Tension is the trademark of The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity Episode 4. The anime conveys emotionally charged moments, this time focusing on Rintaro and Subaru. After her introduction in Episode 3, we get to learn more about Subaru and her concerns regarding Kaoruko.
Not gonna lie, a few scenes caught me off guard. Since I’m a manga reader, this only adds to my appreciation of CloverWorks’ adaptation.
For today’s review, I will focus on two main themes present in the episode.
Rintaro’s Self-Awareness of His Own Growth
Our best boy is still in the process of personal growth, and he has a long way to go. That said, he grasps at last his inner transformation. On his way to meet Kaoruko, we see Rintaro thinking about how his perspective of the same places has changed. It’s worth noting that he states this himself rather than it being pointed out by others.
For a character who has a lot of self-esteem issues to solve, he is taking a significant step forward. Yes, he doesn’t fully understand his new feelings for Kaoruko—he is incapable of defining his relationship with her, not even as “friendship.” Nonetheless, that is a powerful message: the story is about taking things step by step.
Along those lines, in her conversation with Subaru (note that I prefer to use the word conversation and not confrontation), we receive an extra confirmation of the big step he’s taking. An older version of Rintaro probably would have accepted Subaru’s request: stop seeing Kaoruko, since he might jeopardize her achievements.
But he says, loud and clear: “I can’t.”
Through a combination of animation, music, and narrative, we receive his answer with admiration. Animation, because Subaru appears scary to us (and Rintaro for sure) at the start, with a clear focus on her eyes measuring Rintaro. Music, because Episode 4’s soundtrack is incredible, with an accurate use of pauses: when Rintaro replies, a complete silence fills the scene.
And narrative, because as we are discussing, Rintaro has a poor self-image. One might have expected him to renounce Kaoruko. Yet he is on the point of no return: the last episodes haven’t been for nothing. He’s on his way to fight for his happiness, too.
The dialogue helps to support such storytelling. It’s gratifying how Fragrant Flower can let the characters develop with a natural flow. The audience can grow along with Rintaro, Subaru, and the rest of the cast. We can even learn valuable life lessons.
The Power of Nonjudgmental Kindness
Rintaro and Subaru’s conversation exposes how both ended up entangled with Kaoruko: they were saved by her. Maybe from Kaoruko’s perspective, it wasn’t “a big deal” at the time, but for Rintaro and Subaru, her kindness changed their lives—and continues to do so.
That’s why Subaru understands Rintaro’s answer. She is the living proof of how impactful not being judged and being accepted for who she is can be. We know more context about Subaru’s past, how she was bullied, and how Kaoruko stood up for her when it mattered the most. Subaru’s overprotectiveness is not baseless or a mere whim: Kaoruko means a lot to her.
I believe the success of Fragrant Flower’s story comes from these daily life situations, in which we can relate. It’s not the detailed, cute illustrations but the stirring moments that matter the most.
Kaoruko is a strong force changing the lives of everyone around her. And it’s also a uniting force: Rintaro and Subaru can now empathize with each other despite their different backgrounds. I want to see more of their interactions in the rest of the season.
An upcoming confrontation?
However, Episode 4 ends with Saku Natsusawa discovering Rintaro’s “secret.” Our protagonist received lessons from Kaoruko, since he wants to pass the tests and join everyone in the upcoming sports festival. He and Usami miraculously pass, which is celebrated by their entire class, including the teacher. All is joy and laughter until Natsusawa discovers Kaoru’s motivational message in Rintaro‘s notes.
I’m not sure how to interpret Natsusawa’s face at the moment. Jealousy? Preoccupation? The decision to end the episode with such an intriguing development was excellent: I can’t wait for the next episode!
On a side note, Subaru states that Chidori and Kikyo’s enmity also involves the teachers. I know for sure is that it wasn’t said in vain.
Conclusion
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity Episode 4 was full of tension, but also delivered more context about Subaru Hoshina. I highlighted the two themes I considered more relevant from a narrative perspective, yet there were other aspects for praise: Rintaro and Kaoruko’s casual clothes, pacing and direction, effective use of music and silence, and so on.
In any case, I’m glad each episode carries emotional interactions. I found myself reflecting after each one of them and finding new meanings in each character’s decision. Hopefully, this will be the case for everyone watching it, too.
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity is streaming on Netflix, where all the images are from.
© Saka Mikami / Kodansha / The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity Production Committee
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