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「色を変える世界」 (Shoku wo Kae ru Sekai)
“A World Changing Color”
Stories are at their best when they touch upon the cornerstones of human life, on emotions and trials and tribulations its audience has faced and perhaps not yet overcome. That’s what we saw here, both in the effect of Shiina’s manga on herself and Sorata, and in the story’s message to us all.
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「近すぎて遠い…」 (Chikasugite Tooi…)
“So Close and Yet So Far…”
The third episode. This is the third episode, and already they’re throwing emotional fastballs like we’re sprinting down the final stretch. Except we’re not, because they still took the time for some hijinx, and they’re still only beginning to build up the characters. This show…this show has been gravely underestimated. So far, it’s great!
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「絵を描いてきたの」 (E wo Egai Tekitano)
“I’ve Painted Pictures”
The key to a great comedy (to me) is deftly mixing a bit of plot progression and character development in with all the crazy antics. Amidst hilarious misunderstandings, birthday hijinx, and an art modeling session gone very, very right, we learn a little more about our characters as the story moves steadily forward.
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「ねこ・しろ・ましろ」 (Neko. Shiro. Mashiro)
“Cat. White. Mashiro”
Take it slow, don’t rush, establish the characters, establish the mood – that’s how I imagine the production team approached this first episode, and I must say, I am pleased. Every step of the way, from the first sight of cherry blossoms fluttering on the screen to the final roll of credits at the end, served to continually reinforce the mood of a soft, warm, and sweet romantic comedy. There just might be something special going on here.