In other words I love you - Hanazakari no Kimitachi e, ep 4
Me x the cast of Hanazakari no Kimitachi e = endless, bountiful buckets of love. Seriously, I've never had such a huge crush on an entire cast before, not even for Hanadan, but how can you not love a cast that gives the lead actress the nickname Horikitty, play with fireworks, rescue kittens, take extra long takes for a kissing scene between two boys, and it just comes off as the GREATEST SLEEPOVER CAMP/SUMMER JOB EVER. Adopt me, Hana-kimi! Even though an ocean and a language separates us (I know about ten words/phrases in Japanese, and half of them are animal identifiers. If you want me to name a frog, a fox, a bear, a cat or a dog, I'm your girl.), my experiences in traveling abroad have shown me that 90% of the time I am mistaken for Japanese anyway. Really, I spent most of my time in Italy politely saying, "No, I'm not Japanese," before losing it in a train station, yelling, "I'm CHINESE, CHINESE!" at some guy who was trying to sell me gum.
ANYWAY.
Man. I've not been this giddy about anything since high school. Or possibly Tom, but that is quiet, reserved dignity. For reals.
The final part of the Super Sized Episode 4 Review, behind the cut.
When we last saw our wonder trio, they were sitting on the field, laughing together in a nod to halcyon days. Sano even looks like he's about to crack a smile.
On another day, Sano invites Muzuki along to Toukyo Gakuen, this time leaving the spying kit at home.
"Why do I have to be here?" "Just wait and see."
Kagurazaka has two outfits so far - his track suit and his school uniform. The producers are wasting Shirota Yuu's hotness, I feel. He cannot live by his hair alone!
Anyway, Shin is automatically dismissive, as he sneers at his older brother. Oh Shin, you shouldn't have done that.
Mizuki is waiting for the Emo Stare of Death, but Sano seems surprisingly unaffected.
Wait for it....
"S'yeah, whatever, I knew you were all talk and no action."
Take a moment to gaze upon my profile admiringly, will you? I can stay like this for five minutes.
"Yeah, about that......I'm going to the Nationals in autumn..."
"What did you just say?"
*Cues the soaring sound of violins and other orchestral instruments
Finally! I can stop lurking around his school and leaving him obvious notes.
"You heard me. I'll see you at the Nationals."
"And then we'll see who's going to beat who at the high jump. I'll be seeing you, baby brother."
And the next few seconds are obscured by my geeker joy, as Sano continues to smile, and then says confidently, "Let's go, Mizuki."
And Mizuki's face absolutely lights up, and her voice wavers a little because she's so surprised, but SO HAPPY. And then she practically bounces/skips after Sano. It is pretty adorable.
Awww, the Emo Kid and Chibi-san, strolling off into the sunset together! OTP! OTP! OTP!
I just keep thinking of a big duck and a duckling following after it. It's that cute.
Sekime txts Erika about his plans for the summer - he's off to training camp.
And so is Sano!
And he asks Sekime if he minds if he comes along - and Sekime says, "I've been waiting for you." Oh, the bonds of comraderie!
Oguri Shun taking off his earring and then tossing it in the air is strangely hot to me, and here's a cap of him just looking at his hands.
Oh boo, the already spacious dorm room (especially at the angles they film it) seems even roomier now that both Sano and Nakatsu are gone.
Mizuki goes to sleep alone.....
And somehow ends up being the poster girl for Lifetime's new Original series (apologies for the rampant American popculture jokes to international lurkers, btw. As American is my fluent language....), Abducted At Midnight. What could this possibly mean for our boy/girl heroine?
According to the preview for Episode 5:
WACKY BEACH HIJINKS.
What is Nakao WEARING?
We meet Nanba's mom
and now it's getting a little West Side Story - Mizuki's gang just happens to meet up with Kagurazaka and his friends
(large for amusement)
Yes, that is Oscar wearing a Popeye type outfit. And Nakatsu looks like he just stepped out of the pages of One Piece.
Full frontal. Chibi-san and her superfriends.
Kagurazaka and his crew.
Knowing Nakatsu's hot-headedness, and that it's the Ohsaka Gakuen boys involved....there's going to be feats of manly strength and pointless competitions. Because that is just how they roll.
And who is this mystery date?
Oh no, she looks fresh and natural, along with a sense of regret and bittersweetness. Judges say....Failed First love!
Oh, Nanba. Does this mean you're not just a big slut, after all?
Sano working the machines, and annoyed that he's not at the beach, participating in wild hijinks.
And especially since that gives these two more time alone....
Umeda-sensei is not happy.
But enough about his happiness, there are naked men in a public bath. Wearing sunglasses!
and Oscar wearing a seamen's outfit and Tennouji all OILED UP and pecs bouncing!
And Mizuki racing off with some guy! With Kayashima as referee, in obligatory outfit!
And Nakatsu cram feeding Oscar, and Kayashima dressed as some kind of Emperor!
AND SLAP/SUMO FIGHTING. THIS WOULD ONLY BE BETTER IF IT WAS IN A CAGE.
Goddamn, I love this show.
And naturally, Mizuki gets caught out naked AGAIN.
"Seriously, is this written in the contract? The Maki-get-naked clause?"
The reason why I loved episode 4 so much and felt that it was the high point in the series so far is that it seemed finally, all the pieces were in order and the characters were clicking together in a cohesive unit. Up until 4, while amusing (and cracky and full of sparkly love), the side characters felt like running gags interspersed in between the drama between Sano, Mizuki and Nakatsu (and bless Toma for taking the role and just running with it.) and not quite realized except by their stereotype. But in this episode, the relationships between all the characters got fleshed out a little bit more - and the rivalry between the dorm heads seemed more like overzealous bickering and friendly oneupmanship - though while Oscar and Tennouji seem to have their dorms in thrall/awe of them, Nanba carries out more of an mischeivous older brother role. He clearly likes his dormmates and hanging out with them, and not in a minion capacity. Nakao doesn't count, as it's a one-sided adoration thing.
And Nakatsu and Sekime's friendship with Sano emerges out of the past into the present - Nakatsu rekindling that old bond through Mizuki, while Sekime benefits from Sano's softened personality.
And of course the triangle between Sano, Mizuki and Nakatsu -
At this point, it is hilariously obvious to anyone with eyes, that Nakatsu has it BAD for Mizuki and he's jealous of the concern and attention he pays to Sano, while wanting to be able to bridge that estrangement himself and regain his old friend. It takes Sano walking out with Mizuki of the goukon that breaks him out of the happy clown mode and what he (Nakatsu) thinks of as unfair treatment toward Mizuki, that causes Nakatsu to throw down and say hey, you've been an ass too long, now get over it. His conflicting emotions toward Mizuki (he's too afraid to verbalize what he feels toward him) aside, he obviously misses Regular Sano. I theorize that when Sano came back from America all weird and emo, and then gradually cut himself off from his old life and friends, that Nakatsu reacted in a typical guy way, to 'let it be' and wait and see if Sano would just snap out of it. Except of course, Sano festered all the way, and it took Mizuki's consistent prodding and persistence (and some would say, typical female emotional response)to wear down Sano's barriers, that gave Nakatsu the chance he needed to get his old friend back. When you rewatch the first 3 episodes, there are retroactive clues to the fact that they were very close at one time, which made their estrangement all that jarring and empty.
Nakatsu, when not dubiously dealing with his sexuality in regards to Mizuki (nice social experiment, Nakatsu. When in doubt of your homo status, of course you move into the object of your desire's room and then proceed to plot to get into the shower with him. I'm sure this is the plot of a shonen-ai manga somewhere.), is also, quite sweetly just crushing. He's nice enough to Komari, but he likes Mizuki. They have their own place! And the world goes all pink and flowery whenever he looks at him!
Oh, Nakatsu.
Then there is Sano, and behold, this is the ep where the Ice prince finally melted - it's in the little things, the short one-takes/embarrassed reactions when Sano reacts to Mizuki's proximity. Mizuki even notes that he's acting differently around her and actually having conversations with her instead of just angrily reacting/dismissing her.
And of course, there's the Nakao link - when he and the other judges on the gokuon panel are watching Sano taking Mizuki out of the room - he says, "OH, well if Sano is taking Mizuki out, that means I can take Nanba out..."
They've become Sano and Mizuki.
Then there's the weird time stands still mirror moment - during the date, while Sano is not answering any of the Blossom's questions, Mizuki is looking at Sano, and everything slows down to a crawl, there's faint music involved, and then suddenly, Sano is up on his feet and grabbing her arm. There's a similar moment in episode 3, when Mizuki is talking excitedly with Nakatsu and Sekime about the eating contest, when the camera pans to her face and Sano is studying her quietly and in slo-mo.
They're both re-evaluating the other, and I'm actually glad that they're taking the slow pace to falling in love, because it works with the way the story has been re-arranged. From an impulsive/admiration/life-changing decision to becoming friends....and then to who knows what will get past Japanese tv censors?
;)
Future plot lines/time points - Nakatsu's soccer tournament in Autumn, and Sano's Nationals in August/Autumn. If they're shooting at a sort of parallel real time/with a few speed bumps, this would be toward the end of the series, I think.
ANYWAY.
Man. I've not been this giddy about anything since high school. Or possibly Tom, but that is quiet, reserved dignity. For reals.
The final part of the Super Sized Episode 4 Review, behind the cut.
When we last saw our wonder trio, they were sitting on the field, laughing together in a nod to halcyon days. Sano even looks like he's about to crack a smile.
On another day, Sano invites Muzuki along to Toukyo Gakuen, this time leaving the spying kit at home.
"Why do I have to be here?" "Just wait and see."
Kagurazaka has two outfits so far - his track suit and his school uniform. The producers are wasting Shirota Yuu's hotness, I feel. He cannot live by his hair alone!
Anyway, Shin is automatically dismissive, as he sneers at his older brother. Oh Shin, you shouldn't have done that.
Mizuki is waiting for the Emo Stare of Death, but Sano seems surprisingly unaffected.
Wait for it....
"S'yeah, whatever, I knew you were all talk and no action."
Take a moment to gaze upon my profile admiringly, will you? I can stay like this for five minutes.
"Yeah, about that......I'm going to the Nationals in autumn..."
"What did you just say?"
*Cues the soaring sound of violins and other orchestral instruments
Finally! I can stop lurking around his school and leaving him obvious notes.
"You heard me. I'll see you at the Nationals."
"And then we'll see who's going to beat who at the high jump. I'll be seeing you, baby brother."
And the next few seconds are obscured by my geeker joy, as Sano continues to smile, and then says confidently, "Let's go, Mizuki."
And Mizuki's face absolutely lights up, and her voice wavers a little because she's so surprised, but SO HAPPY. And then she practically bounces/skips after Sano. It is pretty adorable.
Awww, the Emo Kid and Chibi-san, strolling off into the sunset together! OTP! OTP! OTP!
I just keep thinking of a big duck and a duckling following after it. It's that cute.
Sekime txts Erika about his plans for the summer - he's off to training camp.
And so is Sano!
And he asks Sekime if he minds if he comes along - and Sekime says, "I've been waiting for you." Oh, the bonds of comraderie!
Oguri Shun taking off his earring and then tossing it in the air is strangely hot to me, and here's a cap of him just looking at his hands.
Oh boo, the already spacious dorm room (especially at the angles they film it) seems even roomier now that both Sano and Nakatsu are gone.
Mizuki goes to sleep alone.....
And somehow ends up being the poster girl for Lifetime's new Original series (apologies for the rampant American popculture jokes to international lurkers, btw. As American is my fluent language....), Abducted At Midnight. What could this possibly mean for our boy/girl heroine?
According to the preview for Episode 5:
WACKY BEACH HIJINKS.
What is Nakao WEARING?
We meet Nanba's mom
and now it's getting a little West Side Story - Mizuki's gang just happens to meet up with Kagurazaka and his friends
(large for amusement)
Yes, that is Oscar wearing a Popeye type outfit. And Nakatsu looks like he just stepped out of the pages of One Piece.
Full frontal. Chibi-san and her superfriends.
Kagurazaka and his crew.
Knowing Nakatsu's hot-headedness, and that it's the Ohsaka Gakuen boys involved....there's going to be feats of manly strength and pointless competitions. Because that is just how they roll.
And who is this mystery date?
Oh no, she looks fresh and natural, along with a sense of regret and bittersweetness. Judges say....Failed First love!
Oh, Nanba. Does this mean you're not just a big slut, after all?
Sano working the machines, and annoyed that he's not at the beach, participating in wild hijinks.
And especially since that gives these two more time alone....
Umeda-sensei is not happy.
But enough about his happiness, there are naked men in a public bath. Wearing sunglasses!
and Oscar wearing a seamen's outfit and Tennouji all OILED UP and pecs bouncing!
And Mizuki racing off with some guy! With Kayashima as referee, in obligatory outfit!
And Nakatsu cram feeding Oscar, and Kayashima dressed as some kind of Emperor!
AND SLAP/SUMO FIGHTING. THIS WOULD ONLY BE BETTER IF IT WAS IN A CAGE.
Goddamn, I love this show.
And naturally, Mizuki gets caught out naked AGAIN.
"Seriously, is this written in the contract? The Maki-get-naked clause?"
The reason why I loved episode 4 so much and felt that it was the high point in the series so far is that it seemed finally, all the pieces were in order and the characters were clicking together in a cohesive unit. Up until 4, while amusing (and cracky and full of sparkly love), the side characters felt like running gags interspersed in between the drama between Sano, Mizuki and Nakatsu (and bless Toma for taking the role and just running with it.) and not quite realized except by their stereotype. But in this episode, the relationships between all the characters got fleshed out a little bit more - and the rivalry between the dorm heads seemed more like overzealous bickering and friendly oneupmanship - though while Oscar and Tennouji seem to have their dorms in thrall/awe of them, Nanba carries out more of an mischeivous older brother role. He clearly likes his dormmates and hanging out with them, and not in a minion capacity. Nakao doesn't count, as it's a one-sided adoration thing.
And Nakatsu and Sekime's friendship with Sano emerges out of the past into the present - Nakatsu rekindling that old bond through Mizuki, while Sekime benefits from Sano's softened personality.
And of course the triangle between Sano, Mizuki and Nakatsu -
At this point, it is hilariously obvious to anyone with eyes, that Nakatsu has it BAD for Mizuki and he's jealous of the concern and attention he pays to Sano, while wanting to be able to bridge that estrangement himself and regain his old friend. It takes Sano walking out with Mizuki of the goukon that breaks him out of the happy clown mode and what he (Nakatsu) thinks of as unfair treatment toward Mizuki, that causes Nakatsu to throw down and say hey, you've been an ass too long, now get over it. His conflicting emotions toward Mizuki (he's too afraid to verbalize what he feels toward him) aside, he obviously misses Regular Sano. I theorize that when Sano came back from America all weird and emo, and then gradually cut himself off from his old life and friends, that Nakatsu reacted in a typical guy way, to 'let it be' and wait and see if Sano would just snap out of it. Except of course, Sano festered all the way, and it took Mizuki's consistent prodding and persistence (and some would say, typical female emotional response)to wear down Sano's barriers, that gave Nakatsu the chance he needed to get his old friend back. When you rewatch the first 3 episodes, there are retroactive clues to the fact that they were very close at one time, which made their estrangement all that jarring and empty.
Nakatsu, when not dubiously dealing with his sexuality in regards to Mizuki (nice social experiment, Nakatsu. When in doubt of your homo status, of course you move into the object of your desire's room and then proceed to plot to get into the shower with him. I'm sure this is the plot of a shonen-ai manga somewhere.), is also, quite sweetly just crushing. He's nice enough to Komari, but he likes Mizuki. They have their own place! And the world goes all pink and flowery whenever he looks at him!
Oh, Nakatsu.
Then there is Sano, and behold, this is the ep where the Ice prince finally melted - it's in the little things, the short one-takes/embarrassed reactions when Sano reacts to Mizuki's proximity. Mizuki even notes that he's acting differently around her and actually having conversations with her instead of just angrily reacting/dismissing her.
And of course, there's the Nakao link - when he and the other judges on the gokuon panel are watching Sano taking Mizuki out of the room - he says, "OH, well if Sano is taking Mizuki out, that means I can take Nanba out..."
They've become Sano and Mizuki.
Then there's the weird time stands still mirror moment - during the date, while Sano is not answering any of the Blossom's questions, Mizuki is looking at Sano, and everything slows down to a crawl, there's faint music involved, and then suddenly, Sano is up on his feet and grabbing her arm. There's a similar moment in episode 3, when Mizuki is talking excitedly with Nakatsu and Sekime about the eating contest, when the camera pans to her face and Sano is studying her quietly and in slo-mo.
They're both re-evaluating the other, and I'm actually glad that they're taking the slow pace to falling in love, because it works with the way the story has been re-arranged. From an impulsive/admiration/life-changing decision to becoming friends....and then to who knows what will get past Japanese tv censors?
;)
Future plot lines/time points - Nakatsu's soccer tournament in Autumn, and Sano's Nationals in August/Autumn. If they're shooting at a sort of parallel real time/with a few speed bumps, this would be toward the end of the series, I think.