Ef: Tale of Memories
Synopsis: Ef: Tale of Memories is a story about twins Kei and Chihiro Shindou. Kei, Chihiro and Hirono were childhood friends. Kei and Hirono eventually went to the same high school. Kei, unknowingly to Hirono, has had a crush on him since they were children. On Christmas Eve, on the way to Kei's place, Hirono meets Miyako Miyamura when she steals his bike in order to chase a purse thief. Because of the incident they begin to talk and spend more time together and eventually Miyako develops feelings for Hirono. Kei finds out about their blossoming relationship and becomes jealous and thus begins a love triangle.
Chihiro's story is a bit different. One day Renji Asou meets Chihiro at an abandoned train station. Although, she is shy at first they begin to get along pretty well and begin meeting at the same station everyday. Renji learns the truth behind Chihiro's memory diasbility and decides to help her fulfill her dream. Chihiro dreams of being able to write a novel and thus their adventure begins. In order to fulfill Chihiro's dream, they will both have to overcome the difficulties imposed by Chihiro's condition.
Alright, this week I've decided (with the help of a friend)
to try something different. Instead of describing the characters, I will be sharing
some of my thoughts on the story line itself. Hope you guys enjoy my take on
Ef: A Tale of Memories.
This anime is definitely a visually pleasing anime, not
because of the appearances of the characters but because of the visual affects
the artists used. The transitions and switches between color schemes add to the
emotions and situations each of the characters experience. It may not be clear
at first but one of the themes in this anime is finding the color in the
characters otherwise black and white world. I believe the artists were able to
fully incorporate this theme with the visual effects they added.
As for the story line because it is two incorporates two
different stories you have to be attentive when watching. One of the stories
revolves around Chihiro and the other revolves around Kei. They are twins but
with completely different personalities and circumstances. On the one hand, Kei
is a normal high-school freshman whereas Chihiro faces an immense handicap that
prevents her from living a normal high school life.
Chihiro, due to an accident when she was 12, now suffers
from a memory disorder. Her memories last only 13 hours that in itself is a
ridiculous circumstance. I’m no doctor so I’m probably wrong but how can a
memory last exactly 13 hours (crazy but it works) It adds more drama into
Chihiro and Renji’s story.
In reality, I liked their story the best. It’s a simple
concept of a boy and girl overcoming an obstacle in order to be together.
On the other hand, Kei, Miyako and Hirono’s story was a
little disappointing. First of all Kei and Miyako both have some serious
issues. Kei becomes possessive of Hirono and Miyako becomes desperate for
Hirono (not only that but it was in excess). I do however; appreciate how the
authors let Kei and Hirono have their confession. It was beautiful and yet sad
how they both knew that they would one day get married and have children but
that dream would never come to be.
The ending sums up each characters relationship and shows how they are progressing with their lives with a montage. At the end, everyone seems to be happy and enjoying their lives to the fullest and they are all the best of friends (I'm not so sure this would actually happen in the real world but at least it gives the viewer a sense of closure).
Well that’s my take on A Tale of Memories!
I hope you enjoy!
No comments:
Post a Comment