Man cannot live by new anime alone.
I like to rewatch old shows. New shows take precedent in my viewing schedule, no doubt, but when there’s nothing new to watch, it’s nice to have an old standby available to fill time. Choosing what to watch can be difficult; it’s very dependent on mood. Sometimes, it’s an easy decision. Other times, I sit and stare at my DVD collection so long I go cross-eyed.
Recently, I chose Patlabor - one of my all-time favorites. Patlabor is pretty involved, consisting of two OAV series, a lengthy TV series, and three films. It fills time nicely, and Patlabor fanboy that I am, I’ll never be bored with the series. On the other hand, because it’s so involved, it’s never fun to finish. I always want more to watch, but, alas, there’s no more to be found. So, I go looking for something like Patlabor to fill the hole. Unfortunately, there’s not much to choose from. Patlabor’s very one of a kind.
So, back to staring at the DVD collection I go. No joy. How about the ol’ fansub binder? Generally, I don’t hold on to fansubs, but I keep a few favorites lest they go unlicensed for an eternity. Honey & Clover? Oh yeah… I meant to rewatch that before the second season began airing, but never found the time…
Honey & Clover it is! Or was, rather, seeing as I just wrapped things up last night. When Honey & Clover first aired, I ran off to Tokyo and got to be so busy with work that I couldn’t keep up with the show. I’d catch an episode on TV every now and then - I remember stumbling upon the show in a hotel room in Atami in the middle of a typhoon, for example - but I still managed to fall way, way behind. Still, Honey & Clover was always on my mind. I was jamming to Spitz and YUKI on the train every day. I stared at ferris wheels. I visited the Hachikuro Cafe in Odaiba and drank overpriced jasmine tea.
I managed to catch up with the show shortly before returning home - I watched the final few episodes somewhere over the Pacific Ocean - but I always felt like I had missed something in the process. The second act of the show was like a blur. What happened?
So, I’ve gotten a lot out of rewatching the show over the past week. I might as well have been watching it again for the first time. And, having recently finished the second season and thus completed the story, I see a lot of details from the first season in a different light. I better understand Hagu and Hanamoto-sensei. And Mayama. And Morita. Everyone, really. And I realize how much I identify with Takemoto - a thought that is, at the same time, both frightening and comforting.
Usually, rewatching an old show is all about going through the motions. It’s fun, yeah, and your opinion of the show might change the second (or third) time around, but, for the most part, it never has the same sort of impact as the first viewing.
Honey & Clover is the exception to the rule, I suppose.
I have watched only few series twice yet apart from short less than 6 episodes OVAs. I tend to prioritize ongoing shows with much more importance and there are also lot of old unwatched ones so as time is limited rewatching isn’t that significant.
Could it be so bad to idenity with Takemoto-kun? He takes his time, but his aim is true. Better than to identify with Morita-san…scary!
I want to cycle notrthern Japan a la Takemoto.
I also happened to be in Japan during the first half of Honey and Clover (episode 1-9 - I can’t believe I remember). The show, at least to me, encapsulates what I feel while I was there. It was a short 2.5 months but it was one of the best times in my life. As for identifying with a particular character, Takemoto has been the one character that I like through and through. Some of his monologues are a bit too close for comfort but I think that’s why I like his character a lot. I don’t think I’ve rewatched the series in its entirety but I often go back to a particular episode just to see a particular scene that left good impression on me.
I second that entirely.
I’ve already rewatched the first season a few times, and what makes it amazing just never wears off. I haven’t been able to rewatch it since the second season, but I hope to do so soon. The end was so bittersweet because I liked it, but am sad it’s over. Honey and Clover is my favorite series for a reason.
I’m worried though, with school work and the new season coming about, when will I have time…!
I identify most with Hagu, after the second season. Maybe it’s because I’m female, super short, have long hair, and think the same (as an artist). Though, I always liked Morita and Miwako most, as well as Ayu. Everyone’s lovable though, and their personalities are easy to relate to for many people.
I’m still waiting for you to go back and watch Twin Spica one of these days. =p
I’m ashamed to admit that I never finished Twin Spica… it’s been so long now that I can’t remember what episode I stopped on. The last episode I blogged at Nowhere was 12, but I could have sworn I watched beyond that.
So, when can we expect another episode of ARIA The Natural? I’m going through withdrawal! ;)
“And I realize how much I identify with Takemoto - a thought that is, at the same time, both frightening and comforting.”
Heh. I know the feeling. That’s why Takemoto is probably my favourite character. He’s just so easy for me to identify with. As has been mentioned, it’s scary how close to home he hits with some of his monologues. I swear I’ve often in the past sat down and pondered on some of the same things. I guess it’s also the reason why I rooted for him the most w.r.t. his love “problems”. Great show. One that I will really miss. I’m hoping something will come along to fill the void it has left.
On Twin Spica: At this point, I’d just go back and start the series over. Let the charm of it work back in after all this time. =p
I’m never really that in to rewatching anime, but there are exceptions. Classic series Utena, Escalowne, classic movies like Kiki’s Delivery Service, and series I consider deep or highly enjoy like Serial Experiments Lain.
H&C, I have to say, just didn’t click with me for some reason.
Takemoto is by far one of my favorite anime characters in what is quite possibly my favorite anime. As previous comments have mentioned (last year, I know), it’s not hard to identify with him. I know my early 20’s were filled with trying to figure out what this thing called ‘life’ was about and what my place in it was. I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one that identifies with Takemoto so much.
Now to go and find my DVD and rewatch…