Thoughts on Kuzu no Honkai ep1-2
Hanabi is cold, Hanabi is a realist, and Hanabi focuses on the pain and depth of her love for her brother. When a boy confesses his love for her, she responds something to the effect of, “Theres nothing more distasteful then the affections of someone you’re disinterested in.” She also displays her attitude toward unrequited love through Mugi and Moca. She roughly grabs Moca and tells her off for clinging to Mugi. In addition, she chides Mugi for not being stiff with her, and accuses him of trying to boost his ego by clinging onto those who like him.
Ive seen some speculation that she responds coldly to Moca because of her “possessiveness” of Mugi. I dont think that’s it. Ive also seen some curiosity as to whether Hanabi will enter a physical relationship with Ecchan. I definitely think she wont. Hanabi adamantly denies unrequited feelings for her, and for others. Why? We can see Hanabi react very emotionally about her own unrequited feelings. She complains to Mugi that her love hurts, and she wonders at the girl with the two boyfriends who doesn’t have strong feelings for one boy (yes, she marvels at their shallowness, but she does tell them “its better to feel the pain.” Thats what she feels in her love.) Hanabi focuses on the pain she feels from unrequited love- and she wants to diminish that in others.
Then there’s Mugi. Ive seen some marvel at his apathetic-ness, which really shows in our lack of ability to immediately distinguish character traits. But I like that Mugi focuses on the pleasure of his affection. When Hanabi asks of the pain of love, Mugi responds that it isn’t all bad- that the pleasure involved makes it worth it, which makes it worse. He doesn’t harshly reject Moca’s feelings. Hanabi accuses him of relishing in her affection for his pride, and I think that there’s truth to it. Mugi wants to experience the pleasure that comes with love. Mugi also wonders at Hanabi’s frustration towards her brother. At the karaoke place, Mugi asks Hanabi why she doesn’t choose another cute boy. Of course Mugi understands the feeling of there only being one person. I think his question, more likely, stems from him not understanding why shes so openly frustrated. Mugi prefers to bear through the pain for the pleasure- he isn’t going to complain about the bad parts of love.
And thats where I think Hanabi’s and Mugi’s relationship begin to shine. Hanabi focuses on the pain, while Mugi focuses on the pleasure- both parts of unrequited love. This can be seen in bed, too. Hanabi makes the first move- she’s a girl. But when they actually climb into bed together, Mugi is more ready to take things further. He is fulfilling the pleasure he longs. Hanabi, on the other hand, is hesitant and reacts emotionally. She cries because she feels like she is betraying her love for brother, but continues because she wants to mellow her loneliness.
And lastly, they need each other because they have no feelings for each other. They can fulfill their needs without hurting the other person. I talked about Hanabi not wanting to tease the unrequited feelings of others, but it isn’t like Mugi wants to lead others on, either.
Ecchan heightens the fear of ruining a friendship through romantic feelings. In addition, she represents feelings that will never be reciprocated- Hanabi is straight (and even if shes bi, Ecchan assumes she isnt,) and Hanabi and Mugi are considered a “child” by their respective love interests. (Lol fyi I’ve watched the end of ep2 three times and I get chills every time.)
Moca so far represents the fear of creating a fake person, which I can completely relate to. In her inability to spend time with the one she loves, she fantasizes to sooth her loneliness, thus creating a fake, perfect person.
Art/Style- Hanabi’s eyes amazed and entertained me throughout episode 1. I absolutely adore the panel style. The show really made it an artistic way to represent different angles. And I also enjoyed Mugi’s crush superimposed over Hanabi. I also adore the image of Hanabi amplified when we’re seeing her from Ecchan’s perspective. And I’m impressed with how they animated Hanabi’s hair in Mugi’s hand when he kisses her.
Dialogue- I adore a show that has interesting yet realistic dialogue. No one says anything that blatantly reveals character traits; instead, theres a subtlety that you have to pay attention to.
Fanservice- Are you tired of improbable and unrealistic scenarios occurring for no other reason than panty shots? Me too! But I’m always proud of a show that can take the topic of sexuality and physical wants seriously.
p> Fun fact the karaoke scene is my fave. I think its a beautiful example of teens trying to vent their feelings together with friendship.
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