Sword Art Online (light novel)
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Nov 15, 2014 1:21 PM
#81
Bomb2chest said: Reyxe said: Bomb2chest said: Reyxe said: I'm surprised there is not a retard saying "that kind of parents doesn't exist irl, duh, so bad 1/10"... I can vouch for parents like this lol. Being arab and all I have seen families force their daughters in arrange marries and not just for money. I'm from Venezuela and my parents are both like that, well, not really into arranged marriage but the study shit. Well I think to a certain point most parents get on their kids to study. I really don't see anything wrong with bugging your child to study harder. If you look at the world education plays a big part on how you achieve things in life(obviously not everything). It's not okay when they basically force you to study some boring shit or to not study what you like... or things like that. Yesterday, I was at a university here and a mother was complaining about how her kid had only 9/10 average in all subjects because 'he spends too much time using the computer, he should've a 10/10'... some parents are just fuckers. In the end, that fucking preasure you put in a child, will make him fail blatantly, specially if you don't give a shit about what he thinks/feels/likes... that's one of the shit that got me severe depression. |
Nov 15, 2014 1:23 PM
#82
I'm sure there are parents like that, but I wouldn't mind seeing something less black and white for a change. Moral ambiguity, people. It is possible to write characters beyond hero archetypes and completely obnoxious jerks. |
Nov 15, 2014 1:29 PM
#83
I thought she was her stepmother. I actually wanted to see Kirito's fight with Zekkan and her opinion on him. |
Nov 15, 2014 1:31 PM
#84
Reyxe said: I'm from Venezuela and my parents are both like that, well, not really into arranged marriage but the study shit. They dont want u to become like Nicolas Maduro :p. Here in Peru, lots of Adults think Video Games are a waste of time and also part of the reason you see robbery/delinquency on the streets. |
Nov 15, 2014 1:36 PM
#85
Seriously, Asuna's mother is your typical Tiger-mom with an inferiority complex. All too common in Asian communities where success is measured on how much riches you can accumulate in a lifetime. That means all the steps leading up to that are just as important in their eyes. The school thing is understandable, since her mom seriously doesn't understand what Asuna went through and exactly how important her friends are to her. But the deal with Kirito not being a suitable partner for her daughter was just anal. Everyone has potential to become great, plus, those who make their own fortunes are so much better than those who inherit it from someone, because it means that they actually know how to make it back if they happen to lose it somewhere along the way. Her mother is seriously short-sighted. I just hope that Yuuya dude isn't another maniac pervert like Sugou. I too noticed that Asuna was breathing fumes in her own room after she logged out of ALO, can someone explain that? Or is it something that should be explained later? Considering how rich her family is, it seems quite unnatural for them not to have heating in a home of that size. Then the fight with Yuuki was just as I imagined it from the excerpts I'd actually read. I love how this arc is all about Asuna actually. For GGO, although Kirito was technically front and center, I felt that Shinon was actually more of the main than he was, him being a connecting plot device to push her story along. In fact, I really like how Season 2 hasn't been entirely Kirito-centric. It gives more development for the other characters, though I wish we'd get more for Lis and Silica. One and 3 quarters of a season in and we literally know next to nothing about them in the real world. Would also love to know more about Mr. Andrew Gilbert Mills too. We know he's married, but I don't recall ever seeing his wife. Can't wait to see the request Yuuki has of Asuna. |
HESTIA |
Nov 15, 2014 1:36 PM
#86
LMAO i love kirito's smug look while asuna was fighting. he's just like yup, that's my girl. yup, that's what im talking about. oh c'mon asuna's mom. kirito is studying mechatronics in high school. he's gonna be rich! aside from that, momma asuna wasnt 'too' out of line. choosing a good school is important and what do kids know about the future anyway. arrangement marriage... well, different culture, so can't really comment on that. but wow shots fired by asuna to momma asuna. 'you mustve hated your mom & dad because they were poor'. yikes. not sure how i'd react if my kid said that to me. = |
Nov 15, 2014 1:36 PM
#87
Reyxe said: Bomb2chest said: Reyxe said: Bomb2chest said: Reyxe said: I'm surprised there is not a retard saying "that kind of parents doesn't exist irl, duh, so bad 1/10"... I can vouch for parents like this lol. Being arab and all I have seen families force their daughters in arrange marries and not just for money. I'm from Venezuela and my parents are both like that, well, not really into arranged marriage but the study shit. Well I think to a certain point most parents get on their kids to study. I really don't see anything wrong with bugging your child to study harder. If you look at the world education plays a big part on how you achieve things in life(obviously not everything). It's not okay when they basically force you to study some boring shit or to not study what you like... or things like that. Yesterday, I was at a university here and a mother was complaining about how her kid had only 9/10 average in all subjects because 'he spends too much time using the computer, he should've a 10/10'... some parents are just fuckers. In the end, that fucking preasure you put in a child, will make him fail blatantly, specially if you don't give a shit about what he thinks/feels/likes... that's one of the shit that got me severe depression. Yea very true pressuring does ruin things in the end. I was under the impression that Asuna was just forced to study harder of the basic subjects of high school which is probably boring to majority of kids lol. Unless Asuna's mother is making her study a career she does not want to do then I understand. I just got the vibe she wants her to study hard to get into a good college. Which is fine but forcing her to actually attend college is where I would have problem. At least if she ever wanted to attend she would have the education to do so. Forcing to change schools , arranged marriages , pressuring her to attend college etc is wrong. |
Nov 15, 2014 1:39 PM
#88
Well, for once, this isn't back and white, it's perfectly in-character. We know since quite a while that Asuna comes from a really rich family and that she had a lot of pressure on her. We also know about the arranged marriages since Sugou at the very least. It is a fact that a lot of rich families work like that IRL. Just because a lot of people cannot relate, it doesn't means that it is "black and white" or that it shouldn't be done this way. We are NOT talking about a "classical" family like most people would have here, and the pressure put on the children is also something common enough IRL so it isn't really questionable. Asuna doesn't come from your typical average family, and keep in mind that japanese families are even worse than ours; even moreso when it comes to this kind of family. Cultural differences. This point of the story is quite accurate and it isn't really manichean, we clearly see that her mother want her daughter to be successful. She however has too much of a trauma about her own past to take other people into account. That's not black and white; we clearly see the "why". It still doesn't make it right for her to decide of someone else's life. Some things happen in real life too, and the middle ground isn't ALWAYS the perfect answer. Even if it's short, what Asuna says to her mother about her being ashamed of her own past is enough to avoid the black and white issue; she has a reason to do what she does, so it's understandable. However, it doesn't mean that she is right in the slightest. [quote]LMAO i love kirito's smug look while asuna was fighting. he's just like yup, that's my girl. yup, that's what im talking about. Read more at http://myanimelist.net/forum/?topicid=1308067&show=80#zfz3rBlQBQ3zFqHH.99[/quote) Yes, I have to admit that I laughed quite a lot too haha |
willardhwrightNov 15, 2014 1:42 PM
Nov 15, 2014 1:51 PM
#89
Nov 15, 2014 1:52 PM
#90
L-Ryoshi said: I too noticed that Asuna was breathing fumes in her own room after she logged out of ALO, can someone explain that? Or is it something that should be explained later? Considering how rich her family is, it seems quite unnatural for them not to have heating in a home of that size.. If you noticed at the beginning when Asuna got up, her AC was set at 15 degrees meaning it was pretty cold in her room hence her blowing out them fumes. Anyways good episode and backstory for Asuna. Her mother being what she is is understandable as Asian mom's are usually like that(I know my mom and hers would probably get on fine). As for Zekken, I totally imagined her as a lot younger(in the novel) then what was depicted in the anime but still like her anyways |
Nov 15, 2014 1:53 PM
#91
willardhwright said: Simply the fact that something is realistic or has an in-universe explanation doesn't imply that it's presented with any real moral ambiguity.Well, for once, this isn't back and white, it's perfectly in-character. We know since quite a while that Asuna comes from a really rich family and that she had a lot of pressure on her. We also know about the arranged marriages since Sugou at the very least. It is a fact that a lot of rich families work like that IRL. Just because a lot of people cannot relate, it doesn't means that it is "black and white" or that it shouldn't be done this way. We are NOT talking about a "classical" family like most people would have here, and the pressure put on the children is also something common enough IRL so it isn't really questionable. Asuna doesn't come from your typical average family, and keep in mind that japanese families are even worse than ours; even moreso when it comes to this kind of family. Cultural differences. This point of the story is quite accurate and it isn't really manichean, we clearly see that her mother want her daughter to be successful. She however has too much of a trauma about her own past to take other people into account. That's not black and white; we clearly see the "why". It still doesn't make it right for her to decide of someone else's life. Some things happen in real life too, and the middle ground isn't ALWAYS the perfect answer. Even if it's short, what Asuna says to her mother about her being ashamed of her own past is enough to avoid the black and white issue; she has a reason to do what she does, so it's understandable. However, it doesn't mean that she is right in the slightest. |
Nov 15, 2014 1:59 PM
#92
That opening just bring a tear to my eye. It brought back memories from 2 years ago. ;-; But yeah this was a great character building episode for Asuna, the conflicts with her family is nicely done. Can't wait for next week. |
Nov 15, 2014 2:05 PM
#93
Scrypt said: L-Ryoshi said: I too noticed that Asuna was breathing fumes in her own room after she logged out of ALO, can someone explain that? Or is it something that should be explained later? Considering how rich her family is, it seems quite unnatural for them not to have heating in a home of that size.. If you noticed at the beginning when Asuna got up, her AC was set at 15 degrees meaning it was pretty cold in her room hence her blowing out them fumes. Anyways good episode and backstory for Asuna. Her mother being what she is is understandable as Asian mom's are usually like that(I know my mom and hers would probably get on fine). As for Zekken, I totally imagined her as a lot younger(in the novel) then what was depicted in the anime but still like her anyways But it's only 59 F when converted. In real life it's not cold, it's generally cool if there's isn't any wind. |
Nov 15, 2014 2:10 PM
#94
In defense of Asuna's mother, you can already assume she was born into a poor family from Asuna's comment about her grandparents. Through effort alone, she was able to climb the financial and social ladder and was able to be in the position she is now. She wanted her daughter to grow up rich and unpoverished, something that she wasn't able to experience. She's strict because she want's Asuna to have the brightest future possible, allowing her daughter to have leeway would prevent that. Of course, Asuna's mother also goes through a development process so I'm looking forward to how she will turn out in the end. The anime never explained it, but before getting trapped in SAO, Asuna was just your typical sheltered rich girl who did exactly what her parents told her to do, even though inside she hated it. If she was never trapped and experienced true "reality," she would just be married off to some rich guy with no resistance. SAO taught her to stand on her own two feet. |
Nov 15, 2014 2:14 PM
#95
Oh wow. I didn't expect them to do such a good job with that fight. |
Nov 15, 2014 2:24 PM
#96
Kurogashi said: oh c'mon asuna's mom. kirito is studying mechatronics in high school. he's gonna be rich! aside from that, momma asuna wasnt 'too' out of line. but he is still(in her mom's eyes) "just some punk who is addicted to those annoying video game nonsense things'' After all "video game industry" is "not a real job". |
Nov 15, 2014 2:28 PM
#97
I really liked the duel between Asuna and Zekken. How Asuna transitioned from her normal self, to her self from her SAO days when she was the sub-leader of the Knights of the Blood. The expression Zekken had at that point was priceless, like "Oh crap, things just got real." Definitely liked how Zekken was surprised, as she probably thought she wouldn't have any trouble winning, considering her backstory. I'm sure Kirito on the sidelines was thinking "Yep, this is the chick that I would never want to make an enemy out of." |
Nov 15, 2014 2:33 PM
#98
LOVED the new OP. Also, the fight between Yuuki and Asuna was awesome. Can't believe Asuna's mom doesn't approve of Kirito though, I don't know how much Asuna told her, but the guy saved her life a bunch of times :p. |
Nov 15, 2014 2:37 PM
#100
TheDeedsOfMen said: willardhwright said: Simply the fact that something is realistic or has an in-universe explanation doesn't imply that it's presented with any real moral ambiguity.Well, for once, this isn't back and white, it's perfectly in-character. We know since quite a while that Asuna comes from a really rich family and that she had a lot of pressure on her. We also know about the arranged marriages since Sugou at the very least. It is a fact that a lot of rich families work like that IRL. Just because a lot of people cannot relate, it doesn't means that it is "black and white" or that it shouldn't be done this way. We are NOT talking about a "classical" family like most people would have here, and the pressure put on the children is also something common enough IRL so it isn't really questionable. Asuna doesn't come from your typical average family, and keep in mind that japanese families are even worse than ours; even moreso when it comes to this kind of family. Cultural differences. This point of the story is quite accurate and it isn't really manichean, we clearly see that her mother want her daughter to be successful. She however has too much of a trauma about her own past to take other people into account. That's not black and white; we clearly see the "why". It still doesn't make it right for her to decide of someone else's life. Some things happen in real life too, and the middle ground isn't ALWAYS the perfect answer. Even if it's short, what Asuna says to her mother about her being ashamed of her own past is enough to avoid the black and white issue; she has a reason to do what she does, so it's understandable. However, it doesn't mean that she is right in the slightest. Moral ambiguity implies that there IS any moral ambiguity. In this case, in the strict sense, there isn't an objective one; parents may have some preferences and things that they would like better, such as having an heterosexual son because they want a grandson; it doesn't change the fact that everyone is living its own life, and denying it is starting to go on a subjective, slippery rope. And what COULD count as a moral ambiguity on said subjective POV is clearly here. There is a reason Asuna told her about her past before leaving, and it's all about this. She wants her daughter to have a successful life, yes. However, no matter the "ambiguity", the way she's doing it is wrong. She may means well, yes; and she says it REALLY often. Hell, the whole discussion is about this. But she only MEANS well because she's more or less blinded and projecting herself on her daughter, and doesn't take enough factors into account. Basically, she's short-sighted. Something "morally ambiguous" doesn't have to be solved by a statu quo where both people are wrong. We see very clearly that she doesn't do it just because she's a control freak and because it's fun for her. We see her PoV aboutthis, and why she's doing this, and it's not because she is evil per se. It doesn't change how twisted this is. Just like how Kayaba was understandable, but definitely not "right" in S1. Through effort alone, she was able to climb the financial and social ladder and was able to be in the position she is now. She wanted her daughter to grow up rich and unpoverished, something that she wasn't able to experience. Well, the fact that she was the "poor one" and therefore should ALSO know how important some other things are clearly doesn't help her. That's the kind of things you usually forgive for a "sheltered " character, because he doesn't know anything else. In her case, it's quite a bit more complicated since she should know that some things other than money are important, given her background. Hence Asuna and her "you're ashamed" thing; her mother SHOUD be the one able to understand her, or at the very least try to, since she doesn't come from one of these "sheltered" families, but she doesn't even try to understand a thing. It would probably have way less of an impact from his father since he is expected to be this way, and may very well want the better for her AND also ignore everything Asuna would lose growing up this way. |
Nov 15, 2014 2:38 PM
#101
Nov 15, 2014 2:39 PM
#102
hawk222 said: What's this? A Kirito-lite, Asuna-centric storyline? Beautiful!! Welcome to Mother's Rosario arc. You'll enjoy your stay. |
Nov 15, 2014 2:40 PM
#103
Thank goodness for new OP. Now change it again. And give us more healthy doses of reality. |
Waifu_LaifuNov 15, 2014 2:53 PM
Nov 15, 2014 2:44 PM
#104
looks like asuna will be the main character in this half of the series. and also did you notice, this the first time kirito didn't show up on a SAO opening! |
Nov 15, 2014 2:49 PM
#105
Ugh rich girl problems. |
Nov 15, 2014 2:54 PM
#106
That was one amazing fight between Zekken and Asuna. I wonder what help Zekken needs because shes already so strong. |
Nov 15, 2014 2:57 PM
#107
We got to see Auna's mother. And a little more about what's going on. And well... Yuuki's just so adorable *.* |
Nov 15, 2014 2:58 PM
#108
SweetKotomi said: But it's only 59 F when converted. In real life it's not cold, it's generally cool if there's isn't any wind. Where I'm from(which is just under Japan), 15 degrees can be cold enough to blow out steam. It's not very cold but I wouldn't be seen running around in shorts...and I believe it's around winter(snowy season) around that time in SAO |
Nov 15, 2014 3:08 PM
#109
Scrypt said: SweetKotomi said: But it's only 59 F when converted. In real life it's not cold, it's generally cool if there's isn't any wind. Where I'm from(which is just under Japan), 15 degrees can be cold enough to blow out steam. It's not very cold but I wouldn't be seen running around in shorts...and I believe it's around winter(snowy season) around that time in SAO Not that cold? Anything below 20 is kind of COLD. Going without warm clothes in 15C outside is like inviting pneumonia. |
Nov 15, 2014 3:11 PM
#110
willardhwright said: That's assuming that I, by my own standards, acknowledge her reasoning to be good enough to be worth considering more than just a little. That's pretty much the problem, isn't it? I find her to be bad as a parent in a way that's too obvious and therefore a bit boring. We could debate over whether I find her more evil or dumb, but that would probably be a waste.TheDeedsOfMen said: willardhwright said: Well, for once, this isn't back and white, it's perfectly in-character. We know since quite a while that Asuna comes from a really rich family and that she had a lot of pressure on her. We also know about the arranged marriages since Sugou at the very least. It is a fact that a lot of rich families work like that IRL. Just because a lot of people cannot relate, it doesn't means that it is "black and white" or that it shouldn't be done this way. We are NOT talking about a "classical" family like most people would have here, and the pressure put on the children is also something common enough IRL so it isn't really questionable. Asuna doesn't come from your typical average family, and keep in mind that japanese families are even worse than ours; even moreso when it comes to this kind of family. Cultural differences. This point of the story is quite accurate and it isn't really manichean, we clearly see that her mother want her daughter to be successful. She however has too much of a trauma about her own past to take other people into account. That's not black and white; we clearly see the "why". It still doesn't make it right for her to decide of someone else's life. Some things happen in real life too, and the middle ground isn't ALWAYS the perfect answer. Even if it's short, what Asuna says to her mother about her being ashamed of her own past is enough to avoid the black and white issue; she has a reason to do what she does, so it's understandable. However, it doesn't mean that she is right in the slightest. Moral ambiguity implies that there IS any moral ambiguity. In this case, in the strict sense, there isn't an objective one; parents may have some preferences and things that they would like better, such as having an heterosexual son because they want a grandson; it doesn't change the fact that everyone is living its own life, and denying it is starting to go on a subjective, slippery rope. And what COULD count as a moral ambiguity on said subjective POV is clearly here. There is a reason Asuna told her about her past before leaving, and it's all about this. She wants her daughter to have a successful life, yes. However, no matter the "ambiguity", the way she's doing it is wrong. She may means well, yes; and she says it REALLY often. Hell, the whole discussion is about this. But she only MEANS well because she's more or less blinded and projecting herself on her daughter, and doesn't take enough factors into account. Basically, she's short-sighted. Something "morally ambiguous" doesn't have to be solved by a statu quo where both people are wrong. We see very clearly that she doesn't do it just because she's a control freak and because it's fun for her. We see her PoV aboutthis, and why she's doing this, and it's not because she is evil per se. It doesn't change how twisted this is. Just like how Kayaba was understandable, but definitely not "right" in S1. |
Nov 15, 2014 3:12 PM
#111
oh em. im freakin' enjoyin this arc. i do love kirito x asuna scenes but i want to have (yea, as what you call it) asuna-centric storyline. yay! and Viva for the new girl, Yuuki. Im loving her personality. :)) I know she won't join in the harem for based on the ed song, she will be so attached to our Asuna. :D The Yuuki x Asuna fight scene was terrific! To see Asuna with her SAO's badass character almost brought me to tears (im not being exagge). I just miss her being like that. A proof that she's not the typical heroine, damsel in distress. yay! :)) i want her to develop another skill, if possible, better than Zekken's.. I am looking forward more and more to the next episodes. oh em. 'cant just help this overwhelming feeling. lols. Thankyou SAO's creators. hoho. 10/10 |
Nov 15, 2014 3:14 PM
#112
CookingPriest said: Scrypt said: SweetKotomi said: But it's only 59 F when converted. In real life it's not cold, it's generally cool if there's isn't any wind. Where I'm from(which is just under Japan), 15 degrees can be cold enough to blow out steam. It's not very cold but I wouldn't be seen running around in shorts...and I believe it's around winter(snowy season) around that time in SAO Not that cold? Anything below 20 is kind of COLD. Going without warm clothes in 15C outside is like inviting pneumonia. Now you are exaggerating xD 19-20 is normal room temperatur and 15 is just a bit cold, but yes it can be cold enough for steamy breath ;-) On the episode: well 5/5, perfect animation I would say :P A-1 nicely done! |
Nov 15, 2014 3:16 PM
#113
TheDeedsOfMen said: willardhwright said: That's assuming that I, by my own standards, acknowledge her reasoning to be good enough to be worth considering more than just a little. That's pretty much the problem, isn't it? I find her to be bad as a parent in a way that's too obvious and therefore a bit boring. We could debate over whether I find her more evil or dumb, but that would probably be a waste.TheDeedsOfMen said: willardhwright said: Simply the fact that something is realistic or has an in-universe explanation doesn't imply that it's presented with any real moral ambiguity.Well, for once, this isn't back and white, it's perfectly in-character. We know since quite a while that Asuna comes from a really rich family and that she had a lot of pressure on her. We also know about the arranged marriages since Sugou at the very least. It is a fact that a lot of rich families work like that IRL. Just because a lot of people cannot relate, it doesn't means that it is "black and white" or that it shouldn't be done this way. We are NOT talking about a "classical" family like most people would have here, and the pressure put on the children is also something common enough IRL so it isn't really questionable. Asuna doesn't come from your typical average family, and keep in mind that japanese families are even worse than ours; even moreso when it comes to this kind of family. Cultural differences. This point of the story is quite accurate and it isn't really manichean, we clearly see that her mother want her daughter to be successful. She however has too much of a trauma about her own past to take other people into account. That's not black and white; we clearly see the "why". It still doesn't make it right for her to decide of someone else's life. Some things happen in real life too, and the middle ground isn't ALWAYS the perfect answer. Even if it's short, what Asuna says to her mother about her being ashamed of her own past is enough to avoid the black and white issue; she has a reason to do what she does, so it's understandable. However, it doesn't mean that she is right in the slightest. Moral ambiguity implies that there IS any moral ambiguity. In this case, in the strict sense, there isn't an objective one; parents may have some preferences and things that they would like better, such as having an heterosexual son because they want a grandson; it doesn't change the fact that everyone is living its own life, and denying it is starting to go on a subjective, slippery rope. And what COULD count as a moral ambiguity on said subjective POV is clearly here. There is a reason Asuna told her about her past before leaving, and it's all about this. She wants her daughter to have a successful life, yes. However, no matter the "ambiguity", the way she's doing it is wrong. She may means well, yes; and she says it REALLY often. Hell, the whole discussion is about this. But she only MEANS well because she's more or less blinded and projecting herself on her daughter, and doesn't take enough factors into account. Basically, she's short-sighted. Something "morally ambiguous" doesn't have to be solved by a statu quo where both people are wrong. We see very clearly that she doesn't do it just because she's a control freak and because it's fun for her. We see her PoV aboutthis, and why she's doing this, and it's not because she is evil per se. It doesn't change how twisted this is. Just like how Kayaba was understandable, but definitely not "right" in S1. That's not being black and white though. that's being, as you said later, too obvious. (Which doesn't have to be a bad thing, since, http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/SomeAnvilsNeedToBeDropped (but that's another problem entirely yes ) But if it isn't about it being manichean then yeah, I agree with you, it isn't very subtle in the way it's done. Which doesn't have to be a bad thing, but this depends from person to person and from taste to taste. |
Nov 15, 2014 3:24 PM
#114
Their duel was actually entertaining. Okay episode. |
Nov 15, 2014 3:26 PM
#115
Great episode! (and maybe one of the best this season) Her conversation with her mother really adds depth to the storyline. The fight against Yuuki was fantastic. It didn't dissapoint at all. Can't wait for the next episode :) |
Nov 15, 2014 3:29 PM
#116
Nov 15, 2014 3:46 PM
#117
I disliked this episode, The fight was entertaining but it did feel a bit stupid since they were emphasizing how strong Zekken was but she didn't seem to be anything special in the end. All the other Asuna stuff didn't do anything for me. Also I hope they explain in detail why Asuna was chosen and not the tons of other people or Kirito who almost beat her. |
Nov 15, 2014 3:48 PM
#118
The new op sucked,the fight between Asuna and Yuuki was great,and now wonder what Yuuki needs help for. |
Nov 15, 2014 3:49 PM
#119
That conversation there made me want to jump in there and strangle Asuna's mom. And that duel was really nice, including both *stare* scenes ;) I assume the deciding moment, what made Yuuki choose Asuna was the stare after the initial clash. Yuuki was surprised and did even hesistate for a moment. She probably felt the will, the *need* to win, whereas most just treat it as a test of skill, enjoyment for a day with no further importance. The Calibur arc reminded me a bit of when they were with Asuna's guild in S1, with little to no real interaction between the characters and a rather small frame forced on them by other people, instead of the more dynamic (inter)action. Coincidentally (or not?), the scenes where Kirito was simply "wasting time" laying on to ground and relishing the sun etc. instead of putting his life on the line on the front where among my favorite in S1. |
Nov 15, 2014 3:49 PM
#120
exLightning said: I disliked this episode, The fight was entertaining but it did feel a bit stupid since they were emphasizing how strong Zekken was but she didn't seem to be anything special in the end. All the other Asuna stuff didn't do anything for me. Also I hope they explain in detail why Asuna was chosen and not the tons of other people or Kirito who almost beat her. Kirito did not "almost beat her". He did not even manage to get her to use her 11hit sword skill. |
Nov 15, 2014 3:51 PM
#121
In my opinion, one of the best episodes in this season. I liked Asuna's reaction after the conversation with her mother. The battle against Yuuki was also very good. I'm waiting for the next episode. I hope that this arc will be awesome. |
Nov 15, 2014 3:52 PM
#122
Scrypt said: SweetKotomi said: But it's only 59 F when converted. In real life it's not cold, it's generally cool if there's isn't any wind. Where I'm from(which is just under Japan), 15 degrees can be cold enough to blow out steam. It's not very cold but I wouldn't be seen running around in shorts...and I believe it's around winter(snowy season) around that time in SAO Well, makes sense that in winter a person can see their breath. Where I'm from the temperature in Asuna's room would be pretty cool outside. A thin long sleeve shirt and shorts would be typical workout clothes at the park. However, for some reason if it's the A/C, anything below 70 F is cold for me in real life. I remember one of my teachers would have the A/C set at 65 F, chilly classroom. |
Nov 15, 2014 3:57 PM
#123
Oh man, Asuna's mom sure doesn't seem that good. I liked Asuna's last words to her lol. This new girl is a boss, though. Her voice is rather odd but I'll get used to it eventually, no biggie. But, dayum, I liked the fight scene. Could have been better but I have no complaints :3 So it's Asuna's time to shine now huh. Good thing indeed, didn't care for her in season 1 so maybe this will change things. 5/5 |
Nov 15, 2014 4:14 PM
#124
Love the new OP animations, probably some of the best I've seen. The way they spent all of last episode building this Zekken up to be a guy and then revealing the truth was hilarious. Have fun Asuna. Her conversation with her mother was the most interesting part of the episode though. The mother brought up some valid points about Asuna's future, but the more she says Asuna's next suitor is fine the more I can't shake the feeling that it's not gonna end well, especially after the fiasco with Sugou. |
Nov 15, 2014 4:15 PM
#125
Excellent episode, so far they're really doing the arc justice, now off to meet the Sleeping Knights. |
Nov 15, 2014 4:19 PM
#126
oneroaddict said: Welp, not sure if I like Asuna's family issue, though I can't totally blame her parents. Asuna's parents are just like my (Asian) parents, except mine were mostly concerned with studies and career, and don't meddle with my copulation business. Then again I am a dude. ^^ This. That conversation between Asuna and her mother sounded very realistic especially considering Asuna's family is very rich. Good job, SAO. Not sure if I like Kirito being completely out of the picture in this arc though... I'm wondering what's the gender distribution among people who say that Mother's Rosario is the best arc in SAO. |
LoneUlfsarkNov 15, 2014 4:23 PM
Nov 15, 2014 4:20 PM
#127
Finally!!! We can finally see Asuna being OP! It would have been better if she had won though |
Nov 15, 2014 4:23 PM
#128
Oh, so NOW they start sharing more information about Asuna. Why the hell wasn't this in the first season?! It would have helped...a lot. Good episode. Asuna vs. Zekken was nicely animated. |
Nov 15, 2014 4:26 PM
#129
willardhwright said: Eh, I found her close enough to the "black" extreme, exactly because I found her reasons so obviously wrong. Everyone has a reason for doing evil things, and I try to judge how much sense it makes. If she could make a better case for her parenting, then it would be different.TheDeedsOfMen said: willardhwright said: TheDeedsOfMen said: willardhwright said: Simply the fact that something is realistic or has an in-universe explanation doesn't imply that it's presented with any real moral ambiguity.Well, for once, this isn't back and white, it's perfectly in-character. We know since quite a while that Asuna comes from a really rich family and that she had a lot of pressure on her. We also know about the arranged marriages since Sugou at the very least. It is a fact that a lot of rich families work like that IRL. Just because a lot of people cannot relate, it doesn't means that it is "black and white" or that it shouldn't be done this way. We are NOT talking about a "classical" family like most people would have here, and the pressure put on the children is also something common enough IRL so it isn't really questionable. Asuna doesn't come from your typical average family, and keep in mind that japanese families are even worse than ours; even moreso when it comes to this kind of family. Cultural differences. This point of the story is quite accurate and it isn't really manichean, we clearly see that her mother want her daughter to be successful. She however has too much of a trauma about her own past to take other people into account. That's not black and white; we clearly see the "why". It still doesn't make it right for her to decide of someone else's life. Some things happen in real life too, and the middle ground isn't ALWAYS the perfect answer. Even if it's short, what Asuna says to her mother about her being ashamed of her own past is enough to avoid the black and white issue; she has a reason to do what she does, so it's understandable. However, it doesn't mean that she is right in the slightest. Moral ambiguity implies that there IS any moral ambiguity. In this case, in the strict sense, there isn't an objective one; parents may have some preferences and things that they would like better, such as having an heterosexual son because they want a grandson; it doesn't change the fact that everyone is living its own life, and denying it is starting to go on a subjective, slippery rope. And what COULD count as a moral ambiguity on said subjective POV is clearly here. There is a reason Asuna told her about her past before leaving, and it's all about this. She wants her daughter to have a successful life, yes. However, no matter the "ambiguity", the way she's doing it is wrong. She may means well, yes; and she says it REALLY often. Hell, the whole discussion is about this. But she only MEANS well because she's more or less blinded and projecting herself on her daughter, and doesn't take enough factors into account. Basically, she's short-sighted. Something "morally ambiguous" doesn't have to be solved by a statu quo where both people are wrong. We see very clearly that she doesn't do it just because she's a control freak and because it's fun for her. We see her PoV aboutthis, and why she's doing this, and it's not because she is evil per se. It doesn't change how twisted this is. Just like how Kayaba was understandable, but definitely not "right" in S1. That's not being black and white though. that's being, as you said later, too obvious. (Which doesn't have to be a bad thing, since, http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/SomeAnvilsNeedToBeDropped (but that's another problem entirely yes ) But if it isn't about it being manichean then yeah, I agree with you, it isn't very subtle in the way it's done. Which doesn't have to be a bad thing, but this depends from person to person and from taste to taste. |
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