If you are someone who believes in spoilers be aware that this essaylike review will explore some of the main themes of the anime and some key elements of the plot may be exposed. Also writing this made me feel like every thread that I decided to pull I had to go back and revisit it from another angle. After doing so many times Im confident that I could do it endlessly so Im going to try to keep it brief for everyones sanity. This episode changes the normal pace of the series and focuses on the dialogue between Shiki and Kokutou. This conversation between the two is very interesting and engaging not only for answering the questions and exploring the ideas presented throughout the previous episodes but also for bringing us closer to understanding the main characters in a way that transcends conventional storytelling. It becomes a metaphysical exploration of identity drawing inspiration from Eastern and Western philosophical concepts to dissect the complex interplay between mind and body providing a conclusion to the story and a moment of reflection upon the characters actions across the eight episodes. From the very first episode we see Shiki struggling between male and female identities blurring the lines between gender consciousness and existence. Through this exploration and conflict the narrative makes us question the essence of identity and whether it is merely a product of consciousness. In this episode however we get to the bottom of this exploration starting with Shiki and Kokutou discussing whether personality comes from the body or the mind. While Kokutou says that the brain defines personality aligning with a more traditional perspective pointing to the mind as the location of consciousness thought and storage of experiences and memories Shiki on the other hand challenges him by asserting that the body is the origin of identity. Western and Eastern philosophy By stating that personality lies in the body Shiki echoes Arthur Schopenhauers philosophy of the will. For him this will is an irrational force that drives all phenomena including the actions of living beings. It is the primal force that manifests through the physical actions and desires of individuals creating the essence of being. In short she is the embodiment of It suggesting that the core of Shikis existence lies not in abstract metaphysical realms but in the tangible corporeal vessel that houses the will. She explains why that is and how we manage to deceive ourselves into believing that the mind is something special which encapsulates the self: Every human houses a personality in their physical body but none of them ever perceives their own self. Thats before they can do that the brain creates intelligence to serve as a more reliable self ... Although the brain is just a part of the body the intelligence treats it as a special entity because it was created from it you see? Beyond that Shikis ability the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception serves as a symbolic manifestation of this physical embodiment of the will. Through her eyes Shiki perceives the inherent mortality of all things emphasizing the transient nature of existencea concept central to Schopenhauers philosophy. Later Shiki proclaims that her origin is emptiness shedding a new layer considering the context of the Shiki between Shikis as a body without a will devoid of desirea vessel with no inherent longing or purpose. This emptiness is symbolic of a unique existential condition suggesting a lack of the elements that define human experience. Shikis character becomes a way in which the series explores a profound understanding of the nature of human desire and identity. In contrast to Shikis emptiness Kokutou represents a character who embraces the body for what it is. Kokutous acceptance of Shikis unique condition and his refusal to seek change exemplify a distinctive perspective on the human experience. His character becomes a counterpoint to societal norms that often emphasize the pursuit of desires and the quest for selfimprovement. This acceptance of the body without a desire for change echoes Buddhist teachings on contentment and nonattachment exploring the idea that true liberation comes from embracing the present moment and accepting the self as it is free from the constant craving for alteration. The parallel journeys of Shiki and Kokutou highlight the shared human experience of lacking certain essential aspects. Shiki lacks a will and Kokutou is somewhat denying his. Both are portrayed as individuals missing parts of the conventional human experience. Even having the power to change not only her fate but the entire world she realizes that there is no meaning in doing so as she claims: But thered be no point in doing that it would just be the same as dreaming something like that. Thats why I dream of seeing nothing thinking of nothing and not even dreaming of anything and yet it seems that Shiki and I were dreaming of different things. Shiki doesnt want to be alone. Dont you think thats a boring dream? Yes how boring can Shiki be? How boring can reality be? How boring... Can I be? While reflecting on her loneliness she also acknowledges Kokutous: To live having no characteristics never wishing for yourself to become special. You never hurt anyone else so you never get hurt yourself. You never steal from others so you never gain anything. Never making any waves you just blend into time and live an average life then quietly draw your last breath. Thats the kind of ordinary neutral life that you all lead however thats just the end result nothing more. Most people dont lead that kind of life because they want it. The result of trying to become special only to fail... thats the shape of a human who leads an ordinary life. And thats why the most difficult task is to try to live such a life from the start. In my eyes thats a special shape for a mind more so than anyone elses. So special I cant even touch it Uniqueness that no one will ever understand universality that no one ever tries to understand. Because hes so ordinary in everyones eyes no one will ever try to understand him. Someone who will never be hated by others but also not to attract anyone. He appears to be the crystallization of blissful days. If thats true then shes not the one whos actually all alone... Youre going to live as a matter of course and then die as a matter of course. Oh... How lonely... Shikis emptiness and Kokutous acceptance both reflect a sense of existential solitude highlighting the universal experience of loneliness inherent in the human condition. Despite their contrasting approaches both characters grapple with a profound sense of isolation seeking connections and understanding in their own ways. This suggests that loneliness is not merely a personal affliction but a shared human experience. This loneliness becomes a driving force behind the characters actions influencing their will and shaping the dynamics of the story. It serves as a catalyst for selfdiscovery making them confront their innermost desires and fears. Kara no Kyoukai suggests that the essence of humanity is multifaceted and individuals may find fulfillment in diverse ways even when lacking certain conventional elements. Shiki and Kokutous journey emphasizes that by embracing these perceived deficiencies we can find wholeness and harmony. Firstly with Shiki between Shikis as she states: SHIKI and Shiki are always side by side so they remember each other well. I on the other hand am the me that neither of them can perceive. ... Those two with their conflicting tendencies could never have coexisted. And then later on explain how they manage to coexist and overcome such a paradox: To get along with the physical body Shiki will look outside while Ill keep looking staring at the inside. Secondly as we see Shiki and Kokutous dualities form a Yin passive and dark and Yang active and bright relationship within the narrative illustrating the interdependence and connection of these contrasting elements. This philosophical framework is used to explore the equilibrium between opposing forces emphasizing the idea that harmony can be found in the coexistence of seemingly contradictory elements. This is even more evident in this episode: https://i.ur.com/RDo5H9G.jpeg This visual representation further underscores the concept of Yin and Yang with Shikis white kimono representing purity light and the feminine while Kokutous black attire symbolizes darkness strength and the masculine. Their contrasting appearances highlight the duality that exists within them but also the way in which they complement each other. The juxtaposition of uniqueness and universality in the characters lives aligns with Buddhist notions of individual karma and interconnectedness. Each characters journey while seemingly solitary is intricately interwoven with the experiences of others. The show subtly suggests that understanding ones uniqueness requires acknowledging the shared human experience. Incorporating these Buddhist concepts adds a layer of spiritual profundity to the series inviting us to question the nature of existence desire and the path to enlightenment. In essence the exploration of the nature of personality transcends simplistic dualities and offers an alternative that weaves together the mind body and the philosophical concepts of Schopenhauers will. The brain is presented as a filter for the primal forces that shape human essence emerging as a crucial element in understanding the complex interplay between consciousness and unconscious drives. As the characters delve into their inner selves we are asked to reflect on the delicate balance between intellect and instinct unraveling the enigma of identity between the brain and will. Animation The animation maintains the Kara no Kyoukai level of quality focusing on the details even with not much going on actionwise the composition of the scenery is very well thought out and it acts accordingly with the episode which the main focus is its dialogue creating a unique and thoughtprovoking narrative. In my opinion it doesnt need to be more than It is. Its effective in conveying the narrative and themes. The camera angles and details are almost poetic. The care and attention to detail are even more evident when Shiki gazes into the camera revealing a warm and sometimes chilling side a reminder of her inner struggle between her two selves. https://i.ur.com/vWGGmOE.png Gender The dichotomy between male and female Shiki broadly examined in previous episodes provides space for the Shiki that exists between these two seemingly distinct entities. This intermediary Shiki serves as a bridge a liminal space that defies conventional categorizations. Here the narrative compels us to question whether the space between dualities is as significant as the dualities themselves challenging the tendency to perceive identity as a binary and encouraging an exploration of the dynamic evolving nature of the self emphasizing that identity is a continuum rather than a static point. Conclusion Shikis will is defined by her determination to understand her own existence confront the emptiness within her and forge her own path. This relentless pursuit forms the core of her character driving her actions and decisions throughout the episode. Conversely Kokutous will is characterized by acceptance embracing the present and finding fulfillment in the connections he forms with others. Embodying the Eastern concept of harmony and balance he seamlessly navigates the narratives complexities with a calm and composed demeanor. In summary Kara no Kyoukai surpasses the boundaries of anime becoming a profound philosophical inquiry into the complexities of human identity consciousness and the inherent struggles that accompany existence. Inspired by Eastern and Western philosophical traditions the series invites us to engage in deep reflection challenging our preconceived notions and embarking on a philosophical and spiritual journey.