Spotlight Character: Taeko Okajima (Omoide Poporo) MAL Character Information Page: Taeko Okajima MAL Favorites: 13 Original Spotlight thread: Taeko Okajima (Only Yesterday) For the next two weeks I would like to have everyone familiar with this character discuss what they think makes it an exceptional character. What attributes make it stand out in the ocean of interesting characters that exist in the realms of anime and manga. Unlike the other two subjects I will not force this conversation to fall into any set structure. Characters that are nominated typically get here because they are adept at breaking the existing character moulds and defying definition. Because of this freedom I encourage everyone to do their very best to stay on topic and keep any and all debate civil. Have fun and I look forward to seeing what everyone has to say about this character. RESULTS OF THE RESURRECTION POLL Taeko Okajima was PERMANENTLY BARRED from induction into the club Character list: 18 Yes - 51.4% 17 No - 29.0% 30 Don't know this character - 42.8% of the total number polled 5 Abstained - 7.1% of the total number polled |
santetjanMar 1, 2013 4:33 AM
| You do not beg the sun for mercy. |
| Really little more than an extension of the movie. Easy no. |
| Pretty much what Lindle said. Since the movie has already been inducted, I see no reason to vote for the character on the exact same merits. |
 |
Lindle said: Really little more than an extension of the movie. Easy no. Quite the contrary, actually. It is the movie that is an extension of the character. The main purpose of the story is to outline Taeko's dissatisfaction with her current lifestyle, stale both personally and professionally: she still is single and living alone; no longer in the bloom of youth, her job – monotonous and dull – limits her scouting of new prospects; the stress is building up and the uncertainty is mounting. Her trips to the countryside are only the result of the combination of these factors, and said trips are what leads the character's to recollect her childhood memories and to reflect on her present, and consequently her future – I think I already elaborated on this well enough in the anime's spotlight thread. The movie is about Taeko Okajima, and indeed, its success is closely related to her memories and personal development. For a good reason it is called Omohide Poro Poro... However, I am unable to understand the point of bringing up the film as an argument against Taeko's induction. Not only are they judged on different criteria, but the character's reminiscences and self-discoveries are only a part of the whole picture – what about the equally realistic secondary cast, or the harmony between the art and animation directing, and the script? Moreover, if the movie's main qualities take form in Taeko's characterization, then it is entirely fair to use them to evaluate the personage's motives, internal thoughts, actions and developments. If a story is exemplary because of a character, then it reasonable to conclude that said character is exemplary as well, and therefore worth of induction. And that, Taeko is in my view. Perhaps it could be argued that she doesn't have that particular differential to make her deserve a spot in the club's relations; after all, what's so impressive about a character who leads a mundane life? I say that the fact that she succeeds in being a realistic portrayal of a conflicted adult, with personal and interpersonal development stemming from recollections, reflections and interactions with other human beings, is a commendable achievement by itself – how many normal characters in the medium can actually be said to have accomplished this? From my experience, very few, and that the movie managed such feat within 2 hours is all the more impressive. In any case, I won't bother elaborating further here. lpf will probably write something in the character's defense tomorrow, and I'm sure he can do a better job than I can (plus I'm too lazy to do that at the moment). |
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