[Categories: Anime Reviews]
Kurenai 4-9: social observation and family dysfunction
Where would we be without needlessly pretentious post titles, eh? ^_^ Kurenai has covered a lot of ground since I last had chance to blog it, in the characterisation rather than storyline sense at least. It’s fair to say that most of the events during the middle section of the series are concerned with the characters and their relationships: placing Shinkuro and Murasaki together has been a culture shock for them both, leading to some fascinating life lessons even though the storyline didn’t go anywhere in particular. As the nature of Murasaki’s former home becomes clearer, the true value of those trivial everyday scenes is gradually pulled into focus so complaining about how nothing much happens is quite honestly beside the point; it’s fair enough if you’re disappointed with the lack of fast-paced action but by now it’s obvious where the show’s intentions lie there.
A more uneventful train ride this time
And yes, that even applies to the comedic musical episode. While it qualifies as filler in as many senses of the term as you care to name it still offered little insights into the characters and the ways in which they interact. With the episode count in mind it’s heartening to know that not even the mid-season filler ep is completely wasting time - as funny as their behaviour was, we saw aspects to their personalities that would not have otherwise come to light.
This show also takes an approach that draws particular attention to its Japanese setting - from the visit to the shrine to the plinking of a shamisen in the next episode previews, Kurenai strikes me as a series that is trying to be as quintessentially Japanese as possible; moreso than quite a lot of anime shows, thinking about it. As a bit of an aside, it reinforces the emphasis on tradition that the Kuhouins represent to the outside world as well as looking, well, quite beautiful in places. Props to Brains Base for the visual side of things…if only I could find the time for the likes of Beccano too.
I quite enjoyed the trip to uni with Tamaki too, what with all the bits of social observation and romantic philosophy; I began to get the impression that Murasaki can sometimes be a little too grown up for her own good though. When Bateszi questioned the realism of her character I had to concede that she hardly acts or thinks like a six year old but given her unconventional upbringing it’s not surprising that she views the world from a different perspective. Talking of wanting to grow up into a woman who Shinkuro would appreciate as an adult sounds strange coming from a child of her age, but that background of hers is I think partly responsible; and only now am I getting an idea of how bizarre and twisted it is.
You have to give Murasaki credit here: she knew exactly what you should say when your friend’s just been dumped
Hoping Murasaki would decide to stay through her own volition was a bit too much to hope for (if the Kuhouins will stoop to incest and violence against innocent bystanders, I doubt they’d think twice about brainwashing their own kids) but I think Shinkuro wanted Murasaki to stand her ground - in which case he may have done more by way of acknowlegement. I had to wonder though why Shinkuro didn’t lay into the Kuhouin goons screaming “Leave her alone you sick bastards!” all the same; it almost seemed as if he wasn’t doing *everything* he could have done when being provoked so mercilessly. This is one of several plot points where I had to question the rationale - Benika claiming she was using her intuition in placing Murasaki under Shinkuro’s care, Shinkuro returning murasaki to the apartment AFTER the Kuhouins knew of her whereabouts, and so on.
What I think stopped Shinkuro using that Wolverine-style blade of his was that in his earlier promise to protect Murasaki he was extending his resolution to sparing her the sight of a brutal killing - there is at least some chance of carrying out a rescue or bargaining later which, while slim, is still a viable alternative to subjecting a six year old girl to the sight of her guardian killing her own brother. Does true strength come from knowing when to hold back, show restraint and when to accept defeat? Perhaps. It was certainly a refreshing change to see a beaten hero taking the punishment with acceptance; not that it made the scene in question any less painful to watch. Hell, I wanted to reach into the screen and punch the Kouhouin guy’s lights out…and I’m not a naturally violent or angry person, honest!
I don’t think there’s a need to emphasise how messed-up the Kuhouin household is, and how important it is to keep Murasaki as far away from there as possible so I’m sure there’s a reason why Shinkuro didn’t use his last resort in combat. As for why Benika has so much faith in him in the first place…here’s hoping these issues are addressed in the final episodes because it would be one hell of a loose end to leave dangling.
A family, of sorts. Just for the record, I think Murasaki’s kiss was completely innocent. Seriously
I can’t imagine how the story could be satisfied with such an abrupt farewell as a conclusion - there’s plenty more mileage in exploring how the two of them enrich one another’s lives and, as Murasaki so astutely remarked, each is a cure for the other’s loneliness (and yes, I paraphrased rather than quoted that, out of laziness more than anything). Three episodes seems like hardly enough to address the issues this show has raised so far, so I’m already crossing my fingers for a second season at some point.
Posted on June 6th, 2008 @ 2:06 am
I wouldn’t say a Second Season is a no, Considering the series of novels is still on-going. I think its fairly likely, And I think its probably better in the way that it might be two separate series rather than one 26 episode one
The Musical episode was one of the highlights of the series for me, Its covered a lot and as memorable as some of Murasaki’s one-liners are, The 5+ minute theatrical that was done, for no reason at all was absolutely terrific (IMO).
I really do hope the last few episodes give it the send-off it deserves.
Posted on June 6th, 2008 @ 6:15 am
The novels are still going on? Hmm.
I am hoping, possibly against hope, that the return to the apartment/hovel and Shinkuru’s pathetic fighting was part of a master plan, in which they fully intend for Murasaki to get taken away. I can’t think of any other reason for such a weak defense. That’s why Shinkuru was happily cleaning his window in the closing tag. Yeah! That’s it! A Master Plan!
But if this is an ongoing series, god only knows. Sigh.
Two things chilled me in that last ep: first, the odd solo piano music which was consistent with the show as a whole but felt strange while watching a favorite character get beaten to a pulp (the music sounded … slightly worried), and second, the calm way Murasaki’s brother spoke to her, like he was gently scolding a slightly naughty little sister. Murasaki’s defeated replies, fighting back tears, only made it worse for me. Kudos to her voice actress. Wonderful job.
On the other hand, the song-and-dance ep was one of the happiest eps I’ve seen in a while, characterization undertones notwithstanding.
Posted on June 6th, 2008 @ 9:05 pm
I think you pretty much nailed the two major points everyone in ‘Blog world has been debating here - The kiss was a friendly one, nothing more, and Shinkurou didn’t use his blade thing because of Murasaki’s presence, perhaps coupled a little with his belief that he wants to be strong without relying on it.
It’s interesting you bring up Benika’s decision making as a potential plot-hole - From some of her conversations in the last episode, I got the distinct impression that she knew Murasaki would be taken back by the Kuhouins sooner or later, and that despite that she almost felt that Shinkuorou had already saved her from her fate simply by showing her the real world and in turn giving her a desire to live in it.
Aside from that, this is the best show of this season by far - Top drawer stuff.
Posted on June 7th, 2008 @ 6:02 pm
@Jayme: the series seems to be popular so I’m not ruling out a second season either. If nothing else it will prevent pressure to give closure and rush things in the next three eps.
@Peter S: the two scenes you mention highlight for me another one of the series’ strengths - namely that of being able to change mood so effortlessly. I’ve laughed at lot at this show so far but it’s had some really tense and dramatic moments too.
@Hanners:
I like that theory. It’s difficult to work out exactly what Benika is up to here, because so many of her decisions seem, on the face of it, to be irrational and little-explained. But then, hidden agendas and surprising levels of depth are other things I’ve come to expect from the series so there’s a fair chance (I hope) that this will be explained by the end too.