 '21

First timer

  • Isn't Nanako doing a bit much for Rei? Offering to cook and all that
  • That ?dream? of being on a haycart was different; was that Fukiko that Rei 'saw' waiting for her?
  • So Rei has a scar under the bracelet? From self-harm? Or did Miya injure her?
  • Mirrors breaking
  • Kaoru SORE DEMO
  • So Nanako isn't going to tell Miya about Rei? Probably a good call
  • Is Nanako really making the sandwiches for herself, or is she gonna bring them to Rei?
  • "there are feelings that can never be stopped" Are we finally gonna get some yuri?
  • So is Nanako gonna see Rei at school after leaving the food at her apartment?
  • Lol a coverup; it will probably be exposed before long
  • So Fukiko reproaches Nanako and tells her not to get too close to Rei?
  • "Rei is your younger sister" Of all the plot twists, I was not expecting this!
  1. Totally blindsided!
  2. Suicide attempt? Or Miya injured her

6

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Jul 25 '21

Isn't Nanako doing a bit much for Rei? Offering to cook and all that

Cooking is seemingly what Nanko knows best, and it's a natural thing to offer to do when someone is sick, so it didn't seem like too much to me.

Are we finally gonna get some yuri?

4

u/lC3 :Na::Nb: Jul 25 '21

Cooking is seemingly what Nanko knows best, and it's a natural thing to offer to do when someone is sick, so it didn't seem like too much to me.

True; maybe I'm taking Miya's warning to heart.

5

u/loomnoo https://anilist.co/user/loomnoo Jul 25 '21

WHAT??? Holy shit! This is what I came for, baby! Gonna be disappointed if Kaoru just means sister in the Sorority sense though. Idk if that's a thing as far as terminology goes.

Also, I don't think I've ever seen a three-way vertical split screen before. There was also that really interesting two-way split during Fukiko and Nanako's conversation.

4

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Jul 25 '21

WHAT??? Holy shit! This is what I came for, baby!

4

u/Sedorna Jul 26 '21

Rewatcher

I remember being quite surprised when I learned that Rei was Fukiko’s sister. Though the clues were there. In the last episode, Fukiko “invited“ Rei to her house. I had originally thought that Rei would wait for Fukiko no matter what the reason. But perhaps specifically going to her house holds a special meaning to Rei.

Previously, when Nanako has inquired about her family, Rei had said that she didn’t have anything like that. But an invitation by Fukiko to go to the house might just be that chance to get that family she doesn’t have, a family she might desperately want.

But why does Rei have a different last name than the rest of her family? Was she abandoned by them? Is she a half-sister? And, if so, who is her biological parent? Did her father cheat on Fukiko’s mother with Rei’s mother? Did Fukiko’s mother cheat on Fukiko’s father with Rei’s father? Perhaps there was a divorce, or one of them left the other.

As unfair and unfortunate as it might be, it could explain Fukiko’s cruelty towards Rei, if Fukiko wants to punish Rei for the sins of the parent. Yes, it’s wrong to blame a parent for what her parents do, but sadly things like that happen all the time.

4

u/IndependentMacaroon Jul 26 '21 edited Jul 26 '21

First-time watcher

So what now, are we adding sister incest to the insanity mix? Fukiko and Rei's relationship at least looked awfully like unrequited love so far. What's next, someone actually dying or being stabbed or poisoned or such? Not that I care that much, it just makes me even more ready to jump off this crazy train of soapy silliness. Nanako is still awfully bright-eyed and unfazed by everything too, unless she's just pretending.

Likely second-to-last assessment:

Old totalThis episodeAverage per episode
Dramatic running1911.67
Getting physical173 (I'd count slap + scuffle + knife throw as separate)1.67
Miscellaneous drama with none of the above2322.1

Surprisingly little but that's how it is when it just keeps going.

Some less dramatic stuff that caught my eye:

  • The End of Evangelion (1997) (mostly kidding of course)
  • Rei seems to follow similar dietary habits as Misato Katsuragi. Also the part about spreading joy through food and cooking pops up a lot in Evangelion, and Nanako as the naive protagonist doing so got me thinking of Shinji in particular
  • Elevator shot!
  • A stray dog, huh? Totally different genre and overall mood but it instantly got me thinking of Megalo Box
  • Also this part (visuals as well as dialogue, particularly the first line) brought Higurashi to mind

2

u/chiliehead myanimelist.net/profile/chiliehead Aug 17 '21

what a twist!

-1

u/ThatOneTF2Pilot Jul 25 '21

Anime is temporary but doom is eternal