Spring, in Japan, brings with it the end of the old school term, the beginning of the new and many changes. Promotions and transfers go into effect, everyone shifts just slightly, all at the same time.
For the lovely ladies of Lillian, spring brings with it the change from the old leaders of the Yamayurikai to the new. Eriko, Sei and Youko graduate, leaving behind 5 girls seeking to make their own way as the new student council.
In Volume 2 of Maria Watches Over Us ~ Printemps, we learn how the three Rosas met, clashed and, ultimately, became friends. We get each one’s opinion on the others, which is simply priceless, often funny, insight. We also watch as they leave their final marks on their souer, walking away from the legacy they established as leaders of the school. It’s a beautiful volume, full of emotion and reflection, comedy, drama and tears.
And then we arrive in Volume 3. The beginning of the new semester, and the trials and tribulations of the new Rosas. Starting with the most impenetrable of the three – Rosa Gigantea, Toudou Shimako.
Volume 3 tells the story of how Shimako meets first-year Nijou Noriko and how their fates become intertwined. We watch them face difficulty together, only to come out the other end connected by the sacred bond of sisterhood. Unless you’re a Yuri fan – then you are watching a shockingly steamy courtship between them. When I watch Noriko watching Shimako’s lips as she talk, I feel as if the “film” is visibly melting at the corners. lol
I’ve said many times that no, I don’t believe any of the soeur couples in Marimite are actually lovers, but if you pinned me down (and frankly, you’d have to have some mad wrestling skills to do that, so I’d probably answer out of respect, since I love women who can fight) I’d say that my favorites in the “what if” contest are these two. Yes, Shimako wanted to be a nun. So did Shiori and look what happened to her. And Noriko, of everyone at the school, wins my vote for the person least concerned with issues like sexuality. She’s the mutt in a school full of purebreds and I love her for it. And…based on that incredibly hot picture of Noriko looking up Shimako’s nose in the end credits for the fourth season, I think Konno Oyuki-sensei thinks so too. ^_^
Ratings:
Art – 7
Story – 9
Characters – 9
Yuri – 5
Service – 2
Marimite Fan – 100
Overall – 9
The Red Rose family quality is that they meddle. The Yellow Rose family quality is being bored easily and the White Rose family is totally gay. ^_^
LOL, I’ve always said that the Red Rose family is the family of meddlers, the Yellow Rose is the family of freaks and the White Rose as the family of rebels. Nice to know that I’m not the only one!
“and the White Rose family is totally gay. :-)”
This comment is totally priceless. lol
I am totally smitten over Noriko and Shimako too. The scene where Noriko meets Shimako and have their little interaction under the cherry blossom tree is probably the hottest scene of all the series xD.
And ROFL on your last sentence!
The scene where Noriko meets Shimako and have their little interaction under the cherry blossom tree is probably the hottest scene of all the series
True, but that also is a bit of a shame. I find myself a bit bored with the latest season, since I know that nothing will actually come out of all that surrogate courting between the girls.
“Nothing will come of it” – but that’s what makes it so good, there’s no fear of anything actually happening except another class of schoolgirls graduating each year.
And Yoshino trying to give her rosary to Amina! Now there was a plot twist for those who have not followed the light novels! That was as shocking as Starbuck coming back as a living GPS receiver with the location of earth in BSG (an english language live-action anime on the Sci-Fi network).