DTB Review Crew: Episode 13

Feb 26, 2014 13:03

EPISODE 13: A HEART UNSWAYING ON THE WATER’S SURFACE (PART 1)

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darker than black

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bellevoix321 March 1 2014, 21:43:36 UTC
The opening of this episode is one of the most moving in the entire series.

Yin no Piano, an obvious homage to Debussy's "Claire de Lune"("Moonlight", and no that is NOT a coincidence), veing played by the light of a full moon. It instantly sets the somber and reflective tone of the the story arc.

http://youtu.be/tMK_WNG-vYQ

^ Yin no piano VS. Claire de lune:

http://youtu.be/CvFH_6DNRCY

If you are unfamiliar with Debussy, listen to the whole thing. but you will find the most obvious comparison points at the 1 min mark and ESPECIALLY 1:50.

Anyhow, now that you are educated on a favorite bit of classical goodness (that song was played on the Harp for my wedding processional)...onto the next point.

As a once-young music student, I empathize with Kirsi. Youth really does put one often at a disadvantage with the lack of life experience. Back then, when my teacher told me to connect with the music through my feelings, I thought I understood. But in retrospect, I really didn't.
Kirsi really was feeling a host of emotions, relating to the loss of her father, but didn't know how to identify them, or express them through the music. Sadness, frustration, etc...
I totally get the banter between her and Eelis. Age, wisdom (through life experience) all temper and refine musicality.
This point will be proven in the difference in the way she is playing now, verses the way she plays at the abandoned school later in ep 14. There IS a difference in feel. I promise you.

But Kirsi becomes a doll after a time in her life that she stored all her feelings away, truly unable to express what has always been buried there.

But we see a glimpse of her having these recollections, and apparently they are compromising her effectiveness as of late. Flash of the scene of the plane crash. This is the first real OBVIOUS sign of the Yin changing. We have gotten the arm-grab from a previous ep, we saw her looking out for Hei in the last episode, which could be misconstrued as work-related...but other than that, this moment we see that she is have emotional memories surface, and it's effecting her overtly,

No one has mentioned one word about Itzhak and Bertha!

I love this duo of contractor antagonists! The poet and the diva! Actually, I am planning on possibly cosplaying Bertha at Anime Boston in three weeks, lol. I really connect with her for a few reasons, But I love her ability...for obvious reasons. (and it's exactly why I can cosplay/role-play Bertha.

They make a great team, good banter, but they connect on a certain level. and of course, Itzhak's poetry will come to the forefront later.

Khalia, I do understand why you think Gai and Kiko are funnier in Japanese...BUT!!! one of Gai's golden moments in the dub is when he meets Eelis, and keeps getting the name wrong. "Kash-stick, Kashberg, KashBitch." LMFAO! we obviously know what Gai really cares about already. And it seems Eelis met with the wrong Kurosawa??? Oh NO!!!! Sucks to be YOU, Kasternen.

The idea that when Itzhak steals the dolls' specters, they become practically mindless...spiritless. It gives me the notion that specters are the soul-like, spirit-like part of them, that not only holds some memories, but more of an emotional element. So, it is no surprise that she evolves emotionally as Izanami comes closer to evolution later on in the series, directly evolving from her specter.

ANother line, from Bertha to Itzhak, regarding the remaining existence of soul/heart in contractors..."Even thought you're a coldblooded killer, you still have a [heart] soul still capable of functioning." Brought on by the idea of his poetry.

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csg_dear4life March 1 2014, 21:56:24 UTC
Listened to the music while reading your response. It is very similar. Beautiful piece.

BTW K thought the dub was funnier. Cashman was hilarious.

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alisonsawyer March 1 2014, 22:15:46 UTC
Very good point about the Dolls' specters/souls connection. The musics are beautiful and very similar.

KashBitch! Seriously? So funny!

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creative_kiss March 7 2014, 21:45:36 UTC
Not that I am or ever was a musician, but I played saxophone for two years in elementary school and I can say such concepts as emotion and passion would have fallen on deaf ears then. I actually can't even recall whether or not my music teacher suggested such things. Granted, she was one person responsible for teaching an entire class of various instruments at one time but even so :P
I also believe that for a long time there is a gap between learning the mechanics and developing a passion. I think most people, especially if they learn at a young age, don't feel the passion the instant they start, but it grows in them over time especially if they persist in it and find that they have a talent for it.

I don't feel as much about Bertha and Itzahk's relationship until episode 14. I love the freedom Bertha feels to tell him about her life before she became a Contractor. But I'll save that, haha.
I think it would be fun to cosplay as Bertha. I'd love to hear about your experience too. Make sure you bellow a few notes ;)

I feel torn in two about Itzahk's ability because I feel like obviously Yin loses something in herself at the loss of her specter (she's obviously disoriented for a long time) but without the specter she's free to reclaim more human emotion - My atonement ramble is coming!

I really need to rewatch season two but... It was just so upsetting for me I don't even... Maybe I'd appreciate it more now that some time has past. I only watched it one time, but all of the Izanami references and whatnot are totally lost on me now.

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