9. Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora
Is it possible for a person to fall in love with a fictional, two-dimensional anime character? Obviously, it’s a question most “normal” people would have a difficult time wrapping their head around, not to mention answering. But for an anime fan, I suspect the answer would be something akin to, “Is the Pope Catholic?”
That’s not to say all anime fans want a Asahina Mikuru of their own (indeed, some of you sick bastards would prefer, say, a Suzumiya Haruhi), but I think it’s normal for anime fans to fancy characters who exhibit the same personality traits they seek in real life partners. I wouldn’t mind an Izumi Noa of my own, for example.
But, to see a reflection of one’s true desires in a character and to “fall in love” with a character are two entirely different things. Not everyone goes the extra mile. I know I don’t.
Well, not all that often, at least.
Akiba Rika, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I know you’re dying, but that just makes me want to protect and care for you. I know you’re a tsundere, but I dig tsunderes. I know you’re selfish, but I realize that’s just how you show affection. I know you’re pragmatic, but deep down, you’re clearly a romantic. Underneath your tough outer shell, hardened by situation and circumstance, may lie the “real” Akiba Rika, but I love you just as much for the Akiba Rika you show the world as I do for the Akiba Rika you keep to yourself. You’re an incredible person from head to toe.
And, clearly, I should spend more time doing nanpa at the hospital.
For me, Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora is all about Akiba Rika - it’s difficult to see anything else - but I submit that the show’s charms are plenty. For many, it’s all about Tanizaki Akiko. For others, it’s all about Ezaki Yuichi. For some, it may be all about Natsume Goro. Or Tsukasa in a Zebra mask. They’re the world that swirls around Rika. They’re the people who care for her… the people who love her in their own, special way.
Everyone loves Akiba Rika. Perhaps you do, too?
I can relate, although not specifically about Rika.
Not sure about “love”, but I thought Rika was alright. Hantsuki happens one of my favourites, now.
I guess I’m a sick bastard who wants a ‘Suzumiya Haruhi’…
Anyway though, the show was incredibly touching and all but I didn’t fall in love with anyone. I did grow to hate Rika’s doctor though.
>>And, clearly, I should spend more time doing nanpa at the hospital.
I lol’ed.
>>Everyone loves Akiba Rika. Perhaps you do, too?
Yeah me too.
Hantsuki was really a good show that was helped by it’s length. It just told its story nicely in its 6 episode run and nothing else. Though I wish we could have an OVA special of sorts of what happens after ;).
You sure you want that OVA? You do remember what they said about her remaining lifespan right? In any case, if you want to find out more about the story, read the novels that the anime was based upon.
Get your hankies ready before you start though. :p
Hantsuki was one of my favourites and although it had some flaws and unintentional humour, it remained high on my appreciation list.
For example, I still laugh at some people’s description of this ‘bronx hospital’ where nurses are gangsters, and the doctors regularly beat up their patients for laughs. Truly how much of a sanctuary is it meant to be anyway?
That said, the main story is still touching, and Natsume’s line to Yuichi still rings heavily in my head, “Do you understand what I’m trying to say? It’s like trying to stitch tofu!” Such dread I had when waiting for Ep06 to roll along, and find out the results of the operation.
Cheers.
Hmm maybe I should give this another shot. Dropped after ep 3 because of Rika and her sadistic doctor.
Rika is great, simple and to the point. I think in the world of flat characters and characters trying their best to be NOT, Rika walks a good balance between too simple and too hard to understand.
But I don’t lover her like you do…you’re just creepy.
>>But I don’t lover her like you do…you’re just creepy.
No, you just don`t understand us. Don`t make fun of us! Get out! GET OUT! OUT!!!
Ok, I’m up for Hantsuki. Another long shot on the recommendation of Dr. Lawson…
…and good choice in Izumi Noa, Jeff. Also, that way Alpha from YKK’s still free for me.
I didn’t start watching this until some other people pointed me to it, but…
I’m glad I did. It’s absolutley adorable. And also perfectly incarnated in its six-episode length. Not too short, not too long. Just perfect. And ends on the right point, too.
And while I think Rika is adorably cute for a tsunderekko, I’m not sure I’d personally sign a letter of confession to her like Jeff, though :p. On the other hand, I’ll sign oo’s paper about the show doing a great job in walking the line for its characters, and not only Rika. Again, just perfect given the length and scope of the show.
Excuse me, I think I’ll go re-watch the thing right now.
…And gloat at the fuzzy feeling people with a medical death warrant somehow manage to give me :P.
Muey, Jeff, and Omo. I can feel myself getting sucked in to another series…. at least this is a short one.
this is definitely a totally great series, what if with the ambiance as well as the characters. It’s hard to hate the characters in this series. A short yet beautiful series.