@@ClaudieTV Good morning. Do you know Epic the Musical? I think you would really like it. The story is a reinterpretation of the Odyssey by Homer. A little offcharacter to someone who is familar with Greek Myths. But artisticly really beautiful. Highly recommend it. Most of the songs are on youtube with lovely animations. I wish you a good day!
The most incredible episode by FAR. The saddest part is that when Mizu first started sparing with her husband, we FINALLY, for just a few moments, get to see her allowing herself to BE herself, her REAL honest self, being both a beautiful woman AND a badass. And it tragically last only those few moments…
What’s even more tragic is that her (ex)husband was truly a coward. If there was just more time, I think they could have reconciled and those critical mistakes he made all in a row: wounding Mizu emotionally, turning when she was clearly in danger and killing her mother.
The fact that he said he wanted to see her true self and when she did it happy and open heartedly... he rejected her, called her a monster and took back everything he'd offered and even then she was willing to go back to the 'wife' role not to lose it all AND he betrayed her LIKE THAT fuuuuuk It's soul crushing What an actually small man
15:42 _could be mine_ Oh Claudie, Just curious how you would act ( or loose it 🤣) if a real life Mizu was to walk by and smile at you.... Another brilliant hour with you. Thank you!
It's interesting that, within the flashbacks, you see how Mizu didn't have her glasses to start. Through her interactions, it obviously became apparent that she needed a way to conceal her eyes in order to avoid such violent reactions.
One of best reactions to anything I have ever watched. Sure a bit messy, but I love that you don't put a "filter" on your reactions. Highly appreciated! 🥰
The juxtaposition of puppet theater with the events of this episode is absolutely brilliant. So few words were spoken between the characters, yet this is probably the best storytelling I’ve ever seen…
It really was! It keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire episode, never letting up on the tension, while still maanging to add highs and lows throughout. First class writing.
@@Kittyfantastico Yes, great point. We get probably the highest highs and lowest lows of the entire series within a few minutes of each other. What other show is capable of this? Just beautiful. Also, I love how Mizu’s representation in the puppet show transitions from Ronin to Bride to Onryo. Truly a tragic story.
I don't think Mizu's mother is the one who ratted her out to the authorities. She had been whoring herself out for opium for years already and she had a cushy life on that farm. She had no reason to ruin it. Mikio was clearly terrified of Mizu after she whooped him in battle and he stated before that he wanted to win back favor with the lord. He had the means, the motive, and the opportunity. The way that they show Mizu's transformation into the Onryo with the makeup running and her blank expression of losing all hope was absolute perfection. I was blown away how they managed to weave the storylines together so seamlessly and then that reveal at the very end showing that the play was taking place in the future when Akemi had married into the Shogun's family. Peak cinema.
How would Mikio know who to tell, though? It's not the local lord that was hunting Mizu. Her mother is the only one with the connections to the white men hunting Mizu (through the opium dealers). Of course, the show leaves it ambiguous on purpose to reinforce Mizu's apprehension towards trust and love.
@@cameronvincent3122 The number one thing that makes me think Mikio is the one is because he kills the mother. Seemingly as a way to shut her up so she couldnt plea her point. I just can't see Mikio killing Mizu's mother if he cares about her even in the slightest.
@@lockekappa500 Yeah, that’s where I’m genuinely confused although I have a theory: Mikio stupidly killed Mizu’s mother in an act of vengeance for Mizu(if it was in fact her mother that ratted her out). But ALSO, him turning from Mizu in the most dire moment of need did not help matters at all.
@@fightme4793 Hmm, I never thought that he could have been so upset at Mizu's mother that he would do that. Ok, that actually brings me back to not knowing who did it. Which is perfect. I don't think you're supposed to know.
Claudie, you're an absolute romantic soul you are, it was him ...💔💔💔🐀 really my most fav episode so far. Now we know why Mizu's in this calm statement, no weaknesses in anything, no attachments. I love her and she deserves all the love and care of the world 💙. Can't wait for the next one and we're coming closer to the end. I was an angry oil slick after this episode 😅. Amazing show and amazing reaction as always. Peach...peace to you all I mean✌❤
@@ClaudieTV Well I'm not even surprised cause as we discussed earlier it is getting better and better, episode 5 was an absolute bomb and then it goes easier but still it is amazing!💙
Here it is, the episode I've been waiting for! It's so well done, these parallels between the theater play and Mizu's life..... The first time I watched it, it took me a long time to come to my senses. Thanks for the reaction, you're wonderful as always! :)
45:23 not the Jayce roasting😂 But for real, that was a cold-blooded move from Mizu, and that is right after we got to see how happy and caring she once was :(
Okay. Time to suffer AGAIN. This is my favorite episode because it does so many things well. The story lines woven in tandem and was done very well, it gave us just enough information with each revisit to her past and literally thrusts us back into the present. Our expectations were subverted in the best way possible, and more than once; Mizu attempted to live a “normal” life, and married to a lord? He didn’t end up being a shit bag as expected(read: he’s still a coward and made critically wrong decisions towards the end). I expected the trope to be that he died in a tragic or sacrificial way, but the ending was more tragic than I could have imagined. I think what was most tragic was Mizu’s mother’s apathy towards Mizu. I mean, when she smacked Mizu around in flash backs within prior episodes I knew there was more to her, but I didn’t expect her to be how you turned out because we only saw her through Mizu’s memories, which were mostly happy when it’s her mother. But when you piece it all together and realize that her mother was always an opium addict, it just…fills you with sadness because we all know how that story goes. It’s my feeling that Mizu’s mother sold her out and the reasons are mostly personal and anecdotal; opium is literally heroin that you smoke, and to cut her off cold turkey was a wrong move on their part. But how could they have known right? I will bet the house that she sold them out for some opium. But again, her husband was a coward. I do not believe he sold her out though.
When I watched this on my own, I was in shock and awe at the end of the episode. What a stew of emotions - sadness for Mizu’s contentment being smashed to pieces, disgust for Mikio and Mizu’s mother, hatred for the one who actually turned her in, and excitement from just witnessing a spectacle that is nearly unmatched (imo) in cinema. I even watched it again to analyze more and fully appreciate the weight of what had just happened. 51:35 but it wasn’t until seeing your reaction here that I teared up. It’s amazing how other peoples’ emotions and reactions can affect your own. This is exactly why I watch your channel and look forward to each new video 😄
Claudie, thank you so much for making these videos! It takes work and a certain amount of vulnerability to share your reactions. These shows actually affect me a lot, but I can't get anyone I know to watch animation. So it means a lot knowing someone else out there feels it like I do.
@@ClaudieTV Amend my friend! My family mocked me for YEARS because I was so invested in Buffy as a teen, and pretty much just bullied me for going to conventions, yet they "forgot" that part once they found a show they liked just as much and realised conventions were fun.
@@Kittyfantastico I'm still invested in Buffy, and I'm an adult. It's my favorite tv-show from childhood, but most of my friends and family brush it off as a silly vampire series, when in reality it's so much more and brings up so many important themes.
@@alexie5201 I'm 43 and have figurines of Willow/Tara and Faith decorating my front room! Also have the series on Boxset, and the musical episode CD. King of the buffy nerds here 🤓 It's not hyperbole when I say watching Buffy helped me survive my teenage years.
I would not say Mikio is a "good man". Sure, he seemed to genuinely love and respect Mizu for who she was, admiring her strengths and all that. But during their fight, it became clear that he was only okay with her strength until it bruised his ego. The moment she won (literally putting a blade to his neck), his pride took a hit, and suddenly he flipped and called her a "monster". And the next day Mizu is ratted out. Think about the puppet show parallels. Mizu starts the episode as the ronin and ends it as the bride. The ronin turning on his wife mirrors Mikio turning on Mizu and ronin killing his wife and child mirrors Mizu killing Mikio (note: Mizu only kills Mikio). Let's not forget, this is ancient Japan, we are talking Edo era ideals of femininity and sexiness. Mizu didn't fit that mold, so Mikio's betrayal wasn't exactly shocking. It reflects how women were often treated back then. And, Mizu's mom did betray her, but not at this specific moment. The real betrayal happened when she deliberately abandoned young Mizu after running out of money. Later, when they reunited, her mom could've sold Mizu out for opium money, but instead, she chose to continue prostituting herself to fund her addiction and even arranged a husband for Mizu. Despite her many flaws, I don't think she ratted Mizu out here. When Mizu angrily asked Mikio, "You did this?" he immediately shifted the blame to her mom, pointing fingers at her. He certainly didn't expect Mizu to kill everyone so cold bloodedly, and maybe in that moment, he realized she was not someone to be messed with. And he started pleading with her. For Mizu, though, it didn't matter who was at fault. She realized both of them had broken her trust. Ultimately, in Mizu's mind, she was left by her mom to feed an addiction, became the target of Mikio’s savior complex, and was mistreated and betrayed by everyone who claimed to love her.
What an emotional roller coaster, what a heartbreaking episode and what a “fun” video reaction. Just stunning. It is awesome to see how much you are into this series and Mizu. I really liked the series but nothing compared to you and it is great to see this too. Can’t wait for all the other episodes.
Your reactions are always the highlight of my day! Can't wait for the next episodes! And if you're looking for a funny, intelligent show to react to, "Ted Lasso" and "Shrinking" are your best picks. 100% less blood and peaches.
The weaving of the present, the flashback and the Bunraku was amazing. It revealed lore, added subtext, moved the plot and layered emotion -- all while leaving some ambiguity in the characters motives and the audiences emotions. Just brilliant, gruesome and heart wrenching.
Ringo is the man with no hands more skillful that I've ever seen, how the fuck did he get the rattle off???, a question that will never be answered. 😂 This episode is a masterpiece, the choreography in the final showdown was magnificent… it was a very emotional episode this one 💔, loved your reaction as usual 😄💜
Ahh! Mizu is already such a powerful character, but her having this backstory just feels more empowering for who she is now because you can STILL SEE that she cares, despite her guard (and focus) always being way, way up. There is still love and emotion in her, after all she's been through. 🥹 Also, I love that, in the flashbacks, Mizu is bratty to Mikio in a similar way Taigen is to Mizu. Once she gets comfortable with Mikio, she's not afraid to lip back, to egg him on. Makes her - I don't even know what you'd call it - acceptance? apathy - regarding Taigen's brattiness all the more hilarious because homegirl flirts and peacocks in the exact same way.
I was expecting this episode's reaction! It is amazingly good, but so heartbreaking. I've never seen you so stressed out. Definitely moving on to something lighter after this one😅
Considering I was really worried when I found out it was THAT kind of episode... amazing. Excellent characterization to explain why Mizu is so ruthless... she actually tried, and life told her: "No! You don't get to be happy!" 😭 Also, I think a pattern is starting to emerge where Claudie is pausing just at the right time when everything is wholesome and hopeful just to resume and shit immediately turns dark. 😆
Peak episode this …. And the next. This shows really how Mizu turned to such a ‘cold’ being when it comes to Ringo, Akemi etc. To finally let your guard down after years of no one caring for you in both her mother & Meku ( ?) just to be betrayed. Personally I think it was the mother. Her husband was shocked by her level of swordsmanship & violence but he took his revenge by selling the horse. I believe he gained favour with his lord & was scared of losing it again but after leaving he realised that he really loved Mizu so went back. Alas too late. The mother however showed she was there to benefit from the situation over & over. Either way she was betrayed in her love. And this is why she doesn’t let any one in any more
What a roller coaster, such highs and lows. Yes, I did cry a bit. O now get why Mizu is on a quest for vengeance- she has nothing to live for. We do love our strong female leads though! On a lighter note, “…hand-claws for Christmas shopping.” Really Claudie?! Ha, ha, I could not stop laughing 😂
Seeing all the emotions flowing through you as you watch this episode is just amazing. The depth of care and emotional investment you have in Mizu's happiness is on a level that we all aspire to have directed at us.
25:11 Exactly Claudie, she was sooo happy and free in a way! Wearing women's clothes, being herself like a woman....what could have gone wrong, right?😭
So, what do we learn from Mizu's backstory? That a man, no matter how good he is, at the end of the day is still just a man - and men are known for their fragile ego. I don't think he was the one to rat her out though, didn't seem like it. And don't even get me started on Mizu's "mother" - what a pathetic human being. This episode is crazy good! The ending is heartbreaking :(
Well, ego probably played it's part, but I think Mikio was actually terrified of Mizu at the end of their training session and her rather cavalier attitude to the danger involved. Being kissed with an open blade at you throat is very few peoples idea of fun and was a pretty unfortunate combination of violence and affection. Also he wanted to stop the session several times, while Mizu continued to escalate their "training". Of course it is not okay to call her monster and treat her so harshly, because of poor training etiquette, but I don't think that scene actually is supposed to be the general condemnation of all men you make it out to be.
@@juliantheapostate2263 You're right, he was scared and Mizu did go too far. But the way he treated her after was mostly because of his wounded pride, not fear.
@@alexie5201 I think he probably experienced a pretty nasty cocktail of emotions, with wounded pride and fear all mixed in. On the other hand you are correct, the devastating way he verbally comes after her afterwards, going directly for her insecurities with such a blanket rejection of her is more about intentionally causing harm and not a panic response. So that certainly points more to wounded pride. But my general point and why I think the scene is so successfull is that they actually managed to write Mikio as a pretty emotionally complex person and his very bad reaction is also pretty complex. It is actually pretty rare that men are depicted that emotionally complex or fragile if you want. So it would feel a bit reductive if the big lesson is supposed to be that it was inevitable that Mizu is rejected, because at the end of the day Mikio was "just" a man.
I definitely think both Mikio and her mother betrayed her in some way. Mikio, in a moment of cowardice and pride, sold away her horse, sent soldiers to end her, tried to run away, tried to possibly kill her, then killed her mother. Her mother, on the otherhand, abandoned her to be an orphan, then took all her money and used it to buy opium and then sold Mizu off to Mikio, so she could have some of his funds to buy more opium consistently. Both could have been accomplices in it tbh.
39:54 It was inconceivable at the time, in a patriarchal society, that a woman could best a man (let alone a Samurai) in battle. Mizu trusted her husband enough to show her true self, but what he saw terrified him. That, plus there is nothing more fragile than a man's ego. *sad emoji*
Such a brilliant episode and my favourite part is the flashback in this episode where Mizu found there is no option left to search for happiness and the only way forward is revenge (in her mind) and hopefully find satisfaction for ending the life of all her 4 possible biological fathers.
14:52 There's no way anyone would see this happenning at all, I was confused just like you and seeing her this feminine was a jaw drop also, she's stunning!🙃😍
I think (partly) nobody picks up that Mizu is a woman because she is a "half breed" and no one knows how those are supposed to look like. And partly because no one question men in a manly-men society
The child Mizu killed was the one who ratted her out after she killed the girl. Doesn't make it much better, but she didn't start randomly killing kids around her. The Jayce comment was savage 😅
There is no need to apologise for not fully understanding the beginning of the episode. We all get to be confused in private, while you put yours out for us to see. Seeing your reactions so closely relate to my own on my first viewing of this (though your accurate prediction rate is far above mine) makes me feel good, because I know i'm not the only one who invests so heavily in fictional characters.
IMO this episode is up there with The Body (Buffy: The Vampire Slayer) as one of the best episodes of television ever written. The way they use the puppet show to show the different aspects of Mizu as ronin and bride is beautiful and her 'birth' as onryo is just heartbreaking.
For sure! The Body was a heartbreaking episode, but had such great character expostion. Just like BES, it kept you on the edge of your seat the entire episode, never letting up on the tension, while still managing to add highs and lows throughout. First class writing.
The problem with the Mikio situation is that there are so many facets of Mizu being rejected at once when he calls her a monster. Her angst about her heritage is being justified, as is her talent (and enjoyment of) fighting in a world where women DON'T fight. If two fully Japanese men were dueling with covered blades and one of them did all the things Mizu did in that duel, I would have no sympathy. She rejected a call to stop the duel, and elevated it to bared steel without consent, culminating in her blade being pressed against his neck. I am not justifying Mikio's legendary mishandling of the situation after, but within the very narrow context of that duel under the tree, Mizu is not wholly innocent. Mizu is absolutely the victim in the flashback overall and has my sympathy, I just feel like lots of viewers act like she did absolutely nothing wrong. She has enough agency as a character that it is worth acknowledging her mistakes when she makes them. It might not be the last one she makes. Mikio fumbled a gem, though. Modern men would be thrilled with a Mizu.
Mizu however always trained alone, the only flashback was when she got unfairly beaten by the Fang guy. Mikio could have actually said a lot of different words instead of calling her a monster and still step up with her once he saw she was visibly upset. Mizu couldn't even acknowledge her mistake bc Mkkio berated her instead of teaching her etiquette and safe sparring (which, if he was smart, he could perceive that Mizu never learned for obvious reasons). I personally feel like the flashback didn't really know how to settle itself in tone. A few characterisations felt a bit too rushed and brash, but considering that this was coveted in only one episode with subplots, they did a great job.
Also, I believe Mizu keeps being referred to as a man is because she’s tall, like the average Japanese man, and men during that era could not even conceive that a woman could be that skilled.
“You are more man than any come through my door” who more think that madam kaji know that Mizu is a woman? and just respect the secret for many reasons?
28:59 She's so happy and he's lovely....Claudie...for the first time I don't twanna watch further lol I WANT TO, but I don't want to do you know what I mean? I'm not ready to see you in the end 😂🤣 Afing animated series...first Arcane, then this! 😆😆😆😆😆 Nah I'm done after this show
@ClaudieTV Cool. Didn't want to put you off, just heard you say you wanted something funny after BES. Looking forward to whatever you choose to watch next
If you want to watch something to feel better try Ted Lasso. Imagine a big bowl of chicken soup on a cold day where the noodles are letters and keep forming expletives :)
Not familiar enough with Macbeth, well I studied it back in school but my memory is shite haha, only recognised the pose when watching the Arcane intro
@ fair enough, I guess just the idea that Mizu is disrupting her own peace (Like finding a friend in Ringo, a connection with Akemi etc) for her thirst for revenge, its very Macbeth-y. Once again might just be a nerd and reading too much into it
Is it wrong I kinda want Mizu to meet and settle down with someone called Tira? Sweetest ship name ever.
Tiramizu! OMG! 😦 brb changing my name to Tira
@@ClaudieTVlmao
@@ClaudieTV Good morning. Do you know Epic the Musical? I think you would really like it. The story is a reinterpretation of the Odyssey by Homer. A little offcharacter to someone who is familar with Greek Myths. But artisticly really beautiful. Highly recommend it.
Most of the songs are on youtube with lovely animations.
I wish you a good day!
@ All the Jayvik shippers are going crazy over this on X and discord. I can only imagine.
Claudie progressively losing her shit as the episode goes on, welcome to the club. This episode, this show is a masterpiece
It's honestly insane that this episode works. There is so much going on! EVERYthing happens.
3 minutes in and she’s like “I’m so on edge.” Hahaha, buckle up!
The most incredible episode by FAR. The saddest part is that when Mizu first started sparing with her husband, we FINALLY, for just a few moments, get to see her allowing herself to BE herself, her REAL honest self, being both a beautiful woman AND a badass. And it tragically last only those few moments…
This episode is so heartbreaking😭 the way you kept praising Mizu's husband not knowing what was coming😭
We all were 😭
What’s even more tragic is that her (ex)husband was truly a coward. If there was just more time, I think they could have reconciled and those critical mistakes he made all in a row: wounding Mizu emotionally, turning when she was clearly in danger and killing her mother.
he killed her mother?
This is the "Pretend Like It's the First Time" episode of Blue Eye Samurai.
Except, gone horribly wrong.
ClaudieTV: “Get a man who’s like this”
Me: knowing what’s about to happen next 😬
Yeah I take that back... lol
The fact that he said he wanted to see her true self and when she did it happy and open heartedly... he rejected her, called her a monster and took back everything he'd offered and even then she was willing to go back to the 'wife' role not to lose it all AND he betrayed her LIKE THAT
fuuuuuk
It's soul crushing
What an actually small man
I agree, however - perspective is needed. She dishonored him (by their customs of the time).
Watching the whole spectrum of emotions play out on your face during the fight with the 1000 claws is art within itself!
15:42 _could be mine_ Oh Claudie, Just curious how you would act ( or loose it 🤣) if a real life Mizu was to walk by and smile at you.... Another brilliant hour with you. Thank you!
😂 Glad you enjoyed it!
It's interesting that, within the flashbacks, you see how Mizu didn't have her glasses to start.
Through her interactions, it obviously became apparent that she needed a way to conceal her eyes in order to avoid such violent reactions.
Yup that is very clever isn't it
One of best reactions to anything I have ever watched. Sure a bit messy, but I love that you don't put a "filter" on your reactions. Highly appreciated! 🥰
🤣 thank you
The juxtaposition of puppet theater with the events of this episode is absolutely brilliant. So few words were spoken between the characters, yet this is probably the best storytelling I’ve ever seen…
It really was!
It keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire episode, never letting up on the tension, while still maanging to add highs and lows throughout.
First class writing.
@@Kittyfantastico Yes, great point. We get probably the highest highs and lowest lows of the entire series within a few minutes of each other. What other show is capable of this? Just beautiful.
Also, I love how Mizu’s representation in the puppet show transitions from Ronin to Bride to Onryo. Truly a tragic story.
@ It really is a masterclass on how to grip your audience with action and still be a character driven show.
I don't think Mizu's mother is the one who ratted her out to the authorities. She had been whoring herself out for opium for years already and she had a cushy life on that farm. She had no reason to ruin it. Mikio was clearly terrified of Mizu after she whooped him in battle and he stated before that he wanted to win back favor with the lord. He had the means, the motive, and the opportunity. The way that they show Mizu's transformation into the Onryo with the makeup running and her blank expression of losing all hope was absolute perfection. I was blown away how they managed to weave the storylines together so seamlessly and then that reveal at the very end showing that the play was taking place in the future when Akemi had married into the Shogun's family. Peak cinema.
When you know who she is tho it could be just for the money by then end of the show
How would Mikio know who to tell, though? It's not the local lord that was hunting Mizu. Her mother is the only one with the connections to the white men hunting Mizu (through the opium dealers). Of course, the show leaves it ambiguous on purpose to reinforce Mizu's apprehension towards trust and love.
@@cameronvincent3122 The number one thing that makes me think Mikio is the one is because he kills the mother. Seemingly as a way to shut her up so she couldnt plea her point. I just can't see Mikio killing Mizu's mother if he cares about her even in the slightest.
@@lockekappa500 Yeah, that’s where I’m genuinely confused although I have a theory: Mikio stupidly killed Mizu’s mother in an act of vengeance for Mizu(if it was in fact her mother that ratted her out). But ALSO, him turning from Mizu in the most dire moment of need did not help matters at all.
@@fightme4793 Hmm, I never thought that he could have been so upset at Mizu's mother that he would do that. Ok, that actually brings me back to not knowing who did it. Which is perfect. I don't think you're supposed to know.
Claudie, it is fine that you are simping so hard, that is at least half the fun of watching your reactions!
Thank goodness for that!
29:28 New favorite expression
🤣
@mepanther3125 😂😂
Claudie, you're an absolute romantic soul you are, it was him ...💔💔💔🐀 really my most fav episode so far. Now we know why Mizu's in this calm statement, no weaknesses in anything, no attachments. I love her and she deserves all the love and care of the world 💙. Can't wait for the next one and we're coming closer to the end. I was an angry oil slick after this episode 😅. Amazing show and amazing reaction as always. Peach...peace to you all I mean✌❤
Next ep is my personal favourite I think, or is up in my top 3, for sure :)
@@ClaudieTV Well I'm not even surprised cause as we discussed earlier it is getting better and better, episode 5 was an absolute bomb and then it goes easier but still it is amazing!💙
Here it is, the episode I've been waiting for!
It's so well done, these parallels between the theater play and Mizu's life..... The first time I watched it, it took me a long time to come to my senses.
Thanks for the reaction, you're wonderful as always! :)
Aw thank you glad you enjoyed it :)
Miss Claudie is about to break her way through the screen and rescue Mizu herself!
45:23 not the Jayce roasting😂 But for real, that was a cold-blooded move from Mizu, and that is right after we got to see how happy and caring she once was :(
Never gonna beat the kid killing allegations.
Okay. Time to suffer AGAIN.
This is my favorite episode because it does so many things well. The story lines woven in tandem and was done very well, it gave us just enough information with each revisit to her past and literally thrusts us back into the present. Our expectations were subverted in the best way possible, and more than once; Mizu attempted to live a “normal” life, and married to a lord? He didn’t end up being a shit bag as expected(read: he’s still a coward and made critically wrong decisions towards the end). I expected the trope to be that he died in a tragic or sacrificial way, but the ending was more tragic than I could have imagined.
I think what was most tragic was Mizu’s mother’s apathy towards Mizu. I mean, when she smacked Mizu around in flash backs within prior episodes I knew there was more to her, but I didn’t expect her to be how you turned out because we only saw her through Mizu’s memories, which were mostly happy when it’s her mother. But when you piece it all together and realize that her mother was always an opium addict, it just…fills you with sadness because we all know how that story goes.
It’s my feeling that Mizu’s mother sold her out and the reasons are mostly personal and anecdotal; opium is literally heroin that you smoke, and to cut her off cold turkey was a wrong move on their part. But how could they have known right? I will bet the house that she sold them out for some opium. But again, her husband was a coward. I do not believe he sold her out though.
Compilation called "The Faces of Claudie", i'm sorry i had to🤣, i laughed so much i love the fact that you are genuine when you react
10:50
14:14
22:29
25:50
26:29
28:40
36:07
36:53 felt personal, i was among those ones 😂
37:37
39:26 💔
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Can we get a montage of Miss Claudie's best faces from the season?! 🤣
@@Kittyfantastico 😂😂
The way I cackled at 36;53!!
@@Kittyfantastico yeah i wasn't expecting that at all😂
@@PiltyGoon Ah, the way she knows us so well 😆
37:16 You know Claudie is obsessed when she goes "again, AGAIN!"
When I watched this on my own, I was in shock and awe at the end of the episode. What a stew of emotions - sadness for Mizu’s contentment being smashed to pieces, disgust for Mikio and Mizu’s mother, hatred for the one who actually turned her in, and excitement from just witnessing a spectacle that is nearly unmatched (imo) in cinema. I even watched it again to analyze more and fully appreciate the weight of what had just happened.
51:35 but it wasn’t until seeing your reaction here that I teared up. It’s amazing how other peoples’ emotions and reactions can affect your own. This is exactly why I watch your channel and look forward to each new video 😄
Aw yeah it really got to me in the end! It really is just awesome isn't it!
Claudie, thank you so much for making these videos! It takes work and a certain amount of vulnerability to share your reactions. These shows actually affect me a lot, but I can't get anyone I know to watch animation. So it means a lot knowing someone else out there feels it like I do.
I hear you. I've asked 3 people at this point to watch BES and they just won't. Such a shame isn't it
@@ClaudieTV Amend my friend!
My family mocked me for YEARS because I was so invested in Buffy as a teen, and pretty much just bullied me for going to conventions, yet they "forgot" that part once they found a show they liked just as much and realised conventions were fun.
@@Kittyfantastico I'm still invested in Buffy, and I'm an adult. It's my favorite tv-show from childhood, but most of my friends and family brush it off as a silly vampire series, when in reality it's so much more and brings up so many important themes.
@@alexie5201 I'm 43 and have figurines of Willow/Tara and Faith decorating my front room! Also have the series on Boxset, and the musical episode CD. King of the buffy nerds here 🤓
It's not hyperbole when I say watching Buffy helped me survive my teenage years.
@@ClaudieTV You need better friends :D
If there is a casting just post it in time to let us get to the UK :D
I would not say Mikio is a "good man". Sure, he seemed to genuinely love and respect Mizu for who she was, admiring her strengths and all that. But during their fight, it became clear that he was only okay with her strength until it bruised his ego. The moment she won (literally putting a blade to his neck), his pride took a hit, and suddenly he flipped and called her a "monster". And the next day Mizu is ratted out. Think about the puppet show parallels. Mizu starts the episode as the ronin and ends it as the bride. The ronin turning on his wife mirrors Mikio turning on Mizu and ronin killing his wife and child mirrors Mizu killing Mikio (note: Mizu only kills Mikio). Let's not forget, this is ancient Japan, we are talking Edo era ideals of femininity and sexiness. Mizu didn't fit that mold, so Mikio's betrayal wasn't exactly shocking. It reflects how women were often treated back then.
And, Mizu's mom did betray her, but not at this specific moment. The real betrayal happened when she deliberately abandoned young Mizu after running out of money. Later, when they reunited, her mom could've sold Mizu out for opium money, but instead, she chose to continue prostituting herself to fund her addiction and even arranged a husband for Mizu. Despite her many flaws, I don't think she ratted Mizu out here. When Mizu angrily asked Mikio, "You did this?" he immediately shifted the blame to her mom, pointing fingers at her. He certainly didn't expect Mizu to kill everyone so cold bloodedly, and maybe in that moment, he realized she was not someone to be messed with. And he started pleading with her.
For Mizu, though, it didn't matter who was at fault. She realized both of them had broken her trust. Ultimately, in Mizu's mind, she was left by her mom to feed an addiction, became the target of Mikio’s savior complex, and was mistreated and betrayed by everyone who claimed to love her.
Great analysis
Agree, great points here
Ahh I was waiting for this one aha
Told you it would be good! I mean… heartbreaking good 😅
I really enjoy your genuine reaction.
What an emotional roller coaster, what a heartbreaking episode and what a “fun” video reaction. Just stunning.
It is awesome to see how much you are into this series and Mizu.
I really liked the series but nothing compared to you and it is great to see this too.
Can’t wait for all the other episodes.
Your reactions are always the highlight of my day! Can't wait for the next episodes! And if you're looking for a funny, intelligent show to react to, "Ted Lasso" and "Shrinking" are your best picks. 100% less blood and peaches.
Aw thank you! :)
Noted!
The weaving of the present, the flashback and the Bunraku was amazing. It revealed lore, added subtext, moved the plot and layered emotion -- all while leaving some ambiguity in the characters motives and the audiences emotions. Just brilliant, gruesome and heart wrenching.
I just found your channel a few days ago and you have become one of my favorite youtubers!
Ah thank you so much that's awesome!
Just finished watching the vid. Your reaction was everything I'd hoped for. Lot of confounded Claudia.
Haha thank you
Your reactions make me laugh out loud every time 😂
“She’s got all that under there?”
😂
Ringo is the man with no hands more skillful that I've ever seen, how the fuck did he get the rattle off???, a question that will never be answered. 😂 This episode is a masterpiece, the choreography in the final showdown was magnificent… it was a very emotional episode this one 💔, loved your reaction as usual 😄💜
19:12 You're telling me he's a really nice man...are you telling me she actually could've been taken care of.." Ooooooo..OOOOOOO 😤🙆♀🗣🙈
this is my fav episode of the series so far. story telling is off the charts!! i realy want mizu to be happy :
Yeah me too! Maybe she will be 🤷♀️
Ahh! Mizu is already such a powerful character, but her having this backstory just feels more empowering for who she is now because you can STILL SEE that she cares, despite her guard (and focus) always being way, way up. There is still love and emotion in her, after all she's been through. 🥹 Also, I love that, in the flashbacks, Mizu is bratty to Mikio in a similar way Taigen is to Mizu. Once she gets comfortable with Mikio, she's not afraid to lip back, to egg him on. Makes her - I don't even know what you'd call it - acceptance? apathy - regarding Taigen's brattiness all the more hilarious because homegirl flirts and peacocks in the exact same way.
Yeah knowing she gave this a chance once and others failed her makes her current frame of mind that much more powerful. I love it.
Probably the best episode in a fantastic first season. Been looking forward to this!
I was expecting this episode's reaction! It is amazingly good, but so heartbreaking. I've never seen you so stressed out.
Definitely moving on to something lighter after this one😅
Yeah I really did get stressed didn't I? hahaha
Literally never been this early for a video in my life, LETS GOOOOO!
50:14 Maddie is living rent free in our heads.
The betrayel of Mizus husband was the most heartbreaking of the series - it got me to tears. And just because she was the better fighter... so sad.
The heartbreak is two-fold. Not only do we see Mikio backstab her, but she also lost her relationship with Ringo
Still so relevant to today as well
This episode is a piece of art!!! So beautiful and complete heartbreaking!!❤😮😢
It really is!
I giggle every time you jump at the Netflix logo, bc I do the same thing😭
Why is it like that? There is no need for it to be like that 😂
Was looking forward to this!
"bare with me, just readjusting...."
Metnally as well as physically it seems lol
This was heartbreaking but Misu did know love if only for short while.😢❤
"like a boss"
Yes, yes she is
7:18 There is a third way to look at it. She wants to take control of her own life and fate which she has been denied.
True
Considering I was really worried when I found out it was THAT kind of episode... amazing.
Excellent characterization to explain why Mizu is so ruthless... she actually tried, and life told her: "No! You don't get to be happy!" 😭
Also, I think a pattern is starting to emerge where Claudie is pausing just at the right time when everything is wholesome and hopeful just to resume and shit immediately turns dark. 😆
Yup I notice that pattern too haha
How many times did I say "Just wait..." after Miss Claudie fangirled over Mikio
More than I wanted 😅
I know I cringed when editing it 😂 I was like |oh Claudie sweetie, just wait a minute"
@ClaudieTV Oh, I was as on edge for you seeing the twist as you were at seeing any fight scene!
This episode is a work of art.
Absolutely. My favourite of the series.
I love how you got stressed just from the synopsis!!
Like I commented in the last reaction ep4 video that this was the best episode in the serious. It reminded me of Kill Bill in the tea house scene.
Peak episode this …. And the next. This shows really how Mizu turned to such a ‘cold’ being when it comes to Ringo, Akemi etc. To finally let your guard down after years of no one caring for you in both her mother & Meku ( ?) just to be betrayed. Personally I think it was the mother. Her husband was shocked by her level of swordsmanship & violence but he took his revenge by selling the horse. I believe he gained favour with his lord & was scared of losing it again but after leaving he realised that he really loved Mizu so went back. Alas too late. The mother however showed she was there to benefit from the situation over & over.
Either way she was betrayed in her love. And this is why she doesn’t let any one in any more
I'm still on the fence tbh, not quite sure who did it whether it was her husband or her mother. Either way it's heartbreaking
The way Mizu's mother used guilt and societal pressure to force Mizu into marriage was so distateful to me.
Might be my favorite episode. So much going on.
44:50 это крик Вильгельма, его часто используют в кино и телевидении в качестве пасхалки
14:19 "I found you a husband"
Claudie - Wait WAT?!?
What a roller coaster, such highs and lows. Yes, I did cry a bit. O now get why Mizu is on a quest for vengeance- she has nothing to live for. We do love our strong female leads though! On a lighter note, “…hand-claws for Christmas shopping.” Really Claudie?! Ha, ha, I could not stop laughing 😂
Ey I could of used em tbh! It was rough out there
Was half expecting Claudie to go ‘peeeaches 😳😳😳’ during the badonk and peach tree scene…
Meow :D
😂
Well, there will be at least one red-head in Mizu's life ahead. So you are correct. Kinda.
😂
Hands up who wants to go to Montpellier for the Arcane exhibition
✋
Ooooo there's an exibition?
@@ClaudieTV Yes, from Fortiche and the city, starting January 27th. Free entry too and best thing is I live in Montpellier hehe.
@@s0mefrench Guess its a twonk army trip to your place then!! 😁
I call the sofa!
I didn’t see any of this episode coming. Usually I’m pretty good at figuring out what comes next, but I spent the entire episode stun locked.
Yup me too!
Seeing all the emotions flowing through you as you watch this episode is just amazing.
The depth of care and emotional investment you have in Mizu's happiness is on a level that we all aspire to have directed at us.
I really do adore her, I just can't help it haha
@ClaudieTV You're expressing what all of us feel about Mizu!
15:40 composure claudie composure 😭😭😭
"Ok Jayce" is so cruel Claudie, he didn't do the same thing, i think you went a little furder with that 😂
😂 I know I know I know
25:11 Exactly Claudie, she was sooo happy and free in a way! Wearing women's clothes, being herself like a woman....what could have gone wrong, right?😭
Bro fumbled an absolute QUEEN
15:40 LMAOOOO
🤷♀️😂
So, what do we learn from Mizu's backstory? That a man, no matter how good he is, at the end of the day is still just a man - and men are known for their fragile ego. I don't think he was the one to rat her out though, didn't seem like it. And don't even get me started on Mizu's "mother" - what a pathetic human being.
This episode is crazy good! The ending is heartbreaking :(
Agreed.
Nothing more delicate than a mans ego.
Pick the bear Mizu!
Well, ego probably played it's part, but I think Mikio was actually terrified of Mizu at the end of their training session and her rather cavalier attitude to the danger involved. Being kissed with an open blade at you throat is very few peoples idea of fun and was a pretty unfortunate combination of violence and affection. Also he wanted to stop the session several times, while Mizu continued to escalate their "training". Of course it is not okay to call her monster and treat her so harshly, because of poor training etiquette, but I don't think that scene actually is supposed to be the general condemnation of all men you make it out to be.
@@juliantheapostate2263 You're right, he was scared and Mizu did go too far. But the way he treated her after was mostly because of his wounded pride, not fear.
@juliantheapostate2263 Did you really just "not all men" this comment???
Please read the room
@@alexie5201 I think he probably experienced a pretty nasty cocktail of emotions, with wounded pride and fear all mixed in. On the other hand you are correct, the devastating way he verbally comes after her afterwards, going directly for her insecurities with such a blanket rejection of her is more about intentionally causing harm and not a panic response. So that certainly points more to wounded pride.
But my general point and why I think the scene is so successfull is that they actually managed to write Mikio as a pretty emotionally complex person and his very bad reaction is also pretty complex. It is actually pretty rare that men are depicted that emotionally complex or fragile if you want. So it would feel a bit reductive if the big lesson is supposed to be that it was inevitable that Mizu is rejected, because at the end of the day Mikio was "just" a man.
Best episode of the season ngl!
Yay, we're here! :)
I definitely think both Mikio and her mother betrayed her in some way. Mikio, in a moment of cowardice and pride, sold away her horse, sent soldiers to end her, tried to run away, tried to possibly kill her, then killed her mother.
Her mother, on the otherhand, abandoned her to be an orphan, then took all her money and used it to buy opium and then sold Mizu off to Mikio, so she could have some of his funds to buy more opium consistently.
Both could have been accomplices in it tbh.
I watched this all before you, I was like poor claudie is about to get her heart shattered when the husband betrays mizu.
39:54 It was inconceivable at the time, in a patriarchal society, that a woman could best a man (let alone a Samurai) in battle. Mizu trusted her husband enough to show her true self, but what he saw terrified him. That, plus there is nothing more fragile than a man's ego. *sad emoji*
this is one of the greatest episodes ever made imo
Such a brilliant episode and my favourite part is the flashback in this episode where Mizu found there is no option left to search for happiness and the only way forward is revenge (in her mind) and hopefully find satisfaction for ending the life of all her 4 possible biological fathers.
Yup that's the beginning really of her continued revenge
14:52 There's no way anyone would see this happenning at all, I was confused just like you and seeing her this feminine was a jaw drop also, she's stunning!🙃😍
I think (partly) nobody picks up that Mizu is a woman because she is a "half breed" and no one knows how those are supposed to look like. And partly because no one question men in a manly-men society
Man the rest of the season is gonna be *rough* for you bud. Vengeance tale goes brrr.
To quote Daniel Coulter Reynolds of Imagine Dragons: "Oh the misery, everybody wants to be my enemy." Fits for Mizu so much as well.
The child Mizu killed was the one who ratted her out after she killed the girl. Doesn't make it much better, but she didn't start randomly killing kids around her. The Jayce comment was savage 😅
There is no need to apologise for not fully understanding the beginning of the episode.
We all get to be confused in private, while you put yours out for us to see.
Seeing your reactions so closely relate to my own on my first viewing of this (though your accurate prediction rate is far above mine) makes me feel good, because I know i'm not the only one who invests so heavily in fictional characters.
IMO this episode is up there with The Body (Buffy: The Vampire Slayer) as one of the best episodes of television ever written. The way they use the puppet show to show the different aspects of Mizu as ronin and bride is beautiful and her 'birth' as onryo is just heartbreaking.
For sure! The Body was a heartbreaking episode, but had such great character expostion.
Just like BES, it kept you on the edge of your seat the entire episode, never letting up on the tension, while still managing to add highs and lows throughout.
First class writing.
The problem with the Mikio situation is that there are so many facets of Mizu being rejected at once when he calls her a monster. Her angst about her heritage is being justified, as is her talent (and enjoyment of) fighting in a world where women DON'T fight. If two fully Japanese men were dueling with covered blades and one of them did all the things Mizu did in that duel, I would have no sympathy. She rejected a call to stop the duel, and elevated it to bared steel without consent, culminating in her blade being pressed against his neck. I am not justifying Mikio's legendary mishandling of the situation after, but within the very narrow context of that duel under the tree, Mizu is not wholly innocent.
Mizu is absolutely the victim in the flashback overall and has my sympathy, I just feel like lots of viewers act like she did absolutely nothing wrong. She has enough agency as a character that it is worth acknowledging her mistakes when she makes them. It might not be the last one she makes.
Mikio fumbled a gem, though. Modern men would be thrilled with a Mizu.
Mizu however always trained alone, the only flashback was when she got unfairly beaten by the Fang guy. Mikio could have actually said a lot of different words instead of calling her a monster and still step up with her once he saw she was visibly upset.
Mizu couldn't even acknowledge her mistake bc Mkkio berated her instead of teaching her etiquette and safe sparring (which, if he was smart, he could perceive that Mizu never learned for obvious reasons).
I personally feel like the flashback didn't really know how to settle itself in tone. A few characterisations felt a bit too rushed and brash, but considering that this was coveted in only one episode with subplots, they did a great job.
15:17 right after I put a comment that she's stunning, you're saying the same...brain bluetooth connection happened😅
49:42 I love mizus song
"Baby.... Baby???"
Claudie.exe not found
Is ”emotional whiplash” the best way of describing this episode? I think it might be.
What's really going to bake your noodle later is whether Akemi was talking about Mizu, or herself...
Also, I believe Mizu keeps being referred to as a man is because she’s tall, like the average Japanese man, and men during that era could not even conceive that a woman could be that skilled.
“You are more man than any come through my door” who more think that madam kaji know that Mizu is a woman? and just respect the secret for many reasons?
I wondered that too tbh
28:59 She's so happy and he's lovely....Claudie...for the first time I don't twanna watch further lol I WANT TO, but I don't want to do you know what I mean? I'm not ready to see you in the end 😂🤣 Afing animated series...first Arcane, then this! 😆😆😆😆😆 Nah I'm done after this show
29:00 oops 😬
Yeah... I take that back
Miss Claudie, I hope you've got an extra large bottle of Valium on hand to make your way through the rest of these episodes!
Just a heads up about Fleabag (I binged it in preperation)
While it is indeed funny, it also deals with some very somber topics with dark humour.
All good with me :)
@ClaudieTV Cool. Didn't want to put you off, just heard you say you wanted something funny after BES. Looking forward to whatever you choose to watch next
If you want to watch something to feel better try Ted Lasso. Imagine a big bowl of chicken soup on a cold day where the noodles are letters and keep forming expletives :)
Haha ok noted :)
This story, up until this point, reminds me a lot of the themes in Macbeth… I might just be a nerd though 😭
Not familiar enough with Macbeth, well I studied it back in school but my memory is shite haha, only recognised the pose when watching the Arcane intro
@ fair enough, I guess just the idea that Mizu is disrupting her own peace (Like finding a friend in Ringo, a connection with Akemi etc) for her thirst for revenge, its very Macbeth-y. Once again might just be a nerd and reading too much into it
Best episode in my opinion
Yes we need gf applications for Mizu 🎉🎉 props to being taken care of 🎉🎉