Forum - View topicKimi ni Todoke - From Me to You (TV / ONA).
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Pantha
Posts: 169 |
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I don’t respond in such threads often (actually, I’ve never done it), but this series calls for it. Kimi ni Todoke was excellent from start to finish and, although I’ll try to restrain from hyperbole, I have to say it’s the best shoujo of its kind that I’ve seen. Better than the Bokura ga Itas and the Lovely Complexes of the world, so to speak. In fact, speaking strictly from a character stand-point, its closest competitor aired more than ten years ago.
Although I understand the frustration some viewers had with the lack of spoiler[overt romance between Sawako and Kazehaya], I much preferred the subtlety. spoiler[That wordless look the two give each other as they part ways at the end of the last episode ] says more than any kiss would do. Much too often anime settles for quick fixes to satisfy fans and it was refreshing to watch a series with two characters tip-toeing towards each other instead of pronouncing undying love after eight episodes. With that said, I actually had very few issues with Kimi ni Todoke. For one, Sawako was terribly exaggerated. Her social cluelessness was endearing at first, but got old fast. And her whispery sing-song voice starts to grate very early on. …Chizu’s arc went on a bit too long. …and that’s it. Good stuff. I would be perfectly happy if the series truly ends here, but I certainly wouldn’t turn my nose up at a second season either. |
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dtm42
Posts: 14084 Location: currently stalking my waifu |
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I was a little pissed off about the finale, but I wasn't surprised. I had been expecting pretty much exactly what happened, but I guess the romantic in me got annoyed anyway. Now that I've had an hour to think about it, I have calmed down and realised that the ending wasn't as bad as it was.
Although, the entire episode felt more like a summary of an essay (i.e. reflecting on what had happened) than a proper finale. Yes it did give screentime to consider what the new year would bring, but that actually defeats the point of a finale. I know that often life does not lend itself well to being put in nice little chapters (although equally often it does), and I know that just because a Romance show ends doesn't mean the story ends too. But we - or at least, I - wanted some closure, and I didn't get it. What I got was "wow, the last year was so wonderful, wait for the next to see all the great developments and payoff". Well gooly, thankyou soooo much. I don't want a second season. I didn't even want the show to be twenty-five episodes; it could have been twelve episodes, or even a three or four episodes OVA, and still have been so much better. But I don't want a second season - even if it was only half the length of the first - because I don't think it would be worth it. A one-shot OVA depicting Kazehaya and Sawako several months down the track when they finally tell one another how they feel would be the best option right now. Short, sharp, and sweet. They could even show Chizu and Ryu be an established (but still bickering) couple, and how Ayane is still unlucky in love and consequently worrying how she'll be the only single person out of all of their friends. Heck, I don't like OVAs that wrap up a show (because the show should have done already that by itself), but I'm willing to make an exception this time. Just not another season of dragged-out relationships moving at a pace DBZ would be proud of, please? My final rating? I give it a Very Good. It would have been Masterpiece on the first three, maybe six episodes alone, and it could have still been Excellent if Kurumi hadn't wasted something like eight episodes on her lonesome. A great series that wasted even greater potential; so sad. So very genuinely sad. |
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rainbowcourage
 Posts: 1216 Location: what is commonly known as "hell week" |
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I liked the ending, but it wasn't exactly satisfying. The problem with shows that focus on the "pre-relationship" is that after a while, there isn't anywhere else to go. KnT suffered from this immensely and rehashed the same ground a lot. In fact, I would say the romance was secondary to Sawako's personal growth--and normally I would laud that, except that the pace of her growth was almost as sluggish as the romance itself. I wanted to see some dramatic change, some new self-confidence...instead it felt like Sawako and Kazehaya were shoving "just how much she'd changed" down my throat.
Also, Sawako and Kazehaya are sweet...and cute...but their conversations aren't particularly interesting. There's a lot of blushing and staring and no banter at all. I like my characters bantery. All in all, I can't say I was expecting more; I figured it would end this way, without really significant changes, so I can't say I'm disappointed. |
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Bento-Box
 Posts: 1049 Location: Florida |
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The main reason it is still bothering me (although, I am less angry now, and more just disappointed) is because the Sawako/Kazehaya love theme seemed to be one of the central themes of the series. The Chizu story arc was too long for what it was. While I do like her character, I was pretty bored and just wanted to get back to Sawako's stuff.
I guess I feel really annoyed at the way the episode was laid out. They did quite a bit of retelling in the last two episodes (but I don't think it was overdone) which didn't particularly bother me. It did feel a bit filler-ish since they did have a recap episode somewhere in the late teens. Also, when they showed the two "fortunes", that sent of signals in my head that said "yes! yes! they're going to end it properly!" I got really excited. Then, when they didn't conclude it and the credits started running, I started feeling anxious. It was like they were showing me all the good things that were happening to the minor characters. I was expecting something more by the time the credits ended. So then there were a lot of spoiler[pans and internal monologues and staring... and then some more pans.... ]and then the end. Why tease like that? Why not just end the show before all of that mess? Why even drag it out like that? It felt like they built it up and then just stopped. Still disappointed about it because that's the last thing that resonates in my mind. But I don't think I'm super angry any more. Still not worthy of a top ten list, but it's not exactly at the bottom for me anymore. Also, to be clear, I would have been perfectly happy with the series only being a few episodes. I don't think there is any reason they should draw this show out. Finish it up with an OVA and be done with it, in my opinion. Don't drag it out! (I'm sick of bad endings, cliff hangers, and things that shouldn't be drug out... kinda like my posts. =P ) |
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Blood-
 Bargain Hunter Posts: 24157 |
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Oh, you hopeless romantic, Bento-Box - it's always all about the smooching with you.
As I've said before, I am in sympathy with your reaction (although I do not share it) but I would argue that - given what preceded it - the ending was consistent with the series. I know that opinion, even if you share it, doesn't change your feelings about it but I think you do need to distinguish between your personal disappointment and what was "right" for the series as a whole. The more I think about it, the more I believe that a kiss or confession at the very end - however emotionally satisfying it may have been for some people - would have struck me as a little "off" considering the way both Sawako and Kazehaya's characters had been depicted. If the series was going to end with a kiss, then other things would have needed to happen earlier on. As for the length of the first series, I think 16 eppies might have been the best fit. Leave the first 7 as is, deal with the Kurumi arc in three, the Chizu arc in three and then the final three, Sawako-Kazehaya. I agree there was not enough material to fill 25 eppies in a satisfying way, imo. |
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Alestal
 Posts: 605 Location: Dallas, Texas |
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Wow, I can't believe it's over. I've been religiously watching this anime for 6 months! Oh, lordy.
I thought it ended well enough, I became acustomed to the slow pace around 20 episodes ago so I wasn't surprised. Yes, it is a shame that Kazehaya and Sawako didn't get together, but I really didn't watch the show for the "romance" (if thats what you want to call it, lol). I thought the highlight of the show was the supporting characters Chizu and Ayane, as well as Sawako's personal growth. I liked how it slowly showed someone breaking out of their shell and experiencing real friendship/relationships. In real life, especially in highschool, it's hard to change people's pre-convieved notions of you and I understand Sawako's apprehension. Anyway, "Very Good" series and I enjoyed it a lot. I hope it get's dubbed and I really hope that they don't F it up if it does. |
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Bento-Box
Posts: 1049 Location: Florida |
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It's not all about the smooching... but it darn well better have a little! 
So.... Yeah. I totally gave in and started reading the manga. I couldn't even last a week without this show.  For anyone else wanting to pick up where the anime left off, start with Chapter 28 - labeled Valentine.
While I don't care for the way guys are drawn in shoujo, I am still enjoying the series.  Also.... spoiler[I'm totally getting what I wanted out of it right now!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!] I think I'm gonna end up making that AMV anyways.
Oh! I also finished Kobato and I'm totally just switching the ending of that series with Kimi ni Todoke! In my mind, it's all good. Maybe I go tinker with that in Vegas for a while.... yes. *snickers* |
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Spastic Minnow
Bargain Hunter Exempt from Grammar Rules  Posts: 4630 Location: Gainesville, FL |
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Shall we just revive this thread instead of starting a new one? David.Seth is still around and can update his first post I guess.
Season ep. 0 ...a Kurumi recap episode was NOT what I was looking forward to. It wasn't bad, for a recap episode it was pretty good. Had new animation, provided a slightly different viewpoint on previous occurrences. But the Kurumi arc took forever already, I simply do not see her having a huge impact on further episodes and even when they make her sympathetic like they did here I'm not a fan of hers. Plus, if you watch the two seasons together there weren't even 10 episodes since the previous unneeded recap episode, which also covered the episodes covered here. Oh well, I look forward to "episode 1"- onwards to Valentines Day. |
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Gentry
Posts: 230 |
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Gentry
Posts: 230 |
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Sod a dog. After that little mantrum I watched it anyway and I'm glad I did. I forgot how much I liked this show. It hits all the right places for me in terms of comedy, drama, romance blah blah blah. Normally I'm not that fond of really dense characters but I never get tired of Sawako's constant misunderstanding of the situation. Not bad for a recap episode, even though most the bits I liked was old stuff anyway. The part where Ume calling Sawako a bitch and then picturing her gurning face grining back at her. When Ume tells Sawako to shut up and then Sawako spending a few seconds trying to figure out who said it. Good stuff.
Really can't wait for the show to start properly next time. Also forgot how much I like Kazehaya as a character, he's just the right balance and an interesting character in his own right. |
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Blood-
Bargain Hunter Posts: 24157 |
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Thankfully, I had read Spastic Minnow's post first and therefore was mentally prepared for a recap eppie as opposed to expecting something brand new. I liked it. I haven't watched the show since it was first broadcast beginning in the Fall of 2009, so a recappish episode like this one was actually a good way to get back into the groove.
Really looking forward to the real start next time. |
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Bento-Box
Posts: 1049 Location: Florida |
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*SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
I'm still a total Kazehaya fangirl! Aren't you guys happy you get to hear my Kazehaya affections again at the start of the new year? Although, episode 0 was certainly NOT what I wanted to see. Seriously? More recaps? Ugh. I love this show, but c'mon! Enough with Kurumi and enough with the recaps.
No freakin' kidding! So... in honor of the new series, bad recap and stupid Kurumi expo aside, I am so happy to be head over heels for Kazehaya again! Seeing his smile on this terribly cold winter day has really made it so much brighter. I simply cannot wait to see more of him. I'm totally hoping they kiss soon. I will make gif of scene and replay. It will become my icon forever and ever. Seriously. I'm having serious Kazehaya withdrawals and I feel like I just took a gigantic dose all in one sitting even though we saw him so sparsely throughout ep 0. I think my heart will burst during the next regular episode! 
I LOVE YOU, KAZEHAYA!!!!!! *SQUEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
So embarrassing. I've become a foaming at the mouth fangirl for him. |
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DuskyPredator
 Posts: 15576 Location: Brisbane, Australia |
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Yes it was a recap episode, but it was also an 'episode 0', and it really has been a while since I watched this that I had forgoten everyone's name. Also I don't know if you guys remember, but I was one of the few fans of Kurumi, so this episode had the right topic for me aswell.
Ok now I remember everyone's name (Sawako, Chizuru, Ayane, Kazehaya, Sanada, Pin and Kurumi) may not look like it but that is good considering how bad I am with names. Also seeing Kurumi's take on things was great (for me), Not that anyone cares, but I think that little thing about the girls saying they would sabotage her was a defining part of her character we had not seen before. Now just to wait for episode 1, looks to be a Valentines episode which should be good. |
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Bento-Box
Posts: 1049 Location: Florida |
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I'll second you, Dusky Predator on the tidbit about the bullying. There were definitely some moments that almost redeemed her in my eyes but, then again... she's still a brat.
And, yes, I do recall you being a Kurumi fan so I'm sure you definitely enjoyed the episode. (I'm actually glad that you did.)
Usually, I have the memory of a sieve, but I have no problem recalling names from this series. Now, on with the good stuff! (Like Kazehaya and his sexiness!!!!!!)
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Spastic Minnow
Bargain Hunter Exempt from Grammar Rules Posts: 4630 Location: Gainesville, FL |
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In my case I had just rewatched the first season, so that's why it was particularly pointless to me, it didn't even recap the episodes since previous one.
I will say it's an interesting way to frame everything though- it was definitely from her point of view, portraying her as a victim almost- glossing over her own bullying and scheming. |
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