"Madoka does nothing the whole show, but then she saves everybody...' Actually, I would disagree. I'd like to defend Madoka, if you don't mind (because the opinion that she is "indecisive" or "does nothing" is so widespread...). I never understand why people say Madoka doesn't do much. The one thing she doesn't do is become a magical girl, but frankly, it wasn't because she didn't want to: either stuff happened (Mami dying in front of her) or Homura prevented her from becoming one (once, by killing Kyūbē right in front of her). Other than that... she saves Hitomi's life in that suicide party by chucking that bucket with poisoin through the window; she tries to convince the girls to team up for safety (i.e. she has a clear mind and sees what would be safer); she asks Sayaka to take her along when going on patrol, despite having no powers to protect herself (it's as if you asked your cop uncle to take you along in dangerous missions despite you not even having a gun to protect yourself). She even makes a Tragic Mistake by throwing Sayaka's soul gem over the bridge. Is this really "being indecisive" or "doing nothing"? How come? I think people confuse Madoka's kindness with lack of resolve or passivity. It seems to be a difficult concept for us: someone who is both active and kind. It's not our most frequent hero profile, so we don't interpret it well.
True. Madoka supports her friends. That should get some kind of credit, but does society give recognition to people just for being amazing friends? No. Being a good friend is underrated, hence we instantly think it's nothing special.
Silbido Herz Yes, it is true. Interestingly, even though Western society is permeated by Christianity -- and Christian mythology is built around a character who, very much like Madoka, valued love and kindness above everything else, and who sacrificed himself on the cross so that others could be redeemed and attain eternal life --, yet we have a hard time with believable Christ-like heroes whose power is based on kindness. We prefer bad-asses, I guess. Some Christianity... The Christology of Madoka is pretty evident, and the Church of Madoka -- yes, that is a thing... -- supports it: Madoka as a Christ figure. But personally, I prefer the idea that, despite all the Western imagery in the animē (Mitakihara looks so Western in its architecture... and in her breakfast in Episode 4, we see Madoka eating with fork and knife, not with chopsticks... and all the Faust quotes on the walls in Episode 2...), I think Madoka as a deity is more Eastern. She's more like Buddha (who had to abandon his privileged position and know suffering before attaining enlightenment -- Nirvāna) than she is like Christ.
Adding to what Asehpe says, allow me to explain why I consider Madoka as THE *bravest* (by far, even!) character in the entire series and in fact one of the bravest characters in ALL of fiction, despite how "cowardly" and "indecisive" she appears to the audience (and to herself! "I feel like a coward..." she says more than once) for the majority of the show. [She's also the kindest character in all of fiction, but that's obvious, unlike her hidden bravery]. Note that my definition of bravery isn't to never be afraid of anything, but to act/do what you must *in spite* of being scared. And that's what Madoka does. If you look into it closely, in the entirety of the series, Madoka *never* fails to act when there is something that she *can* do to help, no matter how scared she is: she defies Homura to rescue Kyubey in episode 1, throws away the suicide bucket in episode 4, risks going along with Sayaka's witch-hunts again and again, drops Sayaka's soulgem over the bridge in episode 6, is willing to make a contract to save Sayaka in episode 8, goes along with Kyoko's crazy and dangerous plan in episode 9, boldly goes to face certain death against Walpurgisnacht in episode 10, swiftly shoots Mami's soulgem without the slightest hesitation, killing her before she can kill Homura, again in episode 10, stands up to her mother and walks into something far worse than a hurricane in episode 11, and of course makes her ultimate wish/sacrifice in episode 12. And those are not all of the examples. Madoka *never* allows her fear to stop her from acting, she overcomes it instead, *every single time*. As for Madoka's crying and apparent indecision moments, if you stop to think for a moment, they are *all* cases where there's nothing tangible or positive that she can actually do. So, in my opinion, any "criticism" of Madoka being cowardly and indecisive is unfounded. Quite the opposite in fact: if I absolutely had to express a critical viewpoint of her character, it would be from a "realism" standpoint: I'd argue that the mere existence of a person with Madoka's personality (with her kindness and bravery, plus her obvious *total inability* to hate *anyone*, even the Incubators) seems so impossible/unlikely, but maybe that's the exact point of the series (and why she does cease to exist at the end), she's always been more of a "Concept" than a person, even before her ascension to Godhood!
I think what they meant to say was Madoka didnt join the fight and become a magical girl till the last episode. In fact Madoka was the one who went to save Kyubey, which led to them meeting Mami. Which led to Sayaka being a magical girl eventually. Madoka was the one who made Homura tough in the first place and also saved her life, allowing all this to happen. Madoka saved Hitomi's life by throwing away those chemicals. Madoka was the one advancing the plot despite being wimpy. So she actually did a lot even before episode 12. And of course she rewrites the universe's law and saves Homura from Walpurgis. What a fucking hero. Madoka is bae
If we're going by TVTropes, I believe the correct term for Madoka is "supporting protagonist": the story is told from her point of view, but she's not the primary character as far as moving the plot forward goes; that would be Homura (even if it isn't obvious that it's actually Homura's story until near the end).
she did everything the entire show. She effected every single thing in the show, there are hundreds of timelines of her changing saving and doing things
Indeed it is pretty. But, to me, at least, it goes beyond that: it is also earned. The bittersweet ending with a 'system reboot' that keeps magical girls fighting against the evils of this world, but without forcing them to become said evils as they despair, is the logical consequence of everything that happened to Madoka. As she talks to Kyūbē in the evacuation center and he tells her how Homura is doomed as long as she hopes, Madoka looks out and says "but... but...!" -- and you can see she had an idea... An idea she could only have after having experienced all she experienced (when she knew less, in previous timelines, she didn't have such ideas for wishes... the first Madoka supposedly wished for a cat hurt in a car accident to get well...), and after having sufficient potential power to make it possible (so only after Homura had entangled all those timelines to make it possible). Unlike other similar endings, it fits the animē nicely and organically. And yet... Sometimes I think that Urobuchi did this so we wouldn't feel so bad. Sometimes I think the ending he really wanted was to have Homura become a witch at the end of Episode 11 (let's say Madoka comes too late); and then, confused at seeing Homura turn into a witch, Madoka loses control and gets killed by the flying debris around them... Her mother Junko cannot forgive herself for having let her go, and ends up becoming an alcoholic who is fired from her corporate job and looks for consolation in the bottle, until she dies and leaves her husband Tomihisa and her little baby Tatsuya helpless and destitute, in a completely destroyed Mitakihara city, where Walpurgisnacht left only ruins... Yet what we got is the girl who says, despite all the bad stuff that happened to her, despite all the disapointments and all the burdens from such an unfair system, that hope springs eternal... 'I will tell them they are wrong, every time, until they believe...' That's perhaps the least realistic thing of the entire animē (including the whole witch system and the far-fetched entropy rap): that there could be a person that, after going through so much, could still retain her sanity and, most importantly, her kindness. It feels like such a miracle that I want to say of course it couldn't happen; yet in the context of this story, it feels so well earned that I can't see a better ending for it. As you will see, Berserk does something rather different there -- something that I think fits less well with the story (unless you really accept what that God Hand says at the beginning of every episode as the only truth).
Notice also that the last episode is very symbolic. For instance, after making her wish, we see Madoka talking to Mami, and then Kyōko. But they can't be together -- Madoka has just "become a concept without physical reality" so she couldn't interact with living or dead people; and later on, we see that what was "really happening" in the "real world" is that the girls (WITHOUT Madoka) were fighting against Sayaka's witch, and didn't even remember who Madoka was... So this conversation between Madoka and Mami (and Kyōko) is probably something happening in Madoka's mind, not in reality. It represents Madoka accepting her destiny, accepting the consequences of her wish, and doing that in a mental pretend conversation with two people she has grown to admire.
What an interesting take on that! I never thought that their conversation could just be taking place in her mind... it's a very sad possibility but it makes sense. It also makes a lot more sense because Madoka promised to have cake with Mami when she became a magical girl. Her sharing tea and cake with Mami and Kyouko is her making peace with her promise and guilt.
Jason Parker Indeed. And notice also another detail: the conversation revolves around Madoka understanding the consequences of her wish: Mami telling her what it entails, Kyōko telling her that she has "found her reason to fight", and then Mami giving back to her the same sketch book she had left in Mami's apartment in Episode 4... as if saying, "now this, which represented your desire to become a magical girl, can go back to you". In other words, "you have found yourself, you have found your path in life". Doesn't this all make more sense if seen as Madoka talking to herself, reasoning with herself, coming to understand what she has just done?
Asehpe It makes more logical sense for sure and makes what seems to be a more light-hearted scene much more mature. I still like the idea of Mami and Kyouko cheering Madoka on as she becomes the Law of Cycles tho :3
Jason Parker It is cool, and cute as hell :-). And hey, eventually they will meet Madoka... as their own soul gems darken and they fall, Madoka will come to them. And if you accept (as headcanon) the fanfic works that depict Madoka as the queen of Magical GIrl Valhala... well, if you accept them at least for a few moments, just to enjoy it... then they will see (and remember) Madoka again. Someday. Somehow. As she said to Homura, miracles may be hard, but they do happen... don't you think?
As much as I enjoyed the reaction.... the girl on the left (haha) showed once more that nowadays diversity in visual appearance is more improtant than diversity in thought :( at least for some. Makes me sad, especially after experiencing all the incredible different characters in this (JAPANESE) anime. Argh But I really enjoyed the reaction ;) loved the anime and thanks for sharing!
DIVERSITY!!! My God! The girl erased every magical girl in the human timeline so we see vikings, 2nd WW2 girls, pre-hispanic america girls fighting against witches. Its not about diversity. It's about human history. how can an ideology ruin an art 101.
I have a theory that girl in the train is actually Anne Frank, and witnessing her sister's death in the concentration camp is what resulted in her becoming a witch, and most likely becoming Walpugest Night.
Holy shit i didn't even think about that but it's definitely possible especially since this show makes German references all the time. Ie Faust has a large influence in the anime.
well this was funny to watch in a very weird way XD if you gals ever need some help please dont hesitate to ask. we have a solid fan base im sure would love your content if you decided to do more series. do you all watch anime on your own as well? we'd love to get your thoughts on anything coming out this season. ~Zero
+Otaku Saga Wow, it's neat to see a channel similar to ours. We do watch anime on our own, but I haven't been keeping current. The reactioner who sits in the middle knows every show coming out because she watches reviews and stuff. The biggest thing this season is probably Attack on Titan Season 2, but they held the release so long the hype is dying for me.
totally agree on AoT im looking forward to other things myself. right now we are doing overtime on the youtube stuff just because there is so many series we want to want. you probably ran into a similar problem that some people dont want to watch certain things and other do. gotta love the collection of opinions lol. from one reactor to another you gals are amusing and should keep up the good work. ~Zero(the weirdo in the middle)
She means: _everyone._ That includes Sayaka, and every other girl who ever would have or would become a witch. This even includes extraterrestrial magical girls, as the PSP game features a witch who came from another planet, meaning there were certainly other magical girls from there that Madoka would meet as well.
Breaking news: lesbian uses glitch in the matrix to make her crush god.
"Madoka does nothing the whole show, but then she saves everybody...' Actually, I would disagree. I'd like to defend Madoka, if you don't mind (because the opinion that she is "indecisive" or "does nothing" is so widespread...).
I never understand why people say Madoka doesn't do much. The one thing she doesn't do is become a magical girl, but frankly, it wasn't because she didn't want to: either stuff happened (Mami dying in front of her) or Homura prevented her from becoming one (once, by killing Kyūbē right in front of her). Other than that... she saves Hitomi's life in that suicide party by chucking that bucket with poisoin through the window; she tries to convince the girls to team up for safety (i.e. she has a clear mind and sees what would be safer); she asks Sayaka to take her along when going on patrol, despite having no powers to protect herself (it's as if you asked your cop uncle to take you along in dangerous missions despite you not even having a gun to protect yourself). She even makes a Tragic Mistake by throwing Sayaka's soul gem over the bridge.
Is this really "being indecisive" or "doing nothing"? How come?
I think people confuse Madoka's kindness with lack of resolve or passivity. It seems to be a difficult concept for us: someone who is both active and kind. It's not our most frequent hero profile, so we don't interpret it well.
True. Madoka supports her friends. That should get some kind of credit, but does society give recognition to people just for being amazing friends? No. Being a good friend is underrated, hence we instantly think it's nothing special.
Silbido Herz Yes, it is true. Interestingly, even though Western society is permeated by Christianity -- and Christian mythology is built around a character who, very much like Madoka, valued love and kindness above everything else, and who sacrificed himself on the cross so that others could be redeemed and attain eternal life --, yet we have a hard time with believable Christ-like heroes whose power is based on kindness. We prefer bad-asses, I guess. Some Christianity...
The Christology of Madoka is pretty evident, and the Church of Madoka -- yes, that is a thing... -- supports it: Madoka as a Christ figure. But personally, I prefer the idea that, despite all the Western imagery in the animē (Mitakihara looks so Western in its architecture... and in her breakfast in Episode 4, we see Madoka eating with fork and knife, not with chopsticks... and all the Faust quotes on the walls in Episode 2...), I think Madoka as a deity is more Eastern. She's more like Buddha (who had to abandon his privileged position and know suffering before attaining enlightenment -- Nirvāna) than she is like Christ.
Adding to what Asehpe says, allow me to explain why I consider Madoka as THE *bravest* (by far, even!) character in the entire series and in fact one of the bravest characters in ALL of fiction, despite how "cowardly" and "indecisive" she appears to the audience (and to herself! "I feel like a coward..." she says more than once) for the majority of the show. [She's also the kindest character in all of fiction, but that's obvious, unlike her hidden bravery].
Note that my definition of bravery isn't to never be afraid of anything, but to act/do what you must *in spite* of being scared. And that's what Madoka does. If you look into it closely, in the entirety of the series, Madoka *never* fails to act when there is something that she *can* do to help, no matter how scared she is: she defies Homura to rescue Kyubey in episode 1, throws away the suicide bucket in episode 4, risks going along with Sayaka's witch-hunts again and again, drops Sayaka's soulgem over the bridge in episode 6, is willing to make a contract to save Sayaka in episode 8, goes along with Kyoko's crazy and dangerous plan in episode 9, boldly goes to face certain death against Walpurgisnacht in episode 10, swiftly shoots Mami's soulgem without the slightest hesitation, killing her before she can kill Homura, again in episode 10, stands up to her mother and walks into something far worse than a hurricane in episode 11, and of course makes her ultimate wish/sacrifice in episode 12. And those are not all of the examples. Madoka *never* allows her fear to stop her from acting, she overcomes it instead, *every single time*. As for Madoka's crying and apparent indecision moments, if you stop to think for a moment, they are *all* cases where there's nothing tangible or positive that she can actually do.
So, in my opinion, any "criticism" of Madoka being cowardly and indecisive is unfounded. Quite the opposite in fact: if I absolutely had to express a critical viewpoint of her character, it would be from a "realism" standpoint: I'd argue that the mere existence of a person with Madoka's personality (with her kindness and bravery, plus her obvious *total inability* to hate *anyone*, even the Incubators) seems so impossible/unlikely, but maybe that's the exact point of the series (and why she does cease to exist at the end), she's always been more of a "Concept" than a person, even before her ascension to Godhood!
I think what they meant to say was Madoka didnt join the fight and become a magical girl till the last episode.
In fact
Madoka was the one who went to save Kyubey, which led to them meeting Mami. Which led to Sayaka being a magical girl eventually. Madoka was the one who made Homura tough in the first place and also saved her life, allowing all this to happen.
Madoka saved Hitomi's life by throwing away those chemicals. Madoka was the one advancing the plot despite being wimpy. So she actually did a lot even before episode 12.
And of course she rewrites the universe's law and saves Homura from Walpurgis.
What a fucking hero. Madoka is bae
If we're going by TVTropes, I believe the correct term for Madoka is "supporting protagonist": the story is told from her point of view, but she's not the primary character as far as moving the plot forward goes; that would be Homura (even if it isn't obvious that it's actually Homura's story until near the end).
6:22 anne frank is a magical girl
she did everything the entire show. She effected every single thing in the show, there are hundreds of timelines of her changing saving and doing things
Indeed it is pretty. But, to me, at least, it goes beyond that: it is also earned. The bittersweet ending with a 'system reboot' that keeps magical girls fighting against the evils of this world, but without forcing them to become said evils as they despair, is the logical consequence of everything that happened to Madoka. As she talks to Kyūbē in the evacuation center and he tells her how Homura is doomed as long as she hopes, Madoka looks out and says "but... but...!" -- and you can see she had an idea... An idea she could only have after having experienced all she experienced (when she knew less, in previous timelines, she didn't have such ideas for wishes... the first Madoka supposedly wished for a cat hurt in a car accident to get well...), and after having sufficient potential power to make it possible (so only after Homura had entangled all those timelines to make it possible). Unlike other similar endings, it fits the animē nicely and organically.
And yet... Sometimes I think that Urobuchi did this so we wouldn't feel so bad. Sometimes I think the ending he really wanted was to have Homura become a witch at the end of Episode 11 (let's say Madoka comes too late); and then, confused at seeing Homura turn into a witch, Madoka loses control and gets killed by the flying debris around them... Her mother Junko cannot forgive herself for having let her go, and ends up becoming an alcoholic who is fired from her corporate job and looks for consolation in the bottle, until she dies and leaves her husband Tomihisa and her little baby Tatsuya helpless and destitute, in a completely destroyed Mitakihara city, where Walpurgisnacht left only ruins...
Yet what we got is the girl who says, despite all the bad stuff that happened to her, despite all the disapointments and all the burdens from such an unfair system, that hope springs eternal... 'I will tell them they are wrong, every time, until they believe...' That's perhaps the least realistic thing of the entire animē (including the whole witch system and the far-fetched entropy rap): that there could be a person that, after going through so much, could still retain her sanity and, most importantly, her kindness. It feels like such a miracle that I want to say of course it couldn't happen; yet in the context of this story, it feels so well earned that I can't see a better ending for it.
As you will see, Berserk does something rather different there -- something that I think fits less well with the story (unless you really accept what that God Hand says at the beginning of every episode as the only truth).
Notice also that the last episode is very symbolic. For instance, after making her wish, we see Madoka talking to Mami, and then Kyōko. But they can't be together -- Madoka has just "become a concept without physical reality" so she couldn't interact with living or dead people; and later on, we see that what was "really happening" in the "real world" is that the girls (WITHOUT Madoka) were fighting against Sayaka's witch, and didn't even remember who Madoka was... So this conversation between Madoka and Mami (and Kyōko) is probably something happening in Madoka's mind, not in reality. It represents Madoka accepting her destiny, accepting the consequences of her wish, and doing that in a mental pretend conversation with two people she has grown to admire.
What an interesting take on that! I never thought that their conversation could just be taking place in her mind... it's a very sad possibility but it makes sense.
It also makes a lot more sense because Madoka promised to have cake with Mami when she became a magical girl. Her sharing tea and cake with Mami and Kyouko is her making peace with her promise and guilt.
Jason Parker Indeed. And notice also another detail: the conversation revolves around Madoka understanding the consequences of her wish: Mami telling her what it entails, Kyōko telling her that she has "found her reason to fight", and then Mami giving back to her the same sketch book she had left in Mami's apartment in Episode 4... as if saying, "now this, which represented your desire to become a magical girl, can go back to you". In other words, "you have found yourself, you have found your path in life".
Doesn't this all make more sense if seen as Madoka talking to herself, reasoning with herself, coming to understand what she has just done?
Asehpe It makes more logical sense for sure and makes what seems to be a more light-hearted scene much more mature.
I still like the idea of Mami and Kyouko cheering Madoka on as she becomes the Law of Cycles tho :3
Jason Parker It is cool, and cute as hell :-). And hey, eventually they will meet Madoka... as their own soul gems darken and they fall, Madoka will come to them. And if you accept (as headcanon) the fanfic works that depict Madoka as the queen of Magical GIrl Valhala... well, if you accept them at least for a few moments, just to enjoy it... then they will see (and remember) Madoka again. Someday. Somehow. As she said to Homura, miracles may be hard, but they do happen... don't you think?
As much as I enjoyed the reaction.... the girl on the left (haha) showed once more that nowadays diversity in visual appearance is more improtant than diversity in thought :( at least for some. Makes me sad, especially after experiencing all the incredible different characters in this (JAPANESE) anime. Argh
But I really enjoyed the reaction ;) loved the anime and thanks for sharing!
She just made me cringe, good god. Diversity = throw in some black people.
PS It's not "nowadays", it's just for pretentious people.
Not to mention black people are 0.02% of the japanese population, and foreign born people are 1,5%
Friendzoned
*by god*
Homura : I tried to save you from that contract ! Madoka !
Madoka : " Get the contract ~ "
Homura : Ahhh, here we go again 😅
Theres a side story manga about jean d arcs life as a magical girl its called puella magi tart magica
I'm a simple girl. I see a Madoka Magica reaction, I clicc.
The girl on the train isn’t Islamic, she’s Jewish. She’s supposed to be Anne Frank
LoryLilyBomber she meant the girl before that hiding from explosions. She was wearing a burka
Reaction to rebellion?
I want you (I mean Silbido Herz) to react to the 3rd movie 'Rebellion' as soon as possible.
DIVERSITY!!!
My God! The girl erased every magical girl in the human timeline so we see vikings, 2nd WW2 girls, pre-hispanic america girls fighting against witches. Its not about diversity. It's about human history. how can an ideology ruin an art 101.
Madoka died for our sins.
She is alive but exists as the Law of the Cycle.
Lol she's alive
Do you even know the meaning of a concept 💀
Amén
5:45
"DIVERSITY!!"
Cringe.
The scenes of different girls were powerful tho.
Me: **starts laughing in all main characters are Asian**
@@DiddyKingLP yes it was but like it was something that everybody just understands and didn't need to be said. It ruined the moment for me.
I have a theory that girl in the train is actually Anne Frank, and witnessing her sister's death in the concentration camp is what resulted in her becoming a witch, and most likely becoming Walpugest Night.
It's definitely implied to be Anne Frank.
Holy shit i didn't even think about that but it's definitely possible especially since this show makes German references all the time. Ie Faust has a large influence in the anime.
well this was funny to watch in a very weird way XD if you gals ever need some help please dont hesitate to ask. we have a solid fan base im sure would love your content if you decided to do more series. do you all watch anime on your own as well? we'd love to get your thoughts on anything coming out this season. ~Zero
+Otaku Saga Wow, it's neat to see a channel similar to ours. We do watch anime on our own, but I haven't been keeping current. The reactioner who sits in the middle knows every show coming out because she watches reviews and stuff. The biggest thing this season is probably Attack on Titan Season 2, but they held the release so long the hype is dying for me.
totally agree on AoT im looking forward to other things myself. right now we are doing overtime on the youtube stuff just because there is so many series we want to want. you probably ran into a similar problem that some people dont want to watch certain things and other do. gotta love the collection of opinions lol. from one reactor to another you gals are amusing and should keep up the good work. ~Zero(the weirdo in the middle)
12:59 with who she must meet up with everyone you i no that i'm late but can someone tell me who please
She means: _everyone._ That includes Sayaka, and every other girl who ever would have or would become a witch. This even includes extraterrestrial magical girls, as the PSP game features a witch who came from another planet, meaning there were certainly other magical girls from there that Madoka would meet as well.
I know this video is old but damn that left chick is ruining everything. I hope you got rid of her
Madoka became god
I love the reactions
Wow you guys really know how to ruin epic moments.
DIVERSITYYYYY!
Really wanted to punch the screen there.
The movie next?
A quick minute and a half recap video to make things less confusing : ua-cam.com/video/1EumULbDM8o/v-deo.html
Homura is abscessed with Madoka
Long live Lesbian Jesus!
QB don't like.
激しく同意
Bear hat girl is meeeeeeee
the girl on the far left a SJW?
Imagine using SJW unironically in 2020
@@Seifersythe they are still everywhere and are still annoying bitches.
@@jdogzerosilverblade299 You talk like an edgelord bitter teenager dude. Grow up.
@@Seifersythe ??? HAHAHA. where did that come from. and who stuck a stick up your ass.