Bleach Episode 317

adapted from Bleach (manga)

Related anime:
Bleach Rock Musical (musical special)
Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody
Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion - Mō Hitotsu no Hyōrinmaru (movie) (sequel)
Bleach: Fade to Black - Kimi no Na o Yobu (movie 3) (sequel)
Bleach: Jigoku-hen (movie 4) (sequel)
Bleach: Memories in the Rain (OAV)
Bleach: The Sealed Sword Frenzy (OAV)


If you have not been watching this series so far, do not pick it up with this volume; go back and watch the previous two volumes first. Moreso than with most series, it is absolutely essential that a viewer sees how things have gotten to this point to be able to understand and appreciate why things are going on the way they are in this volume.

In bringing the story of Koi Kaze to a close, “Decisions” raises some heavy questions. Inappropriate crushes are not unusual for teenagers (though Nanoka's is, admittedly, particularly inappropriate), but is that all it is for Nanoka or is she genuinely in love? How much blame does Koshiro deserve for the direction in which things have developed? He is the adult here, so isn't it his obligation to be the responsible one and put his foot down, no matter his own feelings? How much do his feelings count? Does Kaname have a moral obligation to interfere when she gets wind of what's going on, or should she mind her own business? And, most importantly, is this a relationship worthy of respect, since it's something both parties clearly want, or is it just plain wrong? Most of these questions have no easy or clear answers, and Koi Kaze leaves figuring them out entirely up to the viewer. It simply shows what happens without really taking a stance on whether or not any of this should be happening. By doing so the staff has maintained the story as a superbly-written work of forbidden love which might make some viewers uncomfortable, rather than the edgy and offensive piece it easily could have been.

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