Makoto Shinkai English Fan Forum and Site

Menasha · vc_bios_b960909 Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 822

Oh ya and welcome to the forums, have a nice stay!

Junpei · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:11 am Post subject:

Now that I think about it, that might have been a fragment of imagination in Takaki thinking he had a glimpse of what he thought to be his childhood friend Akari and that scene may not have been real at all.

Welcome to the boards yeyo.

Menasha · vc_bios_b960909 Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 822

Maybe, the scene changed from the colder look to the more viberent look for that one scene.

yeyo · Tracer Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 3

Heh, thanks. Although it sorta seems like he was picturing her passing by. Well thanks for the opinions, I keep watching the ending hoping that he turns back and see her there after the trains pass by, I was not expecting such a sad ending. This movie is a masterpiece and I kind of feel identified with it Razz

Chobi · Tracer Joined: 15 Mar 2008 Posts: 16 Location: NH, USA

I think that Tono isnt "really" happy at the end. his expression is almost like a sad smile, or a "that figures smile", or like a "hmmph" smile. Right toward the end both Tono and Akari talk about how they believed they would watch the cherry blossoms fall again together. And i think that hints at botht their desire to be with each other and meet again. Also during the flashes of images it shows how both Akaria and Tono are always looking elsewhere when they are are with another person, which makes me think she is almost giving up since she is getting married, but I think if she met Tono again that could change. And it is definately Akari that he passes, by because it shows her waiting near the trains in that outfit, and then it shows both their eyes almost catch while passing by each other. I think his smile possibly signifies a realization that his dream could become a reality, or at least that he realized it was her, and not just a day dream like the other ones in the flashes during the final song. But I think Shinaki leaves it open ended for interpretation on purpose because life is open ended.
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Laz · Laz Joined: 09 Jan 2008 Posts: 1071

It's my opinion that it really is Akari that he passes at the train tracks in the end. We see enough of bits and pieces (her leaving her folks at the train station to go to Tokyo to be with her fiance, etc.) that we know she is now there.

As a bit of a Takaki myself ... I'm hoping he moves on and finds happiness ^-^.

Is it just me or does this song (one more time, one more chance) just stick in your head for days when you hear it?

Menasha · vc_bios_b960909 Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 822

For most people I'm sure it doest but it's been in my head for over a month I believe haha.

Junpei · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 8:20 am Post subject:

For me it's not only in my head, but I've learnt most of the lyrics as well! Very Happy

madcrazy2ks · Tracer Joined: 17 Mar 2008 Posts: 2

I definitely think he is happy, because Takaki felt that Akari and he fulfilled their long made promise of sharing cherry blossom together. That has to be one of the BEST scene ever in a movie. Without hesitation they made the promise to share the cherry blossom together again, and unknowingly, Takaki felt that the promised is fulfilled. Takaki didn't care if it was a shadow across that rail, he turned around to see her, and from the movie, she did too, and they're again united under the cherry blossom. This gave closure to Takaki, and allowing him to reach out to what he couldn't have.

Junpei · Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 9:20 am Post subject:

I've just thought again about this once again.

I don't think Takaki is 'happy' at the end but something of a satisfaction. It'll be hard but eventaully I'm sure he will move on if not already.