I had such a strange feeling, leading up to this episode. Last night, it was somewhat comprised of excitement, mixed with anticipation and a hint of apprehension. As I waited, not so patiently, this morning for the episode to be subbed, the feeling of anticipation grew and grew. What was to become of the characters that I had come to love so much? Would everything be tied up? Would it be left open-ended? Would anyone die? Would romance blossom? Would the group unite, or would they fall apart? Needless to say, by the time I actually watched the episode, I was already emotional.
I had high expectations for this episode and this anime. Not only did it exceed these, but it totally obliterated them. From the second scene of the episode, I was crying. I didn't realise, until the ED music kicked in, that I'd never stopped. I believe that it takes an ending to really cement how wonderful a journey has been. A sad ending highlights this even more, as you can contrast both the good and bad times. I honestly don't know whether the ending was happy or sad. It would most correctly be classed as "bittersweet." Why? Because Menma got her wish, and everyone sorted out their issues. That's a good thing... right? If only it were that simple. Let's go recap the episode.
Jintan is confused as to why Menma does not disappear after the group set off the rocket. He has assumed that this was her wish, and granting it would help her pass on.
The Super Peace Busters call Jintan to meet with them. And, one by one, everyone confesses to being selfish. Tears ahoy!
First is Anaru, who breaks down, saying that she wanted Menma to pass on, so she could have a chance at winning Jintan's heart...
Yukiatsu is soon to follow, admitting that he hasn't changed, and he still loves Menma.
This causes Tsuruko to have her break down. After much prompting from Anaru, she finally confesses her feelings for Yukiatsu, but knows that they will never be requited.
And then there's Poppo, hoo boy. For most of the series, Poppo acts as the comic relief. However, in this scence we see him reduced to a sobbing mess, confessing to everyone that he saw Menma die. Turns out, he had been suffering from extreme guilt, because he wasn't able to save her.
Jintan finally ackowledges that Menma loved all of the group members, and wants to help them say goodbye to her. This is a big change from the guy who wanted Menma all to himself, and relished in the knowledge that the others couldn't see her.
Yukiatsu... Giving credit to Jintan as the leader. Whoa.
Jintan finds that Menma as fading away, as she has remembered her wish: To make Jintan cry.
He goes to reunite Menma with the group for one last time, only to find that he can no longer see her. To make him feel better, a teary Menma tells him that she is simply playing hide-and-seek.
The group go looking for her. They're all a mess.
Desperate to tell everyone that she loves them, Menma writes notes in her diary with her remaining strength.
...and leaves them under a tree. More super-sad-crying-times ensue when they read them.
Jintan insists on seeing Menma again, and to everyone's surprise, she appears before their very eyes. Finally, the group are all able to tell Menma that they love her.
After admitting that she wants to stay with them forever, Menma disappears.
Cue emotional epilogue montage, where everyone is finally moving on with their life. We are left with this image...
I don't think I've cried so much in an anime since Clannad ~After Story. Actually, the whole thing was quite reminiscent of Clannad. You've got the guy with no motivation, helping out the moe girl, and other friends. Both also have the added supernatural element, on top of being slice of life tragedies. I was a massive fan of the Clannad franchise, having watched both series and played most routes on the visual novel. Still, if I had to choose between them, I would say that AnoHana is just that little bit better. It has been firmly cemented as my second favourite anime, losing out only to magical-girl drama Princess Tutu, but that's only due to my personal emotional connection with that particular show.
I'm very impressed that the creators of AnoHana managed to tie everything up in the short time they had, and do it extrodinarily well. It was both heartbreaking and interesting to see all the characters finally break down, and move on. I did like that no new romantic bonds were formed in this episode; the character simply went on existing as friends, with any relationship development left open ended. This was the episode to either make or break the show, and in my humble opinion it made for the perfect end to an amazing series.
I want to spend more time with all of you! I want us to play together. So I'm going to be reincarnated, and then I'll be with you all again! So, now that Jintan's cried and we've said goodbye... You found me! - Menma's last words
<3 :')
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