(L) Natsuyuki Rendez-vous (noitaminA)

[White Manju Bun]

I feel like a trader to noitaminA but I got nothing from this. I didnt feel anything towards the characters, the dead guy in the apartment was different but didnt really feel a connection to him either. Epi felt long and uneventful to me which is sad since minus a couple of anime, noitaminA stuff is usually a slam dunk for me.

[D-KLAC]

so watching this ok then give let see we have in seiyu joke yea we have the ghost of watanuki keep watching to see if tomoya tried to steal his wife yuko?

yea hmm got wonder if expect rivalry between kyousuke vs ghost of lelouch to see if who will get Irisviel?

hmm might hang around what else to happen.

[Salva]

I think this pretty much sums up my feelings about the first episode as well. I know it has the makings for a good show, and feels very Honey & Clover-ish, which is very much a good thing.

That's what I had at the tip of my tongue! It reminds me so much of H&C and apparently I do adore shows like that.

I was REALLY curious if any of you would point that out but I was bought by two things. First, floating legs. I couldn't contain myself. I repeated the scene over and over again. It was hilarious and I do like this kind of subtle humour. It shows that anime has something more. Not really plain and typical I'd say. Although it's probably more cause of the anime staff than the mangaka itself as only animated legs made me giggle all the way through. I do not know why the fact he’s just floating around made me so amused. All I want is I also felt a lot of sympathy towards the husband who seems childishly attached to his wife and is grumpy and sarcastic and a little selfish kind. Not really my type but I just can't help liking him. He matches so well with Hazuki. I predict there would be a lot of interesting moments between the two. It's really refreshing. I don't feel anything towards Rokko though. I do not like her. I liked how she acted and overall it’s so nice to see that these people actually act like alive people (even dead ones xD) instead of doing whatever was planned for them without any sense. They live. I also really liked Hazuki’s determination to buy flowers from the lady he was interested in and then grab an occasion when it occurred and started working there. It required some guts and I do believe the husband is there to bring them out. Not literally I hope (as he attempted on their second encounter). His confession was also very nice. I was smiling widely at the sight of them under the umbrella. She was holding it firmly while he was struggling not to get wet and bend his head xD I really liked the music as well. The chara design, almost everything seemed appealing to me. It’s colourful and it brings out new and never known feelings in me, cheering me up in an instant. So I guess it’s my fav for this season.

He has charming legs. Husband.

[DXMichael]

I like main characters like this. He's like the main character from Hyouka, he doesn't show his emotions easily and seems to careless about what's happening.

I wanted to watch more at the end of the first episode because the whole thing just drew me in. It was a nice episode to watch

[Pocari_Sweat]

It seems I'm not the only person who felt underwhelmed and disappointed by the premiere of this anime. I mean it has noitamina, Josei and slice of life/drama written all over it, which usually means "Instant Like" in my books. Some of my favorite series such as Honey and Clover, Nodame Cantabile, Paradise Kiss and Usagi Drop possess the same tags and I loved them from the start.

There wasn't much drama, nor were there any particularly funny scenes that I can remember. It doesn't even really have a "feel good" vibe too it. The characters were okay, but nothing noticeable. All of these combine to me having little no emotional attachment for the series, which is important for the slice of life/drama genre - I have to care about the characters, the premise or for real slam dunk series, both. I feel that if it wasn't for the dead husband gimmick or the fact it's drawn in shojou style, I would probably not watch this. But hey I'm a sucker for Josei so I'll stick around hoping it'll get better.

Overall, it wasn't bad, but it was quite average for what I'm use to with noitamina when it comes to Josei.

And oh, about the Honey and Clover comparisons, strongly disagree. Honey and Clover had some nice lighthearted comedy in the beginning, and it eventually built up to be a touching coming of age drama about college/university life. Had great sentimental value off the bat. In comparison, I felt pretty emotionless watching this first ep.

[sikvod00]

Like SajiSensei, I find it hard to like Ryuusuke, and episode 2 reaffirmed that sentiment. I really don't have an issue with Rokka moving on and finding another man in her life. It's perfectly natural to fall in love more than once. That NTR bullshit gets so overblown, it's not "stealing" anyways. But right now, Ryuusuke is a judgmental asshole and is treating romance like a game where he's trying to win against big-bad-dead-husband. He totally misses the point of love if he thinks Rokka is going to forget her husband if she falls for him. But I assume part of this story is to develop his character and make him more likable.

To be fair, Atsushi is annoying and acts childish at times. Although I really do feel bad for his shit situation. I think most people would their significant lover to eventually find another lover if they passed away istread of indefinitely mourning over their loss. BUT THAT'S WHEN YOU'RE GOOD AND DEAD! No one wants to be wandering around as a powerless ghost, seeing them fall for that person. That's pure torture...

[webkid94]

Originally Posted by DXMichael

I like main characters like this. He's like the main character from Hyouka, he doesn't show his emotions easily and seems to careless about what's happening.

Funny, they both have the same voice actor.

Anyways, a nice start. I'm not sure why people are complaining so much (that's usually my job), noitaminA is back from the god awful fall season. A little slow start sure, but I can tell it'll pick up.

[Haak]

Episode 2.

Geez the dude can't catch a break even after he's dead. Two episodes in and it's already become difficult to watch.

[DXMichael]

Just watched episode 2.

I had to pause the video at that one point and facepalm when he did what he did. That was a painful thing he did right there.

Quite the sad episode, i'm hoping it cheers up in the next few episodes

[Kaoru Chujo]

I just watched ep2 and I am much more positive than some folks here. It isn't "like" anything else (viz., Honey & Clover). It's developing both quickly (the beginning of romance) and slowly (the development of romance). The MC is still not sure who he is or what he's doing. Ditto for the Heroine. Ditto for the Ghost. For some reason, I find this acceptable, so far.

Clearly, the arrival of MC makes it possible (in this universe) for Heroine to move on; and Ghost can stop watching over her and move on, himself. I do worry that he will keep interposing himself between their bodies, bringing pleasure to no-one, least of all Ghost himself. I hope this doesn't go on for 8-9 episodes, to no-one's amusement, especially mine. But I am happy enough so far with these strong/weak characters and great voices. And I trust the staff will come up with some interesting development as we go forward. When will MC tell H that G is still there?

The NTR aspect of this isn't bothering me, as I expected it might, and as it would if these were all living people. Maybe it's because we got to know MC first. Maybe it's because the Ghost is such a quiet and passive character -- and a neutrino as far as interaction with others is concerned.

[Guardian Enzo]

I find the low-key approach here rather appealing. Hazuki is certainly not a typical josei romantic lead, but he comes across to me as a very typical lost boy - too old to think of himself as a kid and not comfortable being an adult. In my mind's eye I see Rokka as the first thing he's felt really passionate about in years, and maybe ever.

I think it's a sign of good writing that the age dynamic was obvious from the start, even though we weren't told until this week and Rokka could certainly pass for Hazuki's age just based on appearance. All of the little clues in the way each of them behave, alone or together, communicated that 8-year age gap without it having to be explained.

In fact, this show does very little in terms of explaining, and takes a somewhat detached view of everything that happens. Despite the fantastical premise there's almost a documentary quality about it that I really like - Atsushi's situation is presented as just another fact of life that Hazuki has to deal with. We aren't told how we're supposed to feel about any of it - events are presented very simply and it's left to us to react how we will.

Lastly, I think the irony of Atsushi's character is that he's become in death what he tried so hard (to the point of perversity) not to be in life - an obstacle to Rokka's happiness. He surely sees this himself and hates it, but he can't help himself - he stayed behind because she begged him not to leaver her, after all. He's not even alive but Atsushi has gotten the most complex backstory so far.

[novalysis]

The NTR jokes are everywhere!

I think the main issue with Rendezvous is that we are simply dropped right into the middle of things. Intellectually, of course, I think viewers know that rightfully speaking, the scenes of the separation between Atsushi and Rokka are meant to be cutting and emotional. Unfortunately, the problem is backstory - we don't see the relationship between those two, and therefore find it hard to empathize.

On the other hand, I think a Prequel of Atsushi and Rokka's relationship would have been regarded as good tragedy.

Somehow, I get the feeling that we are seeing a Season 2 of a Romantic Josei, without the context of season 1.

[DragoonKain3]

I personally am of the opposite opinion; my heart breaks every time I see ghost guy want to comfort Rokka but can't, or when he sees protagonist slowly but systematically steal Rokka's heart in front of his very eyes. His helplessness at being able to do absolutely nothing for the love of his life is even more undue punishment; didn't he suffer enough with his death and everything that came before it? The protagonist on the other is the generic nice guy lead in typical dramas (note: not of your typical anime) that I don't find him all that interesting.

(Which is quite odd, as I almost always am NOT interested in the non-human side of these triangles, but the way they're depicting ghost guy is certainly refreshing)

And dear God, I've had enough tragedy with k-dramas, and I don't need another one considering Atsushi/Rokka's story sounds typical of it. For once I'd like to touch on the 'moving on part'.

[Kirarakim]

I find this series refreshing in a lot of ways because we have adult characters we get characters who are upfront about their feelings right away. I loved that Rokka was thinking about sex.

The last series that I saw where this was the case was Nana but that had a bit too much melodrama for me.

This series of course has some heavy drama too but that is more in terms of flashbacks. I am pretty sure Natsuyuki Rendezvous is going to end in a happy place.


As for someone who hates love triangles in general I am enjoying this one because it is unconventional. I expect Rokka & Ryuusuke to end up together but what I am more interested in is how Atsushi will move on. Although I also want to see Ryuusuke's love for Rokka to grow beyond passion.


On one final note it might feel like we are just being dropped in, but I think over the course of the series we will learn more about Rokka & Atsushi love & at the same time we will see a developing relationship between Ryuusuke and Rokka..going backwards and forwards.

[HandofFate]

Episode 2 was decent. I liked we got to see Rokka's inner thoughts as well as the ghosts this time.

Good to see that she does have the desire to move on, just that there wasn't anyone to help push or support her in that direction.

Not sure if it was just gonna focus on the main guy or not. At least we know why she keeps her hair so short like that, cut it that way after her husband died. I assume by the end if she does move on, she start to grow it out again.

I liked the eating animations this episode.
Impressed someone can fall asleep in that bent position...

What's with japanese people's constitution in these shows...getting a fever from that? Its worse than when they get pneumonia from running in the rain for 2minutes.

[thundrakkon]

It was another nice episode to this series. I feel sort of sorry for everyone, while at the same time, sort of annoyed at each of the main male leads. They both do things that are childish, and it is a lot like a playground kiddy fight. I do hope they get over this soon, since even half a cour of this would get annoying.

Eventually, I think they will be able to help each other out. Also, Rokka will probably eventually grow her hair back. However, the age difference is a huge issue. I don't know how they will be able to resolve that in a satisfactory manner.

Originally Posted by HandofFate

Impressed someone can fall asleep in that bent position...

Well, actually... A friend of mine posted a picture of her roommate falling asleep bent over a bed while sitting cross legged on a gym ball as she tried to read the newspaper. Some people have amazing sleeping abilities.

Originally Posted by HandofFate

What's with japanese people's constitution in these shows...getting a fever from that? Its worse than when they get pneumonia from running in the rain for 2minutes.

I think it was because it is usually cold inside the homes. Shimao did mention that he wanted her to get underneath a kotatsu to keep her warmer. So essentially, she was sleeping in the cold without a blanket to keep her warm.

[fertygo]

Originally Posted by novalysis

Somehow, I get the feeling that we are seeing a Season 2 of a Romantic Josei, without the context of season 1.

The manga only have 4 volume, the story gonna short n compact.

Btw I like this episode again, Rokka have interest to move on is very refreshing, glad we don't see some weird sense of attachment from her here. (although I believe its gonna play a role sooner or later)

[Kanon]

Originally Posted by DragoonKain3

I personally am of the opposite opinion; my heart breaks every time I see ghost guy want to comfort Rokka but can't, or when he sees protagonist slowly but systematically steal Rokka's heart in front of his very eyes. His helplessness at being able to do absolutely nothing for the love of his life is even more undue punishment; didn't he suffer enough with his death and everything that came before it? The protagonist on the other is the generic nice guy lead in typical dramas (note: not of your typical anime) that I don't find him all that interesting.

I couldn't agree more. Seeing things from the Atsuhi's perspective was really sad and depressing for me. The only thing he wishes for is for Rokka to be happy, but he can't be the one to bring her that happiness... he can't even protect her anymore. He can only watch as she either spends the rest of her life alone or somebody else steals her from him. If the latter happens (and I believe it will), he should just accept it and let go, but that's easier said than done. He is wrong to try to hog her for himself despite not being part of her world anymore, but I can't blame him for that. It's a natural feeling. Anyway, he's definitely a very interesting character.

Hazuki, on the other hand, is a bit boring and I'm having a hard time sympathizing with him.

[HandofFate]

Originally Posted by thundrakkon

It was another nice episode to this series. I feel sort of sorry for everyone, while at the same time, sort of annoyed at each of the main male leads. They both do things that are childish, and it is a lot like a playground kiddy fight. I do hope they get over this soon, since even half a cour of this would get annoying.

Eventually, I think they will be able to help each other out. Also, Rokka will probably eventually grow her hair back. However, the age difference is a huge issue. I don't know how they will be able to resolve that in a satisfactory manner.

I don't think the age difference is that big a deal, is it something that Rokka notices, but she doesn't seem THAT fazed by it. As you get older, age difference becomes less of a barrier.
12 year x 20 year old vs. 22year vs 30 year old is a big mental and societal difference. That's the same difference as Anakin and Padme in the Star War movie prequels, and people don't see a big problem with that age difference, or even notice it.

Originally Posted by thundrakkon

Well, actually... A friend of mine posted a picture of her roommate falling asleep bent over a bed while sitting cross legged on a gym ball as she tried to read the newspaper. Some people have amazing sleeping abilities.

Cross legged I can understand, but actually falling asleep in the seiza position like Rokka, I think if I ever did that. I wake up and have to get my legs amputated at the knees.

[D-KLAC]

2eps so ryuu tried get time with rokka while ghost husband being funny face & ghost-blocker.

so ryuu get date rokka & alone time oh ghost husband tried to kiss into forget husband cue double slap & out the door.

give ghost husband stay & be with rokka due she don't want him to leave give also during flashback give can't have kids (due to hat wore got be cancer or something) show divorce paper but rokka said no.

next day rokka all fever with ghost husband wonder to help then ryuu sense arrive & two help rokka get rest & recover yet give rokka crying her ghost husband want to cry.