[Categories: Anime Reviews]
Kare Kano (His and Her Circumstances) episodes 17-21: Words of faith and devotion
The focus of the series shifts back towards the Yukino/Arima relationship once more as Yukino spends the remainder of her summer break soul-searching and analysing her own feelings. Soon it is time for an emotional reunion for them both, just in time for an hectic new semester featuring an old face coming back to haunt Tsubaki. As if this wasn’t enough for them to worry about, the upcoming culture-fest promises yet more demands on their time and energy, but with the possibility of free lecture notes for the lucky winners…
A lot happens in this volume, with a second subplot exploring the life of one of the supporting characters. With a cast as varied and engaging as this, it’s a shame there isn’t time to explore them all: Tsubaki’s ‘old friend’ (below) is an interesting sort who will undoubtedly make school life a lot more colourful later on!
The main event is, of course, Arima’s arrival home and the situations that result between him and Yukino. After the temporary diversion in disc #3 it’s great to revisit them and see the effects that the summer break has had on their relationship; while initially Yukino was questioning where it’s all headed, the joy they both feel when they meet again is truly heart-rending. There won’t be a dry eye in the house when you watch this, trust me.
Perhaps inevitably, the subject of their romance going to the ‘next level’ is explored, in the episode Progress. I won’t go into too much detail here but suffice to say that a very important issue is dealt with but it’s handled in a really eloquent way. After a deep and meaningful conversation the two of them are caught in a rainstorm; Arima offers to take Yukino to his house to shelter from the downpour and…
This is where Anno’s deft touch as a director really shines. Little is shown but enough is implied to convey the significance of the scene without descending into gratuitous fan service; the music and subtle imagery work in perfect harmony to mark a very sensitive turning point in the story. Credit is also due to the seiyuus for Arima and Yukino, whose performances deliver the superb dialogue with sincerity and, to put it bluntly, damn good acting.
All in all this has been a brilliant return to form for Kare Kano and not even the patchy animation can detract from the sheer quality of the material. Series like this are rare, and it’s a real shame that UK viewers have to resort to importing to get hold of it. Honestly, it’s a gem.
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