Please keep things civil in the comment section! This series is extremely nuanced and so debating is more than welcome, just don't be an ass about it. There have been many comments that have had to be removed already due to outbursts which I understand seeing as the community is very passionate about this show (and for good reason), however phrasing your argument in a way that's not antagonizing and comes with evidence attached goes a long way in changing someone else's viewpoint. I'm aware that there are many takes that I personally have that will go against what others think, and your takes are completely valid! I really do enjoy reading every single one and the ones I've responded to or liked have all given me some new insight on this series because as stated in the video, my lord, there's a lot in this series and so many things do go unnoticed! Next video is on Sonny Boy! Notes, corrections, all that jazz: - Madoka in the flower field can be shown as a true representation of Madoka's feelings and not the result of Homura's delusion, contrary to what I said in this video. Evidence that can be used for this take is found in the shot of Madoka reaching her arm out to Homura where we can see cuts on her arm that may be used to represent self harm seeing as there have been ongoing themes of self harm and the taking of ones life. Not only that, but apparently in Puella Magi Madoka Magica's novel we can come to the conclusion that Madoka is indeed suffering in her Goddess form. Unfortunately, the novel section is mostly from word of mouth as I cannot seem to find an English translation and my Japanese is ironically subpar (Also because I'm busy making the next video right now, so I'll trust the fandom's extensive research on this one) - I am aware that the manga is not the source material and was a later addition, I only use that to show that my interpretation is not one that’s completely unsupported although I will say I worded it terribly at the time and was too lazy to fix it. I am an idiot moronhead for that - There are adult magical girls in Magia Record (did not go through that series) refuting the time limit connection between Faust and this series
20:34 In Magia Record, we actually do see some older magical girls! It’s said that due to them growing older, they grow weaker and soon become unable to fight against witches. I personally chalk this up to your powers directly correlating to both your emotional range and faith in your wish. When you get older, you don’t react as explosively to bad things in your life as you’ve grown up enough to know how to deal with them-and remember; Kyubey specifically targets people in puberty, where your hormones start intensifying and complicating your emotions and since you’re older, you get new, equally as complex issues. It makes sense their power is based on their emotional range. We also see what happens to magical girls when they lose faith in their wish; they lose their powers. As an example, Kyoko’s ability is creating illusions, but she lost this ability when her family died and she lost faith in she wish.
good to know, i have yet to rly dive into magia record (seeing as its unplayable now and all tht) but ill def have to look into it before the movie comes out
@@senhyaku I believe the oldest magical girl was pernella she comes from the tart manga. She was basically immortal like she knew the pther magical girls when they were kids so age isn't always a factor. But then again we never learn her wish. But she was married to the alchemist Nicolas flamel. We can say shes over 100 at the end of the manga if using real life. The real pernella was born in 1320 and in the manga she saw joan of arcs execution. Which was in 1431.
@@projectboy5409 She was married to an alchemist seeking (and apparently may have actually made) the philospher's stone and eternal life. Meanwhile Pernelle herself already had eternal life in this continuity before she probably would've even met him. Edit: Just read Pernelle's PMMM wiki page. Turns out her story in Magia Record are _way_ more complicated than I ever predicted. Apparently her husband somehow ended up as a shota, and they had a daughter who has concept art for a Magical Girl design. I need to see what happened in the "The Inheritors of Our Souls" event.
I just stumbled over this video, and as a german person who has been obsessed with this anime for years, lemme tell you: 7:45 This was the first time I heard someone non-german pronounce Walpurgisnacht correctly.
i like to believe that the fact on why homura couldnt save madoka was because of her own selfishness of how she wanted to be "madokas savior" since her wish was to protect madoka. in her wish she didnt directly state that she wanted to save madoka she just said she wanted to protect her, that leading to her not being able to save her in any of the timelines. that also makes me believe that the reason why her and madoka are the last ones alive in the fight of walpurgisnacht was because she couldnt protect the other magical girls since her wish was to only protect madoka
Your interpretation of Homura and Madoka's character is 100% wrong tho. The novel proves it. Madoka was always sad about her life as a goddess and is clear her low self esteem was a big motivator for her to do the self sacrifice. Homura is motivated by selfish reasons but she is also the only person who understands how madoka feels and tries to help her. The only people "in love with the idea of a Madoka" are the people who blindly accept a 12yo sacrificing their life for the sake of the universe..... You got the whole show wrong... This isn't a story about the descent to madness by an obsession. This is a story about how the world takes advantage of young impressionable girls for its own preservation, and how girls are saved by each other. And we see that in every character arch.
This story is extremely layered, so I can definitely see how you arrived at that interpretation. I actually touch on the societal exploitation angle during Sayaka’s analysis in the TV series section. I’m not saying your view is wrong; rather, I believe that treating this series as only one thing limits the depth of a story as intricate as this one. I just feel like exploring multiple perspectives feels truer to what the show is trying to convey I’d love to check out the novel you mentioned on Madoka’s struggles as a goddess, so if you wouldn't mind letting me know which one it was, I'll definitely give it a read. I hadn’t realised there was even more to her inner conflict after her ascension so if it brings up anything worth clarifying, I’d be more than willing to add some notes and corrections in the pinned comment!
@senhyaku I like to view media analysis theough a semi-scientific lens. I create models of the characters and themes that I use to understand the bigger picture, which in turn allows me to make predictions about installments I haven’t seen yet. As of writing this, I haven’t watched your video, but I hope that when I do, I can update my current models with any new observations you’ve made. That being said, there are some interpretations that are better supported by the text than others. I’m interested in hearing what you think, and why you think so.
@@senhyaku I understand it's very layered, and they purposefully keep it kinda dubious in the animated releases (I guess it's to keep things up to interpretation for suspension, for now). So I get why people come to your conclusion. I just think it's sad that the same worldview that the show critiques and that enables Madoka's sacrifice in universe, is also the same worldview irl viewers have about the situation. Your choice of words about "the idea of a Madoka" was really an irony, so I felt really compelled to reply. But I'm glad you're willing to dive deeper into it! The novel is called "Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Novel" Besides the novel, Madoka's music theme "Mata Ashita", and the concept movie released by shaft support this interpretation. I haven't played the game yet but rumors are, it implies Madoka can't talk with the girls taken by the law of circles. Considering all of this as context, you'll also begin to see the flower field scene as the real Madoka's feelings.
@@lolaurabc this is so interesting because on my first watch, I though the scene in the flower field showed real Madoka's hidden feelings, while on my second watch, I figured all of them had altered memories (while in Homura's pre-witch prison), so they could only act based on what they remember. And if Madoka couldn't remember all the events that led her to becoming a goddess, of course self sacrifice would sound silly. She was always the one who seemed to value her life more, taking more time to choose her wish than any of the others cause she knew it would put her at risk. But given all that happened, and how successful her becoming a goddess seemed to be, she didn't appear to regret it at all in the anime finale or when she had her memories back in the movie. Why would she appear sad, and be against Homura in the end of the movie if her true wishes were to not be a goddess anymore and live a normal life? Maybe because she feels guilty... Either way I became interested in the novel as well, specially if it gives more context to any of this!
Homura is honestly one of the most relatable characters in fictions to me, and it’s a guilty pleasure lmao, her way of thinking aligns with me and although I haven’t seen the love of my life die before my eyes hundreds of times, I do relate to that feeling. Although her actions are unjust and evil, she still had some positive intentions and I identify myself with the idea of throwing her humanity away, just to reunite with her loved one
27:19 something I think is debatable here is that the Madoka shown here is actually the truest madoka.This Madoka is the part of the law of cycles that Homura lured in,which means this is the "ideal" Madoka that Homura desires,the Madoka who does what she advised in the tv series and "cares for order and family over desire".The Madoka shown here does not have memories of witnessing the tragic fates of Sayaka,Mami,Kyoko and all other magical girls across history and thus doesn't have the resolve needed to make the ultimate sacrifice.This is Madoka if she had never met magical girls,it's the Madoka that Homura loved most deeply.
I loved this show when I first saw it in high school, and was shocked by the movie's ending. I remember how angry everyone was with Homura, so I'm glad we can see a more nuanced take on her character here! Great video as always!
I, to this day, have never recovered from the sheer whiplash I experienced with episode 3 Mami was my favorite character and I loved watching her fight and watching her genuine struggle between her loneliness and making sure they regret nothing Not to mention I found Kalafina separately and owned the magia album, Magia was my favorite track and I listened to it on repeat for weeks before I found madoka I went from the absolute hype of Mami kicking ass and how sweet the moment between her and madoka was directly into extreme confusion and despair, then into my favorite song playing over top to completely destroy my ability to parse what happened I had to sit there in silence for a while to just let it settle but I never recovered fully and it's always sat with me
Loved the video, but just to note: The manga came after the anime. The anime is an original property, with the manga being an adaptation of the show, not the other way around. The wraith arc is, at present, not confirmed to be cannon.
Madoka Magica was the first anime I ever watched so I hold it close to my heart. Seeing a video essay on it that touches on the themes and parallels to the tale of Faust and explains it in a way that's a lot easier to understand and retain than other videos. The editing was also really great, good job :D
This was a fun watch, though I do admittedly have to poke some holes in this analysis, mostly regarding Rebellion. Nagisa may have felt like she had no reason for being there once she was revealed to be a magical girl and not just whatever Bebe was, but Bebe was important particularly to Mami. Mami's main issue in the series is her crippling loneliness, it's what caused her to want Sayaka and Madoka to become magical girls despite the hardships. Bebe was there to let Mami not be so lonely despite still living alone with no family. In this paradise she finally has someone who's always there for her. My other issue with this analysis is the idea that Madoka in Rebellion is a fake Madoka. The film itself states that the Madoka in Homura's labyrinth is a part of Madoka (the law of cycles) as she wasn't able to penetrate the barrier the incubators placed over Homura's soul gem without exposing herself to them. So Madoka decided to sneak into the barrier, using a part of her that's essentially how she was at the start of the show as well as Sayaka and Nagisa to basically act as her assistants (This also circles back to why Nagisa was there). The reason Madoka tells Homura that she could never leave her behind is because this is a Madoka who doesn't know her own strength. At the start if the show Madoka thought very little of herself, so for this part of Madoka with no memories of what happened in the series to call herself too weak to become a god makes perfect sense. Your analysis was a fun watch! I hope you continue making more!
I came across this video and I'm a simple guy, I see Homura, I click And I am so glad I did! I was positively suprised to find this video be very entertaining and give me a new perspective to look at Your editing style is polished and adds to the occasional silly joke I was especially intrigued by your comparison with Faust since I was born in Germany, yet never read Faust (it was taken out the curriculum for some dumb reason) This video gave me a very good reason to finally catch up on it and put the skills I've learned in my "Deutsch Leistungskurs" class to use I really hope your channel will be blessed by the algorithm
Loved the video, few notes though: Madoka in Homura’s labyrinth wasn’t just an illusion. It was real madoka, but only a piece of herself, dedicated to live mortal life. Sayaka and Bebe confirm this when revealing their powers and mission - they came in to Homura’s labyrinth **with** Madoka to save her. That would mean that Madoka’s mortal form meant every word she said. There are adult magical girls in other media (magia record, for example). To be short - their emotions dwindle and so do their powers until they witch out or die. There are rare exceptions - one of them is Yachio (Magia Record)
I see Madoka review, I click You can tell how passionate a fan is for PMMM by the views they shared about the show. The cinematography and "show don't tell" techniques they use for PMMM is exceptional
the flower scene was where Homura realized that Madoka actually would never have wanted to make her wish if not for the circumstances. because this IS the real Madoka, it's Madoka without her memories of the cycle. this whole set up by Kyubey was to ensnare the cycle (Madoka) so if the Madoka within the fake realm wasn't real, that'd be a pretty big plot hole. another sign that it's the real Madoka is that you can actually see her face. all the filler people or the created people have no faces, but anyone with a face was pulled in by Homura's subconsciousness. thus giving the motive for what Homura does at the end of the movie, creating a world where Madoka never would have had to make any wish. rest of the video is good tho.
I HEARD THAT PENACONY BACKGROUND MUSIC, YOU CAN'T HIDE FROM ME. Ahem. Fantastic vid, a lot of people I talk to now seem to perceive Madoka as overrated, but even without it's cultural context it's a gorgeous show with so much to offer. Been living rent free in my head since I was a teen.
Man this has such kino editing, as someone new to editing anime videos I can't even imagine how many hours of trial and error it would take me to recreate even one of ghe simpler edits used here. Wish you had a paterion or something where you could show us the BTS and editing tips and stuff!!
Hey cool video! My interpretation of Rebellion was that the Madoka in Homura's Labyrinth isn't fake, but more so a projection of her original self, sent in without her memories to prevent Kyubey from discovering/manipulating the Law of Cycles (Sayaka explains that's why she and Bebe were sent in to the Labyrinth). This is why the conversation between Homura and Madoka in the field of flowers is so important, it IS how Madoka truly feels, or at least, how she did feel at one point. Homura is in love with the Madoka she met in the first timeline, the Madoka that's not allowed to change, because when she does, Homura rewinds time. Over and over again, Homura asks Madoka if she would give up her current life, her friends and family, and each time she asks this Madoka responds "No", she wouldn't want to do that. Homura fails to realize that Madoka's words don't reflect her true character, so under false pretense, she continually tries to protect the original Madoka. I believe this is the reasoning behind her actions at the end of rebellion. She fractures the deity that is the Law of cycles until only Madoka is left and drags her into a universe sized Labyrinth in order to completely control and protect her, even from herself. She literally views Madoka as a danger to herself and so, seeks to prevent her from making the choice to change in the first place.
24:36 Sooooo... the funny thing about Nagisa's existence is it came from a sort of almost necessity based off how they marketed Mami irl with her figures. She was ALWAYS paired with Charlotte for people to do funny memes in her figure sets like her Nenderoid, her Figma, etc. If i'm remembering the story correctly the story called for One character that also came with Sayaka from the Law of Cycles and in the writers room someone joked about "Lol what if it was Charlotte (the sweets witch)?" Aaaaannd that's how we got Nagisa. Though thanks to Nagisa adding as the precedential factor, we can expect for the girls previously seen as witches to appear going forward, like; Gertrude (episode 2) H.N. Elly (Episode 4) Griselda (Kyoko flash back) Patricia (Episode 10) Elsa Maria (Episode 7) etc. but anyway yeah, there's the funny irl meta lore behind Nagisa's existence.
sayaka killing those men feels poetic to the way that fighting against such things only taints the waters more if not done right. she only condemned herself to it.
What's more interesting is that there is no instance I could think of of the opposite happening in media and being portrayed as understandable or sympathetic. It would only be seen as villainess.
Half the comments are like ‘Homura is obsessed.’ ‘Homura is evil.’ Yes, sure. But what choice does she have? Homura is the only person other than Madoka that has to actualize her own wish. ‘I want the power to save Madoka Kaname.’ ‘I want the power to save all magical girls from becoming witches’ They are the only two that do this. Homura has never actualized her own wish, she can’t because of Madoka’s wish. They are both trapped by their own actions, and each others actions, to play their required part. There’s not any example besides Homura of a wish not at all ‘coming true’. Even if the wishes themselves are often distorted by outside factors, they still at face value are actualized. Homera’s wish is that SHE saves Madoka. She didn’t pull a piece of Madoka off with her extreme magical girl strength. That far exceeds anything that we see a magical girl have the capacity to do. Homura was able to do that, because she is entitled to a reality that Madoka is saved by the very rule that gives the ability to wish in the first place. Homura created the conditions the ‘law of cycles’ was created in. There is no amount of free will, obsession, and desire that could have dismembered the fabric of the universe at the end of rebellion, is it is the actual manifestation of the wish that set off all these events.
@djneonreaper4990 first time I saw it i was sober but when I had him watch it my mom was fighting cancer so I needed to watch it from a different viewpoint. I knew it would fuck with him due to the Faustian bargains.
this show is i admit pretty interesting, but it is also a reason we didn't have any fun magical girl show over last 13 years because everybody was copying madoka edgyness without understanding it i am really glad we have multiple magical girls shows that actually fun this season madoka is also a clamp product, and you either love or hate clamp style
I personally think that the reason we mainly see teens and kids as magical girls is because of Kyubey specifically targeting children. Of course we do learn that Cleopatra and Jeaune De Arc were supposedly contracted to Kyubey before their deaths. (However both had only lived to young adulthood) Kids are volatile due to hormone changes. Considering that fact and the fact that Kyubey needs these girls to turn into witches to meet the quota, it seems clear that they are targeted for that reason.
After all, why go after a stable adult who most likely has people there for them when you can contract a kid who will most likely either die or become a witch quickly.
Dude's thumbnail game, and background music choice is next level for a new youtuber! I look forward to seeing more content from you! Keep up the good work!
Regarding Nagisa, there is now more lore on previous timelines in Magia Record thanks to Scene0. In one timeline, Madoka wished for Nagisa to go back from being a witch but as usual, it backfired horrible. So there could be a reason why she was chosen along with Sayaka as her assistants.
My sister favorite anime I love the villains of Made in Abyss and Madoka Magica deep complex beings facing MC's with cute art styles such good manga's/anime's
I like the analysis but I disagree with the idea that the MovieDoka saying she doesn't want to sacrifice herself is intended to show this as not being Madoka. I think it was supposed to show that this was a Madoka who was in a happy world, who subconsciously didn't want to return to being MadoKami, and was the closest Homura had to the original Madoka that became her friend. This Madoka hasn't had bad things happen to her. Her world is still intact and her faith in her choice to become a magical girl hasn't been brought to question. Madoka wants things to go back to being happy, peaceful, and have everyone together to the point that she starts redoing Homura's braids- trying to make Homura turn back from realizing the truth of the world. When Homura hears this, she is hearing the inexperienced/unprimed MovieDoka's fears and takes that as proof that Madoka didn't accept her decision to become a concept. And that's where Homura errors. In the MadoKami timeline, Madoka was slowly molded by the circumstances and Kyubey to make her most selfless/selfish wish. She saw her mentor die tragically in front of her showing that magical girls die on the job (enforced by Homura stating that this is what their life is.) Sayaka becomes a magical girl using a selfless wish for a roundabout selfish desire. Madoka sees her magical girl friend having break downs, fighting other magical girls, and being the reason to question what makes a human. She sees her friend become a monster and a new friend sacrifice herself after their attempt to save Sayaka fails. So Madoka is taught that magical girls have strife filled lives, have the souls disengaged from their bodies, have bad luck thrown on them based around their wishes, learns that magical girls are seen as cattle by Kyubey, and that they die. All of that so fast that even an adult would struggle to parse it. As the meme says, meguca is suffering. Now we have Homura who is destroying herself to save Madoka. The last one alive. Madoka is now primed to see the need for a sacrificial wish and has the motivation to do so to save her dead friends and her last friend. MoveieDoka never had any of that priming so she was not in a position to accept a trade of her life for all magical girls. Homura loves Madoka, but during her time travels got to her a point where she couldnt ever understand her motivations and clings to any idea that the trauma she endured wasnt necessary or fake. Homura is still trying to save the first Madoka. That is how I see it at least. Sorry for the ramble. Thoughts arent the most organized.
The thing that tied this show together for me, as a musician, was the music(I love you Kajiura❤). Specifically, in rebellion, just from the music alone playing the many motifs of Homura, you could tell the world wasn’t right, and when the reveal came, my jaw literally dropped, and this became my favorite show ever since.
I'm not entirely sure I agree with your interpretation of Homura's feelings for Madoka. I also *strongly* disagree that the Madoka that we see in Homura's barrier is a fake. Homura was "fine" with Madoka's sacrifice at the end of the anime. She didn't like that Madoka wasn't with her anymore but she took solace in that fact that, one day, they would be reunited and resolved herself to protect the world that Madoka created until then. However, when Homura was about to turn into a Witch and subsequently be saved by Madoka, the Incubators initiated their plan to trap Madoka and that's when things started to really go downhill. Madoka et al's mission in Rebellion was to save Homura and take her to Magical Girl Heaven, finally rewarding all of the hard work and trauma she's went through. However, while at least some of the other girls remembered everything, Madoka, for various reasons, didn't. Until Homulily appeared for the final fight, Madoka remembered absolutely nothing. Maybe it had to do with Homulily's barrier, maybe it had to do with the Incubators, who knows. Regarding the conversation between Madoka and Homura in the field of flowers, what Madoka says there in response to Homura asking her about sacrifice are her genuine feelings. However, the problem here is perhaps the problem that always exists between the two of them: Miscommunication. Homura framed it as Madoka sacrificing herself in a way that just left everyone sad. It framed it in a way to make it sound like she had abandoned everyone else. That's something Madoka would *never* do so her answer is the truth. The reality of the situation is that that's *not* what Madoka had done. She had sacrificed herself to save everyone forever and wasn't truly gone. While she may never truly see her family again, she'd see all of the other magical girls, including Homura. Between Madoka's answer as a result of miscommunication and Homura learning that the Incubators were trying to trap Madoka, Homura did the only thing that she thought that she *could* do. She *had* to save Madoka from herself and especially from the Incubators. Even if Homura had let Madoka purify her and whisk her away to Magical Girl Heaven, who's to say that the Incubators would be successful on their next attempt? Homura calls herself the devil but she's *really* not. Homura *despises* herself. In the world she created at the end of the movie, everyone gets to live happily *except for her.* The way she sees it, she doesn't *deserve* to be happy. She doesn't even seem to be in Madoka's life in anyway because she thinks that she doesn't *deserve* to be with Madoka. Especially not after what she did. In order to achieve a happy (for everyone else) ending, Homura chose to take on all the pain of the universe. It's why she's so unhinged at the end of the movie. Her self-loathing has reached never before seen heights. To her, she is a devil and Madoka is a goddess and the two are simply incompatible. Her calling herself a devil and taking on a devilish appearance are just her ways to further justify her self-loathing. There are two things that Homura wants most: To see Madoka happy and to die. There's suicide imagery all throughout Rebellion, even in the very end. The only way she can atone for her sins, in her mind, is to die but she can't do that since dying would put Madoka at risk of the Incubators. I *really* want them to get a genuinely happy ending in the next movie. EDIT: Another commenter pointed out how there's a novel which shows that Madoka is Definitely Not Okay with her sacrifice which just makes Homura's decision the correct one and makes Madoka's words in the flowerbed scene even more true. The problem comes in that, in order to save Madoka, Homura basically had to sacrifice herself. A truly happy ending can't be achieved until the cycle of sacrifice is broken.
21:34 I also like how this movie has ballerina motifs, its know that to ballerina be able to keep performing they must endure the pain, just like magical girls to them keep existing they must endure the pain that this fate causes
Looking forward to your deep dive on my favorite Modka Magica spinoff manga, Homura Tamura! (Okay, I don't really expect it, but it my favorite spinoff manga.)
What an awesome video! I watched the whole thing! I did not turn the volume down and then put headphones on and ignore the spoilers while the video played in the background on my phone! ☺️🔥💯
You are my favorite essay guy here on YT, I swear! How is it possible that you cover all my fave shows in your videos? Do you have my list? 😱 I swear, you stole my watch list. Welp... At least I can look forward to 500 more video essays 😂
Nice to see this retrospective on my favourite show, just a couple of points to clarify... This was an anime original - the manga is the adaptation, not vice versa as you implied (02:38). Also the Wraith arc for example was not something 'not animated' as none of the dozen or so manga stories have been animated, it's just that that arc gives a great filler perspective on how we got from the series (or movies 1&2) to the sequel (3rd) movie but it spoils the reveals of the film so needs to be read as a prequel to it rather than before seeing it. The side-story backstory of Nagisa was a later addition, fleshing out her back plot which was widely known during the time of the first series and film (which pre-dates the game by ~4 years) - yeah, it was not shown in the anime so it was more by word of mouth but then again the game is not strictly canon: being set in an alternative universe (not just another timeline).
I actually just got watched this about a month or two ago and couldn’t get it out of my mind, I saw there’s a new movie coming out and I’m excited so I’ll be watching the one that’s already out in preparation
It's interesting to me as a newcomer, to enter the fandom and discover people reaction to Homura but not Madoka. My reaction to the two girls since i watched the show and the movie was like. As i have seen them to have very similar personalities. the are both equally selfless and selfish, at the same time, have a faith in the other that shatters their world and refure to properly communicate and let the other help them with their problems. From the promise to the wish, to Rebelion ending. it is the same cycle. I need to save you, I need to protect you, I need to take care of you. The main reason Homura can't protect Madoka effectively is becuase Madoka is too busy trying to protect Homura. Girls, i love you both but please speak, communicate and coordinate, for heck sake.
27:18 This is something that I did not realize after my first watch, only in the second, so thank you for mentioning it. All of this, 27:55 , is why the shipping from the fandom bothers me a bit. Some fans tend to scream that they're a lesbian couple, completely ignoring the reality of both characters: -Original Homura was just happy to have a real friend for the first time, and wanted to be with her no matter what, because she felt she had no one else. Which led her to really having no one else because no one she could know has lived through all the timelines she has. -Current Homura is in fact insane, but people seem to gloss over it in order to romanticize them!? She has become more and more selfish and, post Rebellion, its clear that she does not care for the real Madoka in the slightest. She makes her miserable because she feels like she deserves a whole person as a reward, but proceeds to not let that person truly live and have freedom of choice, attempting to conceal her in the character she wants her to be. All that "it's what's best for you" talk and what the fake madoka said did not need to happen if Homura could admit to herself she is selfish. Even tho she became a demon and owned it, she still feels the need to be righteous in some way, telling herself she's doing what madoka really wants deep down. She does not acknowledge Madoka's change of character, that she become stronger and ambitious, even if for the sake of others, it's also the purpose she chose for herself, that makes her happy. Madoka has no regrets but Homura just needs to think that she has. Madoka did not want to be a blank slate for Homura to fill for the rest of her life, but is being forced to. Note: Please, I do not hate Homura. I'm sure that through all the different timelines, it was difficult to keep up with Madoka's different choices, opinions and wants (She was the one who once asked Homura to prevent this and save her after all). But ultimately one does need to see what is right in front of them, in the moment. Madoka no longer needs you as she once did. It can be scary not to be needed. -Original Madoka was just trying to live a simple life, with a lack of self esteem and searching for a meaning in life other than treasuring people who she cared for. Constantly putting herself down and comparing herself to others and how they had ambition. I wish someone could tell her that it's ok to be ok with your life and enjoy it. You do not need to to something huge to enjoy your life and have a right to live it. She liked being kind and making friends. -Current Madoka has seen first hand how evil the world can be, her bubble of a loving and kind life has burst. After seeing the suffering of others and how unfair it all can be she finds a purpose. She always knew there were bad things in the world but these were bad things most people did not know about. She was the only one that could do something about them. Either sends the message that if we all do what we can, we can better the world, or that a person without purpose will sacrifice herself for others that do have a pupose and be happy about it. I don't know much about philosophy but I'm thinking about the "nihilism" now. My whole point was gonna be that if Homura loved Madoka (and was mentally healthy), she would have respected her choice. "Loving is letting go". However, is it so wrong to want Madoka to want something more for herself other than saving others? Madoka was happy with "no purpose", low self esteem but happy, right? She could have had a life, enjoyed the company of all the people she loved... Madoka definitely isn't wrong to become Godoka, but does that make Homura wrong to try and prevent her from it? If her plan had worked, Madoka never finding Kyubey, or finding about the horrors, it would be okay. But I don't think Madoka could ever be happy as she once was knowing what she has come to know, unless she became Godoka. Homura's plan having failed time and time again, the only solution was to give up. But if Homura gave up, she would turn into a witch. Therefore the final timeline we see is the perfect one. Homura could finally give up, and Madoka would be happy, and Homura would not be a witch. Oh no. but Homura still wouldn't have what she wants. Their wishes directly contradict each other. It's so obvious yet took me so long to figure out. Had I never watched this video, or written this, maybe I would have never figured it out. That's how good Madoka Magica is. There is no universe in which Kyubey and all thats exists while simultaneosly Madoka and Homura are both happy together. If Homura never had met her, Madoka would most likely become a witch. I can't solve this, but can anyone? Can anyone think of a way for them both to be alive and happy after Kyubey appeared? If they make Incubators disappear, maybe the universe itself would too. What if they found a better way to generate karmic energy and eradicate the witch system? Kyubey is a liar, would probably do the new way and keep using the witch system. What if humans took Incubators place as fuelers of karmic energy? Humanity had to find a new way to generate karmic energy, be responsible for fueling the universe and eradicate Incubators. But would humanity remain human, after acquiring so much power? Or would we grow to reject feelings and use other species, just like Incubators? Maybe taking that shot would be best, while attempting to remain human. Madoka didn't think of Homura's feelings. Thought of everyone else's. Homura didn't think or Madoka's feelings. Or anyone else's. My moral compass may be malfunctioning at times, but I... Didn't Homura think of Madoka's feelings? Is it more important to respect one's choice's and opinions, or to stop them from throwing their life away? Did Madoka throw her life away, or was it thrown away by the incubators? WAS HOMURA SO WRONG TO STOP HER AND ERASE HER MEMORIES? I will just stop here. Would love to hear anyone's opinion on any of these matters. TLDR; Homura and Madoka are not girlfriends; How could they be simultaneously happy with the pre-existence of Incubators?; Would that require changing humanities role in the universe?; Are Madoka or Homura wrong to do what they ultimately did?
I'm right there with you breaking down about all the different interpretations possible. But also. Yes. You're kinda right. I can see and LOVE the queer interpretation. (Cuz I def see the subtext) But the fandom has a tendency to act like it's the only valid one. And anything else is b*llsh*t. But I think the one where Homura did make Madoka her everything mainly because she was lonely. And is now completely cray cray because of everything that happened. And yes. Now love an image of Madoka more then the real thing. Is just as valid honestly.
This was the sweetest saddest anime I watched. Sure it's not as bloody as Berserk, or maybe as comfy but serious as Frieren, however, it hit a special spot somehow. Also we can ignore Magia Record; those spinoffs barely have the same impact.
Still haven't watched this one but it's next on the list. Almost finished the video game Little Goody Two Shoes which is heavily inspired by Madoka Magica, apparently. And the game is amazing, one of the best I've played, so yeah I'mma watch the anime.
30:55 WAIT WHAT *INTENSE GOOGLING SOUNDS* Don't click read more if you don't want to get on the hype train for what is going to feel like an eternity. >Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising confirmed the winter 2025 release date with a short teaser trailer at today's Aniplex Online Fest. The movie, initially slated to premiere in 2024, was pushed to 2025 to further improve the quality. THAT'S NOT AROUND THE CORNER *AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-*
27:20 i would like to point out that the people behind this movie, let this ambiguous of either this is what Madoka actually feels or not, there's evidence to support both sides, like all the evidence that you showed, but on the movie when Godoka arms appear you can see that it has self harm scars, that may show that she is indeed suffering Not saying you interpretation is invalid, just wanted to show that there's room to guess that Madoka is suffering
i rly like this take! i personally saw that scene as one where it represented her suffering of the past and was moreso an interpretation of what homura saw as madoka, but this is extremely valid seeing as there have been ongoing themes of depression and the taking of ones life in the show. honestly such an amazing movie with how open ended it is
I remember watching some of the episodes when I was around 10 on ABC3... I'm pretty sure that this, nauto, SAO and deltora quest were the first anime I'd ever seen.
Huh. Didn't interact with anything Madoka for what, more than 5-6 years now ? Yet, it's interesting how the trauma is still fresh. And it seems Homura is still best girl, as expected.
After watching Rebellion I believe that one of the many, many layered themes of this story is an allegory for the relationship between God and the Devil. Remember that Homura is Catholic, and you often see religious imagery pop up throughout the series, the most obvious being when Homura literally refers to Madoka as God, and herself as the Devil. Madoka becomes a Christ/God figure when she sacrifices herself in order to forgive the sins of Magical Girls and bring hope. Homura becomes jealous of Madoka sharing her love with all Magical Girls, wanting Madoka all to herself, so she becomes Madoka’s adversary (the Devil) and creates a figurative hell to trap people in, where they are separated from Madoka and the figurative heaven that she offers. Homura’s love turns to obsession, which turns to envy, which turns to resentment and anger, and in the end Homura herself foreshadows that she will become Madoka’s enemy. She even takes the form of a fallen angel.
Bro immedatly starting to watch the anime right now its so cool and so dont misunderstood i watched everything before i wrote this but the beginning of this comment is from 10 hours ago but its so good cant wait for the next film
*sigh* no, no Sayaka didn't kill these men. Or at the very least we don't know if she did. The manga came AFTER the anime, not the other way around, so what was drawn there is the interpretation of the event, not the definite proof of what had happened. You can believe she did, according to the manga she did, but it's equally as valid to believe she didn't.
Gen Urobuchi doesn't seem to consider any of the different adaptations of his story to be the absolute cannon. More like alternate time lines within the Madoka multiverse. So as far as the original creator is concerned, it's all valid. He had his hands on all of it for the most part anyways in some capacity. Of course, he doesn't even think his story is some kind of dark subversion of the magical girl genre even. That's the audience interpretation. He just wrote his own personal magical girl story because he likes the concept and wanted to create his own magical girl series. It's not even the first "dark" magical girl series. There's actually quite a few older magical girl series that could get pretty dark as well. It's certainly still one of the best written "dark" magical girl series though.
It's actually interesting to see Homura interacting with other people outside of the main 4. Oriko is one of does example, despite being the Anti Hero protagonist for the Oriko Magica (sadness prayer). Spoiler I guess for the manga. Oriko is only magical girl that knew about Homura's Power Because of her precognition Power (Able to see the future) And yes She's the only few who knew about Madokami existence Hinted to the last chapter of the manga. Aside from Homura. However her being alive during Wrath Arc Are Unlucky because of her social class and pressure from her uncle.
I don't really agree with that interpretation of homura's character. Like, yes she is selfish but she absolutely wants the best for madoka, it's not about possessing her. Madoka is a character that is entirely selfless with very low self esteem and as such she makes the ultimate sacrifice to save the world. She doesn't just dies, she ereases her own existence. If the point of the show was that it was the right answer rebellion wouldn't exist. But the point is that it's bullshit and that madoka should value her existence much more and that her not doing so hurts other around her. The only reason homura suffers so much is because madoka refuses to value her own life which homura does value. Homura is absolutely selfish and she doesn't respect madoka's agency but if you ever had a suicidal friend you probably can relate, how are you supposed to let someone do things their own way when their own way is self destructive? "The world would be better if I didn't exist". This is a teenage girl feeling like that and you're supposed to think that, yes indeed that's the right call? How is that different from what the incubators are doing? She's just taking the entire burden upon herself instead of sharing it with other magical girls, that's still the same line of thinking of mitigating hard by doing a necessary sacrifice for the greater good, the difference is that incubators devalue the life of others while madoka devalues her own. Homura tearing down madoka from her godhood so she can have a happy normal life isn't about possessing her and only caring about the idea of her. The discussion she has with the fake madoka shows that, she know full well what madoka is like and that version is the idealized version that values her own life, but that's why she knows something's off because she is well aware that madoka isn't like that. And her actions while selfish are absolutely with madoka's best interest in mind, hell she even says herself she's ready to become an antagonist to madoka for that, it's not about tricking her into loving homura (and in that sense homura also shows she devalues her own life which is why rebellion can't be the end because she's doing the same mistake except for the sake of madoka instead of the world).
Maybe, but on the flip side (especially all the religious symbolism and the story of Faust) Madoka basically became Jesus, dying for the sins of all magical girls and witches. This is the act that created Christianity and made the Martyr so virtuous. So to say that Madoka becoming Christ to save all girls and take their suffering unto herself is wrong and that Homura literally undoing Jesus is good is ....well I think you can see my point. From a irl little girl perspective, yeah you may have a point. From a mythical and narrative point, Madoka became Magical Girl Jesus and Homura kinda became Lucifer.
@@MALICEM12 You made the first step figuring out what the implication were but you backed out thinking it was impossible that a story would say that. My argument is exactly that the story says that. The story is a rejection of martyrdom as a virtue. You can interpret Homura as Lucifer but if you do that you similarly have to be aware of non christian interpretations of Lucifer as a being that rebels against an unjust system of domination rather than a being of evil. If you can only interpret stories through the lens of your religion you might miss out when a story references it but is written by someone who isn't of that religion.
Startted whatching this video. Went to watch anime. Couldn't find the third movie (crashes everywhere I tried to watch it) and went back. The thing that was bothering me in the anime series was the common symbolism of empty chairs around Madoka's room, Kyosuke's hospital bed and many places more. They were taken by dolls only when Kyobe revealed his "true" motives to Madoka. I haven't researched it, but it definitely plays a huge role in the series. If someone knows where to watch 3rd movie then please, let me know and I look forward to SenHyaku's video essay on the upcoming movie.
Please keep things civil in the comment section! This series is extremely nuanced and so debating is more than welcome, just don't be an ass about it. There have been many comments that have had to be removed already due to outbursts which I understand seeing as the community is very passionate about this show (and for good reason), however phrasing your argument in a way that's not antagonizing and comes with evidence attached goes a long way in changing someone else's viewpoint. I'm aware that there are many takes that I personally have that will go against what others think, and your takes are completely valid! I really do enjoy reading every single one and the ones I've responded to or liked have all given me some new insight on this series because as stated in the video, my lord, there's a lot in this series and so many things do go unnoticed!
Next video is on Sonny Boy!
Notes, corrections, all that jazz:
- Madoka in the flower field can be shown as a true representation of Madoka's feelings and not the result of Homura's delusion, contrary to what I said in this video. Evidence that can be used for this take is found in the shot of Madoka reaching her arm out to Homura where we can see cuts on her arm that may be used to represent self harm seeing as there have been ongoing themes of self harm and the taking of ones life. Not only that, but apparently in Puella Magi Madoka Magica's novel we can come to the conclusion that Madoka is indeed suffering in her Goddess form. Unfortunately, the novel section is mostly from word of mouth as I cannot seem to find an English translation and my Japanese is ironically subpar (Also because I'm busy making the next video right now, so I'll trust the fandom's extensive research on this one)
- I am aware that the manga is not the source material and was a later addition, I only use that to show that my interpretation is not one that’s completely unsupported although I will say I worded it terribly at the time and was too lazy to fix it. I am an idiot moronhead for that
- There are adult magical girls in Magia Record (did not go through that series) refuting the time limit connection between Faust and this series
Oh my god. You just do not miss. I'm genuinely so excited for this one, sonny boy was an easy top 3 for me instantly.
can you make a video on bleach
20:34
In Magia Record, we actually do see some older magical girls! It’s said that due to them growing older, they grow weaker and soon become unable to fight against witches.
I personally chalk this up to your powers directly correlating to both your emotional range and faith in your wish. When you get older, you don’t react as explosively to bad things in your life as you’ve grown up enough to know how to deal with them-and remember; Kyubey specifically targets people in puberty, where your hormones start intensifying and complicating your emotions and since you’re older, you get new, equally as complex issues. It makes sense their power is based on their emotional range.
We also see what happens to magical girls when they lose faith in their wish; they lose their powers. As an example, Kyoko’s ability is creating illusions, but she lost this ability when her family died and she lost faith in she wish.
good to know, i have yet to rly dive into magia record (seeing as its unplayable now and all tht) but ill def have to look into it before the movie comes out
@@senhyaku I believe the oldest magical girl was pernella she comes from the tart manga. She was basically immortal like she knew the pther magical girls when they were kids so age isn't always a factor. But then again we never learn her wish. But she was married to the alchemist Nicolas flamel. We can say shes over 100 at the end of the manga if using real life. The real pernella was born in 1320 and in the manga she saw joan of arcs execution. Which was in 1431.
@@projectboy5409 She was married to an alchemist seeking (and apparently may have actually made) the philospher's stone and eternal life. Meanwhile Pernelle herself already had eternal life in this continuity before she probably would've even met him.
Edit: Just read Pernelle's PMMM wiki page. Turns out her story in Magia Record are _way_ more complicated than I ever predicted. Apparently her husband somehow ended up as a shota, and they had a daughter who has concept art for a Magical Girl design. I need to see what happened in the "The Inheritors of Our Souls" event.
There was a semi-official doujinshi where the quintet are young adults... no it's not one of those doujinshi.
@@senhyakuthey made an anime about magia record, give it a watch. Personally would never have played the game 😂
Your taste is AMAZING. Not enough people talk about Madoka Magica and I love when it gets the attention it deserves.
bro's just making essays on all my favorite shows. Man just doesn't miss.
I just stumbled over this video, and as a german person who has been obsessed with this anime for years, lemme tell you:
7:45 This was the first time I heard someone non-german pronounce Walpurgisnacht correctly.
i like to believe that the fact on why homura couldnt save madoka was because of her own selfishness of how she wanted to be "madokas savior" since her wish was to protect madoka. in her wish she didnt directly state that she wanted to save madoka she just said she wanted to protect her, that leading to her not being able to save her in any of the timelines. that also makes me believe that the reason why her and madoka are the last ones alive in the fight of walpurgisnacht was because she couldnt protect the other magical girls since her wish was to only protect madoka
Your interpretation of Homura and Madoka's character is 100% wrong tho. The novel proves it. Madoka was always sad about her life as a goddess and is clear her low self esteem was a big motivator for her to do the self sacrifice. Homura is motivated by selfish reasons but she is also the only person who understands how madoka feels and tries to help her. The only people "in love with the idea of a Madoka" are the people who blindly accept a 12yo sacrificing their life for the sake of the universe.....
You got the whole show wrong... This isn't a story about the descent to madness by an obsession. This is a story about how the world takes advantage of young impressionable girls for its own preservation, and how girls are saved by each other. And we see that in every character arch.
This story is extremely layered, so I can definitely see how you arrived at that interpretation. I actually touch on the societal exploitation angle during Sayaka’s analysis in the TV series section. I’m not saying your view is wrong; rather, I believe that treating this series as only one thing limits the depth of a story as intricate as this one. I just feel like exploring multiple perspectives feels truer to what the show is trying to convey
I’d love to check out the novel you mentioned on Madoka’s struggles as a goddess, so if you wouldn't mind letting me know which one it was, I'll definitely give it a read. I hadn’t realised there was even more to her inner conflict after her ascension so if it brings up anything worth clarifying, I’d be more than willing to add some notes and corrections in the pinned comment!
@senhyaku
I like to view media analysis theough a semi-scientific lens. I create models of the characters and themes that I use to understand the bigger picture, which in turn allows me to make predictions about installments I haven’t seen yet. As of writing this, I haven’t watched your video, but I hope that when I do, I can update my current models with any new observations you’ve made.
That being said, there are some interpretations that are better supported by the text than others. I’m interested in hearing what you think, and why you think so.
@@senhyaku I understand it's very layered, and they purposefully keep it kinda dubious in the animated releases (I guess it's to keep things up to interpretation for suspension, for now). So I get why people come to your conclusion. I just think it's sad that the same worldview that the show critiques and that enables Madoka's sacrifice in universe, is also the same worldview irl viewers have about the situation. Your choice of words about "the idea of a Madoka" was really an irony, so I felt really compelled to reply. But I'm glad you're willing to dive deeper into it!
The novel is called "Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Novel"
Besides the novel, Madoka's music theme "Mata Ashita", and the concept movie released by shaft support this interpretation. I haven't played the game yet but rumors are, it implies Madoka can't talk with the girls taken by the law of circles.
Considering all of this as context, you'll also begin to see the flower field scene as the real Madoka's feelings.
@@lolaurabc this is so interesting because on my first watch, I though the scene in the flower field showed real Madoka's hidden feelings, while on my second watch, I figured all of them had altered memories (while in Homura's pre-witch prison), so they could only act based on what they remember. And if Madoka couldn't remember all the events that led her to becoming a goddess, of course self sacrifice would sound silly. She was always the one who seemed to value her life more, taking more time to choose her wish than any of the others cause she knew it would put her at risk. But given all that happened, and how successful her becoming a goddess seemed to be, she didn't appear to regret it at all in the anime finale or when she had her memories back in the movie. Why would she appear sad, and be against Homura in the end of the movie if her true wishes were to not be a goddess anymore and live a normal life? Maybe because she feels guilty... Either way I became interested in the novel as well, specially if it gives more context to any of this!
@@lolaurabc Gotcha, I'll definitely check it out!
Homura is honestly one of the most relatable characters in fictions to me, and it’s a guilty pleasure lmao, her way of thinking aligns with me and although I haven’t seen the love of my life die before my eyes hundreds of times, I do relate to that feeling. Although her actions are unjust and evil, she still had some positive intentions and I identify myself with the idea of throwing her humanity away, just to reunite with her loved one
27:19 something I think is debatable here is that the Madoka shown here is actually the truest madoka.This Madoka is the part of the law of cycles that Homura lured in,which means this is the "ideal" Madoka that Homura desires,the Madoka who does what she advised in the tv series and "cares for order and family over desire".The Madoka shown here does not have memories of witnessing the tragic fates of Sayaka,Mami,Kyoko and all other magical girls across history and thus doesn't have the resolve needed to make the ultimate sacrifice.This is Madoka if she had never met magical girls,it's the Madoka that Homura loved most deeply.
I loved this show when I first saw it in high school, and was shocked by the movie's ending. I remember how angry everyone was with Homura, so I'm glad we can see a more nuanced take on her character here! Great video as always!
I, to this day, have never recovered from the sheer whiplash I experienced with episode 3
Mami was my favorite character and I loved watching her fight and watching her genuine struggle between her loneliness and making sure they regret nothing
Not to mention I found Kalafina separately and owned the magia album, Magia was my favorite track and I listened to it on repeat for weeks before I found madoka
I went from the absolute hype of Mami kicking ass and how sweet the moment between her and madoka was directly into extreme confusion and despair, then into my favorite song playing over top to completely destroy my ability to parse what happened
I had to sit there in silence for a while to just let it settle but I never recovered fully and it's always sat with me
Madoka pretty much solidified the 3-episode rule for seasonal anime for me. That whiplash was something else
Loved the video, but just to note: The manga came after the anime. The anime is an original property, with the manga being an adaptation of the show, not the other way around. The wraith arc is, at present, not confirmed to be cannon.
22:06 i think the fact the whole group is together in homura's labyrinth shows that she actually does care about everyoen
Madoka Magica was the first anime I ever watched so I hold it close to my heart. Seeing a video essay on it that touches on the themes and parallels to the tale of Faust and explains it in a way that's a lot easier to understand and retain than other videos. The editing was also really great, good job :D
This was a fun watch, though I do admittedly have to poke some holes in this analysis, mostly regarding Rebellion. Nagisa may have felt like she had no reason for being there once she was revealed to be a magical girl and not just whatever Bebe was, but Bebe was important particularly to Mami. Mami's main issue in the series is her crippling loneliness, it's what caused her to want Sayaka and Madoka to become magical girls despite the hardships. Bebe was there to let Mami not be so lonely despite still living alone with no family. In this paradise she finally has someone who's always there for her.
My other issue with this analysis is the idea that Madoka in Rebellion is a fake Madoka. The film itself states that the Madoka in Homura's labyrinth is a part of Madoka (the law of cycles) as she wasn't able to penetrate the barrier the incubators placed over Homura's soul gem without exposing herself to them. So Madoka decided to sneak into the barrier, using a part of her that's essentially how she was at the start of the show as well as Sayaka and Nagisa to basically act as her assistants (This also circles back to why Nagisa was there). The reason Madoka tells Homura that she could never leave her behind is because this is a Madoka who doesn't know her own strength. At the start if the show Madoka thought very little of herself, so for this part of Madoka with no memories of what happened in the series to call herself too weak to become a god makes perfect sense.
Your analysis was a fun watch! I hope you continue making more!
Yeah!!! Something, everything is wrong love!!! One of my favorite tracks on the soundtrack, was very happy to see you highlight it.
I came across this video and I'm a simple guy, I see Homura, I click
And I am so glad I did! I was positively suprised to find this video be very entertaining and give me a new perspective to look at
Your editing style is polished and adds to the occasional silly joke
I was especially intrigued by your comparison with Faust since I was born in Germany, yet never read Faust (it was taken out the curriculum for some dumb reason)
This video gave me a very good reason to finally catch up on it and put the skills I've learned in my "Deutsch Leistungskurs" class to use
I really hope your channel will be blessed by the algorithm
Loved the video, few notes though:
Madoka in Homura’s labyrinth wasn’t just an illusion. It was real madoka, but only a piece of herself, dedicated to live mortal life. Sayaka and Bebe confirm this when revealing their powers and mission - they came in to Homura’s labyrinth **with** Madoka to save her. That would mean that Madoka’s mortal form meant every word she said.
There are adult magical girls in other media (magia record, for example). To be short - their emotions dwindle and so do their powers until they witch out or die. There are rare exceptions - one of them is Yachio (Magia Record)
25:32 also because Mami is the one in every timeline that tries to push Madoka on the path of being a magical girl
I see Madoka review, I click
You can tell how passionate a fan is for PMMM by the views they shared about the show. The cinematography and "show don't tell" techniques they use for PMMM is exceptional
the flower scene was where Homura realized that Madoka actually would never have wanted to make her wish if not for the circumstances. because this IS the real Madoka, it's Madoka without her memories of the cycle. this whole set up by Kyubey was to ensnare the cycle (Madoka) so if the Madoka within the fake realm wasn't real, that'd be a pretty big plot hole. another sign that it's the real Madoka is that you can actually see her face. all the filler people or the created people have no faces, but anyone with a face was pulled in by Homura's subconsciousness. thus giving the motive for what Homura does at the end of the movie, creating a world where Madoka never would have had to make any wish. rest of the video is good tho.
I HEARD THAT PENACONY BACKGROUND MUSIC, YOU CAN'T HIDE FROM ME. Ahem.
Fantastic vid, a lot of people I talk to now seem to perceive Madoka as overrated, but even without it's cultural context it's a gorgeous show with so much to offer. Been living rent free in my head since I was a teen.
YASS ITS SO OBVIOUS THAT MADOKA IS SPARKLE
Man this has such kino editing, as someone new to editing anime videos I can't even imagine how many hours of trial and error it would take me to recreate even one of ghe simpler edits used here.
Wish you had a paterion or something where you could show us the BTS and editing tips and stuff!!
i was actually planning on doing tht eventually but for now ill focus on getting the numbers up since im pretty busy with other things irl
@@senhyaku will be there......
Hey cool video! My interpretation of Rebellion was that the Madoka in Homura's Labyrinth isn't fake, but more so a projection of her original self, sent in without her memories to prevent Kyubey from discovering/manipulating the Law of Cycles (Sayaka explains that's why she and Bebe were sent in to the Labyrinth). This is why the conversation between Homura and Madoka in the field of flowers is so important, it IS how Madoka truly feels, or at least, how she did feel at one point. Homura is in love with the Madoka she met in the first timeline, the Madoka that's not allowed to change, because when she does, Homura rewinds time.
Over and over again, Homura asks Madoka if she would give up her current life, her friends and family, and each time she asks this Madoka responds "No", she wouldn't want to do that. Homura fails to realize that Madoka's words don't reflect her true character, so under false pretense, she continually tries to protect the original Madoka. I believe this is the reasoning behind her actions at the end of rebellion. She fractures the deity that is the Law of cycles until only Madoka is left and drags her into a universe sized Labyrinth in order to completely control and protect her, even from herself. She literally views Madoka as a danger to herself and so, seeks to prevent her from making the choice to change in the first place.
24:36
Sooooo... the funny thing about Nagisa's existence is it came from a sort of almost necessity based off how they marketed Mami irl with her figures. She was ALWAYS paired with Charlotte for people to do funny memes in her figure sets like her Nenderoid, her Figma, etc.
If i'm remembering the story correctly the story called for One character that also came with Sayaka from the Law of Cycles and in the writers room someone joked about "Lol what if it was Charlotte (the sweets witch)?"
Aaaaannd that's how we got Nagisa.
Though thanks to Nagisa adding as the precedential factor, we can expect for the girls previously seen as witches to appear going forward, like;
Gertrude (episode 2)
H.N. Elly (Episode 4)
Griselda (Kyoko flash back)
Patricia (Episode 10)
Elsa Maria (Episode 7)
etc.
but anyway yeah, there's the funny irl meta lore behind Nagisa's existence.
sayaka killing those men feels poetic to the way that fighting against such things only taints the waters more if not done right. she only condemned herself to it.
What's more interesting is that there is no instance I could think of of the opposite happening in media and being portrayed as understandable or sympathetic. It would only be seen as villainess.
@@MALICEM12 the all important saying. It is not your fault but it is your responsibility.
Man the graphics in your videos are so good! Love to see such cured aesthetic for a video essay 💕
Half the comments are like ‘Homura is obsessed.’ ‘Homura is evil.’
Yes, sure. But what choice does she have? Homura is the only person other than Madoka that has to actualize her own wish.
‘I want the power to save Madoka Kaname.’ ‘I want the power to save all magical girls from becoming witches’ They are the only two that do this.
Homura has never actualized her own wish, she can’t because of Madoka’s wish. They are both trapped by their own actions, and each others actions, to play their required part. There’s not any example besides Homura of a wish not at all ‘coming true’. Even if the wishes themselves are often distorted by outside factors, they still at face value are actualized.
Homera’s wish is that SHE saves Madoka. She didn’t pull a piece of Madoka off with her extreme magical girl strength. That far exceeds anything that we see a magical girl have the capacity to do. Homura was able to do that, because she is entitled to a reality that Madoka is saved by the very rule that gives the ability to wish in the first place. Homura created the conditions the ‘law of cycles’ was created in. There is no amount of free will, obsession, and desire that could have dismembered the fabric of the universe at the end of rebellion, is it is the actual manifestation of the wish that set off all these events.
I love this show, a few years ago I introduced my husband to it when he was high on acid and it basically blew his mind up.
That's so evil, i love it.
I wish i was tripping balls when i first watched this years ago. The witches must look even more insane.
@djneonreaper4990 first time I saw it i was sober but when I had him watch it my mom was fighting cancer so I needed to watch it from a different viewpoint. I knew it would fuck with him due to the Faustian bargains.
this show is i admit pretty interesting, but it is also a reason we didn't have any fun magical girl show over last 13 years because everybody was copying madoka edgyness without understanding it
i am really glad we have multiple magical girls shows that actually fun this season
madoka is also a clamp product, and you either love or hate clamp style
I personally think that the reason we mainly see teens and kids as magical girls is because of Kyubey specifically targeting children. Of course we do learn that Cleopatra and Jeaune De Arc were supposedly contracted to Kyubey before their deaths. (However both had only lived to young adulthood) Kids are volatile due to hormone changes. Considering that fact and the fact that Kyubey needs these girls to turn into witches to meet the quota, it seems clear that they are targeted for that reason.
After all, why go after a stable adult who most likely has people there for them when you can contract a kid who will most likely either die or become a witch quickly.
I mean he literally admits that the most emotional being is a teenage girl.
Another hyaku banger!!! (also sonny boy as your next video is an incredible choice, love that show)
The thumbnail for the video looks really good 👍
Dude's thumbnail game, and background music choice is next level for a new youtuber! I look forward to seeing more content from you! Keep up the good work!
Bruh, how do you have less than 10k subs? Legit, your work is quality and you deserve so many more.
Dude dropped a banger out of nowhere
Legit my favorite anime, really solid essay!
1000 likes I drop the Madoka cosplay
W video 🗣️
1 down, 999 to go, i believe in you
Regarding Nagisa, there is now more lore on previous timelines in Magia Record thanks to Scene0. In one timeline, Madoka wished for Nagisa to go back from being a witch but as usual, it backfired horrible. So there could be a reason why she was chosen along with Sayaka as her assistants.
I rarely comment on videos but I need to talk about how good this video is edited it's really good 👍👍
You're in my subscription list now, congratulations
My sister favorite anime
I love the villains of Made in Abyss and Madoka Magica deep complex beings facing MC's with cute art styles such good manga's/anime's
Thanks! I LOVE this type of videos and fan of this anime. Thanks for the time and effort. Do continúe 🎉
the best video i seen in the week so far
This was a great video! Great commentary and the editing is insane! Hope your channel pops off bro!
Madoka is the reason I give any anime I watch the first three episodes to get me hooked or not.
What an amazing video on my favorite anime thank you for this
I like the analysis but I disagree with the idea that the MovieDoka saying she doesn't want to sacrifice herself is intended to show this as not being Madoka. I think it was supposed to show that this was a Madoka who was in a happy world, who subconsciously didn't want to return to being MadoKami, and was the closest Homura had to the original Madoka that became her friend. This Madoka hasn't had bad things happen to her. Her world is still intact and her faith in her choice to become a magical girl hasn't been brought to question. Madoka wants things to go back to being happy, peaceful, and have everyone together to the point that she starts redoing Homura's braids- trying to make Homura turn back from realizing the truth of the world. When Homura hears this, she is hearing the inexperienced/unprimed MovieDoka's fears and takes that as proof that Madoka didn't accept her decision to become a concept. And that's where Homura errors.
In the MadoKami timeline, Madoka was slowly molded by the circumstances and Kyubey to make her most selfless/selfish wish. She saw her mentor die tragically in front of her showing that magical girls die on the job (enforced by Homura stating that this is what their life is.) Sayaka becomes a magical girl using a selfless wish for a roundabout selfish desire. Madoka sees her magical girl friend having break downs, fighting other magical girls, and being the reason to question what makes a human. She sees her friend become a monster and a new friend sacrifice herself after their attempt to save Sayaka fails. So Madoka is taught that magical girls have strife filled lives, have the souls disengaged from their bodies, have bad luck thrown on them based around their wishes, learns that magical girls are seen as cattle by Kyubey, and that they die. All of that so fast that even an adult would struggle to parse it. As the meme says, meguca is suffering. Now we have Homura who is destroying herself to save Madoka. The last one alive. Madoka is now primed to see the need for a sacrificial wish and has the motivation to do so to save her dead friends and her last friend.
MoveieDoka never had any of that priming so she was not in a position to accept a trade of her life for all magical girls. Homura loves Madoka, but during her time travels got to her a point where she couldnt ever understand her motivations and clings to any idea that the trauma she endured wasnt necessary or fake. Homura is still trying to save the first Madoka. That is how I see it at least. Sorry for the ramble. Thoughts arent the most organized.
The thing that tied this show together for me, as a musician, was the music(I love you Kajiura❤). Specifically, in rebellion, just from the music alone playing the many motifs of Homura, you could tell the world wasn’t right, and when the reveal came, my jaw literally dropped, and this became my favorite show ever since.
Madoka magica changed my life, i've met great peoples who are into it.
I'm not entirely sure I agree with your interpretation of Homura's feelings for Madoka. I also *strongly* disagree that the Madoka that we see in Homura's barrier is a fake.
Homura was "fine" with Madoka's sacrifice at the end of the anime. She didn't like that Madoka wasn't with her anymore but she took solace in that fact that, one day, they would be reunited and resolved herself to protect the world that Madoka created until then. However, when Homura was about to turn into a Witch and subsequently be saved by Madoka, the Incubators initiated their plan to trap Madoka and that's when things started to really go downhill.
Madoka et al's mission in Rebellion was to save Homura and take her to Magical Girl Heaven, finally rewarding all of the hard work and trauma she's went through. However, while at least some of the other girls remembered everything, Madoka, for various reasons, didn't. Until Homulily appeared for the final fight, Madoka remembered absolutely nothing. Maybe it had to do with Homulily's barrier, maybe it had to do with the Incubators, who knows.
Regarding the conversation between Madoka and Homura in the field of flowers, what Madoka says there in response to Homura asking her about sacrifice are her genuine feelings. However, the problem here is perhaps the problem that always exists between the two of them: Miscommunication. Homura framed it as Madoka sacrificing herself in a way that just left everyone sad. It framed it in a way to make it sound like she had abandoned everyone else. That's something Madoka would *never* do so her answer is the truth. The reality of the situation is that that's *not* what Madoka had done. She had sacrificed herself to save everyone forever and wasn't truly gone. While she may never truly see her family again, she'd see all of the other magical girls, including Homura.
Between Madoka's answer as a result of miscommunication and Homura learning that the Incubators were trying to trap Madoka, Homura did the only thing that she thought that she *could* do. She *had* to save Madoka from herself and especially from the Incubators. Even if Homura had let Madoka purify her and whisk her away to Magical Girl Heaven, who's to say that the Incubators would be successful on their next attempt?
Homura calls herself the devil but she's *really* not. Homura *despises* herself. In the world she created at the end of the movie, everyone gets to live happily *except for her.* The way she sees it, she doesn't *deserve* to be happy. She doesn't even seem to be in Madoka's life in anyway because she thinks that she doesn't *deserve* to be with Madoka. Especially not after what she did.
In order to achieve a happy (for everyone else) ending, Homura chose to take on all the pain of the universe. It's why she's so unhinged at the end of the movie. Her self-loathing has reached never before seen heights. To her, she is a devil and Madoka is a goddess and the two are simply incompatible. Her calling herself a devil and taking on a devilish appearance are just her ways to further justify her self-loathing.
There are two things that Homura wants most: To see Madoka happy and to die. There's suicide imagery all throughout Rebellion, even in the very end. The only way she can atone for her sins, in her mind, is to die but she can't do that since dying would put Madoka at risk of the Incubators.
I *really* want them to get a genuinely happy ending in the next movie.
EDIT: Another commenter pointed out how there's a novel which shows that Madoka is Definitely Not Okay with her sacrifice which just makes Homura's decision the correct one and makes Madoka's words in the flowerbed scene even more true. The problem comes in that, in order to save Madoka, Homura basically had to sacrifice herself. A truly happy ending can't be achieved until the cycle of sacrifice is broken.
I got this strange feeling like I can trust this guy, maybe give him my money
you did so good on this
21:34 I also like how this movie has ballerina motifs, its know that to ballerina be able to keep performing they must endure the pain, just like magical girls to them keep existing they must endure the pain that this fate causes
i never caught onto this! yuki kajiura the GOAT
Looking forward to your deep dive on my favorite Modka Magica spinoff manga, Homura Tamura! (Okay, I don't really expect it, but it my favorite spinoff manga.)
What an awesome video! I watched the whole thing! I did not turn the volume down and then put headphones on and ignore the spoilers while the video played in the background on my phone! ☺️🔥💯
You most definitely did not!
Makes sense Sayaka killing those men cuz It takes a "familiar" to kill to become a witch and she became one right after 😢
You are my favorite essay guy here on YT, I swear! How is it possible that you cover all my fave shows in your videos? Do you have my list? 😱 I swear, you stole my watch list. Welp... At least I can look forward to 500 more video essays 😂
it has changed my life
Nice to see this retrospective on my favourite show, just a couple of points to clarify...
This was an anime original - the manga is the adaptation, not vice versa as you implied (02:38).
Also the Wraith arc for example was not something 'not animated' as none of the dozen or so manga stories have been animated, it's just that that arc gives a great filler perspective on how we got from the series (or movies 1&2) to the sequel (3rd) movie but it spoils the reveals of the film so needs to be read as a prequel to it rather than before seeing it.
The side-story backstory of Nagisa was a later addition, fleshing out her back plot which was widely known during the time of the first series and film (which pre-dates the game by ~4 years) - yeah, it was not shown in the anime so it was more by word of mouth but then again the game is not strictly canon: being set in an alternative universe (not just another timeline).
Love your analysis
I actually just got watched this about a month or two ago and couldn’t get it out of my mind, I saw there’s a new movie coming out and I’m excited so I’ll be watching the one that’s already out in preparation
When something so peak everyone says it's buns for a whole 3 years until they realize it's peak
It's interesting to me as a newcomer, to enter the fandom and discover people reaction to Homura but not Madoka. My reaction to the two girls since i watched the show and the movie was like. As i have seen them to have very similar personalities. the are both equally selfless and selfish, at the same time, have a faith in the other that shatters their world and refure to properly communicate and let the other help them with their problems. From the promise to the wish, to Rebelion ending. it is the same cycle. I need to save you, I need to protect you, I need to take care of you.
The main reason Homura can't protect Madoka effectively is becuase Madoka is too busy trying to protect Homura.
Girls, i love you both but please speak, communicate and coordinate, for heck sake.
27:18 This is something that I did not realize after my first watch, only in the second, so thank you for mentioning it. All of this, 27:55 , is why the shipping from the fandom bothers me a bit. Some fans tend to scream that they're a lesbian couple, completely ignoring the reality of both characters:
-Original Homura was just happy to have a real friend for the first time, and wanted to be with her no matter what, because she felt she had no one else. Which led her to really having no one else because no one she could know has lived through all the timelines she has.
-Current Homura is in fact insane, but people seem to gloss over it in order to romanticize them!? She has become more and more selfish and, post Rebellion, its clear that she does not care for the real Madoka in the slightest. She makes her miserable because she feels like she deserves a whole person as a reward, but proceeds to not let that person truly live and have freedom of choice, attempting to conceal her in the character she wants her to be. All that "it's what's best for you" talk and what the fake madoka said did not need to happen if Homura could admit to herself she is selfish. Even tho she became a demon and owned it, she still feels the need to be righteous in some way, telling herself she's doing what madoka really wants deep down. She does not acknowledge Madoka's change of character, that she become stronger and ambitious, even if for the sake of others, it's also the purpose she chose for herself, that makes her happy. Madoka has no regrets but Homura just needs to think that she has. Madoka did not want to be a blank slate for Homura to fill for the rest of her life, but is being forced to.
Note: Please, I do not hate Homura. I'm sure that through all the different timelines, it was difficult to keep up with Madoka's different choices, opinions and wants (She was the one who once asked Homura to prevent this and save her after all). But ultimately one does need to see what is right in front of them, in the moment. Madoka no longer needs you as she once did. It can be scary not to be needed.
-Original Madoka was just trying to live a simple life, with a lack of self esteem and searching for a meaning in life other than treasuring people who she cared for. Constantly putting herself down and comparing herself to others and how they had ambition. I wish someone could tell her that it's ok to be ok with your life and enjoy it. You do not need to to something huge to enjoy your life and have a right to live it. She liked being kind and making friends.
-Current Madoka has seen first hand how evil the world can be, her bubble of a loving and kind life has burst. After seeing the suffering of others and how unfair it all can be she finds a purpose. She always knew there were bad things in the world but these were bad things most people did not know about. She was the only one that could do something about them. Either sends the message that if we all do what we can, we can better the world, or that a person without purpose will sacrifice herself for others that do have a pupose and be happy about it.
I don't know much about philosophy but I'm thinking about the "nihilism" now. My whole point was gonna be that if Homura loved Madoka (and was mentally healthy), she would have respected her choice. "Loving is letting go". However, is it so wrong to want Madoka to want something more for herself other than saving others? Madoka was happy with "no purpose", low self esteem but happy, right? She could have had a life, enjoyed the company of all the people she loved... Madoka definitely isn't wrong to become Godoka, but does that make Homura wrong to try and prevent her from it? If her plan had worked, Madoka never finding Kyubey, or finding about the horrors, it would be okay. But I don't think Madoka could ever be happy as she once was knowing what she has come to know, unless she became Godoka. Homura's plan having failed time and time again, the only solution was to give up. But if Homura gave up, she would turn into a witch. Therefore the final timeline we see is the perfect one. Homura could finally give up, and Madoka would be happy, and Homura would not be a witch. Oh no. but Homura still wouldn't have what she wants.
Their wishes directly contradict each other. It's so obvious yet took me so long to figure out. Had I never watched this video, or written this, maybe I would have never figured it out. That's how good Madoka Magica is. There is no universe in which Kyubey and all thats exists while simultaneosly Madoka and Homura are both happy together. If Homura never had met her, Madoka would most likely become a witch. I can't solve this, but can anyone? Can anyone think of a way for them both to be alive and happy after Kyubey appeared? If they make Incubators disappear, maybe the universe itself would too. What if they found a better way to generate karmic energy and eradicate the witch system? Kyubey is a liar, would probably do the new way and keep using the witch system. What if humans took Incubators place as fuelers of karmic energy? Humanity had to find a new way to generate karmic energy, be responsible for fueling the universe and eradicate Incubators. But would humanity remain human, after acquiring so much power? Or would we grow to reject feelings and use other species, just like Incubators? Maybe taking that shot would be best, while attempting to remain human.
Madoka didn't think of Homura's feelings. Thought of everyone else's.
Homura didn't think or Madoka's feelings. Or anyone else's.
My moral compass may be malfunctioning at times, but I...
Didn't Homura think of Madoka's feelings? Is it more important to respect one's choice's and opinions, or to stop them from throwing their life away? Did Madoka throw her life away, or was it thrown away by the incubators? WAS HOMURA SO WRONG TO STOP HER AND ERASE HER MEMORIES?
I will just stop here. Would love to hear anyone's opinion on any of these matters.
TLDR; Homura and Madoka are not girlfriends; How could they be simultaneously happy with the pre-existence of Incubators?; Would that require changing humanities role in the universe?; Are Madoka or Homura wrong to do what they ultimately did?
I'm right there with you breaking down about all the different interpretations possible. But also. Yes. You're kinda right. I can see and LOVE the queer interpretation. (Cuz I def see the subtext) But the fandom has a tendency to act like it's the only valid one. And anything else is b*llsh*t. But I think the one where Homura did make Madoka her everything mainly because she was lonely. And is now completely cray cray because of everything that happened. And yes. Now love an image of Madoka more then the real thing. Is just as valid honestly.
I remember watching the movie n sobbing for 10 minutes straight bc it was so sad but so good😭 i would definitely watch it again
Being a meguca is suffering.
12:13 she, Madoka and Homura are in 8th grade making them 13. Mami is in 9th grade making her 14 and Kyoko is probably 13
No. He's right. Sayaka, Homura, Madoka, and Kyoko are 14. Mami is 15.
9:00 THE EFFING HOLLOW KNIGHT OST PLWYING IN THE BACKGROUND IS KILLING ME
I loved the pacing!
in madoka only madoka can ask for any wish because of the timelines inertia
This was the sweetest saddest anime I watched. Sure it's not as bloody as Berserk, or maybe as comfy but serious as Frieren, however, it hit a special spot somehow. Also we can ignore Magia Record; those spinoffs barely have the same impact.
Still haven't watched this one but it's next on the list. Almost finished the video game Little Goody Two Shoes which is heavily inspired by Madoka Magica, apparently.
And the game is amazing, one of the best I've played, so yeah I'mma watch the anime.
i just found this in my recommended AND YOU HAVE A MIGI AND DALI VID? binging
my favourite anime of all time
you NEED to discuss banana fish. best thing ive ever seen.
30:55 WAIT WHAT *INTENSE GOOGLING SOUNDS*
Don't click read more if you don't want to get on the hype train for what is going to feel like an eternity.
>Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising confirmed the winter 2025 release date with a short teaser trailer at today's Aniplex Online Fest. The movie, initially slated to premiere in 2024, was pushed to 2025 to further improve the quality.
THAT'S NOT AROUND THE CORNER *AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-*
27:20 i would like to point out that the people behind this movie, let this ambiguous of either this is what Madoka actually feels or not, there's evidence to support both sides, like all the evidence that you showed, but on the movie when Godoka arms appear you can see that it has self harm scars, that may show that she is indeed suffering
Not saying you interpretation is invalid, just wanted to show that there's room to guess that Madoka is suffering
i rly like this take! i personally saw that scene as one where it represented her suffering of the past and was moreso an interpretation of what homura saw as madoka, but this is extremely valid seeing as there have been ongoing themes of depression and the taking of ones life in the show. honestly such an amazing movie with how open ended it is
hmmm maybe it's time to rewatch madoka
I remember watching some of the episodes when I was around 10 on ABC3... I'm pretty sure that this, nauto, SAO and deltora quest were the first anime I'd ever seen.
Huh.
Didn't interact with anything Madoka for what, more than 5-6 years now ?
Yet, it's interesting how the trauma is still fresh.
And it seems Homura is still best girl, as expected.
After watching Rebellion I believe that one of the many, many layered themes of this story is an allegory for the relationship between God and the Devil. Remember that Homura is Catholic, and you often see religious imagery pop up throughout the series, the most obvious being when Homura literally refers to Madoka as God, and herself as the Devil. Madoka becomes a Christ/God figure when she sacrifices herself in order to forgive the sins of Magical Girls and bring hope. Homura becomes jealous of Madoka sharing her love with all Magical Girls, wanting Madoka all to herself, so she becomes Madoka’s adversary (the Devil) and creates a figurative hell to trap people in, where they are separated from Madoka and the figurative heaven that she offers. Homura’s love turns to obsession, which turns to envy, which turns to resentment and anger, and in the end Homura herself foreshadows that she will become Madoka’s enemy. She even takes the form of a fallen angel.
Can't Wait to copy this video!
💀
Oil up.
Shits lovely brotha. Dis chonky boy earns it’s length by being consistently well produced and insightful. Good work🫡
Holy shit it's the goat himself...
madoka magica altered my brain chemistry
a youtuber puts a song i like in the video about the thing i like?? yea subscribed
gatta come back for this after i whatch this
I come for these videos to get the anime name then come back after i've seen it lol
Bro immedatly starting to watch the anime right now its so cool and so dont misunderstood i watched everything before i wrote this but the beginning of this comment is from 10 hours ago but its so good cant wait for the next film
Madoka got me into anime
*sigh* no, no Sayaka didn't kill these men. Or at the very least we don't know if she did. The manga came AFTER the anime, not the other way around, so what was drawn there is the interpretation of the event, not the definite proof of what had happened. You can believe she did, according to the manga she did, but it's equally as valid to believe she didn't.
Gen Urobuchi doesn't seem to consider any of the different adaptations of his story to be the absolute cannon. More like alternate time lines within the Madoka multiverse. So as far as the original creator is concerned, it's all valid. He had his hands on all of it for the most part anyways in some capacity. Of course, he doesn't even think his story is some kind of dark subversion of the magical girl genre even. That's the audience interpretation. He just wrote his own personal magical girl story because he likes the concept and wanted to create his own magical girl series. It's not even the first "dark" magical girl series. There's actually quite a few older magical girl series that could get pretty dark as well. It's certainly still one of the best written "dark" magical girl series though.
2:43 Madoka is an original project tho? & The manga came after the anime...
It's actually interesting to see Homura interacting with other people outside of the main 4.
Oriko is one of does example, despite being the Anti Hero protagonist for the Oriko Magica (sadness prayer).
Spoiler I guess for the manga.
Oriko is only magical girl that knew about Homura's Power Because of her precognition Power (Able to see the future) And yes She's the only few who knew about Madokami existence Hinted to the last chapter of the manga. Aside from Homura. However her being alive during Wrath Arc Are Unlucky because of her social class and pressure from her uncle.
I don't really agree with that interpretation of homura's character. Like, yes she is selfish but she absolutely wants the best for madoka, it's not about possessing her. Madoka is a character that is entirely selfless with very low self esteem and as such she makes the ultimate sacrifice to save the world. She doesn't just dies, she ereases her own existence. If the point of the show was that it was the right answer rebellion wouldn't exist.
But the point is that it's bullshit and that madoka should value her existence much more and that her not doing so hurts other around her. The only reason homura suffers so much is because madoka refuses to value her own life which homura does value.
Homura is absolutely selfish and she doesn't respect madoka's agency but if you ever had a suicidal friend you probably can relate, how are you supposed to let someone do things their own way when their own way is self destructive? "The world would be better if I didn't exist". This is a teenage girl feeling like that and you're supposed to think that, yes indeed that's the right call? How is that different from what the incubators are doing? She's just taking the entire burden upon herself instead of sharing it with other magical girls, that's still the same line of thinking of mitigating hard by doing a necessary sacrifice for the greater good, the difference is that incubators devalue the life of others while madoka devalues her own.
Homura tearing down madoka from her godhood so she can have a happy normal life isn't about possessing her and only caring about the idea of her. The discussion she has with the fake madoka shows that, she know full well what madoka is like and that version is the idealized version that values her own life, but that's why she knows something's off because she is well aware that madoka isn't like that. And her actions while selfish are absolutely with madoka's best interest in mind, hell she even says herself she's ready to become an antagonist to madoka for that, it's not about tricking her into loving homura (and in that sense homura also shows she devalues her own life which is why rebellion can't be the end because she's doing the same mistake except for the sake of madoka instead of the world).
Maybe, but on the flip side (especially all the religious symbolism and the story of Faust)
Madoka basically became Jesus, dying for the sins of all magical girls and witches. This is the act that created Christianity and made the Martyr so virtuous. So to say that Madoka becoming Christ to save all girls and take their suffering unto herself is wrong and that Homura literally undoing Jesus is good is ....well I think you can see my point.
From a irl little girl perspective, yeah you may have a point. From a mythical and narrative point, Madoka became Magical Girl Jesus and Homura kinda became Lucifer.
@@MALICEM12 You made the first step figuring out what the implication were but you backed out thinking it was impossible that a story would say that.
My argument is exactly that the story says that. The story is a rejection of martyrdom as a virtue.
You can interpret Homura as Lucifer but if you do that you similarly have to be aware of non christian interpretations of Lucifer as a being that rebels against an unjust system of domination rather than a being of evil.
If you can only interpret stories through the lens of your religion you might miss out when a story references it but is written by someone who isn't of that religion.
LOVE THIS ‼️‼️‼️ do you think you could do neon genesis: evangelion next? Specifically the original series and movies?
i have not watched evangelion yet... ik i got the tourist status by admitting tht
@ lollllll me too dude
Startted whatching this video. Went to watch anime. Couldn't find the third movie (crashes everywhere I tried to watch it) and went back. The thing that was bothering me in the anime series was the common symbolism of empty chairs around Madoka's room, Kyosuke's hospital bed and many places more. They were taken by dolls only when Kyobe revealed his "true" motives to Madoka. I haven't researched it, but it definitely plays a huge role in the series. If someone knows where to watch 3rd movie then please, let me know and I look forward to SenHyaku's video essay on the upcoming movie.
The intro.... Madoka aired in winter, before Steins;Gate and most of the mentioned shows even started.
You should watch the monogatari series, is made by the same director and the same studio, I think you will definitely like it
This one will be big, imma just leave my mark here like a flag on the moon 👍👍👍
you on the third thumbnail gangy
ctr not looking good i needa minmax
Idk if it was the idea of modka she spent infinite time with her watching her be the exact person