Ok but I NEED TO TALK ABOUT MY TWO FAVOURITE FRAMES FROM THE BROS HUG
After the first hug, Mario immediately goes to gently cup and pull Luigi's face towards him. He needs to take in that his brother is right here. He needs to make sure that he's not hurt.
And stars help Bowser if Luigi was!
THE FOREHEAD TOUCH
Oh stars the forehead touch. So much meaning in this one moment ❤💚
Now, forehead touches can have various meanings in many cultures; but in general, touching ones forehead to another person's is a way to get across love, soothe anxiety, and can be seen as a protective gesture.
And that's exactly what's happening here. The Bros are grounding themselves in the moment. And look at the way their eyes meet! In various cultures as well, the eyes are believed to be windows to the soul. The Bros are not just communicating through their physical affection - they are healing each other's hearts.
And given what they have been through, they need it 💗
In this one moment, the Bros can forget about the terror and danger around them.
In this one moment, they are able to focus on the one thing that matters the most to them.
- - -
Also a side note: Luigi doesn't say a word during this exchange (not counting after, when he makes the bear comment 😁). And some will probably think "Oh man that sucks!", but honestly it says a lot about these characters. Luigi chooses to remain silent, because he knows that if he attempted to speak in that moment, he would burst into tears and be unable to stop💧
And how it was played as a funny jab at Aku's starvation for approval?
Well, I think it portrays more condescension on Dazai's part than it seems...
Because Dazai touching Akutagawa might have been the reason he even fainted.
Akutagawa clearly agrees with Dazai when he points out his exhaustion, responding to his "You're at your limit, now, aren't you?" With "It doesn't matter".
Rashōmon could have been the only thing keeping Akutagawa standing at that moment.
Dazai could have been totally aware that that was the case.
And what he does? Nullify his ability right then and there. Seep what's left of his strength away. Before, and not after, he provides him the praise he oh-so-needs after so, so long.
I'm half certain Dazai wouldn't have given that compliment if he wasn't sure he'd turn his protege off that way. Never having to deal with the reaction, never having to handle the emotions that would result and stem because of him. Easier that way, isn't it?
And you know what? I don't even think Akutagawa heard him at that moment, else why would he still be adamant to win Dazai's approval after this scene?
they unearth the miyagi box and it's just photo albums of daniel and little sam and littler anthony and bonus julie in her prom dress because maybe the real karate was the families we found along the way