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ローゼンメイデン 
September 1, 2006 | 
32 Comments
This week's episode feels a lot more lighter than the ones that preceed it. It's especially nice to see the return of Yamada's unedible food. It's unfortunate that the series will end in 2 more episodes but I think it's better for the series to end now while it's still at the top of its game. As a side note, this week's insert song is Spitz' 「涙」- Namida (3.8MB, 128kbps). It comes from their mini album 「オーロラになれなかった人のために」- Aurora ni narenakatta hito no tame ni. This is probably one of the few insert songs from the series that I don't like. The music is nice but the singing part is kind of flat. Come to think of it, I generally prefer Spitz's more upbeat song like Hachimitsu and Spica.
Yamada comes to the hospital bringing some foods for Hagu but because she can't find her, she decides to talk to Satsuki-sensei. The doctor tells Yamada that Hagu is taking a break from rehab and is currently going to a bath with her 'father'. Yamada is horrified to hear this and tells Satsuki-sensei that Shuuji is not Hagu's father. She also wants to know about Hagu's condition but before Satsuki-sensei can answer her question, a boy can be heard screaming in pain. Satsuki-sensei explains that last month the boy was injured in traffic accident and is now undergoing rehabilitation here. She knows that rehabilitation must be hard on the kid since he must constantly battle with the pain. Rehabilitation is also equally hard for adults. Unless there is some form of recovery, in most cases people simply give up. In Hagu's case, she's trying to regain not just her regular movement but also her ability to create artworks despite her damaged arm.
Having said that, Satsuki-sensei believes that Hagu is strong and is not afraid of pain. On a hindsight, it's not that Hagu is fearless but she simply prefers the pain than not being able to draw. Yamada is concerned about this but cheers up when Hagu and Shuuji appear in the hallway. Shuuji is surprised to see Yamada in the hospital again and asks the girl if she's taking care her own well being. Yamada cheerily assures Shuuji that she's fine and doing her best just like Shuuji. She then asks Hagu to take a look at the food that she brings for her: Beef Suji (fat/tendon) stewed in Kumquat sugar. Shuuji is horrified to see Yamada's cooking and tells himself that he can smell the scent of beef fat mixed with fruity Kumquat. Yamada claims that it contains all the required Collagen and Chondroitin mixed the vitamin C from the Kumquats. She also believes that this will prevent cold. Hagu decides to taste the meat and tells Yamada that it's delicious. X(
Yamada then turns around and offers the food to Satsuki-sensei, who proceeds to eat one of the meats before Shuuji can stop her. She immediately lets out a painful scream and has to be rested on the nearby chair. Before she passes out, however, she tries to impart her wisdom as a medic. She thinks while nutrition is important, it doesn't mean one has to put it all in one dish. Unfortunately for Satsuki-sensei, Yamada is not paying attention and sets her sight on her next victims: the boy who undergoes rehab and his mother. The two immediately pass out after tasting the meat. Shuuji panics because two more victims have gone down and asks anyone to call the ambulance before realising that he is actually inside a hospital. Shuuji's plea for help also goes unnoticed since Hagu is too busy eating the food. Because of this, Yamada thinks that her cooking is popular and promises to bring more next time. Shuuji screams in terror and refuses the offer.
That night after closing her family's liquor store, Yamada feels pleased with herself, thinking everyone was delighted by her cooking. Shuuji suddenly appears in a thought bubble, asking Yamada how she got that impression but Yamada simply pushes him off screen. While stretching her body, however, Yamada notices the word 'Morita' in one of the Sake containers. She remembers how Morita once told her that next time he goes away, he'll carry a mobile TV. Yamada calls Morita a liar and starts typing on her laptop. In Spain, Mayama has just prevented Carlos Mac from entering Rika's room when he hears his laptop beeping, indicating incoming email. He is surprised to know that it's from Yamada and even more so after reading the email. Back in Tokyo, Yamada is in the middle of giving Takemoto some broken pottery pieces since Takemoto wants to paste them on his tower. Yamada thinks it'll be good if Takemoto can use them since they're broken after all.
The two are surprised when Morita suddenly opens the door, asking them to tell him Hagu's whereabouts. After Yamada informs him that Hagu is in Nishieifuku hospital next to the park, Morita jumps off the window and runs to the hospital, ignoring everyone else. Takemoto wonders why Morita suddenly appears when no one was able to look for his whereabouts up till now. He especially wants to know why Morita is looking for Hagu. Because of this, Yamada tells Takemoto that she emailed Mayama telling him that they're looking for Morita. She apologises for it but Takemoto assures her that she doesn't have to say it. Having said that, he's leaving as well since he's a bit worried after seeing Morita's weird behaviour just then. Takemoto then jumps off the window but unfortunately his left leg hits the window frame and he falls flat on the pavement near the rubbish bin. He, however, stands up right away and asks Yamada if he can borrow her bike.
Despite the pain on his leg, Takemoto convinces himself that the one who's really in pain is Hagu. He believes that this is not the time to feel sorry for himself and say things like "I'm powerless". As Takemoto pedals his bike, Morita is seen inside a taxi heading to the hospital. Meanwhile inside the hospital, Shuuji is in the middle of helping Hagu with her rehab exercise. He asks Hagu if it hurts and if that's the case, she should not push herself. Although it hurts her, Hagu tells Shuuji that she still feels okay. She, however, is startled when she hears a boy crying. Shuuji informs Hagu that it's the same boy that they met yesterday. The boy wants to stop the rehab, thinking that no matter what he does, he won't recover or be able to move again. Because of this, he doesn't want to be in pain anymore. Hagu becomes stressed out after hearing this and almost bites her hand again. Upon seeing this, Shuuji decides to take Hagu out of the room to calm her down.
Once outside, he tells Hagu that she can cry and throw tantrums like the boy if she wants to. Hagu, however, refuses because she's afraid that if she lets go her feelings, she may not be able to stop. She feels that she has been a burden to Shuuji and therefore afraid that Shuuji will hate her if she never gets better. Shuuji assures Hagu that he won't hate her so he urges her to say what she wants to say. When Hagu doesn't respond, he reminds her that he's the guy that who saw her wetting her bed. He thinks it's too late for her to say things like "I will trouble you" or "You will hate me". Shuuji assures Hagu that he won't change, reminding her that she once vomitted in his car and made him worried when she got swept by the river's current. Upon hearing this, Hagu tells Shuuji that the truth is she's really afraid. If she's not getting well and can't draw any longer, then she wonders what 'to live' means to her apart from breathing and eating.
Hagu thinks that to live until she dies is such a long time. She remembers how she once saw God when she was a kid. Back then she asked herself what is the purpose of her existence if there is no paper nor pencil? How did she became lonely even though she's surrounded by crowd of people? Hagu, however, felt relieved when she realised that both paper and pencil will always exist. She felt that "drawing a picture" protected her, giving her a reason to live. When the sunshine outside the classroom shined on the window, Hagu prayed to God that should the day when she can't draw anymore comes, she'll give her life back. Back in the present time, Morita finally arrives at the hospital and notices Hagu sitting in a park bench with Shuuji. Instead of approaching, however, he decides to observe from a far. Meanwhile, Hagu still doesn't want to return to her room so Shuuji decides to get her a warm drink and asks Hagu to wait here for him.
After Shuuji left, Hagu tells herself that back then she exchanged promise with God and right now she.... Hagu's words suddenly stops when she realises that Morita is standing in front of her. A few minutes later, Shuuji returns to the park with the drink but he can't find Hagu. At the same time, Takemoto reaches the hospital and asks Shuuji about Hagu's whereabouts. Shuuji tells Takemoto that she's not here even though she was around not too long ago. Takemoto tells Shuuji that Morita has returned and decided to go to the hospital after finding out about Hagu's injury. Shuuji looks angry upon hearing this. At the same time, Hagu and Morita arrive inside a high-rise apartment. Morita claims that this is his and his brother's hiding place. Hagu thinks Morita looks thinner now and vice versa. She's surprised because he appeared so sudden and wonders if he went to new places, saw and made new things, or got many things done.
Hagu then asks Morita to wait for her because she'll surely heal. And once that happens, she'll paint various things and show her paintings to him. Morita walks over to Hagu and taps her shoulder, telling her that it's okay, she doesn't have to draw anymore. He's fine even if she's not drawing anymore. As Shuuji and Takemoto frantically searching for Hagu, Morita advises her not to say stupid things like she has no reason to live anymore. He thinks just continue living is okay. As long as they are together, they are going to be okay. He's fine with things staying just like this. Hagu starts to cry as Morita envelopes her in his arms, thinking that she's never heard him sounding like this before. With kind words overflowing from his mouth. A kind and sad voice which sounds as if he's calling her from a faraway place. After all, this is the first time she heard this voice. Hagu then reaches over Morita's sad face, asking him if there's something wrong.
Hagu continues to ask Morita what happened to him because she thinks it's unusual for Morita to use this kind of voice. When she sees him looking as if he almost bursts into tears, Hagu puts her arms around him. Meanwhile, Takemoto and Shuuji's attempt to look for Hagu take them to Hamabi University. Takemoto wonders where else Hagu could be but Shuuji tells him it's okay since she's probably with Morita. The two then enter his room and Takemoto is surprised to see the room looking empty. Shuuji asks Takemoto not to tell Hagu since he's decided not to tell her about this. Takemoto asks Shuuji if he is quitting his job at Hamabi University. Shuuji admits that he's been taking leave of absence from the University. But at this rate, the situation will be awkward for both parties and he'll just create problem for the University. Because of this, he's thinking of taking 3 years off and uses all of his time to help Hagu's rehabiliation.
Shuuji admits that he didn't expect 'Prince-sama' (Morita) to return at the last minute. Takemoto asks Shuuji "what will happen if Hagu...." Shuuji finishes Takemoto's sentence by saying "chooses Morita?" Shuuji tells Takemoto that in that case, he'll go on a journey once or twice. He thinks this will be a good opportunity to go around the world. Takemoto wonders why Shuuji won't tell Hagu about this, asking her to choose Shuuji instead. Shuuji laughs a bit and tells Takemoto that he could not possibly say that to Hagu. Takemoto becomes angry and asks Shuuji why he won't do it after he throws everything away for Hagu's sake. He points out that he confessed to Hagu even though he knew that he has no hope or the slightest chance. Shuuji doesn't answer Takemoto but he tells the other guy that he's going back to the hospital because Hagu may come back there. The next morning, Morita and Hagu are seen sleeping on the same bed in his apartment.
Impression:
At this point in time, it looks as if Morita is the winner of the triangle between himself, Hagu, and Takemoto. To be honest I'm not surprised to see this since the series already foreshadowed Hagu's preference ever since episode 11 of the first season. In a way, Takemoto physically and emotionally fell flat on the ground here. He tried his best but he didn't get what he wants. I feel sorry for Takemoto especially during the scene where he trip over the window frame. I'm sure everyone has experienced moments like that, one where a person tries to be cool but ends up in an embarassing situation. Having said that, I don't think this means that Takemoto wasted his time confessing to Hagu about his feeling. If he hadn't done this, he would have regret it for the rest of his life. Moreover, it's hard not to admire a character who doesn't hesitate to stand up right away after he falls flat on his face. As much as it hurts, at least he is now aware of his position.
I am also glad that Morita came in time to see Hagu because I had the suspicion that she was entertaining the thought of killing herself prior to his arrival. It's obvious now that prior to becoming friends with Yamada, Takemoto, Morita, and Mayama, she only had her drawing to rely on. Being able to draw allowed her to forget that she was alone and is the only constant presence in her life. Sure she has friends right now but friends come and go and once she leave Tokyo, she'd have nothing but her drawing again. Because of this, she can't contemplate the idea of life without her skill. This is why her encounter with Morita was a good wake up call. Through him, she finds out that even a person who is usually happy have his own struggle to overcome. In that instant, Hagu suddenly forgets about her problem and asks Morita about his problem. I think their desire to help the other will end up motivating both of them to be stronger.
This brings me to Shuuji, who is now revealed to have thrown everything away for Hagu's sake. I am actually not happy about this particular plot because this means Shuuji won't be able to change. He didn't lie when he told Hagu that he won't change but it's depressing to think that he'd stay as he is now, taking care of Hagu. 3 years is a long time and I don't know how he can survive that long without a steady stream of income. While I understand that he wants to take care Hagu, I don't think it was a good decision on his part to quit his job to do it. I also wonder what will happen after the 3 years period passed and Hagu achieves her recovery? On a lighter note, I enjoyed Yamada's brief comic scenes. It appears that she has forgotten her problems now that she tries to help Hagu. Just like other characters, she becomes stronger because she wants to help another person. I think this is a nice change in comparison to seeing her crying on almost every episode.
Preview
On next week's episode: Hagu makes her decision and chooses someone to help her in her rehabilitation.
Awww, takemoto!!! I feel like giving him a big hug... I really cant wait to see how the series will wrap up. Thanks for the song!
I actually really like namida by Spitz'.
It's nice to hear a song without a guitar for a change.
aww kawaii@the morita/hagu scenes
Hagujack!
hahaha =p
kyah!
the famous hug from morita.. i've been waiting for it O≧▽≦
Garten, do you by any chance know when the Honey & Clover ED song for this season will be out? Suneohair's Split. I haven't found a release date yet and I love the song :( I love everything Hachikuro xD
Yes, the famous hug from Morita. I've been waiting for it, too. And in the anime she clearly returns it.
Yay! a sweet moment btwn Hagu and Morita!! I really like them as a couple. For some reason, I feel like Takemoto and Hagu as a couple isn't really competible. so GO HAGU X MORITA!!!!
Kyoshiro, the ED is already on sale now. It was released on the 26th of this month, IIRC.
i feel sry for takemoto but... morita won this ep X)
nice summary garten, i'm waiting for the rest of it =p
KyoshiroM: suneohair/h&c ed single was out there around a week ago already =p
so, are we 2 eps away from the ending?
its a shame the series didn't go into 24~26 eps like the first season. those episodes, one after another felt a little bit rushed.
y'know... it wouldn't kill to have a few eps of low development but lots of laughs. using another words to express it... it'd be nice to hear 'bonbon bereppa' again =p
Is it really 12 eps total?
All the anime sites report 13 eps total, except for this site and wikipedia.
But if... you say so... it must be 12... but waaaa its ending too sooooon!
I don't think there's enough material for 13 episodes. 12 episodes is sufficient to wrap the series up nicely. Moreover, Shoboi's schedule site now shows 「終」- "the end" tag next to episode 12, indicating that 12 really is the last episode for the series. In the past, that site has been very reliable so I tend to trust it. Maybe there'll be an extra episode on the DVD (just like the first season), making the total count to 13 but I haven't heard/read any official word on it.
Edited to add: J.C Staff website lists 12 episodes for the series. I remember back in the first season people were wondering why the official site listed 26 episodes while J.C Staff's site listed 24 episodes. Later on, the official site revised the episode count to 24, matching it with J.C Staff's site. I have to admit that I was hoping that it'll be 13 on-air episodes. But since J.C Staff now list it like this, then it's highly likely that this will only be a 12 episode series.
J.C Staff Site
http://www.jcstaff.co.jp/sho-sai/hachi2-shokai/hachi2-index.htm
i don't want it to end...T_T
Speaking of the Split single, i actually received mine today from mail order. There's a little insert in the back with the Honey & clover characters.
I decided to get the cd single after downloading the song from the site, if you want a clearer version of the song on your site, let me know.
good summary :) cant wait for your imppressions
+spoilers++++++
if only hagu did choose to be with morita in the end -_-, but i see why she didnt, so she can recover an all. Its good for shuuji anyways..
end spoilers++++++++
I suspect that Hagu will follow the manga ending, given the sacrifices made *and revealed* in this episode...
Well, at least we KNOW she likes Morita now, and Morita's willing to admit his feelings for her. Still, Takemoto's confessed, and now can move on with his life - unlike say, Shuuji, who chooses to stay relatively static - or Ayu for that matter. And Hagu knows his feelings, so it's not a waste - it's not RETURNED the same way, but not a waste.
Thanks for the summary again!!
And like everyone else...I wanna just hug takemoto. But at least he won't regret anything from confessing to Hagu
Sigh...it's really sad how H&C was coming to the end...I am already starting to feel the "Honey and Clover" withdrawn symptoms coming..
Does anyone have any good recommendation for which series to follow which has a similiar high caliber of drawings & music. And leaves a similiar feeling after watching the series? I need to be waiting for another series' summary on Friday nights..or else I'll go crazy >
I really don't get it why everybody seems to look at Hagu/Shuuji in such a negative way. Why is it 'depressing' if Shuu wants to take care of Hagu? He's a grown man, capable of making his own decisions and taking care of Hagu is obviously what he wants to do most! I'd consider it more depressing if Morita or Takemoto would give up their own dreams for Hagu even if it may be more 'romantic'...
I think Hagu/Shuuji is a step backward for the two of them. Sure Shuuji is an adult who is capable of making his own decision. But this decision will hold him back and won't allow him to grow as a person. The same thing can be said for Hagu. She's been growing up so nicely so for her to fall back on Shuuji basically puts her back right where she was at the start of the story.
I don't want Shuuji to completely left Hagu to fend for herself but to take her and himself away from other people and move back to Nagano is a rather extreme decision to make. I suppose one can argue that the cost of living in Nagano is probably lower than the cost of living in Tokyo, thus he maybe able to get a part time job that will give him the time to take care of Hagu.
But here's the catch: Hagu is not a kid anymore and I don't think she needs to be supervised 24/7 during her rehabilitation. In Tokyo, she has a lot of friends who can occasionally come over to check on her. And considering the fact that Hagu is often found sleeping inside Shuuji's office, I don't think he'll have that much problem taking care of her while doing his job. Sure, right now it's a bit difficult to do that since she has to stay at the hospital for those critical few months.
But sooner or later, especially if Shuuji plans on taking her to Nagano, they'll leave the hospital. I don't see why he can't resume his normal work while taking care of her. So my point is not so much "Who should take care of Hagu?" but more like "There is a compromise to everything and for Shuuji to choose the extreme way is not good for his and Hagu's personal development".
Let's put it this way, even if Shuuji moves to Nagano, he'll still have to find a job to fend for himself and Hagu. If something happens to him, what will happen to Hagu? Or if he's in the middle of doing his job, who will look after Hagu? At least in Tokyo there are other people who can take turns spending time with her while he's doing his job. And I think Hagu will be far less depressed having her friends around than staying in a place far away from them.
Thanks for the elaborate reply, Garten and i admit that you have a point, but hasn't it always been Hagu's wish to go back to Nagano? It's not like Shuuji's going to drag her back forcefully, so in the end the decision is up to Hagu (who's an adult as well, even though people tend to forget this!) i suppose...
That said, i gotta admit that my feelings about Shuuji are somewhat ambivalent. On the one hand i admire his level of devotion while on the other hand i feel sorry for him because if Hagu really chose Morita he'd be left with nothing.
just tell me i didn't read any spoiler =_=
Garten-san,
I agree with your point of view that in a lot of ways, it's more "practical" for Hagu to stay in Tokyo. However, there is something the city can't offer but the countryside can. You remember how in the first series the author contrasted Takemoto's experience in the countryside and the city? It's true that Hagu still has friends in Tokyo who can take care of her when needed and stuff but that is only from the perspective of "humans". Tokyo can't offer her fresh air, a quiet and calm environment where she can forget about the pace and woes of city life. It's not like Nagano will be very remote but then at least it won't be as busy as Tokyo. Also, right from the beginning, Hagu was not so interested to enter competitions and stuff or go abroad. She wanted to draw in the countryside. That's her wish and I suppose Shuuji also took that into consideration.
As for Shuuji, I doubt he will change any further whatever decision he would choose simply because Shuuji no longer has the power to change his life. Or more accurately, he's long given it up. Even if he stays in Tokyo, he'll remain a teacher until retirement. Yet, I feel by taking care of Hagu and by relocating to Nagano, probably that renders him a "change" which might lead him to the better or the worse. As long as one's alive and willing to work, there's always hope, there's always future. Rather than staying in a comfortable job in Tokyo, why not try experiencing a new life and start again in Nagano? I'm curious to see what will happen three years onwards (and that probably might be what Umino sensei had in mind when she spins out the side story this Fall?)
As you said before, you liked the ending to the manga because it's more "open end". I also think the ending is closer to a beginning than an ending. Technically with her nerve severed, she won't be able to draw with her right hand unless miracles happen... and even in real life, miracles DO HAPPEN. Honey & Clover is not perfect... the story, the artwork, the cast. Like "real life", the manga itself has its share of happiness, wildness, sadness, and troubles. However, the manga also has sparked magic because it enabled me to meet lots of people, to share my views with lots of people, and to remember the youth that seemed so distant for a while. It's a good manga/anime and I'm glad I had the opportunity to enjoy such a wonderful piece. I hope the anime team's next project - Nodame Cantabile would be just as good (if not better) as Honey & Clover.
Even if he stays in Tokyo, he'll remain a teacher until retirement. Yet, I feel by taking care of Hagu and by relocating to Nagano, probably that renders him a "change" which might lead him to the better or the worse.
Hmm, that's true, isn't it? At this point in his life, a change in Shuuji's life is probably better than no change at all. If you put it that way then I agree that this is a chance for Shuuji to re-invent himself. I am still worried that Hagu will revert back to being a recluse like she used to be though. This is one of the reasons why I dislike her decision to return to Nagano as opposed to travel abroad.
In a way, Shuuji reminds me a little more of Mayama. First off, they both smoke, and it seems to be a more zen-like ritual than an addiction to cancer sticks. Second, they both are fairly uptight. While Mayama saves up loads of money so he could care for people, I could certainly imagine that Shuuji did the same in the years he's been caring for Hagu so that, in case anything happened, he'd be able to do something like move to Nagano for three years without a steady income. Third, they're both obsessive-compulsive about taking care of the ones they love. Mayama pretty much is Rika's stalker(the poor girlXD), and Shuuji would do absolutely anything to make sure Hagu is happy. They win their loves through sheer force of will and determination, and a heck of a lot of patience on Shuuji's part.
It also seems that both Mayama and Shuuji have a need to have something to care for. Mayama seemed to take care of Takemoto kinda like a younger brother early in season one, while, if it weren't for the known fact that he wasn't, it would've been implied that Shuuji was Hagu's father or something. They're both extremely overprotective about their loved ones; Mayama goes through all of Rika's personal things to analyze her mindset(among other things, that stalkerXD), and Shuuji...well, there was that time he threw Takemoto and Morita out the window for harassing Hagu(and Takemoto didn't even do anythingXD), and there was that time he refused to let Mayama introduce himself to Hagu...and plenty more...XD
*misses Hachikuro already*
I agree, there are similarities between Shuuji and Mayama, but i think there's one main difference: yes, they both want the ones they love to be happy, but Mayama wants Rika to be happy with him while Shuuji doesn't seem to care much about himself as long as Hagu is happy!
Now one could call Shuuji's attitude 'selfless' and praise him for it, but i think Mayama's attitude is the healthier one in the end.
Ok, i'm gonna stop spamming the comments page now...
relationship-wise, who isn't selfish?
now if things were one-sided that'd be different =)
Garten-san,
I don't think Hagu will reverse to the recluse person she once was. Hagu's actually quite mature by now and her accident made her even more mature than before. The fact that she could find so many "clover" to make that sandwich for Takemoto in the end indicated that she was a fighter, probably more so than anyone else in the series. Even if she goes back to the countryside, it wouldn't change her determination to get better. Even if she's in Tokyo, it's not like she would be any more sociable. That's just my view and it's likely to be wrong but I think if anyone has "truly grown up" in this series, it's Hagu.
Deena-san,
I must disagree with you on the point that Shuuji and Mayama are similar. Their passion to get lung cancer as early as possible is probably the ONLY similarity. Aside from that, Mayama and Shuuji (to me) are on either extremes. Shuuji is closer to Takemoto where he's the PASSIVE type. It's true as pitchblack-san said he is satisfied simply with Hagu's happiness and doesn't mind whether Hagu will be with him or not. That's just because he doesn't have the strong romantic attachment to Hagu as Morita or Takemoto. However, he's definitely not someone who will actively DO SOMETHING to get what he wants. On the other hand, Mayama is the kind who'll do whatever he can to get what he wants, even if that means STALKING. So, in a way Mayama is closer to Nomiya and probably even more AGGRESSIVE than Nomiya, haha.
Pitchblack-san,
I'm not sure if Shuuji is worthy of the word "selfless"... for me, "coward" is probably a better word but for Hagu, Shuuji is now ready for a change and to take up a challenge by giving up his comfortable life in Tokyo to go back to Nagano. Still, he's a COWARD to me because if he were really a "fighter" like Mayama, he would not have remained single as of this moment.
IN short, he's Takemoto in 10 years time, unless Takemoto ACTS now and CHANGES now!!
Does anyone have any good recommendation for which series to follow which has a similiar high caliber of drawings & music.
Methinks H&C is unique...
But am looking forward to "Nodame Cantabile" which will be created by the same studio with the same director as H&C 1st season, and will air in the same Noitamina block. I love the manga - if the anime turn out as good as H&C I'll be in heaven :-)
Actually there's a live-action adaptation that comes before the anime... *cringe* I've seen too many mangas *destroyed* in the live-action adaptation. Actually, some of them aren't half bad, if you hadn't read the manga...
...like the H&C movie :(
POSSIBLE SPOILERS
i think many of you underestimate takemoto. You can see a series of changes of him in the first season when he openly admits he's in love with hagu-chan even though he knows she probably doesn't feel the same way. He is more confident about the insecurities he has. He finally manages to create something good (the tower) through hard work, and bike like forest gump to hokkaido. If thats not enough to show the power of his willingness to change and live on, i dunno what more evidence you guys really need to convince yourselves.
EXTREME SPOILER OF MANGA ENDING
I also read a few posts of a few disapointed individuals and I just wanted to mention maybe the whole point was to emphasize that friendship is possibly in this anime's case, more valuable than simply falling in love. and we see that in the final scene of the manga, the power of their friendship that can exceed a seriousrelationship itself.
Omfg, this episode ftw! It just gives me this... feeling at the end that makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time...
*spoilers*
mk, I completely agree with you. In most anime series, the unrequited love, insecure couples etc. would probably have ended up as life-long relationships. However, in Honey and Clover, you can see that it's a bit more realistic. Friendships are disintegrating, unrequited love is fading, friends are becoming more than friends, people are moving on, and couples who love each other might not end up together. It's more like real life. There's no happy ending to this story. They are still in their early 20s, and like in real life, chances are that they are not going to be together for life. It's inevitable that one day, they will all part, and might lose contact with each other forever. Thus an open ending was needed to retain the realisticness (is there such a word?) of the series. Anything can happen.
morita and hagu are just too sweet in this episode! i can't stand it!!! XD
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