Finally took the time to watch this video, which is a great summary of a lot of what makes March Comes in Like a Lion amazing and good look at Rei’s character arc in the first season. I want to write down some specific quotes from it that I think are really insightful
“As much as these relationships [with the Kawamotos and the other people who care about Rei] should theoretically be sources of comfort and respite Rei can rely on in times of struggle or distress- and do in fact serve that purpose from time to time- the heartbreaking fact of tthe matter is they are also themselves one of the most significant stressers in his life. And the root of this is Kiriyama’s guilt complex and lack of self worth. In every interaction he feels like a freeloader taking advantage of the others kindness and offering no value in return. He’s a drain, a drag, someone whose presence is only tolerated as a matter of formality and without whom these people would be better off.”
and that segues very well into this point.
“Those around him know of these issues all too well. Take note of how the Kawamoto sisters will rope him into visiting them. In one instance they tell him they forgot to pick up a grocery item and ask if he could do so for them. They exploit the fact that he feels like a burden and is always looking for ways to be helpful and certainly wouldn’t want to cause trouble by turning this request down to get him to come over- the fact that he was being a help to them making it easier for him to share a meal with them without feeling too guilty”.
This is great because it’s super true they do this all the time but it was something I never completely picked up on. They know how Rei works. SNEAKY SISTERS.
Also something I learned for this video: In episode 10, the series director of Madoka (Akiyuki Shinbo) was bought in to direct to make sure the animation TRULY CONVEYED THE DEPRESSION im dying how fitting.
So yeah, I rec watching it, whether you’ve seen MCLL or not- it’s a touching, good quick look at the first season, animation, depression, how everyone has value, all that good stuff.
