Otowa, the place where the story takes place in, is spelled as 音羽 in kanji. "音" means "sound", referring to the Suuichi's violin, and how the music will stop when the bow stop. "羽" refers to the eternal feather of Yukko and the continuation of hope.
In fact, the theme that carries throughout both season of ef is the decision of eternal and temporality. Like 13 hours of memory that Chihiro has and Renji's untiring pursuit of her. Or the conversation between Hiro and Mihako on the telephone. Unlike other shows that ask rhetorical questions and never answer them. ef gives its solution.
"No matter how much you treasure them, both people and things will die someday. The bonds, the feelings, the memories, the hearts, and their lives. There's nothing in this world that won't die. There's nothing that won't break. Happiness is nothing more than a fabrication; a false mirage. That's why... That's why we should treasure them. So that we can face the farewell that'll one day visit us without regret. Because it'll break, it is precious. Let's make it precious."
The anime is also filled with symbolism and clues in its progressively changing op, use of colors, camera transition screens and even the tiles of each episode. (hint: the first letter)
I guess the reason why I spent this much time writing this "review" is that I don't think people truly appreciate this anime and how barely anyone mentions it in anime discussions. I guess that's the fate of being an art piece: not being financially successful and is only enjoyed by the few. Yet, a part of me almost doesn't want it to be popular. Like that small cafe down the corner of the street. You enjoy its quietness and the coffee and want to share it with more people. Yet that would ruin why you like it in the first place: the peacefulness.
