Ikoku Meiro no Croisée 12 (final) ~ the smallest one there

Yune makes a frightful decision.

Episode 12 brings Ikoku Meiro no Croisée (Crossings in a foreign labyrinth) to a close. Last week’s episode pointed in two directions for an ending: either exploration of Claude’s relationship with his father, or Yune leaving. This week they managed to go in both directions at once. The result is a surprisingly satisfying conclusion.

Ikoku Meiro no Croisée 11 ~ did you just cast a spell on me?

This episode was even more visually appealing than usual. I think, in part, it was because there were a lot of outdoor scenes.

Episode 11 of Ikoku Meiro no Croisée (Crossings in a foreign labyrinth) dealt with magic and prayer as ways of digging into Yune’s sad past, and suggesting possible directions for the end of the show. It was also full of beautiful imagery, so I found myself screen capping even more than usual.

Ikoku Meiro no Croisée 10 ~ phantasmes

Oh, Oscar! Up to his mischief again.

In episode 10 of Ikoku Meiro no Croisée (Crossings in a foreign labyrinth), specters haunt the Galerie du Roy. Oscar uses a strange machine to produce mysterious images of things that aren’t there, and Claude Claudel is haunted by the memory of his father, Jean.

Ikoku Meiro no Croisée 9 ~ tighten it more

Claude is pensive.

Episode 9 of Ikoku Meiro no Croisée (Crossings in a foreign labyrinth) is sadder than any of the previous episodes, as Camille Blanche and Claude Claudel think back to the time they spent together and the impossibility of their being together.

Ikoku Meiro no Croisée 4.5 ~ what separated them wasn’t just the ocean

Yune stops to listen to a guitar being played in the Galerie du Roy.

There were Internet rumors about a bonus episode of Ikoku Meiro no Croisée (Crossings in the foreign labyrinth). This episode, which comes between 4 and 5 has appeared, and it relates to the relationship between Claude and Camille, which has been growing in importance. As those following the series know, an important theme is the contrast and occasional misunderstandings between cultures (especially Japan and France). In some ways this theme is inverted in episode 4.5, and we see instead how, despite superficial differences, commonalities remain.

Ikoku Meiro no Croisée 8 ~ that freedom is her specialty

Camille Blanche expresses her admiration for Alice's relative freedom.

Cats, prostitutes, and lovers. Episode 8 of Ikoku Meiro no Croisée (Crossings in the foreign labyrinth) seems to be a turning point in the series. As usual, the plot itself is minimal, and some time is spent on the difference between Japanese and French cultures, but there is an extraordinary development of character — both Camille’s and that of her sister, Alice. This was easily my favorite episode so far, and not just because we get to see Camille at three different ages.

Ikoku Meiro no Croisée 7 ~ dat kiss

Get used to it, Claude.

Episode 7 of Ikoku Meiro no Croisée (Crossings in a foreign labyrinth) involves several characters that have different perspectives of Yune. Yune learns a bit about the French custom of kissing, and there’s a bit of drama with accusations and regrets.

Ikoku Meiro no Croisée 6 ~ photo shoot

Pictures are taken. Will these memories be treasured forever?

Episode 6 of Ikoku Meiro no Croisée (Crossings in a foreign labyrinth) brings Alice back. Being rich, she has relatively easy access to photographers, and she wants a picture of Yune and herself. Yune is easily swayed with the idea that she can send the photo to her sister in Japan, and so another zany day at the Blanche family home is spent.

Ikoku Meiro no Croisée 5 ~ smiling faces sometimes

Yune learns that you can't trust everybody.

Ikoku Meiro no Croisée (Crossings in the Foreign Labyrinth) episode 5 covers a hard lesson for Yune. Claude wants to teach her something about freedom, but she learns how to distrust instead. We also learn more about the poor boy we have seen already in several episodes.

Ikoku Meiro no Croisée 4 ~ tea time

Alice Blanche our scheming oujo-sama.

This episode we got a full dose of Alice, the Japanophile that owns the Galerie and Yune’s mother’s kimono. Alice invites Yune to tea, but trys to steal her away forever.