{"id":431,"date":"2009-03-26T01:29:27","date_gmt":"2009-03-26T08:29:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mikoto.wordpress.com\/?p=431"},"modified":"2009-03-26T01:29:27","modified_gmt":"2009-03-26T08:29:27","slug":"toradora-25-final-verdict-on-toradora","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flomu.net\/blog\/2009\/03\/toradora-25-final-verdict-on-toradora\/","title":{"rendered":"ToraDora! 25: Final Verdict on ToraDora!"},"content":{"rendered":"

WIN-O-METER<\/span><\/strong>
\nEpisode filled with epicly epic win.<\/p>\n

Disclaimer: this post came out a lot shorter than I expected. \ud83d\ude41<\/p>\n

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This was the kind of epic ending I was expecting from CLANNAD ~After Story~<\/em>, but didn’t receive.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In retrospect, Taiga leaving was pretty predictable… but it came as the biggest shock so far this year for me.<\/p>\n

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I thought that the buildup to Taiga’s leaving was incredible.
\nI mean, come on.<\/p>\n

Half an episode of “happily ever after” vibes, Taiga and Ryuuji kissing and holding hands, happy happy happ- OH SHI- ?!<\/p>\n

I can’t believe how this anime managed to fit in a whole new piece of drama mixed with the themes of “not running away” and maturity into the last episode… and pull it off so damn well!<\/p>\n

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And that’s all I have to say about this episode, seriously.<\/p>\n

I don’t think more mountains of praise are necessary, so I’ll just leave it at that.<\/p>\n

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Moving on to my overall ToraDora!<\/em> impression…<\/p>\n

Awesome.<\/p>\n

10\/10<\/span><\/h1>\n

This is the perfect example of my type of surprise hit.<\/p>\n

In the beginning, this show looked like… well, any old school-life comedic romance with some pretty bad art at times (episode 3… *shudder*)<\/p>\n

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….and then I met Taiga, Ryuuji, Kitamura, Minorin, Ami, etc.<\/p>\n

Each and every single one of these main characters was incredible.<\/p>\n

There’s no static main character in this series, and each of the five main characters has his or her own little quirks that made me familiar with them after only a few episodes.<\/p>\n

The characters have exaggerated traits, like Ryuuji’s cleaning fetish, yet they are in no way unbelievable.
\nThe realism present in this series derives itself mainly from the realistic characters that are presented.<\/p>\n

We see a tsundere girl and a not-delinquent guy get dumped and fall in love with each other.
\nTrue, it’s kind of weird, but isn’t that what life and love really are?<\/p>\n

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Unlike Air<\/em>, ef<\/em>, and many other romance anime, ToraDora!<\/em> lets us connect and bond with its characters.<\/p>\n

In this aspect (and Minorin<\/a>), ToraDora!<\/em> is like True Tears<\/em>.<\/p>\n

In being able to bond with Taiga and Ryuuji, we become sensitive.<\/p>\n

When Taiga and the president fought, we could feel Taiga’s pain.
\nWhen Minorin dumped Ryuuji, we could see both sides of the story.
\nWhen Taiga left, we left Ryuuji’s shock and later understanding.
\nAnd now, when Taiga and Ryuuji finally get to see each other again, we feel relief and happiness.<\/p>\n

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There have been many complaints about the slow progression of Ryuuji and Taiga’s relationship.
\nI see this slowness as a good thing.<\/p>\n

In life, do you really go straight to the bed (ef)?<\/p>\n

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There have also been many complaints about the quick progression of events in episode 23.
\nI see this as a good thing.<\/p>\n

It’s like emotional buildup all released in one moment.
\nWe don’t get a slow and steady progression (CLANNAD), nor do we get a fast and painful resolution (School Days).<\/p>\n

Rather, ToraDora!<\/em>\u00a0presents a story about two confused youths who end up falling in love by chance (by fate?*).<\/p>\n

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And thus the intense realism of this anime paves the way for a deeper story.<\/p>\n

Instead of simple drama as presented in Kanon<\/em> or simple romance as seen in Shana<\/em>, ToraDora! gives a story where you actually have to think<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Does Minorin love Ryuuji?
\nDoes Ami love Ryuuji?
\nDoes Minorin love Ami?
\nDoes Kitamura love Ryuuji?
\nDoes Inko love Haruta? (intelligence levels are equal, desho?)<\/p>\n

Minorin and Ryuuji talk about ghosts.
\nAmi and Ryuuji discuss the “fatherly love” Ryuuji has for Taiga.
\nAmi and Minorin get into a fight.<\/p>\n

So what does this all mean?
\nIf you don’t think, you’ll just end up giving\u00a0ToraDora!<\/em>\u00a0a low score for your own lack of intelligence or will to think.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Other less important aspects of ToraDora!<\/em>:<\/p>\n