[Categories: Anime Reviews]
Bokurano 5: Weakness
Bokurano continues its pattern of alternating episodes containing mecha battles with those that build up to them; this time it’s Kako who is the main focus of this episode, which features no fights with aliens but plenty of character-driven stuff.
As so often happens with this show, I was left with a variety of emotions and trains of thought to unravel afterwards. Like some other fellow viewers, I very quickly harboured a strong dislike for Kako: to put it bluntly (forgive me if this blocks you out because you have a swear filter) he’s a selfish, childish and violent little shit. His home life is obviously no help (note the bruise on his mother’s face, the state of his trashed room and the fact that his father is nowhere to be seen) but he makes it really hard for the viewer to sympathise with his situation. Similarly, Ushiro (who I’ve had little time for either) has a pretty unjustified hatred for his younger sister: blaming her for the loss of their mother is harsh and misguided at best, and downright insane at worst. Anyway, Kako is weak, selfish and overall a goddamned bad choice for saving a planet he seems to hate so much.
While these two kids are decidedly unlikeable, it’s possible to see why they have turned out the way they have. I’m not saying they’re right for thinking what they do; I can however see why they reached these wrong conclusions. Dung Beetle on the other hand is just plain evil. We know nothing about him, apart from the fact that he’s associated with Zearth in some way. He’s not a human child who’s turned out bad because of circumstances partly beyond his control - he’s a cruel sadist who uses his superior knowledge and influence to make the kids’ recently-shortened lives even more unpleasant. I hope the likes of Kako and Ushiro learn the error of their ways; I hope someone finds a way to snuff out Dung Beetle violently and painfully. Whatever he is, I HATE him!
In case you’re wondering why I brought up Dung Beetle’s nastiness now, it’s an integral part of how this episode plays out. Aside from a nasty scene involving one of the military people who bring the kids in for questioning, his taunting leads to Kako trying to confront Chizuru about her personal life. Now, I wouldn’t call dating your teacher ‘weird’. I’d call it ‘immoral’ and quite possibly illegal. Anyway, she comes across as being a pleasant sort of lass so I’m tempted to speculate that she’s an unfortunate victim who’s seeking affection and attention - a shame she has to resort to this. Kako doesn’t deserve the company of such a nice girl with his attitude but I hope things look up Chizuru so she doesn’t feel the need to seek comfort in the arms of Sensei. Whichever way you look at it, the situation is just plain wrong - I’m not meaning to sound judgemental towards Chizuru, though. If anything I feel really sorry for her. Kako’s motives (teenage jealousy) may not be honourable but he has just cause for being concerned for her welfare.
Overall this is another great episode. I’ll be interested to see how Kako copes with his mission - for someone who hates everything, he’s quite upset about his life ending so soon! Furthermore, a boring character (Waku) and two unlikeable ones (Masaru and, soon, Kako) are up for the chop so we’re saying sayonara to the less engaging ones first. If this means that the more likeable kids are dying later, the tragedy factor can only go up as time goes on - a trend which won’t hurt my appreciation of this excellent series one bit.
Posted on May 25th, 2007 @ 4:58 am
I keep wondering when one of the girls is going to get chosen. In the meantime I was intrigued that the hateful dung beetle is allowing them to examine the Zearth.
I wonder if the government is going to figure something out and interfere, even if it’s in a small way.
Right now I feel I’m watching a car wreck in slow motion, and I mean that in a good way. I can’t but wonder what tragic event will happen next.
Posted on May 28th, 2007 @ 6:56 pm
With recent developments, I have a bit more reservation over Kako, but nevertheless, he is still someone I really hate big time. Boo him!
Posted on May 28th, 2007 @ 8:09 pm
@Peter Burd: I know what you mean. The kids are all doomed so we’re basically seeing people who we know are going to die soon…oddly, it’s still really great viewing!
@Impz: Agreed. There’s a blurry line between being dealt a bad hand in life and being responsible for your own actions but even if ep #6 delivers some more background I still don’t think Kako can justify being such a little bastard. Sacrificing himself for humanity could be the best thing he’s ever done!
Posted on May 31st, 2007 @ 3:32 pm
Dung Beetle was hardcore in this episode, loved him. The whole part about him saying to Kako “YOU’LL DIE A VIRGIN” was quite… hard-hitting though. I mean, I doubt any guy wouldn’t react to that taunt quite well, if you get what I mean.
Posted on December 30th, 2007 @ 2:18 am
Where do you watch the episodes? I haven’t been able to find #5. :C