ef ~ a tale of memories: Episode 12 (END)
Rating: 9/10
Overall Series Rating: 9.5/10
Impressions:
Best show of 2007. Hands down. I gave Code Geass an overall rating of 9.5, but comparing the two, I have to say ef is much better. Therefore, I would either have to lower Code Geass or raise ef, but 9.5 is a difficult score to change, so I’m just going to leave it like that. The first two thirds of this episode concludes Renji’s story, though I’m not sure if a miracle actually happens to allow Chihiro to overcome her disability (since her representative chains DO break). Regardless, there are no sad endings—which is what the last third of this episode does: wraps up everyone else as well (even Himura, he gets to meet the young, living version of his past acquaintance).
At a glance, it would seem to be like any other shounen-romance story, but this is the same with most exceptional anime shows. Before watching the first episode, I was already hooked by the trailer. From that, it was obvious that this wasn’t going to become a fanservice fest with blotchy pieces of comedy sticking through. The genres were established as mainly romance and drama, and of course this leans to the shounen side. I guess this is similar to Kanon/Clannad, except that the romance factor is of greater significance, and the execution alone is enough to be commended for. SHAFT really did a wonderful job with this show.
What I really like about the series is the music. Aside from the BGMs, which are great in themselves, the EDs accompany the characters extremely well, almost as if they were from character CDs. They each describe the three characters (Kei, Miyako and Chihiro) ‘journey’ through the episodes as they overcome their problems. Kei’s running animation is priceless, while I like her song the best as well. In the end, she doesn’t end up with Kyousuke, but that was to be expected, since she would have only recently gotten over Hiro. It’s nice to see that she’s finally accepted the role that comes with the position of an imouto though.
If there’s one problem I want to point out, it would be the conclusion of Hiro and Miyako’s story. The way they talk to each other makes it seem like the entire series never happens. The air of cheeriness doesn’t really fit as a direct aftermath of their reunion, and they never show the two together a day or so after it happens. But to assimilate to the rest of the episode, they had to throw out any possible tenderness and make it happy. In the end, Renji’s story is stronger, though Hiro’s story is executed better. I would have to lean towards the latter in terms of preference, also due to the fact that Miyako is my favourite character.
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i still havent figured out who the girl with the hat is that you saw randomly talking to Miyako. someone fill me in? lol
^She’s Yuuko. Someone who Himura seems to have known for quite some time.
ef is easily a top contender for best anime of 2007. You just might be seeing it winning a category or two in our “Best of” articles to come in the next few days.
Best show of ‘07 all right! This show is one of the very few that touched my heart…and made me cry:P
also one of my favorites.
well, bout the hiro-miyako thing: the producer’s, who at the point were making like the “happy ending” stuff were showing how they were looking forwards rather than at the past, which is why i felt that the mood and all between hiro and miyako was rather fitting.
anyhow.. crazy series. I never expected it to be so awesome going into teh first episode because of all the sporadic notes and all that, but i have to agree it’s one of the best of ‘07.
I also think that Code geass and ef were the best shows of 2007. I really should say that unlike you, I didn’t expect much of ef, so it being great was much more surprising to me.
The ending also surprised me, becuase I didn’t think it would end this well. but actually, a good end for all the characters was refreshing. It was defiantly one of the best last episodes I have ever seen. both in terms of the quality of the episode on it’s one and how it brought the story to and end.
SHAFT really did a great job on this one. I love it when the OP/ED change becuase of things that happen in a show, so seeing the OP at the beginning of the episode really left me jaw dropped. and the ED also fitted well. it was just all so epic. and I don’t remember being so emotional about an anime like how I was when I saw ef.
Lastly, everyone(expect the must have action ones) should see ef. It had everything I look for in an anime. great story, great characters and it was amazingly done by one of best studios out there. it was the best romance/drama show for me in 2007, and maybe even the best anime overall. epic series.
I wasn’t surprise at all that this series turn out to be so great. After I watched the preview of this anime, I knew instant that it’s gonna be an awesome series.
I agree with you that ef is probably one of the best in 2007, but IMO Code Geass is still little bit better. Well, I think you did the right choice to stick with overall of 9.5 for both Code Geass and ef. I mean, for example: I gave both Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann and ef 10 out of 10 in MAL. Does this mean that they equal? Not really. IMO, I like Gurren Lagann little bit more than ef. Should I lower score for ef? Definitely NOT !!!
I mean, they both are awesome series, but they are totally different type. And since Gurren Lagann was finished quite a while time ago, my feeling about anime now and then are totally different, so I can’t really compare which one is better if they are different type.
My top 5 anime for 2007 probably: 1) Code Geass 2) Gurren Lagann 3) Kanon 2006 4) ef 5) Death Note
BTW, what anime that you will blog for the next season?
that one odd dude: yup, what Leon said, she’s yuuko
Leon: tanoshimi ni shiteru =)
burnedalive: cry because of how good it was or what? lol the ending was happy xD
Scoro: glad to see more people agree
spixie: but they could have showed both…the transition period AND the aftermath…woulda been more ‘complete’
arcanes: it’s not an exaggeration to say that only SHAFT could have done such a job, as their animation style is quite unique
kenshin514: i can’t say what I will definitely blog or not blog, but I’ll have my winter preview up pretty soon
I can only agree with all guys and girls.
It’s really nice too watch an emotional anime that ends good, because u often store up ur sad emotions and keep them till the end of an anime and if there is a happy end u can let all those sad moments behind with the anime.
case close.