Kure-nai has hitherto been an easygoing anime, full of lighthearted fun. These last episodes, we have seen things thicken, problems of great proportions arising. In this 12th episode, we see the final resolution.

(Note that I will not use pictures for this final review so bear with me, I’ll give full attention to the text)

So, in this episode 12, we got: one car chase, some fighting, some philosophical debate and a heartwarming finale. There would have been a lot to recap carefully and I didn’t want the scope of this entry to be too wide so I’ll leave it at that for now.

Something struck me as odd, I don’t understand why Shinkurou and Yayoi sat on their improved fighting technique. They could have saved the afternoon if they opened their can of whoopass last episode instead. (not to mention Benika’s car) Frankly, I was reluctant to admit it but, there’s a wealth of things that don’t make sense in Kurenai. I don’t think they’re anime-breaking anomalies but these last episodes have been bordering on swiss cheese.

Now now, I’ll be on to more pressing matters, the philosophical backbone of Kurenai. On one hand, you have Shinkurou, he’s not too bright and is clearly out-philosophized by Ryuji. Shinkurou’s arguments are pathetic. On the other hand, you have Murasaki who’s relatively wiser and able with words. After Murasaki and Shinkurou go back and forth, Ryuji gives in and accepts to hear out Murasaki. This hearing will be a battle to reform the Kuhouins. Murasaki vs. Ryuji. I’m hoping for fairness sake that it will be a philosophical battle at first.

What’s amazing is the duality between Murasaki and Ryuji’s views. On one hand, you have Ryuji who’s saying that he’ll win and that he’ll do something to murasaki (I’m assuming he will kill her.) and on the other hand, you have Murasaki who’s saying she will grow older and fall in love.

I believe Murasaki has a chance though, it’s been clear that Ryuji still had feelings for souju and he’s been greatly saddened by her death. You can see Murasaki playing that angle in the second-to-last scene. Thus, I’m saying her chances of winning are good.

It’s been a great ride, my final verdict for Kurenai is: 4.2/5

Strong story, amazing characters, great voice acting. Only marred by logical inconsistencies and varying animation values

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