Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:18 am Post subject: Post Rating: 0
OfficeMasao wrote:
Interesting. It'd be fun to start a discussion thread on this series. Wonder if there's enough interest?
We had a very different interpretation...
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To us it implied she was committing suicide. It seemed like she was running in front of a truck or a train. The silence at the end of that scene is very eerie. I found it a little hard to accept, especially since she seemed so upbeat towards the end. It didn't make sense to me, but maybe I just wanted things to work out for her? My translation partner thought suicide was the most likely conclusion.
Yes, this is interesting
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This might be a cultural thing. Suicide is very uncommon over here (Holland) and would never happen for a reason like this (theft, being on the run), so I didn't think of that.
If you look at the scene again, you will see that is an empty road and there is only one (very bright) light and silence. She is reciting the shopping list as if she does not want to forget and starts running toward the light.
My second thought was she was giving her self up to the police, but there are no real clues to support that.
If you look at the character development: Baba-chan was very unsatisfied with her life, stole a lot of money, did everything she dreamed of, found out that she could not share it with anyone, was unable to escape, realized what she was missing and finally was unable to take her friend with her (who was now living her own satisfactory life) .
In the end she either gave up and committed suicide or she "saw the light" and had a new goal in life
Although the suicide interpretation fits more into Japanese culture, I think the whole series is about accepting yourself as you are and finding your own way in life
And in my interpretation Baba-chan found out what she wanted to do in life
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 7:00 am Post subject: Post Rating: 0
OfficeMasao,
Thanks for the recommend of those two movies (Kamome Shokudou and Megane). Both very good and quirky... that "Suika" cast must like to do a lot of stuff together! I especially liked "Megane" because I noticed in the end credits that the film was shot on Yonaguni (the western-most island in Japan, part of the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa). I actually finally made it to the Yaeyamas last year and managed to go to all of them EXCEPT Yonaguni... so now I got to see a little of what I missed! Two good movies though. I'm now going to finish up Suika. Thanks again! And if you ever have another show you're thinking about "maybe, perhaps, hmm, should I?" do... please do!
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 12:56 am Post subject: Post Rating: 0
bakaman wrote:
OfficeMasao,
Thanks for the recommend of those two movies (Kamome Shokudou and Megane). Both very good and quirky... that "Suika" cast must like to do a lot of stuff together! I especially liked "Megane" because I noticed in the end credits that the film was shot on Yonaguni (the western-most island in Japan, part of the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa). I actually finally made it to the Yaeyamas last year and managed to go to all of them EXCEPT Yonaguni... so now I got to see a little of what I missed! Two good movies though. I'm now going to finish up Suika. Thanks again! And if you ever have another show you're thinking about "maybe, perhaps, hmm, should I?" do... please do!
Hmm, are you sure about Yonaguni? Wikipedia Japan and this article say it's Yoronjima in Kagoshima Pref. Whatever the case I'm jealous you've been to Okinawa. The closest I've been is Kagoshima City. (still, beautiful place)
Another series I'd like to check out someday is Yappari Neko Ga Suki. The cast includes Kobayashi Satomi (Motoko) and Motai Masako (Mama-san). The first season was written by Mitani Koki who is married to Kobayashi. The rest was done by Kizara Izumi, the team that wrote Suika. No subs for it yet unfortunately. There are bits of it up on Youtube. It has a very unique feel to it.
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 5:36 am Post subject: Post Rating: 0
Ah, you could be right. I only looked at the ending credits breifly and on my small screen, thought it said Yonaguni but you're probably right. At any rate though, an excellent movie. Never heard of Yappari Neko ga Suki... will try to check it out, thanks!
Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2008 8:37 am Post subject: Post Rating: 0
Thanks OfficeMasao for the subs to this enjoyable series. I'll certainly keep an eye open for any other subs you and your partner produce, as I thought they were well produced and uncluttered. Thanks for the translation/cultural references as well.
I also watched Megane and enjoyed it, even though I felt as if I was sitting on a park bench for 2 hours. He He.
Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 3:42 pm Post subject: Post Rating: 0
Love this series! Just watched Megane, and it also has the same very subtle way of storytelling. Although at an even slower pace... I didn't lose interest for a moment though!
OfficeMasao thank you for the subs!
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About the ending, you're right, it's probably suicide, but somehow a happy one . I wasn't aware of this the first time I watched it, and it really saddens me to realise it now.
Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 11:04 pm Post subject: Post Rating: 0
antspace -- Thanks for watching. About the ending...
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I still like to think Baba-chan lives at the end. If she doesn't, Hayakawa would probably always blame herself for not going to Mexico with her. Of course, I assumed Baba-chan was caught at the end of episode 9, so who knows?
For me, the saddest line of the episode was when the Professor left under a "perfect autumn sky". The series really captures the feel of summer in Japan...sounds of cicadas and wind chimes, drinking barley tea, eating watermelon, the frequent lack of air conditioning (ugh). Hearing the word "autumn" made me realize a new season was approaching and the story was coming to an end. Sort of like those first few drops of rain near the end of Megane. Endings are sad, but I suppose they help you appreciate the journey.
Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 5:04 pm Post subject: Post Rating: 0
Thanks for the reply OfficeMasao, very interesting. Another thing about the ending:
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Luckily both stories ended with a new beginning though. I liked it that the girls started looking for a new tenant. I also liked the little posters they made
Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 4:50 am Post subject: Post Rating: 0
Office Masao,
Well I've finally had a chance to watch to the end. Wow, what a great show. I didn't want to watch it all-at-once; I wanted to savor it. Your comment about it capturing the feel of summer in Japan was spot on. I don't know why, but watching the last episode made me remember "Kimagure Orange Road" for some reason (another show with a light, summery feel even though it was anime). Maybe because instead of intense drama or screwball comedy, they were both simply just light-hearted shows that put a smile on your face as you get up to turn off the TV.
As far as the ending with Baba-chan...
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I guess it's open to interpretation. I didn't see it as suicide at first. Upon looking at it again, I suppose it could be. But I think it's purposely vague, and I think it kind of works that way, because it's open to each's interpretation.
As far as your comment about the "southern islands" and shaved ice... yup, loved that!
Anyway, thanks again for bringing attention to such a great show, and doing such a great job. Many thanks!!
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. I wasn't aware of this the first time I watched it, and it really saddens me to realise it now. 
