March Comes in Like a Lion Season 1 Episode 7 Episode 7

In episode 7 of March Comes in Like a Lion season 1, the focus is on the character of Rei Kiriyama, a young professional shogi player. Set against a backdrop of snow-filled streets and frost-covered trees, the episode delves into Rei's emotional struggles as he navigates the highs and lows of his personal and professional life.

At the beginning of the episode, Rei is shown walking through the deserted streets of Tokyo, lost in thought. His internal monologue reveals his insecurity and doubts about his ability to succeed as a shogi player. Despite his talent, he feels like he is lacking something crucial - a purpose or a goal that drives him beyond winning tournaments.

As the episode progresses, we see Rei interacting with a variety of characters who all seem to be struggling with their own personal demons. There's his adoptive father, Masachika Kōda, a former shogi player who is now confined to a wheelchair and harbours regrets about his own past. There's also Hinata Kawamoto, a young girl who is struggling with the loss of her mother and the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings.

While Rei tries to provide support and comfort to these characters, he struggles to find meaning and motivation in his own life. The episode highlights the precarious nature of Rei's emotional state, as he oscillates between despair and hope. One particularly poignant scene shows Rei standing in the middle of a busy street, feeling completely overwhelmed by the noise and chaos around him.

Despite these struggles, the episode also highlights moments of beauty and connection between the characters. Rei bonds with Hinata over a shared love of cats, and there are several touching scenes between Rei and Kōda as they reflect on their past and present. These moments of connection serve as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always something to hold onto.

Throughout the episode, there is a pervasive sense of melancholy and loneliness that seems to weigh heavily on all the characters. The snowy landscape serves as a metaphor for this emotional landscape; beautiful yet isolating, peaceful yet cold. The music and cinematography in this episode are particularly powerful in adding to this sense of atmosphere.

Overall, episode 7 of March Comes in Like a Lion season 1 is a contemplative and introspective exploration of Rei's emotional journey. While it may not be the most action-packed or plot-driven episode, it is a beautiful and poignant character study that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost or alone.