KATANAGATARI
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Gooloper said: I don't doubt that Togame was a relatively likable character to lonely weeaboos like me and other viewers, as the creators did their best to trick us through 11 episodes of long dialogue that Togame was a clever but lonely tsundere girl. However, episode 12 overturns these conceptions we have of her by revealing her true, evil nature. In fact, her death can be thought of as a (saddening) resolution to the problem. At the same time, she was a tragic character, since those ideas we had of her initially are true as well. In other words, she is/was a big-hearted girl that became constricted in the death trap of revenge and hatred(the white snake), and could not escape. Subsequently she dies, bringing closure to her as she no longer needs to kill Shichika for her vengeance and moreover her story. Whether or not her death is fair is irrelevant, as Katanagatari has never even considered how fair a character's life is(look at Emonzaemon's slave-like life and death, or the penguin dude's death). Togame's death furthers Shichika's development into an actual person. I actually learned something recently in a class of mine, and realized that it is relevant here: Shichika gradually moves up Maslow's Pyramid through the series(search it up, since I'm sure Wikipedia is more concise than I am). Shichika goes on to destroy the Shogunate as an actual person, who is also a powerful weapon(he's "completed"), rather than someone who blindly follows orders like Emonzaemon. Thus he is also able to beat Emon, for philosophical and story reasons and also because he can make decisions for himself, I guess. He's become powerful enough to subvert death for a while, as it is shown that he ironically survives despite wanting to die at the shogun's tower. Nonetheless, at the end of the day all the characters fail, as it is stated in the ending monologue. Their lives and actions have seemingly amounted to nothing. But Katanagatari still puts an optimistic spin on things, since the journey still happened. It was recorded. We watched it. Their actions happened, even if it didn't/doesn't change anything in the long run. I guess you could say that Katanagatari is a show about losers. Winners get put in the history books, they get remembered, they get honored. Losers don't get anything; their actions aren't remembered - but again, they still happened. In a wider view of things, we can take this story into our own lives, as most of us will live for nothing; we live and die and we might be referred to once or twice after death, but soon we fade from all forms of memory or memory storage(cameras, voice recordings, etc.). Nonetheless, we existed - for better or for worse - and that's what matters. Though, the main complaint I have is why Shichika goes with Hitei, but I guess its for pairing reasons and also to make a cheap closure for both characters rather than two disjointed ones. That actually makes a lot of sense. I guess I can kind of see it from the author's perspective now, that her death was inevitable and tried to prove a point. But that's probably where our opinions will part ways. I'll get to that. To first refer to your point regarding Maslow's pyramid, I am aware of it, and I know what it basically is about. But I don't think it really has that much relevance in this situation. After all, it wasn't as if Shichika was struggling to survive on his own, he was doing fine with his sister in exile. Unless you're referring to his self-actualization, which I will agree with, but Maslow's pyramid (correct me if I'm wrong) is driven by circumstances and not by influence. Togame's influence was much more fundamental in Shichika's development, rather than his own circumstances improving resulting in his personal wants expanding. Now back to my point, the reason Togame's death felt dissatisfying is simply because there was such an immense amount of development on her side. It wasn't one-sided, both Togame and Shichika are shown to warm up past their initial wielder and tool stage, and it's simply tragic that one moves past this while the other is simply taken as a lost cause. Yes, he could have arguably "successfully deceived us" for 11 episodes but to do a 180 twist is invariably a difficult pill to swallow, if not only for the viewer, obviously for Shichika as well. Why does Shichika move past his stoic roots to become more human, but Togame is shown to be bound by her past? Why does Shichika accept this? I personally would have felt much less confused if she were foreshadowed to be unable to let go, to have cared less about Shichika's fate, to have shown more strongly that Shichika was nothing but a tool. But the narrative throughout only suggested they were both improving emotionally as human beings. That's why it feels deceitful when the author just throws her under the bus. That's why it feels cheap. Saying "her love and emotions were also just a tool" feels just as cheap, if not contrived, especially to believe that Shichika himself accepted this. I'm not really arguing that her death isn't fair. Actually, throughout the series, death is shown to be unfair. But death is shown to have consequences. Think of Meisai Tsuruga (1000 blades), or Nanami (his sister). Or even Konayuki (the little girl), where her entire clan is wiped out. The point here is that Shichika's actions are completely misplaced, and Togame's death is played off as "it was inevitable" because "that's how she really is". I also don't really see how her death constitutes significantly to Shichika's development as a person. It's not like he didn't realize his feelings until she died. To add a small point to that, not all of the characters failed. Hitei is the one that stands out here, she succeeded. Arguably not ultimately, but she completed what she set out to do, which was to complete the final blade. Maybe everyone else failed. And your point is definitely excellent, that they will ultimately be ignored by time, but their existence tells us a poignant story of the temporary nature of life. I supposed it's fitting that her bystander nature stays that way at the end of the show, but overall it felt like Shichika and Togame took a step forward and two steps back by the final episode. Edit: fixed a small typo |
MintMar 27, 2016 8:33 AM
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| Seems like I've never left my thoughts of this show here. It was a steaming pile of shit. Also, incredibly overrated. |
| :3 |
Gooloper said: But while I agree with you on almost all of these points, such as the notion that her 10-minute long dying speech was mostly a pile of cow manure and that the show expected us to accept her weird roundabout logic, I think that Togame's death was still a (unreasonable, but valid) plot choice. In other words, I think that Togame dies for no reason other than that the author needed a "oh so shocking oh so wow" way to wrap things up. Like in the Greek myth concerning Theseus, something "oh so wow" happens(i.e., in the myth the king commits suicide because he sees the black sails/flags on the ship -- I'm referring to the myth with the string in the Labyrinth and the Minotaur). In both cases, something unreasonable and rather stupid happens for the sake of a more dramatic plot. For better or for worse I can respect that, and in any case it doesn't interfere with the overall message that I think the show/author tries to send. As for Hitei, I'm pretty sure her end-game goal was to fulfill her ancestor's plan, which didn't work, so technically she failed. The creation of the final blade was a means to an end that would not be. That's fair, and I suppose it does stay in line with the theme of insignificance and temporariness. I agree completely with his development following a Maslow-like progression. And I suppose that's most of the closure I'm going to get with this show. Unfortunately it doesn't really abate the bitter aftertaste I have, since it somewhat sounds like my initial confusions aren't completely unfounded. Though it does mean that my opinion on the end goes from a pure mistake to just poor or shoddy execution, which is somewhat of a step up I suppose. If Hitei's plan was in fact to fulfill Shikizaki's prophecy, then that only confirms that Togame was nothing but a tool and even more reason for Shichika to feel vengeful. But I'd rather not beat a dead horse here since I think we've come to an agreement that her end doesn't make much sense. Though I agree now the underlying message remains consistent, I can't shed the feeling of great minor themes being subverted by how it all played out, such as humanism and self-discovery. Being someone who's places more weight on characters over story, I can better see now the dissonance with this chosen way to end things and how I probably drew the short straw in this situation. |
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| In essence, Kogame's death was for nothing. GG |
| End of episode can make the audience have a lot of opinions about the ending Katanagatari, I hope Shicika not with Itei, if it happens, of course NTR :( |
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| Undoubtedly, the best episode of the entire series, for all the action and drama that emerges, and for that end so bitter, but perfect. -- Sin duda, el mejor episodio de toda la serie, por toda la acción y el dramatismo que desprende, y por ese final tan amargo, pero perfecto. |
| Disappointed as fuck, one the worst ending i have ever seen, i don't get why we didn't get a classic happy ending, it drive me crazy.... Before this episode i was going to give the show a 9 but it's a 7/10, the end is.....yeah... but the rest was quite great ! |
| Well, after finishing the episode, and that ending has been a roller coaster of emotions. Togame's death left me really sad, but her death is a result of her own actions and her inability to get over her grudge and revenge quest, to a point that even Shichika's influence wasn't enough to change her (Togame even planned to kill him after the stuff of the Deviant Blades were solved), so she basically had it coming. It actually hurt me a bit because I loved the relationship she had with Shichika, but at least, before dying, she gave Shichika his own freedom, the freedom he developed during the journey. I can say I still like Togame despite that reveal (who wasn't really surprising, since it was implied since the first episode when Koumori Maniwa explain Shichika her past) because her adorable moments and how I liked her interactions with Shichika, but she didn't really develop through the story, and remained stagnant until her death, and she payed for that. Btw, I didn't care if she took 12 minutes of screen to die, that would have been made her revelation anticlimatic. The battles against the 11 new wielders of the Deviant Blades (without counting Emonzaemon) can be viewed as anticlimatic, but it was fine for me, since the series wasn't really a series who centered in battles, and where even the own author trolled us with the off-screen battle against Sabi Hakuhei. The battle with Emonzaemon was cool. I even pitied him at the end despite how he killed Pengin Maniwa in cold blood. At the end he died loyal to princess Hitei, a fitting ending for him. However, I didn't understand why Shichika killed the Shogun, since his death was really pointless. Did he do that to fulfill the wish of Togame of use "Cheerio!" as a battle cry or something? That part didn't get clear to me. About Shichika, all I can say is that he is the best character of this series. His development was good and great, going from being a human-shaped, sociopath "sword" to an actual human being who develops his own wishes (even if they are the ones of Togame, he takes them as theirs) and gains the ability to spare the innocent and the weak (like he does with those foot soldiers of the girl who weilds the 10th Deviant Blade). In the process, he becomes the Perfect Blade and, ironically, gains his humanity. I don't know how to think about princess Hitei ending travelling with Shichika. In one hand I don't dislike her, but on the other hand, I don't know if she ending with Shichika was a good decission. I was however happy that she wear the mask of Emonzaemon with her. Even if she talked with him in a sarcastical way, she cared about him after all. Overall, I can say I liked the ending. It was bittersweet. Togame died, with her revenge quest didn't happening, the Maniwa clan dissapeared for involving themselves with the Deviant Blades, a lot of people died in the process, and the goal of Shikizaki Kiki of saving Japan with the Deviant Blades and the Kyotoryuu failed due Shichika destroying then and continue his life normally, apart that the deceased Shogun was replaced, leaving Shikizaki's objective unfulfilled. At the end, every one of the characters objectives ended being nothing and failing. However, as the Narrator implies, Katanagatari is not an story with a totally tragic ending, since Shichika lived with he trying to create an accurate map of Japan (like Togame wished), Hitei travelling with him, now free, and some people alsosurvived this (like Konayuki and Kiguchi Zanki). And above all, like the words who ends the series, the show is also a way to give all the people who failed in their life some hope in their existence. Bravo, NisiOisiN, after the Monogatari Series, it was a pleasure watch this story about swords (and humans). 9/10. |
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| Great anime. Won't say it's a masterpiece, though. Meisai is best girl. Episode rating = one of the best finales I've seen in anime/5. Series rating = 8/10. |
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| Took me an hour to read-skim through all the posts...I was reading at first, but then doing a combination of reading and skimming through posts. Probably missed some good points in the longer posts. Sorry to those who put in the effort :/ This was an interesting series, I'm not too entirely sure where to begin, and I'm can't be too analytical about it either since I don't think I was in the proper mood towards the latter half of the series when I watched the episodes. Well to start off, I really appreciated the depth Nanami was given. Even by the series' conclusion, the two main characters paled in comparison to her. While I'm sure Shichika and Togame weren't meant to have such depth, it's still a personal preference of mine, it's hard for me to enjoy a series fully without at least liking one main character (or secondary character). It's even better when I can relate or connect with a character, whether just from one small incident or maybe something like a character trait. I completely understand why Shichika had pretty much zero personality and acted accordingly to Togame's wishes, given that he is a sword. Yes there was character progression, but he's still fell really flat as a character in the end. As for Togame, I personally didn't like her at all (mainly her personality)... I also understood her motives, but that didn't make me dislike her any less. I think it's within her character to choose vengeance over love and happiness with Shchika had she lived, I don't find a problem with that at all compared to some other people. In fact if she hadn't said that as she was dying, I probably would've scoffed. Btw, that dying scene took way too long, certain lines seemed repetitive as well, I'm sure it could've been more concise. Although Togame and Shichika's relationship did grow ever so slowly, I only saw it but didn't feel it. I think this is what some others meant when they said the relationship was a falsity. I could not feel the chemistry between the two. This is an incredibly subjective matter though. On a more positive note, I also liked the way the characters were portrayed, everyone had their own goals, and did whatever they could to succeed. And none of the goals were for the greater good. There was no true villain in the series, with the exception of that very unnecessary head shot through the mouth from Emonzaemon last episode which made him feel like a villain. Well that and Shichika going through the castle in this episode. He said he wasn't avenging Togame and that killing the shogun wouldn't make him feel better or change anything, yet he still killed all those people. If he had a goal, I could understand, but he stated him didn't. But maybe what he said and he felt were different, he probably did want to avenge Togame. But eh, given how straightforward and honest Shichika's been throughout the series, I can't accept my own rationalization for him committing what another user said, mass murder. I don't think he spared the 10th sword wielder, only because she posed no threat, unlike those before and after her. Also I do call BS on that Shichika couldn't kill both the shogun and Hitei, lol. That last strike had more than enough energy to kill just one person. But going back to my first sentence, the no real hero or villain was one aspect that I appreciated. It's also interesting how the narrator said that this was a tale about failures, but more than that it was just a story worth telling. Well if this wasn't said out loud, I would've never really thought about this being a tale about failures, so that apparently went over my head. I can get behind that statement though, it's nice to see once in awhile not about people who succeed, but people who fail. However, was this really a story worth telling? Highly subjective depending on one's enjoyment. Maybe analytically, things make sense, characters' actions and motivations were reasonable within the story, but...I really couldn't enjoy Katanagatari as much as many others did. Something about it felt so extremely lackluster, and I'm not necessarily referring to the writing (although at least half of the long dialogues could've been more concise) or art style, but I guess, overall execution. It's a vague word to use nowadays, but I can't put my finger on why exactly I didn't feel excitement or any particular emotion throughout the series. Probably has to with the characters though, I like having character(s) I can invest in. A shame though that while just like me, some didn't enjoy the series, but for the reason that they couldn't accept the ending or raged at Togame's death. The story is more than that. I can see why Katanagatari is highly praised, despite my indifference to the overall story. |
tingyJun 15, 2016 10:38 PM
| Living in your own way, failing for your way Living for yourself, failing yourself. ...is what seems to be the common theme tied together by the characters. Very Nisio Isin-esque to have his characters suffer in this way for development. Maybe not suffer but have an unwanted ending. An ending where no one is satisfied? Shichika having learned that by the end was good. Having to lose Togame completed him as a human to be able to learn that while breaking the 12 swords completed him as a sword. It's a good ending but the overall story felt lacking. Maybe useless? A pointless story about failures. I did thoroughly enjoy the story regardless. I have some issues with the characters. Yeah they all had their own motives and paths they wanted to forge but, the way the story is set, all of them are pointless. It was good but I can't shake the feeling that everything was in vain. The question "What do you fight for?"- is the answer really going to be "Something. Even if that something turns out to be in vain."? But this only allows the story's main point of failure shine even more so. I'm very mixed about this whole show. It gets a point across that I can agree with but it's not something I wanted to see. Will probably leave this unrated on my list. One last thing though- I burst out laughing at the Seitou Hakari part. Very fun seeing a small girl being stupidly cute despite the previous 9 going through horrific deaths. It drastically changed the mood. Whether or not it was for good or bad, it was fun. Much like the entirety of this show. |
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| This is by far one of the most unique shows I've ever watched. Like everyone said, the ending makes you speechless. I started to understand only after realizing every foreshadow since the beginning. Togame's death was inevitable and history is but of winners who get remembered and losers who died for nothing. But the journey itself still happened and we saw it all. In other words, this anime was pointless, but we saw it regardless and witnessed the story (4th wall breaking). + Cherrio Ending + Shichika becoming completely human in mind and soul. + Fight scenes were epic beyond recognition, very unique. - Togame death scene should of lasted 5-10mins, not like 20mins of the episode - Shichika and the princess traveling together in the end kind of "erks" for some reason, it feels off without any backstory on her as a character. 9/10 for this episode 9/10 for the series for me. In my top favorite anime now ^-^ |
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| This finale was EPIC! I almost forgot to breathe during the whole 12 swords sequence I loved the development between Shichika and Togame's friendship, i wasn't expecting to turn into a real love relationship at the ending even though there were signs and all that, i thought that it was just for tease. IMO the greatest thing about this show is the character design, everyone is so different and has his own unique visuals, and they all look awesome. Especially the Maniwa Corps and their animals cosplay. Also it's nice to see that Kiguchi got some students in her dojo. I want her to be happy :) I would like to give this anime a higher rating, but i found 2 or 3 episodes to be really boring for a 50min episode. And the last few minutes left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. I'm fine with tragedy and all. But i mean, Hitei just walk away? And even joining Shichika in his journey, like she's replacing Togame and he's fine? And he climbed the palace to kill her and ended up killing Shogun instead just like that lol Not even to mention her sudden extreme change of personality. She all of a sudden is a childish-like and cheerful person instead of a manipulative bitch that treats her servant like shit and dislikes people to the point of killing them Also the narrator spoiling its own show back at the episode 6 or 7 was a bummer. Overall i'll give it a 7/10. Maybe an 8 if you don't mind sometimes getting a bit bored with over extended episodes where nothing much happens |
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| Damn, I'm mad at this ending, i feel i just got trolled lol The ending started well, then as it progresses to the end I started shaking my head by the direction the story took, it didn't make much sense and had many problems with the plot then at the end it pissed me off how they started traveling together, it was a punch to the face. Average Ending, because even though i didn't like it, i can appreciate it for taking a risk and doing something new. My Evaluation: Animation- 7.5 (the visuals were nice, the battles towards the end were very pleasing in terms of animation, however it lacks a lot of background movements) Art: 8 (The art is different and unique which i like, the design of the landscape have that feudal Japanese feeling so i liked it and it was fitting for the series, character design is a bit out of the place imo, and not much use of colors). Sounds: 7. Excellent voice acting, like it, and the effects were very good, just the soundtrack it had a few good tracks others felt out of place imo) Story : The introduction of the story was interesting, the themes the story had were not so much but they were present in a unique style which i like, it was somehow original story, I didn't like some points in the story, such as predictable outcome in 90% of the events, the trolling part of episode 4, also towards the end the story messes up with its logic. Like how Shichika survived the bullets while Togame didn't, sure you could say his body is stronger, but WTF is that lol he took way too much. Also we have the Ninja Emonzaemon (not to mention how he survived fatal blow Houou gave him xD), how is he suddenly on par with Shichika, he was a total joke and on par with Houou , but suddenly he became strong, but nevermind Shichika can't die lol. This felt stupid, but i dont care too much for plotholes unlike many tryhard edgy critics, I still acknowledge that story taking risks in its style, and therefore i won't lower more than one point here. The pacing is very good, and the dialogue is the best thing about this anime, it is gold. The other problem i have is the conclusion of the story which i mentioned above. So in all, some predictable outcomes (though it had some very surprising twists) , trolling, loli overpowered, some illogical stuff and the conclusion were my issues. However taking a unique approach and taking risks makes me forgive some stuff. 7/10 Characters: I liked Togame so much, one of my most favorite characters Shichika is also good his development is great, the development however is only for him, i felt the other characters had a minor development only. In terms of traits and personality almost each character has its own unique personality which is amazing, the main characters are amazing, the villains however lack a lot, the complexity of the characters are also very little. Hated the loli overpowered characters like that snowy little girl, and his sister. 8/10 Enjoyment: I enjoyed it, if it had more epic battles and more unpredictable stuff it may have been 10, the dialogue however is awesome. 8/10 World-building: 9 They explained how the words works very well, they barely left any questions how the things work in their word. Atmosphere: 8 I was attached to the setting and the series largely due to its main characters interaction, better soundtrack would've helped a lot more. Bonuses: A bonus for the unique approach and the unique setting and Japanese style which is rare, plus taking some risks, Katanagatari feels like one of a kind. (+) (+) Overall: A unique show, recommend, however if someone didn't like the characters or the dialogue then there is no hope to like this series. Basically this series relies heavily on its characters and dialogue. Its similar to Spice and Wolf. My Final Rating: 8.1/10 I may write a full review of it someday. |
| Really shitty ending... all these fights and deaths across the whole country for nothing. One of the few shows where the antagonists were better characters than the main ones.. That last episode felt like everything bad that could happen appeared all at once, one after another. Our main guy who doesn't look like he care about anyone just goes ultra op mode and mows down over everyone; of course they were vastly inexpirienced compared to the original sword owners, but how the hell did he survive so many shots from the last "sword"???? I expected him to die after that fight, it would have been a lot better... Overall the show contained some cool scenes but it also had some very rage inducing ones (including that last ep). I can't say it wasn't unenjoyable, but it could have been a lot better executed. That ending ruined the whole point and the plot reveals in the last episodes were a bit shitty. Was it intended to have so many great buildups resolved in 1 second and then go like nothing happened after that? I didn't feel any impact at all. After all.. I'm gonna give it 5-6/10. Welp.. rip Meisai-dono you will be missed... ;_; Also wtf is up with Hakuhei Sabi's fight? THAT TROLL LOL |
AquamirrorAug 19, 2016 9:54 AM
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| I really enjoyed this series, it's a shame the final episodes were so predictable... really disappointing. |
| I'm really saddened by Togame's death but it did spur Shichika on to complete himself as the final sword. That ending made me want more, I loved this series and won't forget it for some time yet. 10/10!! |
| I'm Bruneian and I like anime. And Manchester United. And fat cats. |
| If you didn't like the ending then you missed the point and you should probably just go watch happy shows and never watch a tragedy again. Seriously people... Good show. Great show. But it was marred by certain things. The final fight kind of brought out everything wrong with the series. It just looked stupid, whereas many fights in the series were very entertaining. But that's honestly only enough to drop the series a point, IMO. 9/10 That said, I think the fact that history was already completely altered in the show just hasn't dawned on some people. The Tokugawa shogunate had its capital at Edo (Tokyo). In the series Owari became the capital (the capital of the Oda clan), which likely means Oda Nobunaga became shogun (which probably would have happened if he hadn't been assassinated). Oda Nobunaga might have changed his name (Tokugawa Ieyasu was originally from the Matsudaira clan). Togame's father was trying to restore things to real history as opposed to the false history in the series. Assuming the fall of Japan to foreigners is in 1945, the series is set in 1844-1845 (though perhaps much later, this is an alternate history, anything can happen. It did say the Sengoku period was hundreds of years ago, even though that period ended in 1603). The Meiji Restoration of 1868 (the fall of the Shogunate and reestablishment of Imperial power) is what arguably led to Japan's later defeat. The Tokugawa Shogunate focused on sustaining resources and using them wisely within Japan, making for a stable state. The Empire of Japan focused on conquering others and exploiting resources in China and the Pacific. Arguably, Japan would have been much better off under a continuing shogunate. In some ways. Modern Japan is better than Edo period Japan, but had the Edo period continued, no one would have been nuked. On the other hand, no Pearl Harbor, no Americans entering WWII, no serious Western front threat to Nazi Germany. However, these only consider a continuing Tokugawa shogunate. An Oda shogunate would have likely resulted in an earlier end to the Sengoku period, and it might have had ambitions beyond Japan (Toyotomi Hideyoshi certainly did). Anyways, that does bring out a flaw in the series. To be perfectly honest, it seems to me that Shikizaki Kiki had already been altering history like crazy and this led to the events we see in the series. Togame's motivation seemed to be to correct this, which is why her father rebelled (to try to end the shogunate and bring things back to the original history). Princess Hitei, on the other hand, seems to be wanting to fulfill Shikizaki's plan, which from what we can tell from the rest of the series is to prevent something terrible from happening to Japan in the future. Why then would that plan culminate in also overthrowing the false history shogunate? Shikizaki wasn't trying to correct history, and though it says his plan failed, as long as the Meiji Restoration doesn't happen and the shogunate stays for the most part isolationist, then Japan never gets involved in WWII, never gets nuked, and never falls to a foreign power. The other 988 imperfect deviant blades are still out there, as is Kyotouryuu (whose head isn't dead, which means he could pass the "sword" onto his offspring), hence history is still altered and would continue to be altered. As far as I'm concerned, Togame and her father failed. Shikizaki Kiki's plan could still pretty much work by default. They all assumed his plan was to have Kyotouryuu take down the shogunate, but he himself never says so, and in fact a later Kyotouryuu head could be all that is needed to protect Japan from a later invasion (let's face it, it's OP af). I don't really have a problem with the way it ended, but it was a bit convoluted and not explained well enough who wanted what. Of course, it's quite possible something has been lost in translation and one might get a lot more out of this series from knowing Japanese, and it's also possible it is explained better in the novels. |
| Omne Solum Forti Patria |
| That was one long death scene, but the rest of the action filled episode and the conclusion more than made up for it. |
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| So late to watching this rollercoaster... I've watched some pretty amazing shows over the years, but this show has just completely annihilated them! Togame is such a tragic character, her entire life consumed by vengeance. Only with the release of death was she able to lay down her burdens. Those final words asking if she could fall for him left me with a heavy feeling in my chest... Shichika and Hitei; two damaged souls wandering together is a very bittersweet ending to such a great show. |
Hiatt said: So late to watching this rollercoaster... I've watched some pretty amazing shows over the years, but this show has just completely annihilated them! Togame is such a tragic character, her entire life consumed by vengeance. Only with the release of death was she able to lay down her burdens. Those final words asking if she could fall for him left me with a heavy feeling in my chest... Shichika and Hitei; two damaged souls wandering together is a very bittersweet ending to such a great show. Thanks. I couldn't have said this better. |
| Wow..what a finale. Not your typical happily ever after ending, but that's the whole point of the show. Revenge won't get you nowhere. RIP Togame. |
 Twelve months. Twelve long months. The first observation I had with this episode was in the last half of the series, I think it got more bloodier as time went on. Second, there was a harsh tonal shift somewhere, but somehow the series retained its quality of screwing with the viewer, ranging from Togame's cherrio talk at the beginning to Shichika's cherrio and catchphrase by the very end. In terms of absurdities, I think Katanagatari is one of the most subtle in portraying the ridiculousness of itself. There's nothing quite bombastic or zany, but it does enough through its character interactions, flowery prose, and artistic flare with enough gallbladder to commit to absurd things like going through each of the swords, one by one, and taking the time to break each of them. Oh, and I'm sure there's a number of subtle hints from all the way back in the first episode about the underlying plot of the series, but if Shichika didn't care for it, I won't overthink it either. At the end, this was one hell of a ride, giving me a chance to experience a series through the seasons. I still got trolled during summer when they went up north to the snowy mountains though... |
| Poor Togame, poor Shichika. |
| the only word relevant right now is cheerio |
| Nisio really pulled a Champloo with this ending. The Togame and Shichika theme gets me everytime. |
 |
| Damn, what a bleak ending! Completely 'fruitless' for the pawns on the board! Like hell they give a crap over their own happiness for the future. Well if there is one thing I can't fault them on, it's their ending is certainly original. The general consensus around the web and I think the original intention was that Togame was honest when she said she was going to murder Shichika when it was all done and dusted. Twenty years of scheming and heartlessness for her revenge.. very much like another anime I know. Despite growing attached to the loyal, honest Shichika, she still would've done it. Houou also mentioned her 'psychopathic' ways as well as Pengin who thought he was done for. Her scheming eye during the explanation and the sincere eye when she talked about to falling for him and being happy that she did not have to kill him after all, hence the burdern lifted. And finally asking Shichika if she can 'fully' fall for him. Even then, even when the ending is far more poignant when viewed the general way, I still can't believe it, I don't believe humans are like that. How can a human grow attachments and love to someone, an innocent as well, and then for the sake of vengeance still choose to kill them? Several examples prove this when she spared Pengin, spared the bandits. If she can spare strangers, surely a loved one is out of the question. That makes it all the more heartwrenching, for the viewer, as the characters you wanted to live would've lived. And the conditions met for a Japan that survives in the future would also have been achieved. |
Cloud_IllusionFeb 3, 2017 3:09 AM
| Nothing can happen until you swing the bat. |
| I don't get the ending, why didn't Emonzaemon simply kill the Shogun? Only Kyotouryuu can save Japan from complete destruction? Also the ten thousand sword collection culminating in the final 12 deviant swords to be collected was probably a way to strengthen Japan from the inside by creating conflict from within. Shikizaki engineered Japan into a warring nation. Much like infesting a body with bacteria constantly until it's immune system becomes robust. But at the same time, avoiding WW2 destruction. |
| Nothing can happen until you swing the bat. |
| Well it was good journey. I really liked tha castle rampage, but still ending is not the one I was expecting. Oh well. 7/10 for me. |
| "The future is always blank. Only your willpower can leave footsteps there." "Ruling over death means ruling over life. Death is the climax of life. To have the best death, you must honor life." |
| This episode went full Akame ga Kill. You simply don't go full Akame ga Kill. On a more serious note, I didn't really like Togame so her death didn't affect me but damn did I still pity Shikichi when that happened - he had lost his sister, he had lost people he befriended on his journey and now he lost the last person he could call family. just for the sake of some prophecy. That's just way too damn sad :'( By the end of it all, I also liked how he changed from being a sword to being a "human", while also reaching "Perfection" as a Deviant Blade, that was pretty cool. The floor by floor battles against the 12 blades was an interesting concept, but pretty poorly executed, after the 3rd battle it was obvious only the battle with Emanzaemon would be kinda close and it just felt like a mess that dragged out way more than it should have, though I guess it shows just how powerful Shikichi is when he doesn't the the restraint of not being allowed to crush the swords and the emotional restraint of Togame to keep him in track. Overall a 8/10, though I'm leaning slightly towards 7 because the ending was both good and terrible and wtf is with the Princess Hitei ending. |
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| Since episode 1 i knew something like this would eventually happen at the end, what makes me mad is that bitch princess was allowed to live, well i don't know what else to say, deep down, i feel like this was a waste, the only thing i enjoyed was the journey, fight scenes were cheap af, ending cheap af as well imo. |
| Awesome action in this last episode, especially the final battle with Emonzaemon! Overall I liked this show. I like a good fantasy adevnture, and there was some pretty cool action, a nice OST (I LOVE the first OP), and some great characters (Pengin was my favorite aaaaaahhhh so cute!). All the dense dialogue definitely made it an effort to watch though lol. 8/10 |
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| Would Togame still really have killed him even after all that? Considering her personality during the series, even though she may originally had planned to kill him and had shut off her emotions due to her past, i cant help but think that these words are more meant to make him move on or something while also holding some truth in it. I cant imagine the scenario of her killing him at the end of their journey actually happening. Also, i am a bit confused about Hitei's character, could someone explain the whole deal with her? What exactly was her aim up until the end of the series? |
gdnsMay 25, 2017 3:11 PM
| Fuck. What an anime... Too much Masterpiece... Damn, the story was fuckin awesome! I think it surpasses Isin's other works... 10/10 and will rewatch it. |
| ok :p |
| That was a terrible death scene, way too stretched out with boring talk that basically came down to Togame not having changed one bit over the course of the journey. What's the point of all that when she's just the same person as when she began? Shichika's IDGAF attitude after that pretty much summed up my feeling for the rest of this episode. The final fights were boring. There was no reason why he struggled so much against the random ninja dude, considering how easily he beat the others. And how did he even survive after all that? He took bullets to every part of his body and there were large slash wounds all over him. He should have bled to death. Whatever, I guess. This show started off pretty weak, it took me some time to warm up to the characters, but I was slowly starting to enjoy it more and more with each following episode, until the ending ruined everything again. 6/10 is about as much as I can give it, and most of those points are for the amazing art style. |
MilenninJun 13, 2017 3:53 PM
| The finale was an anticlimax. Not in the sense that it ended without a spectacle, but dramatically. Katanagatari ended up being kind of a shaggy dog story, at face value at least. And maybe that's okay. I'm not well versed enough in samurai stories and in similar classic Japanese tales, so I don't know if these kinds of stories usually end with a conclusion that Western audiences would generally find satisfying (some sort of a goal achieved, a conflict resolved, etc.). Either way. Perhaps the structure of all the episodes - that they consisted mostly of buildup and an amusing or sad anticlimax - was meant to prepare us for this outcome all along. So if you consider it all just a big joke, and you can laugh it off, it was worth it. And if you had fun along the journey, like I did, then you might not mind that it feels "pointless."  (Press "show more" to read more) |
LeeTailorAug 2, 2017 3:41 PM
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