aloe, dream

Bokura ga Ita really surprised me these 4 episodes. I was expecting more shallow, predicatable, and typical attitudes from the characters, but it is fantastically woven with a unique fabric. These four episodes have bumped my impression of Bokura up a notch, and I’m not sure what series would be directly above this if I had to rank my anime experiences, but it ownes that spot now; no doubt. So it’s still the daytime soap drama that our girlfriends, mother’s and grandmother’s get so caught up in, but there’s quality here, and Bokura feels very authentic and textural; ie. I can dwell on the way the mood, tone, and emotion rubs me. Perhaps it is only I, but I identify very well with the entire situation (I’d be afraid to put this story past a specific ex). I quickly jotten down episode notes, but hopefully they aren’t too ragged.

returning borrowed items; manga?

wreck

won with cuteness

whoo, attack

in shambles

^^

13> It’s been a couple weeks, but seeing Nanami’s kawaii modes must feel similar to the first breath of fresh air a grizzly experiences after the winter hibernation (alright, that may be pushing it). She ranks pretty high on the cute-scale, which is another reason I relate her to a grown up version of Yuzu. Her and Yano are officially through, its well known, but neither are taking it too well. Nana-chan has gone into mixed emotions and consistent tide changes on how she feels about Yano. Ultimately, she’s confused, but out of the two of them she seems more high spirited. Yano is a total duche, but he is at a very low point, and it shows. He’s lost in his heart and mind, probably replaying the stupid things he’s said and done. It’s pitiful, poor d00d, but it was all in his hands and he f’ed up. Still, I found it difficult to not get caught up in the pity for him, his flashbacks make the heart hurt.
The high point for me was Yano’s ultimate bail of Nana by suggesting a Disneyland theme. There’s a lot of sentiment in that, and I hate to say it, but he’s either trying to make her have a confusing attack, or really trying to be kind and give his heart to her. Either way, he get’s a point; it was a great suggestion.

more puppy love

smokin trap

flirt already

hmmm?

lovers’ stare

scary!

14> Hmm, not really much to indulge upon for this episode. There seems like development between NanaXTake, but (that’s stressed btw) I believe it is all for the viewer’s sake. We see the characters getting sparkly glances with chiming background effects, but you can tell they really aren’t fully connected. Nana is pondering about Takeuchi, but still way caught up with Yano-emotions. Take-kun’s perspective is pretty set, behind those warm eyes lies a nobel desire for Nana’s happiness; somewhere in the mix of eps 13-14 I fell on his side, he’s won my vote. I’m not saying it is good to ditch Yano for Nana, but it was very understandable. How in the hell could anyone turn down Nana when she’s so eager to play with puppies, and she bought a toy!!!! *death by kawaii*
We also get to see more of Take’s he-sister, who is perfect for the fall 2006 season of anime. Bokura get’s another point for being ahead of the game in terms of TRAPS, yes! Out of respect I’ll call him her. She likes the idea of the boys struggling over Nana, which is really funny. I for sure thought Take and Yano were going to kill each other, but Take’s sister puts a better atmosphere about the situation. It’s a competition, not necessarily to beat the other out, but to win Nana (gomen Nana you are a prize now?). Anyway, it’s not in any ill respect towards Nanami. By the end of this episode, I was taken in by the YanoXTake involvement. They are fun to watch, best friends, after the same girl, could kill each other any minute. Its intense, but the boys are still mellow. I really just hope Take gives it his best, because Yano and Nana back together just feels so wrong, and everything Take does is good.

who da man?

ano…

he da man

friends neh?

she was nice

I smell trouble

15> A very good episode. The night festival played out cool, and Take’s impression definitely starts to change in Nana’s eyes when he grabbed her as his girlfriend to save her from that turtle scam. Take was still wavering a bit, but he’s just being a patient friend, giving both Nana and Yano time. Such a good guy. Finally, Nana is closer to knowing Take’s feelings, which I feel she suspected, but were overshadowed by the fact of Take being Yano’s best friend. Yano and Take are still almost like brother’s, and I’m glad they were with each other because they get to the point and are quite honest between them. It’s truly a good friendship, but hey Yano is the one at fault if it get’s broken.
Some more of the Take onee-chan! Here’s another part where I was quite astonished with the way things are playing out. Big sister coming in, not to give either Yano or Take a hand, but to guide Nana as a more mature person that has dealt with relationships. From this, I hope Nana does just brush off the truth about Take; the boy’s heart is beating for her. She needs to take this sort of thing into account as she’s organizing and sorting. Speaking of oranganizing, there seems to be a lot of this with the emotions. I’m not a pro at sorting emotions, but I guess its better to not be confused with yourself. I say take your time Nana!
This was a strong episode, mainly due to the dynamics and events taking place. We have a community festival, the school festival, and then the night ceremonies for the school begin. Here’s where the countdown begins.. who will Nana decide? Is she taking Take seriously? does she need more time? Of course, none of this gets answered here, but we do get some more Yano pity flashbacks. Who makes a perfect em0 candidate? Yano! Yano! Ah, he’s too assertive/aggressive to be emo, and he’s still an immature youngin; headstrong, though he may not have a clue what he’s doing.

you’ve been caught!

confession time

let’s hide behind a tree

tsk tsk tsk

that’s not Yano ^^

*sigh*

errrmm

nice night huh?

now, you’ve been had

16> The big theme of this episode is friendship, particularly boys’ friendship. Take and Yano have really good chemistry, not in the sexual fashion, though I could see fangirls writing up a fanficts based on scene where Yano sneaks into Take’s room. It’s pretty funny though. Mostly, it was Yano aimlessly wandering for Nana, and Nana hiding. A big game of cat and mouse, involving two cats and one mouse. I can’t believe Yano locked Take up. That was cute, but didn’t stop Take. What did stop both of them was the message from Nana stating she is still uneasy and want to be alone. It was so-so at times, but turned out great.
Surprisingly, the end is a good lead into more plot. I never suspected Take would confront Nana and not confess, and I’m very glad he didn’t confess for her sake; Take is goood! Instead, Take suggests she go find em0-Yano, who is lost in thought in the grass somewhere. Again, YanoXNana doesn’t feel right at all, and I’m rooting against it for any reason, but for Take he’s really playing it very smooth. He understands that her heart is still with Yano, and he’s just going to stand tall and give Nana space. Take is seriously on a level beyond Yano, and perhaps Nana, is he too good for Nana? Just might be. He comes out to where Yano and Nana are trucing, and brings maturity all the way. Nana can’t go wrong with Take, but her heart just isn’t there. Damn.

Ah, I’m seriously looking forward to more of this. It resembles H+C in a few good ways, but it is less playful, less mature, and more drama. The insert songs are great as well. The OST/bgm for the whole series has been good, but it really shined in this batch of episodes. I have little to complain about, but I’d rather not see Yano and Nana get back together.

Ryan A