Makoto Shinkai English Fan Forum and Site

Laz · Laz Joined: 09 Jan 2008 Posts: 1071

Oh yeah ... I would be surprised if people couldn't identify to some degree with Takaki. I definitely identify with him when I was that age.

Welcome to the Forums qashairy.

Laz

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You're a woman, I'm a calf ... you're a window, I'm a knife ... we come together making chance into starlight ... - Jeff Buckley

ここにいるよ. - Voices of a Distant Star

qashairy · Tracer Joined: 22 Nov 2008 Posts: 5

thanks, laz

Menasha · vc_bios_b960909 Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 822

Hmmm, I think I'm starting to identify with Takaki more near the end, I'm.. not sure if I said this in the past, but after watching the movie again I felt Takaki was "content" not "happy".

Beats being depressed no doubt =)
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Laz · Laz Joined: 09 Jan 2008 Posts: 1071

It's good to see you on here Menasha Smile

Laz
_________________
You're a woman, I'm a calf ... you're a window, I'm a knife ... we come together making chance into starlight ... - Jeff Buckley

ここにいるよ. - Voices of a Distant Star

Junpei · Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 10:55 pm Post subject:

I have to agree with Menasha on this point. I wouldn't say Takaki is happy but more near a "content" feeling. Picking from the full story, every girl Takaki had a relationship with eventually seperated from him because he had always been looking away from them. Or should I say "beyond them" at something that no longer exists.

At that moment of the movie where Takaki walks past a familiar women, I think he realised what he had been doing for the past decade or so and a flow of emotions went through him, thus the smile. That moment of realisation gave him a near feeling of happiness, but not quite, instead more of a relief of satisfaction by finally getting over the torture.

Just my thoughts.

Edit: I noticed there are quite a few "unsure" votes haha. It is pretty difficult to fathom something such as this.

gleowine · Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 7:26 pm Post subject:

Each time I watch this, I notice something new. I read through the previous posts to see if anyone picked up on this.

At the beginning of Cherry Blossoms, when Takaki chases Akari to the train crossing, the crossing arm comes down, stopping him from catching up. Then, in this final scene, there is the shot after the train has passed that resembles the "Cherry Blossoms" shot, but this time the crossing arm is going up. Just my thought, but I wonder if this was symbolic. Of course, everyone can come up with their own view of this. I feel it represents what most have said, that he was only then able to move on, though not to follow Akari but to go his own way.

Again, just a new observation.

Laz · Laz Joined: 09 Jan 2008 Posts: 1071

Exactly

In my opinion ... the end scene is the fulfillment of the promise made at the beginning ... to see the Cherry Blossoms again next year.

They don't really meet again to see the Cherry Blossoms until the end and that is at least closure to that promise. Anyway ... just my opinion Smile

Laz
_________________
You're a woman, I'm a calf ... you're a window, I'm a knife ... we come together making chance into starlight ... - Jeff Buckley

ここにいるよ. - Voices of a Distant Star

IsUa · Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 7:07 pm Post subject:

Gleowine, excellent observation (that's why, each head its ruling) Very Happy

Knowing the way of japonese thinking, I'm almost sure that is so.

If someone say that was coincidence, we know better...there are no coincidences Wink

You were able to give me the happy end to this movie, that I was looking for so long...

My salute to you Very Happy

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Fiction · Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2009 4:33 am Post subject:

The way I see it is the only way I could. I would have to imagine how I might feel if I seen the girl who I've lost contact with for nine years.

What I'd probably pay attention to is her facial expression and the way she walks. Those two would be able to tell me if she's happy or not with her life. Even if it's just a passing glance, the most I would ever ask for is, Is she happy. If she is, then emotions will undoubtedly overflow. Truth is, I wouldn't know how to react other than walk by and smile afterwards.

Whether it's smiling because I'd be happy, or because she's happy. Life goes by, and some things change. Some things don't change as much. It'd be those lingering moments that we shared in the past that would enter my mind. The moments we spent together no matter how trivial would resurface.

Another bit is since the cherry blossoms are falling in the end. It means its spring. It's a new year and there are plenty of opportunities lies ahead, waiting to have a brand new set of tracks for life to take hold of. It's his closure and a new path lies ahead. At least that's what I'd like to think, so yeah, it is a bit of happiness mixed in with plenty of other things.