Sasameki Koto | First Impressions

OK, it is a new week, so it is time to get back to work, as it were.

The next new show to cross my path was the yuri title Sasameki Koto (Whispered Words). Did it get off to a good start?

Hm. A bookish, glasses-wearing lesbian with long, dark hair.
Where have I seen THAT before?

......

Oh ... right.

To answer, my own question: Yes, it did get off a good start. Heck, Whispered Words got off to an excellent start.

The masterfully handled opening scene sets the tone for the entire series. (The previous link leads to another blog, Fuzakenna!, with a brilliant breakdown of the scene.) If that scene doesn't get to you, then you probably won't like this series. Understanding the emotions of that moment is key to buying into the two leads' relationship.

Sumika (the girl in the first screenshot above), a closet lesbian, has feelings for her classmate Ushio (below screenshot), who so happens to be openly lesbian. The problem? Ushio only likes "cute girls" and Sumika doesn't fit the bill; not to mention Ushio likes another girl. So, Sumika has decided not to reveal her feelings despite the pain she has to endure and hide. Her resentment of the other girl leads Sumika to say hurtful things to Ushio, creating a a bit of a rift between the two of them. Still, Sumika hates herself for saying such things, worried that she'll lose such a valuable friend.

"You'll just get crushed again."

This is merely a taste of Sumika's harsh words.

This series isn't nearly as pretty to look at from an aesthetics perspective as last season's Aoi Hana, but it is just as powerful from an emotional perspective, if not more so. The direction is just as deft and sensitive as it was in Aoi Hana, as moments without any dialogue speak just as loudly as moments with. The music adds so very much each scene is it used in, and the facial expressions and other little subtitles are just brilliant. While this series is sure to bore many anime fans to tears, Sasameki Koto is unquestionably the best series so far this season in my opinion.

This scene had me on the verge of tears.

Addendum: While writing this, a song from Muse's latest album came to mind. It's called "Undisclosed Desires," and I think it fits the tone of Sasameki Koto very well -- just listen to the lyrics. It's not a perfect fit, mind you, but I think someone could make a nice AMV using this song once the series is complete.