[ Episode 12: love ]

The end has come and now I must bid farewell to what I believe is one of the best shows of the year. This episode was a marvelous conclusion to Renji and Chihiro’s story arc and to the series overall. For most of the first half I was honestly teary-eyed to see how much pain Renji was suffering and because of Chihiro’s thoughts and feelings in the first ripped page he found. While some may think he’s subsequent dash and search for the remaining pages were all in vain I’d beg to differ. I personally saw that entire collection of scenes as a representation of just how much he loves Chihiro. One of those pages were on the very edge a building that was quite high up and another was in a tree that I can only imagine was not easy to clean up nor left his hands/skin unscratched.

He arrived at the train station practically tore up and exhausted from collecting all of those pages. What was his reward? He got to see Chihiro who realized that Renji is now hard-coded into her memory. He was and is an exception that I believe her heart just wouldn’t let go. Chihiro didn’t just suddenly remember him but rather I think that after that day they spent together (and probably even a little before that) she simply couldn’t forget because of how much she thought about him which explains what she said about not being able to think about him for thirteen hours. In the end, they didn’t have to restart their relationship and their feelings were stronger than ever and, most importantly, Chihiro’s shackles were broken and now her memory is no longer impaired. Or you can see it as a metaphorical representation of her slowly recovering in the future through constant rememberance. However you want to look at it the ending of their story was paced wonderfully and didn’t at any time feel forced or rushed. Their arc was simply the best of the entire show.

The second half wrapped up the lives of all of the characters. Kei has recovered from her injury and Kyosuke is still at her side filming. It wasn’t stated but it seems like they’re a couple or pretty close to being one. Miyako and Hiro are living together quite nicely with Hiro working on his manga and Miyako still attending school and not skipping. Chihiro and Renji are as happy as ever and Renji has finally chosen his career path: to be a novelist. I smiled at how he started his story with what was the beginning of he and Chihiro. At the end, all three couples are confirming their dreams and their love with both in their visions of tomorrow. Honestly I couldn’t ask for a better ending as I was completely satisfied.

The epilogue with Himura and Yuuko was intriguing though. While they weren’t focused on much they are rather interesting characters who appeared throughout the series to speak advice and other wise words to the main characters. I’m not exactly sure about their relationship but I still felt that it was great that they were able to reunite and bring a close to what has been wonderful story.

[ Final Thoughts ]

ef intrigued me way back in late August because I thought it the character designs were great, the prologue was excellently done, and because SHAFT was heading its production. Now that all is said and done I’m left with having experienced what has been an outstanding story with excellent characters. The themes of memories, dreams, and love were all executed with more than fine results. The artistic animation style, outstanding music and dialogue were three of the biggest proofs of the high production values that were put into the series and it all paid off at the series end.

A show like ef – a tale of memories doesn’t come around too often, especially given that it is in the genre of visual novel adaptations. There aren’t too many shows that I’ve seen that has made me sit back and contemplate all that occurred in an episode to form a picture of just how much happened and why. When I’m left thinking of characters, particularly Chihiro and Renji, long after the episode is over and even a day or two after when I’m out with friends or just sitting down having dinner or watching something else, I do believe that that show has earned its way into my heart and into the halls of my favorite anime of all-time. I’m sure there are those who do not like this show as much as me and will not understand my love and score for it, and I respect that, but ef has left upon me a huge impression unlike most shows that aired this year. My opinions about ef are strong and unwavering, as they should be after having experienced such a wonderfully crafted original show by the awesome people of SHAFT. You probably can’t begin to imagine how many times I had to think over my thoughts because of how well the writing of this show is and, as a writer, I’m left with the drive to want to craft a tale as excellent as ef.

Yes, ef wasn’t a perfect show as everything has its flaws. Certain things like Chihiro and Kei’s relationship could have been explored more. Kyousuke could have been written better and he and Kei’s relationship explained in more detail at the end. There are a few others but listing them wouldn’t really matter since I recognize and accept that they exist. They, however, do not detract from my overall impression of the series but rather strengthens them because I don’t blindly deny that they don’t exist.

My fingers are exhausted and now I’m realizing that this is quite the lengthy review. I managed to express most of my thoughts by extracting them from the ocean within my mind and I’m more than satisfied with what I’ve expressed here. ef has accomplished more than most 24-26+ episode shows do and then some. The characters are among the best I’ve seen this year. Of course, Renji and Chihiro are my favorite characters in the show and have the most interesting story with the others following behind them. The soundtrack and opening and ending themes are among the best you’ll hear from 2007 and should be picked up without hesitation, especially if you love music. It goes without saying that I would recommend this show to almost everyone. I say “almost” because I know that there are some who would not watch or appreciate ef and that’s all I have to say about that. Oh, and don’t be surprised to see if ef takes a few of the awards (at least from me) we’ll be doing in the coming days. Lastly, ef has officially spoiled me when it comes to expectations of visual novel adaptations now. It certainly blew mine out of the water and I’m pretty sure that, even if I don’t mean to, I’ll be using ef as the standard for any future visual novel adaptations in the back of my mind.

[Overall series review: 98/100]

[ Episode 11: ever forever ]

OH MY GOD. With this I have seen the best episode of ef – a tale of memories. This episode showcased why I love both Chihiro and Renji’s characters so much and why their story is hands-down the best. Their relationship is far more deep and involved than the other and much more complex. Seeing them together always leaves me smiling and that was put to the test especially throughout this episode. The one day of happiness they spent together as lovers was adorable but from the time Chihiro said they will be lovers for a day I had thought something not-so-good would happen. I was left gaping when Chihiro sent all of the pages of her diary flying into the air and was left speechless. What is going to happen to Chihiro and Renji now that those pages which always refreshed Chihiro of her memories, especially those of Renji, are now gone? There’s only one episode left and I’m wondering if the majority of it will be devoted to Chihiro and Renji while it also ties together everything.

[ Episode 10: I'm here ]

With this episode, Hirono’s story comes to an end. That was some amazing story telling. The closure between Hirono and Kei went better than I expected it to go but I’m glad that they’ll still have a sibling-like relationship. Hirono and Miyako finally have each other and I really loved the phone call between the two. The direction of that entire scene was absolutely astounding and the drama went above and beyond. I’m guessing that the next episode will focus on Renji and Chihiro, the most interesting and best couple in the series in my opinion, and the final episode will wrap up the stories of everyone in some way. Though I’d like to have the final two episodes devoted to Chihiro and Renji.

[ Episode 9: forget me not ]

So, Hiro and Miyako have slept together. They did the do. I can go on and on with various phrases to say what they did but I suppose I should stop there. It sucks that Kei had to see them together at the end of the episode though especially with her leg in the condition it is right now. Though, I suppose this opens up the possibility of her being with Kyosuke. I can’t say I’m looking forward to them as a couple though.

Chihiro and Renji’s story is yet again intriguing me. I was worried at the beginning when Chihiro seemed unapproachable especially when she threw the diary at Renji out of anger of herself. I’m glad though that they seem to be alright for now, at least on Chihiro’s side since Renji is going through some tough times now with his feelings and thoughts. Some might say Chihiro regained herself too quickly but it surely wasn’t as quick as Hiro and Miyako snogging each other.

[ Episode 8: clear colour ]

The start of this episode was awesome. Kei used the fact that she was showering to make Miyako think that she and Hiro were intimate. It’s pretty obvious to think something like that happened when the person who answered the door is only in a towel and fresh out of the shower. Well, Miyako doesn’t seem to be in that bad of shape for now. The Renji and Chihiro storyline is getting more and more intense from the way things went in this episode. Renji got to see just how Chihiro is when she wakes up in the morning…and it’s a pretty heart-wrenching sight. I can’t even begin to think what will happen to their relationship next but I can only hope some progress is made in regards to Chihiro’s memory problem.

[ Episode 7: I... ]

Uh. WHOA. This entire episode was absolutely intense, specifically the second half. The Renji and Chihiro stuff was really bizarre for a while and I had wondered what the hell was going on until I calmed down and tried to focus on what went wrong. I think I’m going to have to see the next episode or two to fully grasp the situation though. As for the second half…that was crafted to be a masterpiece and it is, yet it was creepy as hell. They played over 20 of Miyako’s 99 messages to Hiro and I must say I felt pretty freaked out. Miyako is in a pretty fragile and messed up state of mind right now and who knows what will happen the next time she meets up with Hiro and/or Kei, especially Kei if she finds out that she deleted all of those messages.