I just finished watching this series and was blown away. Remarkably believable with characters that are spot on. My question tho, what do you think of the ending? I seemed to have missed something. Are they seperating or did they decide to still have their secret affair. I know they want to meet at the park every spring, but.....any thoughts?
NJprogfan
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Wasn't it a great series? Totally believable and down to earth, none of ninja crap or annoying nerdy main characters. Anyways, I found the ending lacking. It seems to me that they decided to keep their love a secret from their parents/friends, and continue it in privacy. I guess you can tell since she said she is going back to her place to sleep instead his, meaning she is not living with him, nor are they eloping. This for me is a let down. Think of the the drama and emotions that could have been portrayed if they decided to elope of reveal their love. It would have made for at least 2 or 3 more powerful, tearjerking episodes.
Blown away is an understatement. This is the most thought provoking anime series I've ever seen. Heck, I can barely think of any shows or films, anime or not, that have made me think so critically about morals and values than this show. I've been on IMDB for a while but never felt the need to post anything, but I just have to share my thoughts on this show.
In this post I will stay on topic and just discuss the ending. Yes, the ending doesn't explicitly state what happens next. However, I don't see how they could ever go back to normal, especially after Koshiro said "Our lives will never be the same" before they sleep together. They already tried to live separately once and not see each other. They were both miserable to the point of it negatively affecting their school and work lives. In my mind there is no way they could go back to that after indulging in their desires for week/months (however long it was before the final amusement park scene).
I believe that they stay together. I interpret the closing of the amusement park and tearing down of their tree to represent the outside forces that will try to tear down their relationship, when they decide to come clean to their family and friends. Koshiro's old co-worker already knows about them and Nanoka's friend already suspects as much.
Now this next part I did not come up with by myself, but read it posted on another board. It makes a lot of sense the way he interpreted the symbolism of the last scene in the amusement park.
When they are playing with the mud and splashing it on each other, everyone is looking at them like they are weird and disgusting. However, they no longer care what other people think as long as they can enjoy each others company. When Koshiro asks Nanoka if she wants to shower before going home, she responds "No, I like it this way" meaning that she's come to terms with being dirty or tainted and doesn't care if people are disgusted by her.
When they are alone in the amusement park after closing, and all of the machines/lights are off they are still able to enjoy themselves. This represents their life together in that they will be all alone, and things will not work the same as before. Even if they are all alone, all they need is each other for them to be happy as we watch them enjoy their time alone in the amusement park.
Now this may not be the same symbolism that the writer intended but I believe it's a fair interpretation of it.
It's been awhile since I've watched this series, (the date I started this thread, in fact). But I can see how the anusement park is an analogy of their relationship. It makes sense to me and if the writer was using it it's subtlely done. I can go for another watching of this top ten series.
NJprogfan