CLANNAD Episode 9

Saturday, December 08, 2007

CLANNAD Episode 9
It takes a real man to cry.

CLANNAD’s central message has always been about family ties and love. This episode really shows that, especially with scenes like this. Focusing on the family-like bonds between the characters instead on the original romantic ties makes this a far more touching story than if they focused on romance alone.

The guys at KyoAni are geniuses, being able to weave Nagisa into Fuko’s story in such a natural way. Her presence here makes Fuko’s story that much better.

But it is Fuko herself that made this arc shine. There was a time when I said that I didn’t really like her, that Fuko was something of an over-moe-ed version of Makoto and Konata armed with the brains of a potato. Well, I take that back.

Fuko’s an illusion, an astral-projected being that was able to interact with the real world for a brief moment in time. She probably knows that whatever she does will be futile in the long run, that she will not see her efforts bear fruit. Something immaterial cannot have much of an impact on the real world. And yet, despite knowing this, she continues on, driven by the deep love that she had for her family. She put all that she had into achieving happiness, not for herself, but for her sister. She had to endure the pain of watching those dear to her forget about her, but she shouldered the pain and carried on.

Her determination, self-sacrifice, and quiet acceptance of her ultimate fate won the hearts of many, myself included.

Goodbye Fuko. You have reached the end of your dream. We won’t forget you.

PS: Gotta love the confused looking Kotomi hiding in the background. Damn she’s cute.