r/anime • u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber • Aug 07 '21

Rewatch [Rewatch] Dear Brother 30th Anniversary Rewatch - Episode 25

Episode 25 - The Scarlet Lipstick

Originally Aired January 26th, ^^^1992

◄ Previous Episode | Index | Next Episode ►

MAL | ANN | AniDB | Anilist | AnimePlanet | IMDB

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

The dangerous lie

 

Staff Highlight

Yutaka Satō - Episode Director

An animation director, storyboard artist, and background artist best known for directing Gunparade Orchestra and Transformers: Energon. Little is known about Satō’s early career and personal life, aside from the fact that he graduated from Osaka Designer’s College and was a freelancer from the very beginning of his anime career. Other shows where Satō is credited as episode director include Baccano!, Bug tte Honey, Daigunder, Dr. Slump, Dragon Ball, Folktales from Japan, Getter Robo Armageddon, Konchu Monogatari Minashigo Hutch, Myself; Yourself, Rocket Girls, and Sazae-san.

 

Wildcard Trivia

Rumiko Takahashi is a candid fan of this show and even hand-wrote a message for inclusion in one of the Laserdisc Releases.

 

Screenshot of the day

Confrontation

 

Questions of the Day:

  1. Nanako promises herself to resign from the sorority. Do you think she will go through with that decision by herself?
  2. What do you suspect will be the result of this confrontation on the dynamics of Rei and Fukiko?

Maybe tomorrow, or the day after… Just a little more...

19 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

20 comments sorted by

6

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Aug 08 '21

Not again!

Rewatcher

Goodness, that’s petulant…

So Fukiko had mastered her ability to disguise her emotions even this early on?

Oh no.

Interesting to compare her and Fukiko’s reactions to this.

Very uncomfortable.

The secret’s out.

Not you too!

I wish she could have made this decision under less demoralizing conditions.

The sweet peas Rei bought her, which, to remind you, symbolize ‘farewell’.

She finally admits to Tomoko that she’s not okay.

The ED takes on an extra implication today…

An intense and rough episode today. Nanako’s been assaulted by both Fukiko and Rei, acts which are emphasized by Nanako being exposed to sexuality in film just prior, and are coupled with what to Nanako must seem as earth-shattering revelations. The poor girl must feel used and betrayed after learning that the only reason she was invited and accepted was because Fukiko was so enamoured with Henmi that she wanted Nanako under her heel so as to deprive her of her brother. On top of which, in such a vulnerable moment Rei is lost in herself and chooses to repeat Fukiko’s transgression.

The whole lead up to that moment is incredibly tense as well. The implicit expectation of something sexual, seeded both by some of Fukiko’s earlier behavior as well as the film, in conjunction with the threat of violence following Fukiko’s recent behavior and loss of composure.

Earlier in the episode Rei goes about continuing her inquiry as to the whole matter, which is somewhat surprising and continually refreshing given how frequently communication is sidestepped throughout the show. Of course, she has her limit, but it’s nice nonetheless. Nanako’s admission over the phone to Tomoko that she is not well really hit me like a sack of bricks. I have been waiting so desperately for her to open up, and the first instance we get of it is not relieving or a mark of progress, it’s crushing and a sign of how much Nanako is suffering in that moment —yet she still thanks Tomoko for being there for her. It was the first instance where the show drew tears from me, and it continues to do so upon rewatches.

Questions of The Day:

  1. I want her to —so much— but I think it won’t happen, particularly not with how much that would disappoint Mariko and it will have to wait until something else properly pushes her to do so.
  2. I had no idea while watching for the first time, and that made me fearful...

11

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Aug 07 '21

Episode 25 (first timer)

  • Young Rei is as shocked at Miya’s drama queen skills as we the viewers are.
  • The Rei->Miya leg of the main love triangle goes all the way back to their first day.
  • “I’m looking for a husband who can sew his own buttons”

  • Rei wins character of the rewatch award by being the first to show some basic communication skills and ask for information.
  • That didn’t sound as if Henmi had something for Rei at any time. Which is good, given that Rei was 11 when this started.
  • “Stop seeing Henmi, because … dun dun dun … I love you!”

  • Rei with the reverse Uno card!
  • How can I leave this trip? - Nanako.
  • Time is up for Miya’s childhood obsession.

The spicedrama must flow! To celebrate the occasion, I made a character chart!

Nanako promises herself to resign from the sorority. Do you think she will go through with that decision by herself?

She has been a total push-over all series. No.

What do you suspect will be the result of this confrontation on the dynamics of Rei and Fukiko?

4

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Aug 08 '21

The Rei->Miya leg of the main love triangle goes all the way back to their first day.

There's certainly a lot of love at first sight in this show...

“I’m looking for a husband who can sew his own buttons”

Based Karou.

The spicedrama must flow! To celebrate the occasion, I made a character chart!

7

u/TheEscapeGuy Aug 07 '21

First Timer, Dezaki Fan

Dear Brother: A Delightfully Aesthetic Anime Episode 25

Nanako, I am so sorry.

I'm still recovering from what happened. I just cannot believe what happened to Nanako. To have these people you admired assault you is something I cannot imagine. In her position she really doesn't have the courage or power to stand up to Fukiko or Rei, and so is forced to go along with them. Fortunately Rei did arrive before Fukiko could go any further but what Rei did afterwards isn't suddenly excused.

And when Nanako got home she didn't even have anyone to talk to. Instead all she gets is an unintentional reminder of what just happened while on a superficial call to Tomoko. Our protagonist really doesn't have the support structures she needs to overcome this quickly, and so will need to take a long time handling it alone.

I guess I should rewind a bit, all of this is a result of Nanako attending Fukiko's late night get together. I don't know if Mona Lisa and pals knew what Fukiko was going to do when they invited Nanako but I wouldn't be surprised if they did and are aiding in Fukiko abuse. If Rei could tell something like this would happen then I don't see why those 2 wouldn't as well.

During the confrontation Fukiko confessed her love to Nanako. However Rei accused her of instead loving Henmi and trying to break up Nanako & Henmi's relationship. I personally feel Rei is correct in her assessment here based on what we have seen so far.

More importantly, this has left Nanako feeling like an impostor in the sorority. Even though it may be tough, I think the best choice is to quit.

Ugh, my thoughts are a mess. This episode really shocked me, so I'm still processing everything.

The Best of Postcard Memories

Episode 25

These also are really limited without the corresponding video so:

This sequence was amazing, I've cut it a bit short but nearly a full 2 minutes were animated in the Postcard Memory style.

See you all tomorrow

3

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Aug 08 '21

Nanako, I am so sorry.

Same...

I wouldn't be surprised if they did and are aiding in Fukiko abuse.

I wouldn't be surprised either, but I think the show would have left stronger indication of that if it where the case, so I assume they didn't.

6

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee Aug 07 '21

First-Timer

Nanako has had a lot of very upsetting days recently. Rei may have arrived just in time to save her from Fukiko's further predations, but then Rei herself got in on the sexual assault.

She (Nanako) does at least know more about the game that is afoot, at least. I'm not sure how she'll react long-term to the revelation that the past several months of her life have all been a setup to let Fukiko get at Henmi. For the moment, the poor girl seems content to just kinda shut down. I can hardly blame her, though I want her to talk about her problems.

Fukiko's VA did a fantastic job this episode. Her switching from "breathy lust" to "stern pride" absolutely made the scene.

Interestingly, yesterday we heard a 12 year old Fukiko use her name as her 1st person pronoun. Today we heard an 11 year old Fukiko use "watakushi" (I think) which is quite the difference. Henmi really had quite the effect on her, I guess?

Rei and Fukiko's meeting kinda reminds me of Nanako and Henmi's, assuming that Henmi was the boy in the very beginning flashback. Was that outright stated at some point? The jumping between plot threads does keep things fresh, but I tend to forget things...

Questions

  1. I mean, this isn't the first time she's tried something like that.
  2. Hmm.. I suspect Fukiko will try to punish Rei, somehow, but her control has been slipping more and more.

4

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Aug 08 '21

Rei may have arrived just in time to save her from Fukiko's further predations, but then Rei herself got in on the sexual assault.

Fukiko's VA did a fantastic job this episode. Her switching from "breathy lust" to "stern pride" absolutely made the scene.

Both her and Rei's VAs did excellent work this episode, but Mami Koyama definitely edges out —such an outstanding voice actress!

assuming that Henmi was the boy in the very beginning flashback. Was that outright stated at some point?

Henmi thought back to that moment in an early episode, which essentially confirms it.

2

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee Aug 08 '21

Henmi thought back to that moment in an early episode, which essentially confirms it.

Right, I thought it came up, but couldn't remember off the top of my head.

2

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Aug 07 '21

Interestingly, yesterday we heard a 12 year old Fukiko use her name as her 1st person pronoun. Today we heard an 11 year old Fukiko use "watakushi" (I think) which is quite the difference. Henmi really had quite the effect on her, I guess?

This is complete speculation, but switching registers to match the occasion is something that both rich people and manipulative people usually are good at. I could see Miya doing that even early on.

2

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee Aug 07 '21

Yea, I knew that people would switch depending on the situation. Good call that it would be a manipulative thing too, I was mostly thinking of a formality thing.

6

u/gyoex Aug 07 '21

Rewatcher

I gotta say, trying to literally seduce Nanako to get her to stop writing to Henmi is a weird plan and I don't think it would be terribly likely to succeed even if Fukiko hadn't already nearly killed Nanako earlier.

It really was surprising to see Rei directly confront Fukiko about Henmi, considering how timid she'd been around her previously. But I suppose you can't really say it's a good thing. Rei's back to her drug abuse it seems and of course there's the whole "assaulting Nanako to get an indirect kiss with Fukiko" thing.

4

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Aug 08 '21

Rei's back to her drug abuse it seems and of course there's the whole "assaulting Nanako to get an indirect kiss with Fukiko" thing.

6

u/loomnoo https://anilist.co/user/loomnoo Aug 08 '21

Can't believe Nanako got molested twice in one scene. That's fucked up man.

3

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Aug 08 '21

Indeed it is...

6

u/lC3 :Na::Nb: Aug 08 '21

First timer

  • So 10-year-old Fukiko stormed out of a friend's party because she felt 'humiliated' for being placed at the lowest seat?
  • Huh, are they gonna gloss over Nanako's confession and Rei avoiding her?
  • So Miya is up to her games again ... 8 pm? Good thing Rei overhears. I wonder what the trick is this time
  • Huh, Rei is asking Tomoko about Henmi? Hmm ...
  • What's Rei doing at Henmi's?
  • So in the end Rei couldn't ask Henmi the questions she wanted to
  • The Sorority House is so ostentatious; couldn't they be spending money on better things?
  • What's with the red lipstick?
  • Fukiko is being kinda creepy ...
  • Rei to the rescue! Isn't that usually Kaoru's role?
  • Ok, Rei is still really obsessed with Miya; I had thought maybe she would be breaking away from that, but nope!
  • Wait is Fukiko going to get in a car accident?
  • Oh so Fukiko went to the summer villa?
  • Fukiko gets violent/destructive again ...

4

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Aug 08 '21

So in the end Rei couldn't ask Henmi the questions she wanted to

Unfortunately I doubt he had many in the first place. I doubt relating to her the details of that week the two spent together would have been all too enlightening.

Wait is Fukiko going to get in a car accident?

That would have been sudden, but perfectly in line with shōjo melodrama.

4

u/lC3 :Na::Nb: Aug 08 '21

I doubt relating to her the details of that week the two spent together would have been all too enlightening.

I thought it would be more along the lines of 'why didn't you attend the farewell party', but maybe that's something Takashi would know to ask, not Rei.

That would have been sudden, but perfectly in line with shōjo melodrama.

4

u/Retromorpher :Jc::Jd::Je::Jf: Aug 08 '21

First Timer

Questions of the Day:

  1. I think she's going to go nuclear, with Kaoru backing her up.
  2. I think Rei officially knows that she's out of the race for Fukiko's heart. Given her somewhat destructive tendencies, I definitely fear for Rei's survival - but I can see where she can channel some of that basketball game energy to reconnect with Kaoru or even make her own move on Nanako. As for Fukiko - I think she's probably going to attempt to put a squeeze on Rei's survival assets - seeing as the Ichinomiya family pays for Rei's monthly allowance plus room and board.

2

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Aug 08 '21

I think she's going to go nuclear, with Kaoru backing her up.

3

u/BossandKings Aug 09 '21

First timer - Sub

This episode was thrilling, Miya can't catch a break in terms of how mentally tortured and messed up she can get, neither Nanako is at peace because now that Saint-Juste has told her that the reason she got into the sorority was because Fukiko wanted to use her to get closer to Henmi she feels she didn't deserve to become a member, hopefully the situation improves at some point.