#Shizuku Tsukishima's shoes

[s-c-kh]

[vergilboyfriend]

You should do all of them questions and 90 is true

I love you!!!!

1. Favorite instrument?

I work at a music store u can’t just ask me this. When my coworkers play it’s the saxophone or the flute, when the boys in the repair shop are testing repairs and they harmonize with each other or try to outplay one another it’s the bassoon or the trombone or whatever they’re fixing at the moment. When I hear 🎺 give his lesson on Wednesday afternoons it’s the trumpet, and when I think about middle school it’s the clarinet, the flute, the French horn. When I hear the nutcracker pas des deux is the oboe and when I hear edith piaf l’accordeoniste it’s the remarkable human voice. Really my favorite instrument is all of them, it just depends.

2. Favorite fic trope? Mutual pining 🥺

3. Sport you played for the longest amount of time? LMAO I wasn’t a sporty kid but I did ballet

4. Shoe size? 10-11

5. Most recent (good) dream? Uhh I had a dream last night about my coworker 🎹 it wasn’t bad though I can’t really remember what it was about

6. Last person in your DMs? smugg

7. Can you do a handstand? Nooo nooo lmaoo nooooo

8. Unpopular food opinion I don’t like oranges or red meat

9. Conspiracy you believe in? There’s some kind of weird weather dome in my hometown around the military base that makes most storms pass around us

10. Is your hair its natural color/style? Most of it is I dyed the bottom layer of my hair tho so it’s blonde rn

11. state a useless fact all that’s coming to mind is outright lies rn hold on. The inventor of pringles is buried in a pringles can that’s so fucking nasty omg

12. most interesting gossip you’ve heard? Idk I don’t really care for gossip uhhhh have u heard tho rin dippindogs is a huge gay hah she uhh she like men AND women lmao gaaay gaaaay

13. Middle name? Carolyn

14. Sexuality? Bisexual

15. Amount of sleep you got last night? Idk actually I think like 9-10 hrs tho I slept in until 11

16. Opinion on ice cream cake? Tasty!!!

17. Opinion on (cup)cake frosting? It’s depends buttercream is usually too sweet for me in large amounts so I prefer whipped cream frosting

18. Last board game you played? Idk??? We played hunt a killer tho last Thursday me n my family I guess that counts kinda

19. Project you want to start? I need ideas first baby

20. Project you’re working on right now? HAHAHAHAHAHA

21. TV show you’re watching? nothing rn I just rewatch bojack a lot if I watch anything

22. Last movie you watched? Lego batman I think

23. Ever left anon hate? Not legit hate

24. Ever left anon love? Yes all the time. Sometimes to strangers it’s my favorite thing to do

25. Best Disney movie? The princess and the frog

26. Best Pixar movie? Soul or Up I can’t decide

27. Best Star Wars? Um. Empire strikes back

28. Last thing you consumed? Fuit gumy

29. NoTP? Idk I don’t really hate ships unless they’re gross like pedophilic gross

30. story behind your (nick)name? When I was a fetus my great grandfather had a dream that my name should be Carolyn Marie but my parents were huge dweebs so they named me Marina after the actress of Deanna Troi in Star Trek. Idk about my nickname ive just always been Rina/Rin as long as I can remember

31. ice cream order? Lately it’s lemon sorbetto I know it’s SO high in sugar but I love it

32. describe your blog in <5 words I love you

33. how many blogs do you follow? 436

34. Describe your voice it depends usually I sound like a sick child but my customer service voice is really pleasant

35. Describe your smile it’s cute :)

36. What is the place you live known for? LMAOOO LMAO we have a military base nearby and like. I could go on abt that one but also like. There’s a lot of gang violence and a lot of the other consequences of poverty. People from the cities around us see us as “””ghetto””” or violent but it’s just. It’s more than that it’s always more than that. And idk what else there’s nothing really particularly special about this town except that we’re all here and not anywhere else

37. What is the place you’re originally from known for? (if they’re different)

38. pronouns? she/any idc

39. Languages you speak? English

40. first friend you made through tumblr? Idk. I probably don’t talk to them anymore :(

41. Person on tumblr you know in real life? my brother

42. First dog breed you think of shih tzu I have 2 next to me rn

43. room wall color? Purble!!!! The paint color is called grape juice that’s why I picked it!!!

44. Song that’s stuck in your head right now? It’s tricky to rock a rhyme to rock a rhyme that’s right on time it’s trickyyyyy

45. Favorite number? 5, 34

46. Color you associate with your name? Red

47. Favorite jolly rancher flavor?watermelon

48. Pets? 2 dogs rocket and groot and 4 cats loki danni who r from the same litter and we raised from kittens, miss kitty who we adopted from a shelter after my boy blue moon passed away and ben (his real name is Kylo Ren thanks to my mom but I refuse to call him that) he is my little baby and he has 7 toes on his front paws

49. Collections? Hot wheels

50. Character outside of your fandom you’d marry? Girl what lmaooo idk

51. Character outside of your fandom you’d kill? That’s mean :(

52. Have you met any celebrities? NO thank god id have to kill on sight

53. Favorite time period in history? Itslian Renaissance & Romantic Era

54. What time is it right now? 2:35 am oops

55. History or future? Future but like . A good one. Or prehistory

56. Space or ocean? Space

57. Fears? Abandonment

58. Command + v and post. It’s this list of questions u don’t want that

59. Favorite season? Spring

60. Describe your aesthetic. Messy just a mess, neon and old buildings and things, antiques, countryside if there weren’t so many trump pence flags still lmaoo give uppp give up, nature just al of nature and space and places humans can’t touch and places they used to touch but can’t anymore

61. MBTI? Infp but I haven’t taken it in a few years

62. What’s your relationship with your family like? Normal.

63. “Biggest fan” in your tumblr activity? I’m in mobile hold on acc to tumblr it’s akky

64. Favorite musical? Sweeney todd

65. Comfort book? Idk how to read 💔💔💔 wuthering heights tho

66. Comfort movie? Whisper of the heart

67. OTP? Girl idk

68. BroTP? Joey and Tristan yugioh

69. AUs or canon compliant? Canon ig idk

70. Opinion on the person who’s sending the ask? It’s an anon!! But I love them

71. FMK + 3 characters anon didnt leave any characters and I was going to say something very bad but I won’t

72. Dream date? I’ve wanted to do this for a while but ideally it would be after we’d been together a while maybe even engaged or whatever, I wanna go to like a Home Depot or a furniture store and pretend to be married and looking for house paints and furniture and plan what our home is going to look like I wanna do that so bad. But idk for a first/early relationship date i really want to go to the zilker botanical garden it’s one of my favorite places, we could also go to the natural gardener which is a plant nursery in Austin I really love it there too and it’s not that far from zilker.

73. Relationship status? Single

74. Ever dyed your hair? Do you plan to? Yes and perhaps. Maybe

75. Dream job/career? Idk anymore I used to have big girl goals and I haven’t had any in a while. But when I was younger I wanted to be a game warden

76. Favorite band/singer? Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

77. Something that makes you soft/that you find adorable? My cats

78. The first thing you would do if you won the lottery? Buy a house

79. Are you superstitious? Yes

80. Character you project onto? Shizuku tsukishima

81. Fictional character you’ve had a crush on? Vergil devil may cry. Forever husband

82. Celebrity crush? LMAO

83. Person on here you’d date? my mutuals

84. Person on here you’d marry? 🥺 my mutuals

85. Person on here you’d throw into the void? Smugg

86. Other social media you have? I’ve got a photography insta that I barely use and a Twitter that’s just nintendo switch screenies that’s it

87. Finish the sentence: Due to personal reasons, ___________i will be passing away

88. Bad habit? I find it rlly hard to say no or like to say when and why I’m upset I don’t feel like for the latter I don’t feel like I should bring something that’s upsetting me up because I know I’ll get over it on my own and I don’t really trust myself to be upset about rational things. Idk I’m working on it

89. Three things you like about yourself? I’m hot, I’m kind, I’m resilient

90. Ily and you deserve the world I love you!!!!! YOU deserve it too!!!

[writing-corner-of-ashley]

Whisper of the Heart (1995) Film Review

Spoiler review! Read at your own risk. 

Whisper of the Heart is a 1995 animated film directed by Yoshifumi Kondo, who was supposed to be the successor for Studio Ghibli. However, he died in 1998 before he could direct more films, so Whisper of the Heart can be considered special on its own.

I’m going to sound really biased discussing this film, because it’s a personal favorite of mine. Whisper of the Heart is a romantic and coming-of-age film, centering on two main characters: Shizuku Tsukishima and Seiji Amasawa.

Shizuku, the main protagonist as the film revolves around her point of view. (Photo retrieved from Reddit, ctto)

Seiji, the secondary protagonist (or deuteragonist to sound posh) and Shizuku’s love interest. (Retrieved from Glow blogspot, ctto)

It can also be considered a slice of life film since the circumstances were grounded on reality although it also contains fantastical elements which stems from Shizuku’s imagination.

So I’m going to start with my positive observations because those are my prominent thoughts on this film. I will start first with the characters themselves because they’re the ones important to the film and in making the story alive. 

Positive Observations:

Shizuku and Seiji are relatable characters, they are like you and me. I believe a film’s strength relies on its characters. If the story itself is good, it will not be worth something if the characters themselves are bland and empty. However, in this film, I felt pleased knowing Shizuku and Seiji. Most importantly, I felt myself connecting and resonating with them - especially Shizuku.  

Shizuku sitting inside the train on a normal day. (Gif not mine, ctto)

Both Shizuku and Seiji were in the adolescent period where personal growth is very crucial and changes are happening in transitioning to an adult. It was at this point they were both trying to figure out who they’re supposed to be; finding their place in the world; and what future they were envisioning for themselves. 

We can relate to that kind of reflection in ourselves because we all underwent the same way: questioning and discovering who we really are and what we want. It also includes the journey towards achieving the goals we have set in our lives in order for us to feel happy and fulfilled with ourselves.

Seiji escorting Shizuku home. (Gif not mine, ctto)

Frankly, I’m also still in the adolescent age although I’m older than Shizuku and Seiji in this film (seeing as they’re both 14) and I am still trying to figure out what I want in my life. 

It was easy to resonate with them because they’re also experiencing realistic life experiences - going through change that at first makes us in despair (as evident when Shizuku feels down when she feels like she’s changing; Seiji breaking down in tears when he attempted to make his first violin) and the indecisiveness we’re experiencing for our futures.

Shizuku feeling down as she felt herself changing. (Gif not mine, ctto)

None of what they’re going through is fictional so it is very easy to feel what it’s like in their shoes - which would include the air of awkwardness between the two of them that is reminiscent of adolescent romance. 

Schoolmates trying to eavesdrop in Shizuku and Seiji’s conversation, which made it more awkward. (I personally found this scene funny) (Gif not mine, ctto)

Shizuku and Seiji are very likeable characters. So aside from the equation of making the characters relatable and realistic, there is also another equation of making them likeable. Likeability plays an important factor in making the character that can resonate with the audience. If the character fails to be likeable (ehem, Rikako) then the audience would be reluctant to make a connection with them despite having real life experiences anyone can relate to. However in the case of Shizuku and Seiji, they were both really engaging characters.

Shizuku and Seiji talking comfortably with one another. (Gif not mine, ctto)

They were both interesting and I actually want more of them, which is why they’re perfect for one another (the shipper comes out I’m sorry). 

What made it even more amazing is that Shizuku and Seiji can be recognized separately from one another. They’re not the type wherein you can mention one character and yet their only notable trait is their relationship with another character; not having any distinction of their own. 

What’s great about Shizuku and Seiji is that they have their own unique characteristics and situations: Shizuku being the more expressive aspiring writer with a supportive family and Seiji being the more silent aspiring luthier yet with a reluctant family.

Shizuku writing. (Gif not mine, ctto)

Seiji crafting a violin. (Gif not mine, ctto)

They have their own strengths and weaknesses as a character, as well as positive and negative traits (albeit minimal) just like any human being. What also made it great is that any negative traits of theirs do not overpower their positive traits therefore making the audience feel warm, sympathetic, and drawn towards them because one has to consider that they’re both protagonists and not antagonists.

Seiji being caring towards Shizuku. (Sigh. Very cute!!) (Gif not mine, ctto)

Although there are films with complex protagonists like positive and negative traits altogether become mixed; the film has to explore the circumstances and situations they are in to make the audience understand and connect with them in ways to make them likeable and intriguing. In the case of Shizuku and Seiji, they were both very likeable and interesting, which is already a terrific start in progressing the story. 

Shizuku and Seiji’s chemistry is perfect. It was also in both Shizuku and Seiji’s distinctions that ultimately made them a great pair. Shizuku is the more expressive one: she knows how to deal with words and she almost always impulsively says what she feels or wants, as noted by her best friend, Yuko, who said (non-verbatim), “You always know how to express yourself, unlike me.”

Shizuku feeling very annoyed after meeting Seiji. (Gif not mine, ctto)

She is also considered to be scatterbrained or someone who usually keeps their head in the clouds and invested in their own world - as she has a sense of vivid imagination.

Shizuku so caught up in her own imagination she almost got ran over. (Gif not mine, ctto)

She is also the type who has the tendency to panic and worry so much, instead of maintaining a composure. She is also prone to insecurity, denoting a lack of confidence in her abilities - which also contributed to her immense self-pressure. 

Shizuku stressing herself out over finishing her story. (Gif not mine, ctto)

She also has the tendency to isolate herself when she’s pressuring and struggling with herself such as when she tries to finish her book. She also bottles up her feelings and keeps them to herself: not really sharing her qualms with her family. Aside from that, despite her love for Seiji, she still tends to compare herself with him; even to the point that she felt she wasn’t good enough for him.

Shizuku opening up to Yuko about not feeling good enough for Seiji (Oh boy can I relate). (Gif not mine, ctto) 

Seiji, on the other hand, is the more silent one: he knows what he’s doing because he invests more in actions than words. This was evident when he started checking out books before Shizuku so that she’ll be able to notice him, rather than just confessing to her in a straightforward manner.

Seiji admitting to have been checking out books before Shizuku to get her attention (ughhhh this is so cute huhu). (Photo retrieved from Pinterest, ctto)

Unlike Shizuku, he’s calm and collected as well as blunt, especially whenever he would be weirded out with Shizuku’s seemingly outlandish comments.

Seiji being weirded out by Shizuku’s comment of his violin as she said it’s like magic. (Photo retrieved from Fio Picolo’s Tumblr, credits to at.kawaiianime)

He is also more confident in pursuing his dream of becoming a luthier, even risking having a strained relationship with his family. He even risked going out of his comfort zone to go to Cremona, Italy to truly hone his skills and not pursue the conventional path of going to high school and college.

Seiji playing the violin (Tbh, he’s very handsome in this scene ugh) (Gif not mine, ctto)

He is also more experienced than Shizuku as he had already started the pursuit of his dream while Shizuku is still starting her journey - which would explain his rather nonchalant approach. 

The one thing Shizuku and Seiji have in common is that they were both extremely passionate about what they wanted in their lives. It was passion that binds them together and served as the foundation of their relationship, indicating that they both have the same mindset.

Seiji and Shizuku performing “Country Roads” with translated Japanese lyrics. (It’s an amazing cover btw!) (Gif not mine, ctto)

It was also their distinctions that made them the puzzle piece for one another, as Seiji balances out Shizuku and they can learn things from each other. 

Even though they started on the wrong footing as Shizuku first found him rude as he teased her by mocking her written graduation lyrics of Country Roads, their relationship eventually developed overtime as they got to know each other.

 Seiji’s first words to Shizuku. (Gif not mine, ctto)

I also think the scene when Shizuku discovered that Seiji is the same boy who checked out all of the books she has been borrowing was pivotal, because Shizuku has been fantasizing or rather have her own image of who Seiji Amasawa might be and it all came crashing down that it was the same rude boy she has met. 

It is an indication that having a certain image of someone might not be accurate to how they really are in real life, and this revelation seemed to give Shizuku a dose of reality. It denotes that while having a wild imagination and being a fan of fiction is great, it does not really bode well if we apply these things in real life.

Shizuku and Seiji arguing when Shizuku found out he’s the Seiji Amasawa. (Photo retrieved from The Asian Cinema Critic, ctto)

In other words, Seiji served as the reality that Shizuku needs in order to grow more as a person. She realized that she needs to figure out what she wanted to do in her life; that there’s a life beyond her books; and she needs to know herself more. This was affirmed by Shizuku in the end, “You’re the one who inspired me, Seiji.”

The scene where Shizuku uttered that sweet phrase. (Gif not mine, ctto)

Another symbolism of their relationship is when Seiji is cycling upwards on a steep hill and he insists on carrying Shizuku, which she disagreed with. She then helped him push the bike upwards and said the phrase, “If I’m going with you, I’m going to help you.” 

This represents how important reciprocity is in a relationship in order to make it progress - as evident that they both managed to push the bike to the top despite getting tired.

Shizuku helping Seiji go upwards on the steep hill, affirming that she doesn’t want to be a burden for him. (Ah, yes, beautiful). (Gif not mine, ctto)

Alongside this, since they also shared the same mindset of being passionate in what they want, they are also willing to commit to each other - therefore making their relationship strong. The film did a wonderful job in creating a romance that’s healthy and a great example for everyone. 

Seiji hugging Shizuku and loudly proclaiming he loves her. (A very sweet and heartwarming moment ugh) (Gif not mine, ctto)

The film teaches us that pursuing your passion, albeit unconventional, is what really matters. In life, people would usually think that studying hard is the key to have a great future. People would not think twice of finishing college education, like it was as if it was already mandatory to finish college to have more job opportunities and to determine what career we would like in life. It makes us think that being able to finish college or even pursuing a graduate education equates to success and fulfillment.

Shizuku writing down notes from books, although she’s not really studying for her lessons. (Gif not mine, ctto)

However, this film showed us that’s not always the case. There are some dreams and jobs that do not require the traditional high school or college education like the case of Seiji, who wants to become a luthier. 

Just because someone wants to pursue a career that does not require the conventional pathway to success doesn’t mean they will become a failure in life; in which unfortunately Seiji’s family and Shizuku’s older sister, Shiho, doesn’t think that way. 

Shiho snatching Shizuku’s headphones as she writes, an act of disturbance. (Gif not mine, ctto)

They thought that straying away from what is considered “normal” or “practical” is a bad idea as they seemed to hold financial stability on a higher level than passion. 

However the film was trying to tell us that passion is what’s more important even when you have to take the risk going on your own path and doing things differently. It tells us that it’s passion that will engulf our hearts in merry flames and will ultimately make us feel happy, regardless if it’s not conventional.

The film showed that pursuing one’s passion is no easy journey. It truly portrayed how one’s journey towards achieving their dreams will be hard especially when one is just starting. 

This was symbolized in the imagery of a rock with gems within it as shown by Seiji’s grandfather, Shiro Nishi. Nishi explained that the rock is just like an artisan: still rough, raw, and natural. For a beginner, no one should expect perfection, but they can work in finding the gems within themselves. Once an artisan finds their fullest potential, then they will make an effort in polishing and refining it.

Nishi explaining the rock’s symbolism to Shizuku. (Gif not mine, credits to AnimePlus.TV)

It’s a simple yet wonderful imagery that tells us the road towards our dreams is still a long way and it’s up to us to continue further down the rocky road - eager to fully furnish our own shiny gem. However we must also be ready to face the hardships that we’ll be dealing with - such as the feelings of crippling despair, self-doubt, anxiety, and pressure that could tempt us in giving up.

Shizuku being very tired from all the writing she has been doing. (Gif not mine, ctto)

It’s normal to feel like we’re not good enough; comparing ourselves to others; and worrying if we will ever perfect the precious gem we have found within ourselves. 

However, we must always remember that we wouldn’t know until we try. We have our own paths to walk on and comparing our progress to others constantly is not fair for us. 

Other people, even when it’s our significant other, a friend, or a family member, is also in their own unique journey through life. Not all of us are the same because we are different and diverse from one another but we can still find ways to connect with others.

Seiji holding Shizuku’s hand. (A really tender moment and they stayed like that for awhile ughhh) (Gif not mine, ctto)

This connection will serve as our support system as we continue our pursuit in achieving what makes us happy in life and they will be there to remind us to never give up; that there will be light at the end of the long tunnel. It will all be worth it at the end. 

The sunset at the ending scene (beautiful visuals!) (Gif not mine, ctto)

Well that was long. It was because I really loved this film hence I have a lot of positive things to say about it. Honestly, when I re-watched the film to determine what negative observations I had: frankly there’s a little to none. I tried thinking of a negative observation but they were too far of reach. However, I do notice some aspects that can contribute as to why people wouldn’t really like it or consider it as impactful.

Negative Observations:

The film could be considered too idealistic for some. There are some people whose dreams in life include going down the conventional path in which they could aspire to be a teacher, doctor, engineer, or other jobs that are considered “respectable” or “financially promising”. 

They would also most likely agree with the perspective of Shiho, who thinks that being practical in finding a job that will satisfy you financially is what’s most important. They would also think that this film is too “feel-good” or rather very idealistic.

Shizuku’s apartment on a rainy day; representation of a dim reality. (Gif not mine, ctto) 

They would not resonate well with Shizuku and Seiji because of the couple’s idealistic mindset that could be considered “naive” for them. Although I myself shared Shiho’s sentiment on some level and this is what I have been wrestling with in the past years: financial stability or passion? 

Anyway, some people think that having financial stability will ultimately make them feel happy on itself hence that’s their dream. In that mindset, it is understandable that they would not appreciate the film in its entirety as well as the characters, so it fails to foster a connection with them. They would rather see a film with Shiho as the protagonist instead. 

Shiho shouting orders at Shizuku while she’s about to take a shower. (Gif not mine, ctto)

The film’s romance could also be considered as “corny” to some. I personally love the Shizuku and Seiji romance as well as the ending when Seiji proposed future marriage. 

But I have also seen some reviews that thought it’s too sudden and they found it corny to watch - which is why Hayao Miyazaki defended it on an interview where he explained that he wanted Shizuku and Seiji to commit to something because a lot of young people these days are too scared for commitment and would rather be in a moratorium stage for ages and I TOTALLY agree.

Seiji shyly proposing to Shizuku in the ending scene. (UGH THIS IS MY FAVE SCENE OF THEM I SCREAMED) (Gif not mine, ctto) 

Hook-up culture is very prominent because a lot of people in the adolescent stage were too apprehensive to commit to a relationship, so I personally found the Shizuku and Seiji romance to be a breath of fresh air. It is very wholesome, pure, and healthy. 

However, there are some people who find it cringey to watch such romance - maybe because they weren’t into it and it’s too sappy for their taste. I don’t judge because we all have different tastes.

It could also be possible that they like the story but the couple’s romance ruins it for them, in which another Ghibli film, Kiki’s Delivery Service may be better for them.

It also has the same premise as Whisper of the Heart, but it’s more fantastical and focuses mainly on the dreams of Kiki. It has no romantic subplot in the sidelines, so it’s definitely a recommendable film to anyone who is not into romance. 

Those were really the only negative observations I have seen from the film, because I find it to be a simple yet heartwarming masterpiece. I really admired Kondo’s work in this, because he really captured what an adolescent is going through in pursuit of a dream that seemed so far away.

Shizuku running in trying to find her gem in her dream. (Gif not mine, ctto) 

I really resonated well with Shizuku as I’m also an aspiring writer on my own with a huge amount of self-doubt and anxiety to the point that I’m also bordering on becoming Shiho. 

However, this film struck gold within me and I got inspired to pursue writing. I want to refine the gem I found within myself; which is why I’m writing this review now.

Shizuku basking in the view of West Tokyo. (Gif not mine, ctto) 

Thank you, Mr. Yoshifumi Kondo for creating such a wonderful film that I can go back to. Rest in peace. I rate this 5 out of 5 movie tickets. Bravo.