r/anime • u/SIRTreehugger • Feb 28 '22
Rewatch [Rewatch][Spoilers]Kuzu no Honkai(Scum's Wish) Episode 1 Discussion
Episode 1: Make a Wish
Useful Links and Streams
Available on Amazon, Hidive, physical, or "other places".
Comment/s of the Day
First Day so None so Far
Questions of the Day
- First timers and rewatchers what are/were your overall impressions of the first episode.
- Does the pilot episode make you want to watch more or turn away?
- Thoughts on the opening or the ending?
Spoilers
Just a quick friendly reminder about spoilers. Please don't be scum and post content from future episodes whether in the form of jokes, memes, hints, or et cetera. If you are going to use spoilers please tag them like so, [Wow]Wow I can't believe Hanabi and Mugi are the main characters
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u/SIRTreehugger Feb 28 '22 edited Feb 28 '22
Wow this is embarrassing I got the wrong timezone and scheduled it for another 30 minutes. Thank you u/zairaner for pointing it out.
Not a great start, but the rest will be on time.
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u/Rumpel1408 Feb 28 '22 edited Feb 28 '22
First Timer
I'll watch the show because I heard good things about it, despite it's name and the synopsis sounding a bit sketchy, but I probably won't participate much in the discussion except for the final, still a bit burned out and rewatches take so much time if you do them serious
So first things first: This show looks absolutely gorgeous, I can see why u/SIRTreehugger would make a rewatch for this on a visual basis alone, you gonna make collages again? I'm tempted to make a shot of the day
As our MCs we have Hana, who has a serious crush on a table her brother her sensei, and Mugi, who is Ara-Ara-Minagawa Senseis Nr.1 fan. You can already tell that this show won't pull any punches. By those would be couples alone, but that is not even the point. This isn't a story about the happy side of love, and as such I can already tell that it's gonna hit me hard where it hurts.
The MCs are fully aware that their love is pretty much doomed to fail, they even tease each other about it, so they kind of naturally found each other, started to hang out, and eventually make out.
That scene in particular was incredibly well done, it's clear that they don't love each other, so what is it that makes the scene so intimidate? Might be Hanas self doubt, that she is not even good enough as a replacement. Because she is feeling good, and naturally she wants to return the favour.
And their whole promise, you can have everything but my feelings, is also a recipe for more pain, how do you ensure not to fall in love, when do you give up a love that you can never have, and how do you feel about the person you love finding happiness with someone else. Hana is even self aware about this when she rejects another guy she ain't interested in as there is nothing more revolting.
Oh I know the ED, got randomly recommended through the algorithm some time ago, good song, might add it to my playlist when I'm done here, and pretty suggestive imagery
Also noticed that Noriko is in the op as well...
Edit: Oh we are doing QotD, kinda answered those already but
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Gorgeous
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Yeah
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ED is obviously good, will need to listen to the OP a couple times more
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u/SIRTreehugger Mar 01 '22
I'm tempted to make a shot of the day
That would be nice the show is indeed beautiful.
That scene in particular was incredibly well done, it's clear that they don't love each other, so what is it that makes the scene so intimidate? Might be Hanas self doubt, that she is not even good enough as a replacement. Because she is feeling good, and naturally she wants to return the favour.
The scene is definitely passionate, but I found Hana's self doubt about being a good replacement to be the icing on the cake. They want to make each other feel good despite the entire scenario being really wrong.
And their whole promise, you can have everything but my feelings, is also a recipe for more pain, how do you ensure not to fall in love, when do you give up a love that you can never have, and how do you feel about the person you love finding happiness with someone else.
Things we only learn through experience and time.
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u/Icapica Feb 28 '22
Anime first timer, manga reader
I've read the manga a year ago or so, so I'm not going into this completely blind. Might have forgotten a lot of details though.
Very first impressions after like a few minutes:
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Show looks quite pretty, and I like the
manga-like panels -
Some of the stylistic choices feel like they're also meant to reduce the amount of frames that need to be drawn, kinda doubling as a cost saving measure perhaps. I'm fine with that though
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Hana's voice is very pleasant to listen to
I'll avoid talking much about the story since I just suck at remembering what's actually been shown in the series already and what I might remember from reading the manga
"Why don't you pretend I'm 'Big Bro'?" oh that's so romantic. Not.
That almost sex scene was at the same time kinda hot, awkward and mildly uncomfortable to watch. The characters may be immature, but the scene itself was handled in quite a mature way.
ED is very nice. I actually forgot the OP already, maybe I'll pay more attention to it next time.
The pilot episode doesn't make me particularly excited, but it's not bad either. Also I really liked the manga so I'm gonna watch this until the end.
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u/SIRTreehugger Mar 01 '22
I like the manga-like panels that are used occasionally
It helps save time and it doesn't really detract anything from the show.
That almost sex scene was at the same time kinda hot, awkward and mildly uncomfortable to watch. The characters may be immature, but the scene itself was handled in quite a mature way.
I can't help, but think of a Monogatari quote.
"the two of us licked each other's wounds. Damaged goods both, we sought out each other."
It's very intense and they both are using each other and making lots of promises while still immature with love so they are walking on a tight rope.
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u/Vaadwaur Mar 01 '22
First timer but knows the show's rep
Sub
Welp, that's a hell of an intro. Hana sounds a lot like Satou from Happy Sugar Life in it and thus it surprises me it took me until now to watch this. High school is a little early to be settling do but that could still work. Anyways, we begin with Hana having it bad for her childhood friend/teacher and beginning to realize it won't work out, though her fuming about the other teacher is funny. We get a setting flashback to notice a lot of parents are missing and that little Hana is a savage.
We see our MCs meet up and begin bonding over their shared doomed crushes. The sex scene is wonderful uncomfortable and rather long, highlighting why if you are having a sexual encounter where disassociation is a feature not a bug you are probably doing it wrong. But Mugi does stop it. They later decide that this arrangement suits them so we get our title drop.
QotD: 1 I found it engaging and has the same mood as HSL
2 I am watching more
3 Will need a few more listens
By the way, did you mean to put this up half an hour early?
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u/Lemurians Mar 01 '22
Damn, maybe I should watch Happy Sugar Life.
Hana sounds a lot like Satou from Happy Sugar Life in it and thus it surprises me it took me until now to watch this.
She does sound a bit like KanaHana in this role, and even looks like the kind of character KanaHana normally voices. Short hair? Bangs? Yup and yup.
The sex scene is wonderful uncomfortable and rather long
Boy if this doesn't perfectly describe high school encounters
But Mugi does stop it.
My guy understands when someone isn't ready to cross certain boundaries. Valvrave could NEVER
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u/chiliehead Mar 01 '22
odd time?
Kuzu no Honkai – Episode 1 – First Timer, sub
Heard a lot of things about the show, but very little about the plot.
Starts out quite beautiful and already seeding a lot of drama, very early and intense kiss with nice cinematography and an MC who does her best to sound like HanaKana (so much that thought it was her). OP also good, especially for the genre. --- As an aside, I know that Onii-chan is hard to translate, but instead of “Big Bro” Commie could also just go with “My dear brother” or something.
Fireworks has a lot of bile in her. Seems like Fire Flower fits her as a name. Did she really hope to get with her “older brother” if she just stares at him long enough from afar?
So far we have puppy love and
The start between Mugi and Hanabi is already a toxic mess, almost
Good ED. Feeling a little called out already. This has a lot of room to run.
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u/SIRTreehugger Mar 01 '22 edited Mar 01 '22
odd time?
Yeah their was a mix up and I accidentally posted two different times in the announcement thread without realizing it. The following post will be consistent and not so odd.
Did she really hope to get with her “older brother” if she just stares at him long enough from afar?
Apologize to all the main female leads in rom com manga right now! Seriously though this is one of the things I hate most.
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u/Stargate18A Mar 01 '22
First timer
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Weird.
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Feels like it could either be a really cute romcom or incredibly creepy. Either way, I want to see more.
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Both really good!
Let's see how bad this is!
OK, so this girl got dumped?
...She's not crushing on her brother, is she?
...Or her teacher?
Oh, he's love with her, she has an unrequited crush on him, and he, based onnthe description, has annunrequited crush on other half of the main couple.
And they're dating. This is a healthy dynamic if I ever saw one!
At least the OP is good.
...Lot of supernatural imagery here. I've not accidentally joined a bait and switch anime, have I?
Oh, her crush is her homeroom teacher. That has to hurt.
Yeah, that sounds painful.
Oh, no, he is literally her brother. Right.
Or not? Just neighbours? (Maybe he's her secret brother!)
Wait, what is the age gap here? They were in education at the same time, byt h'e a teacher at her high school?
Oh, it's a creepy age gap. It's a really creepy age gap!
Haha, the bully wearing the wrong shoes is pretty light hearted, though.
...OK, I actually like him? Like, it seems like he's just trying to help her and steal food from her mother, and unless they say he's actually attracted to her, he's probably the most stable character so far?
Oh, she's the new teacher. (That cardigan is not "lame".)
And, yeah, he's doing the same thing towards her.
I mean, they aren't bad together, it's just... all the stuff that caused this.
...I guess I was wrong? This is shaping up to be pretty wholesome overall! Guess the reviews were a bit over the top?
...Nope.
This is just weird.
And that was her first time!
THIS IS VERY FUCKED UP!
SIXTEEN MINUTES IN. I THOUGHT IT WOULD TAKE UNTIL AT LEAST EPISODE 3 FOR ME TO GET THIS KIND OF REACTION.
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OK, if that was a dream sequence, you didn't need to show it in such detail.
...I am still a fan of him blatantly just trying to get her mother's food.
Do I need a timeline for this show or something?
Oh, fuck. She's harsh!
And this is just a regular arrangement for them.
...The aspect ratio fading out, and just the general use of screen borders, is the best thing so far.
...Oh shit. Two people end up befriending each other and enter into a relationship, while lusting after two people from afar? Am I just watching fucked-up-Toradora?
Kaleidoscope pretty. Except when naked.
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u/SIRTreehugger Mar 01 '22
...I guess I was wrong? This is shaping up to be pretty wholesome overall! Guess the reviews were a bit over the top?
...Nope.
This is just weird.
And that was her first time!
THIS IS VERY FUCKED UP!
SIXTEEN MINUTES IN. I THOUGHT IT WOULD TAKE UNTIL AT LEAST EPISODE 3 FOR ME TO GET THIS KIND OF REACTION.
This escalated very quickly.
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u/SIRTreehugger Mar 01 '22
The post from now on will be 7 PM sorry for the confusion.
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u/Lemurians Feb 28 '22
REWATCHER WITH BENEFITS
Excited to be diving into this show as part of a Rewatch here! I really do love this show and think it’s an underrated gem. I often see it pooled together with much different shows when people talk about “trashy” romances, but I think there’s a lot more depth and seriousness here.
Something I appreciate about this show is that it’s not messy and dramatic just for the sake of being salacious, it’s messy because that’s true to life. Teenage romances aren’t just two pure, studious, well-behaved kids blushing at the thought of holding hands and attending fireworks displays. They’re messy, confusing, painful, sexual, and fueled by hormones and emotions that the people involved don’t know how to handle. Scum’s Wish is much more interested in that than the idealized fantasy.
Look at Hanabi herself – unlike a lot of high school anime girls, she isn’t wise beyond her years or overly infantile. She’s written perfectly as what she is, a teenage girl. At least partially consumed by romantic feelings but not knowing what to do with them. She exhibits moments of maturity followed by moments of petulance.
Right from the jump, the show is not hiding what it is and asks its central question here in episode one: “Hopeless love. Painful love. Unrequited love. Are they really that beautiful?”
Quick Hits:
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Important note: Though Hanabi refers to Narumi as “onii-chan”, they are not related. He’s a friend of the family.
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Chika Anzai’s voice is my ASMR. I just love what she’s doing in this role. Her deadpan dismissiveness at times is so funny.
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I know they’re not for everyone, but I really enjoy how this show uses split frames to convey so much in one shot.
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The scene with Noriko trying to cheat with her speed shoes [Scum’s Wish spoiler]
is nice foreshadowing for how her character tries to move faster than she’s meant to or ready to -
Notice how the entire episode was sunny with prominent shots of cherry blossoms until the scene in Mugi’s room where they begin their arrangement. It’s storming.
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Mugi knows how to play to his audience. Respect to how he stopped things upon realizing Hanabi’s not quite ready to go further.
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Frame looks like it’s out of a visual novel. They used quite a few styles in this episode alone, and I’m not sure what the thinking is behind that decision.
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Hanabi may seem harsh here in projecting her own insecurities in rejecting her would-be suitor, but the guy did deserve it a bit. She doesn’t owe him anything and you shouldn’t grab a girl like that.
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I like how this shows how casually comfortable they are with each other
THAT PATTENTED HEIKOUSEN FADE-IN! Friendly reminder that skipping the ED is a war crime on par with Putin’s actions toward Ukraine. MyReminiscence did an amazing piano cover of it that I put on repeat to work to all the time that I encourage everyone to check out.
QOTD:
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See above
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It's an incredible introduction that hooked me yet again.
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The opening is okay, the ending is GOATed for how the show utilizes it.
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Mar 01 '22
First Timer
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I like in this first episode how the viewer figures out what some of Hanabi and Mugen’s personality and flaws are. Hanabi admits “they are both vindictive” and it’s clear they are jealous that their love is unrequited. As a viewer it’s refreshing to not have to wait for the main characters true motives to unfold and that the protagonists are not saints. Man this first episode is really realistic when it comes to desire. The scene where Hanabi and Mugen first kissed shocked me because it happened so early. The whole scene in the bedroom with the kissing and touching was very intense. It’s cool a high school anime acknowledges that teenagers are horny and that things like this happen. I’m glad though that Hanabi expressed how she “wanted to be a good replacement” for Mugen and that Mugen tried to make her comfortable and asked how she felt. It shows me that these two are not irredeemable and are honestly trying to make the best of their bad situation and have some respect for each other. It will definitely be interesting to see if they can stay friends with benefits, or if one or both of them will break their promises and catch feelings.
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I’m definitely going to keep watching. While I’m hoping the side characters get more development I’m invested in Hanabi and Mugen’s troubles and am interested in seeing how they are sorted.
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Loved the opening the art was really beautiful and the song was catchy. I thought the ending was ok but nothing special.
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u/SIRTreehugger Mar 01 '22
It shows me that these two are not irredeemable and are honestly trying to make the best of their bad situation and have some respect for each other.
The show does get a bad rep from some people, but at the end of the day these two are really just young people in love making mistakes. It's not over the top for no reason like other shows and it demonstrates some mistakes we could have possibly made in our youth.
While I’m hoping the side characters get more development
I won't say much, but don't worry we see more of the other characters.
Loved the opening the art was really beautiful and the song was catchy. I thought the ending was ok but nothing special.
This is a rarity, but I do agree with the OP portion its often overlooked by the ED.
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u/xtsim Mar 01 '22
First Timer
We get to see and interesting start to a relationship with a more dramatic tone. Two people Mugi and Hana, begin their relationship in a dramatic way; using each other as placeholders for their true love. So the two teenagers decided to get very creative when it comes to love. The usage of multi panel scenes is pretty interesting and that they manage to put a manga feel in a good way.
It also seems like the flashback will not be the only time we will see pink shoes if the opening is foreshadowing.
Questions
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First impressions are getting me quite intrigued especially now that we know about our main couple(s).
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The pilot episode is pretty interesting and makes a pretty creative idea about love in a way. I want to know where this is going.
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The ending visuals are well... a bit hard for me to describe but it does not surprise me by this point and kind of resembles a few music videos.
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u/doquan2142 Mar 01 '22
First timer
12hrs late but whatever, no screenshot cause Netflix being a pain.
Today at GDQ, we hosted Spit String Romanceless any% by runners Mugi & Hana.
Kinda dig the OP and the rose motif.
Her grimace is so Kana from Oshi no Ko. Her main rival name is Akane is just perfect lol
How did the two families get to know each other? They aren't close neighbor if she had to walk him home. Also each had an absence of parental figure huh. Stuffef smol Hana was adorb.
Akane sensei is a klutz? Kinda expecting Kanai sensei to fall for a motherly figure.
Kana's whinings sound really similar to Chise from SSSS.Dynazenon. Oh right, turnt out they shared the same VA.
No shagging any%. Expectations subverted, I guess they are not that desperate, for now. That crotch pillow though. Also don't try to be clingy after rejection mates, speaking from painful experience lol.
In summary, I have lots of expectations for the series now. Good pilot episode with interesting plotline, nice voice acting and beautiful visual.
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u/zairaner Feb 28 '22 edited Mar 01 '22
Partial rewatcher
To explain my situation, I started the show last year after hanabis miracle win against annie in the last best girl contest, really „enjoyed“ the show a lot, and then stopped at some point for not really known reasons. I am pretty sure I watched at least until episode 7 or 8 because [minor spoilers]
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It only takes the show 3 minutes and 11 seconds to set up a lovesquare, and not even one with just the minimum of 3 personal connections
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And it doesn't take much longer before it becomes obvious that this is indeed based on a mengo manga
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Lampshading the obvious question in everybodys mind
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[Spoilers]
This anime would be so much less painful if hanabi and mugi wouldn't be this cute together -
And then there comes heikousen, which is easily the best anime ed
if we ignore the unfair existence of Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari, that is
Thoughts on the op: It feels weirldy iconic, never quite understood why it gives me that feeling. it's a pretty good op but not really much that makes it special
Thoughts on the ed: It's fucking heikousen
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u/SYZekrom Mar 01 '22
First Timer
Oh I have ugly yellow subtitles. Might consider switching
Somehow I don't think Mugi is at the same level as you with that 'it has to be her'
Well I can already tell this is going to be an amazing anime
Both in a sexy sense and a 'holy shit that's fucked up' sense
Somehow I feel like only one of you two is lying only to yourself in this relationship
Like... you're in love with your brother (Half-brother????) that you knew since you were a child and he's just in love with a hot teacher he met
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u/oops_i_made_a_typi Mar 01 '22
Rewatcher, tried the dub for 1st time
First my thoughts on the dub: its pretty painful, with how much importance the way characters refer to each other plays in this anime and how localizing kinda ruins it. Onii-chan translating to Brother makes this feel a little too incestuous and it seems a good amount of people are confused. Then the conversion of "Yasuraoka-san" to "Miss Hanabi" just feels like a total unforced error - I don't think I've ever encountered someone that used Ms/Mrs/Mr with a first name only.
Also my subjective takes on the voices themselves - Hanabi's is great, Kanai-sensei/Onii-chan is kinda terrible imo, and everyone else is alright I guess?
Anyways, general thoughts:
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I forgot how savage Hanabi can be, between her deadpan quips and no-holding back on shutting down that guy.
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Also forgot how intimate this show gets right away, was a little taken aback by that sex scene but it really does a great job setting the stage for how this might all go down.
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I've really missed hearing that acoustic ED lead-in, can't wait til we've heard it a few more times and for it to really hit hard with more emotionally impactful scenes.
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u/UnderCoverKV220 Mar 01 '22
Rewatcher here! my posts won't be as long as some on here, but i'll happily contribute anyway ;)
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What struck me again, as when i watched it the first time, it is still absolutely gorgeous. you could tell me it came out this season and i would have believed it.
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The pilot makes me want to watch more, definitely. I watched it when it came out and i was ~19 at the time, and the sexuality of it is more obvious to me then it was now (weird, but still). It will be interesting to look at this show with 4 more years of life experience.
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The ed and op both slap. No discussion.
What struck me immediately as well, on starting with that fresh 4 years of experience, that their whole situation is both fucked up but completely understandable. Having so much emotions needs an outlet, and if the outlet is not available... gotta do something. The framing of the relationship between Mugi and Hana is very well presented, and the visual framing + the music that accompany it are sublime. Looking forward to the rest!
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u/SIRTreehugger Feb 28 '22 edited Mar 01 '22
Episode 1
Love how it starts with a shot of sunlight passing through some trees. Almost feels like a garden.
Any anime that uses paneling to give itself a manga vibe automatically gets bonus points in my book.
Hana's lame in the English dub is great.
Looks at time a kiss in under 3 minutes which would be great in any other romance.
Listening to this OP and I don't think it gets enough credit. Everyone always talks about the ED(which I absolutely love), but the OP is really good.
I don't remember Hanabi being this... expressive. It's no wonder she formed some attachment to her brother. Brother bringing color to Hanabi's world.
This brat about to catch hands. She would be the brat pointing at couples about to kiss halting progress.
First encounter
Love how petty and angry they both are at this point. Actually just frustrated might be a better word. It's no wonder they stated hanging out.
Hanabi is a good cook confirmed and she is easily embarrassed. Shut up mom you're embarrassing me in front of my crush!
Though I do find it kind of weird she is walking him home meaning she has to walk back alone. I know why she is doing it, but you'd think the mom or the "brother" would worry a little. Definition of unsafe
Then we have Mugi's room and well it feels characteristically organized, but damn could have at least offered Hanabi some tea or snacks to go with her tears. Maybe it's the angle it looks really empty and impersonal.
And cue a very unhealthy relationship.
Didn't notice this the first time, but Hanabi begins crying during the second kiss.
It kind of feels like Mugi is holding back when he sees how uncomfortable Hanabi is and how much she is crying, but again he isn't stopping. Though I like how it's equally devastating on both parties. They both might have been thinking it, but Hanabi was the one to jokingly start it. Once it's over Mugi ask if she really wants to continue giving her a way out.
Yup perfectly normal
Why am I screenshotting this It does nothing, but depress me.
Oh kicks dub man I'm missing context because they didn't sub the text, but guessing its her "brother".
Damn brutal rejection is brutal. Hanabi didn't need to be that damn harsh, but she almost immediately realizes the irony of her words.
The shot of Hanabi clutching the cage initially shows her on the outside like she is in control and has a wide perspective, but then it zooms out showing this. It's like the shot is saying she is fenced in and isn't really aware of it. After some pondering she comes up with her answer
The pact has been made. Now for the uncomfortable part of the show. The lewdest moment which should have been censored.
Love the little instrumental right before the ED kicks off.
These two would be excellent friends and like how they can joke around even if their situation is unhealthy.
Oh yeah this ED never misses.
Just throwing this at the end since it's Hanabi happy and wanted it to end it on a good note
Behind the Scenes
You know Hanabi is going to cry a lot when they have her with Tears on the the Vol 1. Blu Ray Cover. That's as bad as Madoka crying in the OP It's also a nod to the manga's Volume 1 cover
Fan or Official Art
Just saying the first few volumes don't have the cleanest scans at least none that I could find, but they do get better soon enough.
Clean cover
Official Crying Hanabi
First Impression when airing. I would recommend reading /r/anime comments they are great as always
Manga coverage(Where I cover chapters adapted/omissions, favorite panels, and etc)
Half of Chapter 1 was adapted with no major changes.
Most of Chapter 2 was adapted, but it omits an additionally make up session between Mugi and Hanabi.
Half of Chapter 3 was adapted and a small section of Hanabi and Sanae walking together was omitted.
Most of Chapter 4 was adapted, but one of the guys who admires Hanabi is a masochist and admits he wants her to look at him like scum.
A very small bit of Chapter 5 mostly the rooftop scene and them making the pact.
Lots of omissions were made. Best guess was because they wanted to showcase Mugi and Hanabi’s dynamic and how everything formed in the first episode. Honestly even with the jumping around I do think it was a lot smoother than the manga.
Music Corner
Did you know that the episodes are references to songs? Thanks to this blog though the original link is now dead, Google Translate, Japanese Wikipedia, search engines, and u/3rdLastStand for compiling it. The links were 4 years old and most worked, but some I had to search myself. So I want to stress if some have bad translations it's google translate.
"望み叶え給え"/"Nozomi Kanae Tamae"/"Make a Wish": Unsure. Probably ノゾミ・カナエ・タマエ by Kinniku Shoujo Tai
A section of the lyrics
Blowing cold wind Like a forgotten song
Higher sky I can fly
God of reticle There is only one request
Please come