This is a static copy of In the Rose Garden, which existed as the center of the western Utena fandom for years. Enjoy. :)
I wasn't planning on posting a thread, but Itsuke suggested I should. It begins here:
http://www.shoujoai.com/forum/topic_sho … #pid843536
and comprises the subsequent four posts as well.
If you're not a fan of Utena/Anthy, you may want to stay away...far, far away. >_>
Last edited by Aelanie (06-18-2009 01:51:41 AM)
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In the section titled IIe. Utena and Anthy - To Bud (or, The Choices of Mistress Anthy), you discuss the famous Cantarella scene in episode 37. I agree with your analysis. I also want to supplement it with a few pictures.
When Anthy replies Utena's promise with Yes, definitely, notice how her hand moves:
It's a slight movement. The shot lasts only a few seconds. However, it is a close up of their intertwined hands. Anthy being a person who seldom reveals her inner thoughts, this shot's main purpose is to show how Anthy is impacted by Utena' words. Aside from understanding each others' feelings, this may be the only time Anthy is presented with the idea of life outside Ohtori. Utena may be the only duelist to ever suggest about a possible future.
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Wow Aelanie, I really liked this!
The thing that spoke to me the most (which is unusual in an analytical piece) is the passion with which you wrote it. You must really love U/A...in the kind of way I very much do myself.
I think I recognized it because I've never felt as strongly about a fandom in my life...as driven by it to thought, imagination and creativity.
You did a great job of arguing canon Utena/Anthy, and of summing up what makes the anime a masterpiece.
Also I'm about to rewatch it with the girl I'm dating and I'm scared for similar reasons you mention to preceding your own re-watching experience...scared it won't be as mindblowing...and actually scared of the intense emotions I feel when watching it. Watching it in order...omfg. Plus what if she doesn't fall for this series...and how could anybody not fall for it...
Thanks again for this analysis - it reminds me of a lot of the moments I drooled over in that so-subtle U/A relationship, and has got me thinking deeply about some of your interpretations.
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Thanks for your kind words, sharnii.
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Are you Cuddly? If so thank you for making that thread, it was what prompted me to take another look at Utena after ignorantly dismissing it out of hand as... I really can't remember what I thought then.
There were a lot of points in your new report that I felt taken aback by, Utena's pacing was transcendent? Really? But anyway still great, and I definitely agree with the general gist of what you said hehe.
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Yes I am. It's wonderful to hear that it helped you that way.
Yes, I truly do believe that Utena's pacing is amazingly done. I explain some of that in what I wrote. There is a style and timing to the way things unfold that is just magnificent.
Thanks for your kind words. <smile>
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