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Sep 29 2009 07:10 PM
While I did enjoy Aoi Hana, there is much to be desired. I very much enjoyed the animation, visual aspects, and artistry of the series. Character development is up and down. At times I feel very connected, other times it feels shallow and lengthy, same I can say about the story line itself. While many parts were excellent I couldn't help but drift away on many as well. Such as the length of the drama club episodes, dragged on for longer then needed with no real tie to the story in many parts.

What I did enjoy about Aoi Hana is the maturity of the series, especially being that of Yuri. While at points I wished it was more intimate with some more fan service, I really couldn't see that working in this series.

Would I recommend it as a must watch if wanting to get into yuri or if you enjoy yuri? probably not. If anything, what Aoi Hana is; is a story about two best friends once again finding each other and how Fumi's first love was really Akira but in a childhood innocence. with some slight Yuri moments thrown in. It lacked the passion and lust and burning emotion which I feel is needed for a Grade A Yuri.

I'll say 7/10

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Sep 17 2009 11:13 AM
Well I'm going to go on record as not hating that ending. Given the time contstraints of their short 11 episode run and whatnot, they provided a very good conclusion without forcing something that might have otherwise disrupted the overall tone of the show. Maybe we'll get a season 2, but if not, there is always the Manga if that doesn't happen.

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Sep 17 2009 10:52 AM

The play shown in the anime is the first one from the manga, which is the one in which Yasuko participated as Heathcliff. What you are referring to is the play one year later, in which Akira has an important part (which also causes her lots of stress). The anime simply never got to that point. They followed the manga pretty closely, although I admit that they gave the play a bit too much attention.

I totally disagree that he ending of the anime is half-assed. It is extremely well-executed. It would have sucked to have the huge cliffhanger from the manga at the end of the season, especially since it might still take quite a while before the next one will come out. They chose a way which is romantic, sweet and gives a feeling of closure, without forgoing the possibility of picking things up later.

The harsh reality is that they first have to find out how DVD sales went before deciding upon a second season... and of course the storyline has to progress a bit more in the original work. Luckily, DVD sales are going well, so I still have high hopes.

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Sep 16 2009 07:53 AM

no, it is true. the manga has not finished up that play; it hasn't even started yet, all the script writers did here was improvise; nobody is referring to missed content but how far the storyline is; and the half a$$ed ending is due to the fact that they decided to try and do some original crap, rather than use all of the current manga content and simply give a s2 later.

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Sep 16 2009 06:41 AM

Well, they did show a kiss in the anime. The manga has no kissing whatsoever.

That's not true. The manga has progressed quite a bit farther, up to the point where Fumi confesses to Akira . What they did in the anime is change the bit where Fumi tells Akira that she was her first love . Here she doesn't tell it, but simply thinks it to herself--which really heightens the effect.

Actually, that whole bit about visiting the old school in the middle of the night is not in the manga. I think it's very well done, since it shows the importance Akira and Fumi's relationship, without going into hokey romantic territory.

With this episode Aoi Hana has earned its place in my personal hall of fame as one of my most favorite anime series ever. I hope there will be a second season, but that all depends on how far the manga will be then.

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Sep 13 2009 09:18 PM
Yeah, that ending *was* a disappointment. Mostly because it was just...nothing. Even though it might have been shorter, they could have ended it when Fumi told Sugimoto-sempai to shove off.  That was actually one of my favorite moments in the whole series!

I'd love a second season, I like the quiet tone of this anime and yet a lot does happen between the characters emotionally. Anyone know how popular it is in Japan?

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Sep 10 2009 11:19 PM
well the ending was simply done this way due to the fact that the manga isn't even past this play yet it would've been smarter had they just picked a different spot to end it to leave room for a second season

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Sep 10 2009 10:58 PM
If I'm the director of the anime series, this is probably how I would end the story...

After the The Deer Cry Pavilion, Ryouko somehow fell in love with Akira.  Then Akira realized she loved Fumi too afterall, so they had some hawt lesbian sex and lived happily ever afer....THE END

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Sep 10 2009 03:22 PM
Come on that was it? They arent even coming together?
What a huge disappointment.

The Anime started rather bad but got really good but this ending is just unsatisfying. I hope they will do a second season, or maybe I will read the manga after I read the To Love-Ru manga.

btw, Achan really looked good with her hair down. She shouldve done that more often.

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Sep 9 2009 11:23 PM

I have to agree. They left so much out. I guess they had to tone it down for t.v. The manga is a bit more explicit. Frankly I am surprised they cut the whole Deer Pavilion out completely. A lot goes on in that arc that would explain the ending of the anime better.