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ローゼンメイデン 
Unfortunately, this really is the final episode for the series. I realise that some people may not be happy with the episode's lack of resolution. But I personally think that the ending is perfect considering the fact that the manga is still on-going at the moment. At least the episode shows that the characters are heading towards a different direction from the ones that they were heading to at the start of the series. It gives me the impression that in time, they will be able to solve their current problems/entanglement. I'm also glad that the anime has followed the manga quite closely and does not create an out of nowhere ending like Fruits Basket. I just wish that Umino Chika and the anime production team will consider creating a second season once the manga is completed.
The episode begins with Takemoto continuing his journey to Hokkaido using the old, dilapidated map that Shin gave him as his only guide. Shin had warned him in advance that the trip will be hard since Japan is vast and there is no one to guide him. There's a big possibility that Takemoto will have to sleep under the sky. He also advised Takemoto to take a 4 hour ferry from Honshu to Hokkaido to make the trip worthwhile. As Takemoto remembers the advice he realises that the red markers on the map are actually Shin's own travel plan. He thinks that for some reason the markers look a lot like a constellation. Whilst on the journey, Takemoto had to stop at a store because he's hungry. Much to his disappointment, however, the store only sells Anpan (bread with Japanese red beans).
However, since he's hungry and needs some energy, he's quite happy to buy all of them. Much to his surprise, the old lady who owns the store kindly gives him some food after she finds out that he came all the way from Tokyo. She explains that the store actually belongs to her mother-in-law, whose picture is hanging on the wall. Takemoto is surprised to know that one of the picture of the old lady was actually taken in Los Angeles, USA. In other words, unlike Takemoto, she has actually travelled in an airplane. This causes Takemoto to remember how when he was a little kid he and his father used to play with a model airplane. While Takemoto remembers this, a train passes behind him. Upon seeing the train, Takemoto realises that the train is none other than the super-express, Hokutosei.
Takemoto remembers how when he was a kid he's always wanted to ride on the train with his father. His father promised him that they'll ride it once Takemoto is older. Unfortunately the two never had the chance to do so. Back in the present, Takemoto is seen speeding with his bike, following the train without paying much thought into his surrounding. Consequently, he ends up veering off the road and falls into a riverside. As Takemoto lies on top of the grass laughing about the incident, he looks up into the sky and wonders if the star above him is the Milky Way. After Takemoto ponders the meaning of his father's life and his own, he gets up and continues his journey. What follows is then a montage of his trip to Hokkaido while Spitz' Spica plays in the background.
After a while, Takemoto eventually reaches the northern point of Japan, Wakkanai. As he enjoys the view, he realises that he's managed to get this far by using his own legs. But it's not until he comes here that he knows this is possible to do. Takemoto is also happy that he gets to see the scenery but understands that it's time that he comes back. With that in mind, he eventually made his way all the way to Tokyo. He then collapsed next to a sleeping Hagu. Shuuji, who's about to take Hagu back home, gets to be the second person who finds out about his return. The next day, everyone decides to celebrate Takemoto's return by hanging banners in front of the university. Everyone is happy to see him, except Shuuji who threatens to give Takemoto some bodily harm for holding hands with Hagu for a long time yesterday.
Upon finding out that Takemoto went all the way to Wakkanai, his over-eager supervisors wonder if he finds the answer he's looking for during his self-discovery journey. Takemoto admits that honestly he didn't know why he went away to begin with. He simply wanted to know how far he can go on his own. But along the way, he gets to cook for himself, learn how to set a camp, and later on gets to do part-time job and meet other people. He also got the chance to think about many things. But other than that, he thinks he comes back empty handed. Despite his admission, the professors still attempt to create meaning out of nothing about it. Yamada and Hagu, on the other hand, are simply happy to see him back and want to throw celebration. Unfortunately their idea of a celebration is cooking for everyone.
Takemoto, however, cleverly persuades the two to come to a night festival instead. Mayama immediately gives Takemoto the thumbs up for quick thinking. When Takemoto mentions that he better starts finding part time job because he has no money, Morita suggests that he takes a shower first. During shower, Takemoto, who sees Morita looking sullen, decides to ask what bothers him. It turns out Morita is worried with the fact that Takemoto has become too thin. Takemoto apologises for making everyone worried in the past past 2 months. Morita, however, said he wasn't worried because he knew Takemoto will be fine. All of a sudden, however, Morita launches himself into Takemoto and tries to cut his hair for 1000 Yen. Unfortunately for Morita, Takemoto manages to deflect the attempt quite easily. That evening, Takemoto notices something near the area where he parks his bike. This reminds him that Shin-san had once told him to obtain a driving's license if he wants to join their temple restoration group in the future.
That night during the festival, everyone is busy following Yamada's order to get different kind of foods. This time, however, Mayama asks Takemoto to get Whip-chan for Yamada and Hagu so that he doesn't get too involved in Yamada's life. This also gives Takemoto the chance to converse with Hagu. Takemoto finaly realises that part of the reason why he went away was to find out the seriousness of his feeling for those he left behind. With this in mind, he finally tells Hagu about his feeling. In reply, Hagu cries and thanks Takemoto for coming back. The episode then ends with Takemoto being invited by Mayama to a welcome back party. As Takemoto opens his fridge to get some drinks, he realises that even though his fridge is empty as usual, he no longer hears the sound of emptiness. Because of this, he's sure that one day everyone will be able to find what they're looking for. The episode then ends with a close-up of a four-leaves Clover near Takemoto's bike.
Impression:
This episode really shows that Takemoto has changed so much over the course of the series. His posture, body language, and mannerism have definitely evolved to a different state. I like how Takemoto's VA deliver Takemoto's confession to Hagu in a direct and confident tone. There's no a hesitation or a trace of stutterness in his voice. Takemoto now understands what he wants and makes an active attempt to go for it. I think when he manages to reach his destination, he realises that he had overcome what he originally thought to be an impossibility. This suggests that no matter what the result might be, it's always a good thing to give something a try. Even if the result may not be forthcoming, at the very least he has given it a try and will not regret it later on for not taking the chance.
Unfortunately the same can't be said about the other characters. I can understand that people who want some resolution in the romantic department will be unhappy with this episode. Having said that, there are hints that other characters are moving towards different directions as well. Mayama, for example, has finally taken the initiative to not involve himself in Yamada's life far too often. His decision to ask Takemoto to get Whip-chan for Yamada and Hagu was a good one. It's a good attempt to minimise his involvement in Yamada's life. If you remember, one of the reasons that Yamada refuses to let go Mayama is partly because she feels that Mayama also cares about her. Hopefully Yamada will realise that she needs to move on with her life as Mayama becomes less and less involved in her life.
On the other hand, even though Yamada hasn't completely move on from Mayama, she has recently developed a slight interest in Nomiya. While this is not a big step, I think it's realistic. After all, even if one considers the timeframe of this series, Yamada has been in love with Mayama for almost 4 years now. It's not easy to move one's affection to another person after such long years. Moving on to another character, Hagu has actually evolved quite a lot despite not receiving that much of focus from the series. She finally tries to move away from Shuuji's shadow and carve a future life for herself in the countryside. She has also become more capable in expressing her thoughts through words as opposed through her arts. The scene where she thanks Takemoto for coming back is a good example of this.
The only character that I feel a bit neglected here is Morita. Being the series' comic relief certainly has robbed him some much-needed character development. There were some scenes from the past few episodes where he's given some reflective scenes but they were not enough to develop his character. I want to know more about him, his motivation, and his thoughts about his friends. Judging for the last few episodes, I get the impression that his friends seem to be the most important thing to him, probably more than his own love life. The revelation, however, makes me want to know why this seems to be the case. Unfortunately right now, his motivation remains a mystery to me. The manga is not different in this regard although the last few chapters seem to suggest a development in this direction.
At the end of the day, however, I'm very satisfied with this series. Unlike some viewers, I am not as invested in the love entanglement of the characters. The parts of the series that deal with finding one's own path, as well as the one about friendship between the characters, strike far more chord with me. And since the series delivered both parts rather well, the lack of resolution on the characters' romantic entanglement does not bother me as much. Besides, I agree with BluWacky that in reality, love entanglement does not end as quickly as one might hope. Honey and Clover chooses to present this reality with its characters. And as I stated above, the characters have shown signs of progress. The fact that it's not an overnight change but a gradual progress is the thing that makes this series easier to relate for me.
I really love the fact that the animators decide to use Waltz to end this series. The song reminds me of how I first stumbled upon this series, and how I ended up bonding with a friend over it. I'm also sad to see the series go. There are so many fond memories that are attached to this series from my trip to Japan to my own personal reasons. It's also been a while since I've enjoyed a series like this one. To me, the series is definitely one of the best series that came out this year and will now sit nicely in one of my top 5 anime series. Everything about the series from the story, the characters, the animation style, the music are so well done that I have little to complain about. I really am looking forward to the DVD releases and the upcoming live-action adaptation of the series.
Timeline
This episode begins a couple of days after Takemoto left Shin and the other construction workers. Judging from the previous timeline, I'd say that a month has passed between the time when Takemoto left Tokyo and the start of this episode. Although his journey afterwards seems comparatively brief in the anime, one must take into account the fact that he went all the way to Wakkanai by bike. After this, he returned to the Shrine builder and worked there again for another 2-3 days before going back to Tokyo. In addition to this, Mayama mentions that Takemoto has gone for 2 months (he returns on the 30th of August). Because of this, I think it's safe to assume that it took him another month to complete his journey. Anyway, the timeline has been updated for the last time. I hope it's been quite useful for some of you.
I was going to make a separate entry for this but I figure I won't have the time to do so. So I'll just do this here in the comment. As I said above, while the series has its share of weak points, most of the time it is filled with some memorable scenes/dialogues in recent years. Some of them really hits close to home for me while others gave me a good laugh. I'd like to know what is everyone's favourite drama scenes, comedy scenes, songs/soundtracks, and characters. I'll list my own top 10 and I hope you'll mention yours as well.
Drama scenes:
1. The Last Christmas (Episode 9): Takemoto mentions how this is the last Christmas the group gets to spend for a little while. It really hit close to home for me especially since this was the last episode I saw with my friend.
2. Afraid of the future (Episode 21): Takemoto realises that he's always afraid of the future and because of this, ends up jeopardising his own chance at happiness. I really relate to what Takemoto feels in this episode since I've done this from time to time.
3. Morita's departure (Episode 12): I like how Yuki's Dramatic plays as Takemoto tries to stop Morita from leaving Japan. It really underscores their friendship and the inevitable separation between the two friends.
4. Not knowing what to do vs. unable to do what you want (Episode 20): Takemoto raises a question that I'm sure comes into a person's life at one point or another.
5. Morita/Yamada's conversation (Episode 20): I think this is a simple but a very nice scene that underscores the friendship between Morita and Yamada.
6. The Four-leaf Clover (Episode 7): Takemoto's monologue about how one day their time together will turn into a mere memory but he'll always reminisce about is a sad but the reality of friendship.
7. Shuuji/Harada/Rika's past (Episode 6): A sad and tragic end to what could have been a good friendship between the three characters. It's obvious that Shuuji and Rika's life was forever changed after the accident.
8. Searching for Ferris Wheel/To cut the sky (Episode 10): I just like these two scenes because it seems to contain a lot of meanings despite the simple dialogue.
9. Yamada's realisation of Mayama's feeling (Episode 17): A good character development point for Yamada. It's the point where Yamada (and some viewers) realises that Mayama is not trying to string her along but rather simply being kind to her.
10. What I lack is a destination (Episode 17): Takemoto once again said something that I can relate to. It's not easy to find what you really want to do in life.
Comedy scenes:
1. Morning at Mayama's (Episode 11): Mayama wakes up and finds Morita and Takemoto sleeping next to him. Hilarity ensues as Morita debates the inconvenience of outdoor showers. The following scene, where he gets knocked unconscious by Yamada because he tries to show his underwear, is also worth a note.
2. Shichi-go-san ja nain da kore? (Episode 11): Yamada and Takemoto are shocked when they realised that the picture of Hagu that they see is actually not a picture of her childhood. Morita adds the extra point for making fun of Hagu's growth...or lack of it.
3. Birthday celebration/Twister game from hell (Episode 8): Takemoto gets horrific foods and painful game as birthday presents. I never played Twister before but I know that I'll stay away from it should anyone suggest that I take a part in it.
4. Morita returns (Episode 20): every single scenes with Morita in this episode is comedic gold. This includes the scenes where he threatens to return and sue Peter Lucas, gets dragged by Shuuji, and tries to cover Professor Tange's face with a white cloth.
4. Okane ga Suki!! (Episode 6): Morita proclaims his love for money and manages to give Professor Tange a cardiac arrest in the process.
5. Hanami Concert (Episode 12, 20): Morita gives the performance of his life with Enka-like song. Episode 12 is especially memorable with an additional revelation that when Morita was a younger, he traumatised a poor cat thanks to his love for it.
6. Mayama ga Suki!! (Episode 9): everyone falls in love with Mayama because he gives them free foods.
7. Aa, kirei na hana (Episode 9): Morita gets knocked out by Mayama for correctly guessing that Mayama has been stalking Rika.
8. Mr.Giraffe won't live long (Episode 8): Mayama drives down the cold, hard fact about why Giraffe won't survive long in cold climate. He gets a kick to the head from Yamada for this effort.
9. Rika doesn't see you as a man/Just act pathetic (Episode 23): Morita and Miwako gives Mayama pointers on how to make Yamada losing interest in him - fast.
10. Shuuji and his violent instruments (Episode 24): Shuuji shows Takemoto what he intends to do to separate Takemoto's hand from Hagu's.
Songs/Soundtracks
1. Dramatic (Opening Theme): I grow to like the song as each episode comes, and as I start to understand the lyrics as opposed to just listening to the rhythm. I think the song really underscores the theme of unrequited love, lost friendships and the hope to regain both.
2. Waltz (1st Ending Theme): I can't help but liking this over Mistake. The minute the song kicks in at the end of Episode 24, I realised how much I missed it. Thematically, the song is actually rather similar to Dramatic.
3. Yubikiri (Episode 18): one of the many background songs that I like. It really describes the teacher-student perfectly and to a certain extent, Morita's feeling for his friends.
4. Waltz - Piano version (Episode 8): a really nice background music that is unfortunately can't be found within the soundtrack.
4. Tsuki to Knife (Episode 3): simply because it was the first background music that I like.
5. Yamanai Ame (Episode 17, various): a melancholic background music that is played as each character comes to a realisation about something or has a question that they can't find the answer to.
6. Dramatic - Piano version (various): a piano rendition of the opening theme that is often used during some of the melancholic scenes.
7. Nami Hikari (Episode 4): I like simply because the way Suga Shikao sings the song. Come to think of it, I actually prefer many of Shikao's songs that are used in this series in comparison to Spitz' songs.
8. Spica (Episode 24): the song is a perfect companion for Takemoto's journey to Hokkaido.
9. Yawarakana Jikan (various): another instrumental piece that crops up from time to time, especially during Takemoto's scenes.
10. Ougon no Tsuki (Episode 19): I like the way the song makes the animation feels grander and bigger than it really was.
Characters
1. Takemoto Yuuta: I don't know how many viewers actually like him. I get the general impression that people don't like his character as much. But I find him to be the most easy to relate to. The majority of words, reflections, and problems that Takemoto says/has, are the sort of problem that I am also facing. I find him to be easier to relate to in comparison to Morita, who I also like but can't really understand as much.
2. Shinobu Morita: Morita really is a fun, entertaining characters. The problem is, I find him to be rather hard to relate. He actually reminds me of my friend, so energetic and full of life but again, quite difficult to understand.
3. Hanamoto Shuuji: after Takemoto, I feel that he's the second character who I can identify the most. Some of his personal and professional problems are again, similar to my own.
4. Yamada Ayumi: I really sympathise a lot with Yamada. At one point in my life, I also experienced an unrequited love. It wasn't a pleasant experience although thankfully, unlike Yamada, mine only lasted for a couple of months. After experiencing something like this, I can understand why it takes Yamada a long time to get over her feelings for Mayama.
5. Hanamoto Hagumi: Many people don't like her at the start of the series. Even now, I get the impression that people only see her as a potential love interest for either Morita or Takemoto as opposed to a character in her own right. Admittedly, Hagu is quite difficult to understand. But her artistic background and the problem she encounters in her profession is the same problem that I also encounter on a daily basis. I also like the progression in her character design from child-like to something that is more closer to her actual age.
6. Shinobu Kaoru: Kaoru, just like his brother is one hell of an interesting character. From the manga, I found out that he's a bit neglected as a child because his father gave more attention to Morita. That immediately makes me like his character even more.
7. Shin: He's the sort of character that I've always wanted for an older brother. I like the way he helps Takemoto to find the path he's looking for.
8. Harada: Harada seems to be a much more calmer version of Morita. He also has the same mysterious air about him. A very kind character that everyone clearly loves but at the same time is hard to understand. If I remember correctly, Shuuji said something similar about this.
9. Mayama Takumi: I actually don't find Mayama that interesting as a character. I like him when he's funny and I appreciate the fact that he's basically a nice person. But apart from that, I usually don't find his storyline to be that interesting.
10. Harada Rika: Unfortunately, I don't know much about Rika so my reaction of her character is pretty mild. I did feel sorry when I found out about the tragic accident that happened to her and Harada.
"4. Tsuki to Knife (Episode 3): the first background music that I heard within the series."
wasnt there also an insert song on eps one too? Spitz - Hachimitsu
well i liked waltz the most too lol
Drama Scenes:
There was so many scenes and most you listed there were some of the best, but one I really loved and enjoyed was the look for the 4 leaf clover and how everyone pinches in to help Hagu find one. Even though they didn`t find one, you see there how close knit the group really is to each other and or willing to help one another.
Comedy:
OMG! I adore H&C for it's humor, but I think the very first ep and the interaction between Mayama, Takemoto and Morita. How Takemoto tries to wake Morita, giving up he yells at Morita, who finally wakes up and steals the kicking board, yelling the while way "NO MORE! NO MORE!"
Plus Morita's singing will always hold a place in my heart!
I also enjoyed Suu-chan's and Mayama's talksat the fall festivals between them and how they enjoy being adult because they can eat all they want XP
Music:
Yes, Waltz really sums up H&C in my eyes (and ears) and whomever signed that song up for H&C did a wonderful job. You can just picture Takemoto and Hagu or Mayama and Ayu anyone in that song. It's a wonderful song!
Ougon No Tsuki is one of my faves as well, I really just enjoy the song and feel to it and the words just make it so right!
Am going to so miss H&C, It brought back so many memories, sad and happy. But it's a truly great anime and manga and I hope anyone who hasn`t seen it will pick it and and check it out!
I can wait to see what ep 25 and 26 may hold for us, but even though it ended it, it was a wonderful ending and very fitting! I know am going to cry again when I see the anime sub for this ep. XD
Also thank you Garten for all your wonderful summaries over the months on H&C!
Loved this series and it's one of the few I'm buying the whole DVD series as well. I can't add anything to all the things you said Garten. This anime has touched me in many more ways than I could have expected. Loved the characters, the animation, the story... Everything! I will be eagerly waiting for the special 2 episodes and why not, for a second season ^_^
P.S. In fact I'm pretty sure (cause I have searched for every single one of the insert songs) that there are 2 more insert songs Garten before ep.3...
Ep.1 : Spitz - Hachimitsu
Ep.2 : Suga Shikao - Hachi Gatsu no Serenade (i love this song and I've become quite fond of his music)
Also appearing insert songs (don't remember in which exact episodes though atm) are:
By Spitz :
Y , Tsuki ni kaeru , Sakana , Yoru wo kakeru , Tamagawa
By Suga Shikao:
Soro soro ikanakucha , Room 201
Oops, sorry about the insert song things. What I really meant to say was it was the first background music that I really like.
It is very excellent show. It should be regarded as the BEST ANIME SERIES IN 2005 as everything is so perfect that it should worth this title! To me, it is so close to the REALITY that makes me agree with what the show wants to convey, not only love, but also the path to find out our future.
I have to say something for someone who are not happy about this episode as there is no resolution in the romantic department. In my opinion, Honey & Clover focuses on Takemoto-kun rather than any others. Therefore, those people should not be unhappy about the ending as it has been planned since the first episode.
By the way, speaking of my favourites in the Honey & Clover. I like Dramatic, Waltz and Supika, in the music field. I like Takemoto-kun among these unique characters in Honey & Clover. He is nothing special at first. But when the show progresses, he changes a lot. It really impresses me.
I can't remember enough to say which comedy scenes and what not I liked the most (except that I can't forget ep 7 because of it's expressive animation), but as for music....
I cannot rank them, but these are some of the most memorable tunes:
From the soundtrack:
-Koi no Katachi, Ai no Katachi (Very lovely piano version of Hajimari no Yokan... it's just beautiful. Really.)
-Kasaneta Kokoro (Another very mellow-sounding but great piece that somehow stirs up something in the heart. I think it's the deep notes of the piano in the beginning. The later part makes it feel like nice airport music (I LIKE AIRPORT MUSIC.) and a feeling of renewal)
-Bonbon Bereppa ~Theme (I cannot forget this! It's so funny, and they use it for all those funny sequences, especially with Morita.)
-Yamanai Ame (Same reasons as Garten. This really makes me feel like I'm watching a dorama by the way.)
The OST is actually very nice, and there are lots of other tracks, but those are the most memorable. I'd add in the piano version of Dramatic and Waltz but THEY'RE NOT THERE. ;_; Anyway, the OST really has a very lovely feel to it. Some tracks that exemplify this are Houkago no Iro, Distance and Soshite Arukidasu.
As for other songs, these are my most favourite and memorable ones:
-Waltz (One of the most memorable *things* about the series. It captures the mood and feeling so well... And it's so lovely. I love the way the opening notes hit at the end of the episode.)
-Mistake (Yeah, it can't match up to Waltz - but in its own way it is a good song, definitely. I do like it, really. I think it effectively changed the mood of the series which was good, because the second half was quite different rom the first. Especially with Takemoto.)
-Supika (I can't say how much I absolutely love Spitz's songs. I really liked this song when it played in episode 24. It was very effective and impressive. It certainly moved me.)
-Tamagawa (I should mention again, I love ep 7. I *REALLY* liked the way they used the song in ep 7. It was just awesome. Really. I love the song itself as well, it's so melancholy and moving.)
-Yoru wo Kakeru and Ougon no Tsuki (Both in Mayama/Nomiya/Ayu/Rika episodes. Yoru wo Kakeru was amazing, with the great directing in that episode - the car and the "Just let me drive" and all of that...)
-Tsuki no Knife (Kind of symbolic, I think. It's got that really, really wonderful melancholic feeling to it, especially the singing. Coupled with the anime scenes it was really very great.)
Others would be Y, Sakana and Yubikiri.. and yes, the OP is memorable, but I can't get over the voice. >_>;
Wow, I can't believe that the series has ended. Do you know when the series is going to air in the United States? I would be so happy when DVDs are in the market. By the way, how many episodes are on one disk? Could you tell me? Thank you!
Helen, I have no idea when the series will made it to the US. As for episode counts, the R2 (Japan) DVD so far has 3 episodes per DVD volume. The only exception to this is the first volume, which only contains 2 episodes. Unfortunately, none of these DVDs contain English subtitle.
i will comment more extensively later, but for now i will just sit quietly in awe. i can listen to that last insert song (& WALTZ!) for many times and they'll still gonna make me feel like crying T_T
This has been the first series I've watched all the way through for a long time, and I'm glad it is. I really liked the pace they set out for it, even though some of my friends find it too slow.
There's also no one in the series that I absolutely hated, though there probably was never meant to be any, since a lot of the conflict came from the inside.
The music made it that much better. =)
As for seeing it in the U.S., I hope someone licenses it, but I'd be surprised if I see it on TV; I'm still having a hard time finding shoujo on U.S. television right now, and there're not enough crack scenes in Hachikuro to make up for it (ala FLCL). Still, I hope I'm wrong. ^^;;
I saw the end as soon as it became available and have been been holding back on commenting. I'm just so sad that this wonderful series ended, but I feel the same as Garten about the ending.
Although it may have not resolved all the conflicts in each character, I feel they did a wonderful job continuing with the story without rushing or disrupting the flow of the series. You can certainly feel that the characters are, infact moving in a positive direction and that, although we will not see it here, they will continue to move on and live their lives. In all, I think concentrating on Takemoto for the last part of the series was a good choice. I felt that his character was most neglected after the series began. It's wonderful to finally see him gain some strength and certainty in his life.
I was also a bit disappointed with Morita's lack of screen time and character development in the last few episodes. I guess they downplayed his screen time to make room for the others since he had a bit of that focus earlier on. Even so, I feel that the subtle cues towards his more serious sides, his affection and respect for Takemoto, and the rest of his friends was grossly underplayed. We all know that he is more complicated than he wants to lead on, but they hardly dwell on this in the series. It would have been nice, but I think they purposely didn't delve into it further to keep his character's shroud of mystery like Harada. Shuuji's was also treated like an important side character--like a crutch or wise man guiding and aiding the rest of the characters aiding along. I feel that it is unfortunate that they didn't allow us to see more into his thoughts and insecurites or even his feelings about Rika and Harada.
In all the story left me with a somber, yet content and fuzzy happy feeling. Hearing Waltz again playing in the background (instead of Mistake) made me smile, kind of like suddenly seeing an good friend you haven't seen in a very long time. It just gives it the right touch. No question, Honey & Clover has become one of, if not, the most favorite anime series of mine. I have yet to see a series with so much artistry, depth, and humor all rolled into one. It's so genuine, so true, it hurts, and I love it.
i didn't see the subs for this episode yet..but did anyone notice the four leaf clover at the very end next to takemoto's bike?
it's so sad to see this end...i wanted to see more resolution for all the characters...but it's still a good ending. i hope they make a second season
WHAT?! IT ENDED?! ANN posted that it ends in episode 26...
What a wonderful dramatic anime series.
It's a short time only 24 episodes. I can't believe that I spent many tear for crying and laughing.
The last few episodes felt a bit rushed, but maybe it was just because I had read the manga and wanted to see some of the subplots in the anime. I also didn't really like the neglect of a lot of the other characters, especially Morita, but I guess there's not much they could do about it if it had to end at episode 24.
Otherwise, I thought it was a good ending - it was nice to see Takemoto coming out a lot stronger and more secure than he started off. I loved all the parallels with episode one.
I do hope Hachikuro gets a second season. This has quickly become one of my favorite anime of all time.
Watching how Takemoto went away from home makes me want to do the same too. Sometime you want to know how people and things around you are really important to you. What is actually worth more than what you expected in your life. Too bad I just started working, or else I would had went away from where I am right now. I think that may make me a better person overall.
I said it before and I will say it again. Thank you Garten for all the reviews and comments. Your hard work has reached many people and I'm glad that I'm one of them. Thanks...
Having watched all the series, honey and clover has become my fav anime all the time.. the storyline is very good and the development of characters are well done..
Not enough with the series, i wanna start reading the manga..I've noticed that u guys have talked about honey and clover manga a lot here..Did u guys buy the manga or download it from some manga-translator team? If it's the latter one may I know what's the group name?
Thanks
Kansai had a one-hour broadcast (ep 25) according to AnimeNewsNetwork (http://animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=4975&page=25) and I was really hoping that someone would talk about it ... :) Even though I can't understand enough Japanese to make watching a raw completely enlightening, and rely on subs for meaning, I liked Hatchikuro so much ... it reminds me of Genshiken, also one of my all-time favorites.
Thank you for taking the time to write all this! I've bookmarked your entries for my own reference as a guide to the series. Good luck with your own soul-searching and enjoy the rest of your time in Japan!
Ok... I'm going to be perfectly blunt, the songs played in piano in this series is just so damn moving. I want them all, but the ones that I'm just DREADING FOR...... right now are: the music behind the sad Ayu part Epi.16 and the slow piano version of Dramatic that they play in the background.. hmmm... (ex. last part of Epi.10). Does anyone know where I can find these two pieces??
If anyone didn't notice the first time through, there's a 4 leaf clover planted where Takemoto left his bike, during the party of the last episode. Awesome symbolism.
Yes, what IS the deal with episodes 25 and 26? When and where and how are they going to air? I mean are they just some fill in episodes that come with a DVD box or do they finish up the series, answer a few of those unanswered questions?
Does anyone know?
While I can't touch on facts of episode 25 & 26; I very much suspect there will be a small OVA but don't expect any resolution. I think the fact that we are all clamoring for more of this series reveals something grand.
As I read the review and comments, I noticed a common trend; we will all miss this series. I think it speaks volumes to the character development, and overall bond that we can find in this series.
This is the most relatable anime/manga series I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. I think I'll miss this series more than I'll miss this series more than some obviously more important things in my life.
I'm wondering what the word HONEY mean in Honey and Clover. What significance does it have in the series? Thank you.
I think 'Honey and Clover' refers to life itself, which sometimes can be sweet and bitter at the same time.
clover = bitter?? hmmm i'm not sure about that but im sure the clover didn't symbolize that
Hm..I think Umino used the word Hachimitsu to Clover to show her compassion on SPITZ and Suga shikao music..SPITZ has an album called 'Hachimitsu' and Suga shikao has an album called 'Clover'..thats probably one of the reason she chose to go with that title..
I heard that there will be two un-aired episodes of Honey & Clover on the DVD release of the series. And that they are in the middle of shooting the live action movie in Japan now.
Yeah i'll miss the series. =^.^=
My favorite scenes are despite Morita's antics, there are times when he's completely serious and the characters takes his words seriously and bonds are strengthened. For example when Yamada Ayu cries about her frustrations, Morita holds her hands and tells her thats she's lucky that 2 men the night before worried about her all night, and she should take care to be more responsible in the future. And so he takes her hand and walks with her home in the night.
Morita-san has been so neglected! T_T I love him.
Trully this series is up there on the best anime series ever created. A lot of things that I will remember of this series from the first OP where those shrimps move to Takemoto's confession to Hagu.
I like short lengthed series but the bad thing about it is that when you really get hooked on the anime, you've got to face the fact that it'll end faster than those long anime series, and that's what happened to me after watching Honey & Clover. You just wished that it could go on and on and on and on...
The characters will be forever remembered. How Takemoto just kept pedaling... I wish I could do that but probably not in the U.S.
As a student this anime has taught me how valuable the time you spend with your friends or classmates is, and cherish it. It makes you look back to your college, high school, Jr. High, or even elementary school life and wish that you could relive those moments.
Just like everone else i'd love to see some resolution. But it leaves a big opened side to a possible 2nd season, or perhaps some slight resolution in the hopefully released soon 2 ova episodes. Rank wise this is by far one of the best animes i've seen in a while if not the best. Character growth, humor, everything all in one. Funny that a anime could stir up feelings of confusionand reminensce like the ones i came away with this series. I am attempting to also find myself like Takemoto in my college years, being at a crossroads in your life with no intentions in exactly the spot that this series is, and its actually showed me alot. I'm hoping to get ep 25 and 26 and praying a 2nd season. I'm even more excited about a live action version.
I guess I'm kind of late on the Honey and Clover thing, but I enjoyed it more than any other anime series. Is there any similar anime with that blend of comedy, character development, romance that anyone would equally recommend?
Apparently I read somewhere that the anime is 24 episodes long on TV but it's acually 26 episodes long and the last 2 episodes will be on the last DVD out Feb 2006 i.e. now! Is this true?? Why would JC Staff randomly not put out the last two ep.s.....?
This was a very memorable series for me. I agree that Takemoto is definitely one of the more relatable characters throughout the series. Although he doesn't give off as much charm or a exude as much energy as Morita, he was the only one that made me, and probably most viewers, say ,"heh. i know how u feel." Its great how his character had developed from the beginning of the series towards the end. Finally figuring out the answer (or not?) to the uneasiness in his mind and being satisfied with what he got no matter what it was.
My favorite was definitely Waltz by SuneoHair. It was a major letdown during the middle of the series when Mistake began to fade in with the end of the episode. Not that it was a bad song, it just didn't quite fade in as well as Waltz did with some of the final scenes of the episodes.
Among my favorite moments in the series was when Mayama was carrying Yamada on his back on the way to her house. When she had finally confessed to him her feelings, the first vibrant beat of Waltz perfectly integrated itself into the scene.
I have a question as to what the "third option" was when Shuu admitted that he had lied to Yamada in one of the later episodes. I was hoping the question would be answered before the conclusion of the series. Maybe I missed it??
But my hopes are high that my question will be soon answered as a second installment of Honey and Clover is more than just a rumor now. I hope the second series will answer some of my questions.
I can't get enough of this series. But did you all know that they ARE making a second season? It comes out this summer. As in 2006. This will be the summer of Hachikuro.
I have a question as to what the "third option" was when Shuu admitted that he had lied to Yamada in one of the later episodes. I was hoping the question would be answered before the conclusion of the series. Maybe I missed it??
one of the nicest things about HC is that you can understand and discover things.... they don't talk really clearly cause the amazing thing is to UNDERSTAND, to relate so much with the subject that you can say what the character is feeling without words, u know? That's why HC is so good, and that scene is one of my favorites cause I was really sad when I watched and I loved that sunset and the cigarette smoke takes... just amazing... plus the song and I was crying cause I KNEW what was the third option, cause I was feeling that too, the irony of having the third option and enjoying that.
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