fabio de lunatico
Claymore
That's a very well-written review into which you've obviously put a lot of thought. I can't really argue with most of your criticisms but I do see them from a different perspective. Maison Ikkoku is first and foremost a sitcom and for that reason the slow advancement of the primary relationship was never an issue for me. I just enjoyed watching those characters and their many ups and downs.
I'd also like to say a few words in defence of Godai. Yes, he can be spineless and indecisive, but it should be remembered that Maison Ikkoku hails from a different era with a more reserved culture. The reason it took six long years for Godai to make his move is that he felt unworthy of Kyoko until he had secured a proper job that would lead to a long term career. His initial plan was to propose upon graduating from university but, alas, finding work was more difficult that he's anticipated and so he made the difficult decision to study for another two years in order to qualify as a pre-school teacher. If anything, he showed a lot of spirit and determination to put his life on hold when all he wanted was to marry the woman he loved. Kyoko, for her part, took a long time to move on from Soichiro's death, to open her heart again without feeling as though her love for him was somehow not real. Whether six years is too long is entirely subjective and not something I'd feel qualified to criticize her for.
Maison Ikkoku is so great because the characters are flawed. It makes them real. Yes, we get frustrated with them but we also empathise with them; we recognize ourselves and people we know in them. Godai initially uses Ikuko to curry favour with Kyoko and is tempted by Kozue's advances. Kyoko leads Mitaka on, even though she knew from a very early stage that she could never love him, and is fiercely and unreasonably jealous. Mitaka uses all kinds of underhanded methods to edge his way into Kyoko's life and force her into uncomfortable situations, and he doesn't hide his feelings of superiority from Godai. But, deep down, they're all good people -- even the Ikkoku crazies.
So, yeah, it's a good review that I enjoyed reading and I'm glad you came to enjoy the series after being rather indifferent towards it to begin with.
I'd also like to say a few words in defence of Godai. Yes, he can be spineless and indecisive, but it should be remembered that Maison Ikkoku hails from a different era with a more reserved culture. The reason it took six long years for Godai to make his move is that he felt unworthy of Kyoko until he had secured a proper job that would lead to a long term career. His initial plan was to propose upon graduating from university but, alas, finding work was more difficult that he's anticipated and so he made the difficult decision to study for another two years in order to qualify as a pre-school teacher. If anything, he showed a lot of spirit and determination to put his life on hold when all he wanted was to marry the woman he loved. Kyoko, for her part, took a long time to move on from Soichiro's death, to open her heart again without feeling as though her love for him was somehow not real. Whether six years is too long is entirely subjective and not something I'd feel qualified to criticize her for.
Maison Ikkoku is so great because the characters are flawed. It makes them real. Yes, we get frustrated with them but we also empathise with them; we recognize ourselves and people we know in them. Godai initially uses Ikuko to curry favour with Kyoko and is tempted by Kozue's advances. Kyoko leads Mitaka on, even though she knew from a very early stage that she could never love him, and is fiercely and unreasonably jealous. Mitaka uses all kinds of underhanded methods to edge his way into Kyoko's life and force her into uncomfortable situations, and he doesn't hide his feelings of superiority from Godai. But, deep down, they're all good people -- even the Ikkoku crazies.
So, yeah, it's a good review that I enjoyed reading and I'm glad you came to enjoy the series after being rather indifferent towards it to begin with.