True Tears - Episode 10

Damn you True Tears, for manipulating my emotions so easily and readily! After admitting my anti-Hiromi feelings last week, I sat down to watch episode ten of this series expecting to enjoy the episode but not the route Shinichirō has taken. Yet, despite all that, my only emotions come the end of this latest instalment is a slightly misty-eyed smile, coupled with the simple thought - 'Awwwwww'. Yes, I'm a big old softy when it comes to the crunch.

All in all, episode ten is one of realisations for most of the main characters in some way, shape or form. Shinichirō realises how much he's hurt many of those around him with his recent actions as well as his true feelings, Hiromi decides that she needs to be away from the household that has caused her so much heartache over the years, and Aiko finally does the almost inevitable and does away with Miyokichi. Indeed, the only people who appear to be clinging to their respective confused, rocky outcrops of emotion and Jun and Noe, both of whom seem simply unable to fathom where to go from here.

Once again, True Tears has proved itself to be masterful in almost every tangible way, leaving certain sentences unfinished and thoughts unsaid, while also speaking volumes with a simple subtle smile of facial expression. Rarely have I seen an anime mix its animation and storyline in such a perfect, balanced package, where one would be liable to collapse without the other - it's a fine tightrope to walk, yet this series is yet to even wobble, let alone fall. It's beautiful, and that's all there is to say about it.