Happy ending! \(^o^)/
If you think about it, the situation that Teiichi and Yūko are facing in terms of their relationship is similar to that of a couple being separated because one of them has to move somewhere far away. While that is a more realistic (and simpler) example, since a long-distance relationship is still possible, the lead-up to the "final" day is more or less identical. The two lovers attempt to spend every last minute together, knowing that the sands of time will pull them apart soon. And when it comes time to bid farewell, it's not surprising when one of the two (Yūko, in this case) requests a break up, as it'll be easier to move on that way. Throughout the series, there were many scenes highlighting how great of a match Teiichi and Yūko. Because of this, seeing the two being forced apart was extremely heartbreaking, especially since they both knew there was nothing they could do about it. However, in terms of the story, it made for a great bittersweet ending—Yūko is finally able, after sixty long years, to find peace—... or so I had thought.
The whole scene with the choir-like voice singing in the background during Yūko's last moments with Teiichi, where they resorted to communicating via writing since she could no longer be heard or seen by him, was definitely the most climatic and saddening part of the episode. The culmination of all their emotions resulted in tears which they so desperately tried to fight back; a very depressing sight to see. When Yūko finally disappeared and Teiichi began his soliloquy about how he's now living life without her, a sense of satisfaction rose in me as I knew the story was heading towards a closed ending. I thought the final scene would have been when Teiichi walked into the newly renovated club room. I really liked this particular scene as it effectively used symbolism to emphasize the point that those good times are all in the past now. But then... it happened.
From a subjective standpoint, I was overjoyed when Yūko showed up again since it meant she and Teiichi would not have to be separated. However, I felt that this scene also ruined the episode, and the story as a whole. It made everything that happened prior seem insignificant, and the lame reasoning of a kiss being something that prevents one's spirit from reaching Heaven didn't sit too well with me. With that being said, I feel conflicted now. I'm not sure whether to say I liked the ending or not. The series overall was quite decent but I believe this episode played a huge role in determining many viewers' final opinion on it. For me, I would've preferred it if the producers just stuck to one route—either a bittersweet ending with Yūko disappearing or a happy ending where she manages to stay as a ghost (with valid reasoning, of course), without all the drama that comes with the bittersweet ending.
0 comments:
Post a Comment