Twilight Out of Focus episode 5, titled Kikuchihara Jin’s Troubles, was released on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 11:30 pm JST. In the fifth episode of Twilight Out of Focus, the main characters Mao and Hisashi take a backseat as the story shifts focus, introducing new characters and developing the supporting story arcs instead.
This episode paves the way for the second couple, centering on the relationship between Giichi and Jin Kikuchihara, the third-year film club president introduced in this installment. With that, it sets the stage for the beginning of a new romance.
This Twilight Out of Focus episode 5 review analyzes the narrative development, production quality, and performances by the staff and cast members, providing an in-depth look at the show's progression.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Twilight Out of Focus episode 5.
Twilight Out of Focus episode 5 review: Studio Deen adds depth to the story by masterfully exploring the side characters’ arcs
Twilight Out of Focus episode 5: A brief synopsis
Twilight Out of Focus episode 5 begins by introducing the third-year film club members: director and president Kikuchihara Jin, assistant director Chiaki Minoru, record keeper Rudy, vice president and VFX artist Inaba Rei, and photographer Tsuchiya Isao.
They present their demo film to attract new first-year students, which Giichi finds boring. A fight between Jin and Giichi escalates, leading to an accidental kiss, shocking everyone.
Later, the third-year group explains to Jin what BL is and mentions the second-years’ upcoming BL film. Rei suggests taking Giichi’s film seriously and preparing their own for the Cultural Festival.
Jin and Rei then have a heartfelt conversation about Giichi. Jin advises Rei to reconcile with Giichi as he is the candidate for the next club president.
A teacher then informs Jin about his new roommate, who has to move into the dorms due to an emergency with his grandfather. Jin rushes to the dorms and finds that his roommate is Giichi.
Later, over a meal, Jin and Rei discuss this development. Jin tries to make amends with Giichi by offering dorm life tips and giving him a plushie, along with best wishes for his sick grandfather.
Giichi appreciates the gestures, and Jin feels they might be reconciling. However, the next day, as the third-years begin their shooting, Giichi glares at them and curses their project, causing Jin to reconsider his previous opinion. Later, Jin returns to his room, expecting Giichi's wrath, but is surprised by his polite welcome. As they chat briefly, Jin wonders about Giichi's true nature.
The third-year club members ask Jin about living with Giichi. Jin reveals Giichi's inconsistent behavior, expressing confusion. His friends suggest asking Giichi directly, but Jin feels finds it difficult.
Back in the room, Jin finds Giichi reading a BL manga. Curious, Jin borrows it, revealing it's his first time reading BL.
Giichi carefully selects a story to make a good impression. Moved to tears by the story, Jin opens up, admitting he thought Giichi hated him. Giichi explains it's because he thinks Jin's movies are bad, not out of personal dislike. Jin, happy yet conflicted, asks Giichi to criticize him directly.
As they read the sequel and discuss BL, Jin imagines an intimate moment between them. He snaps out of his daydream to find Giichi asleep beside him. The episode ends with Jin pondering his conflicted feelings for Giichi.
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Twilight Out of Focus episode 5: Production, animation, soundtracks, and voice acting: A criticism
Studio Deen maintains its high production standards with Twilight Out of Focus, and episode 5 is no exception. The episode impresses with its exceptional animation and storytelling, and the shift in narrative focus from the protagonists to the supporting characters adds depth and intrigue to the plot.
Twilight Out of Focus episode 5 features captivating animation, and the performances by all the cast, especially Masatomo Nakazawa as Giichi and Makoto Furukawa as Jin, are standout.
Furukawa, known for roles like Saitama in One Punch Man and Shirogane in Love is War, and Nakazawa, who previously voiced Haruki in Given, another BL series, both bring their characters to life in this episode with skill. The episode's soundtracks and background music further enhance the viewing experience.
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Twilight Out of Focus episode 5: While a new couple brings depth to the story, the main couple is notably absent
In Twilight Out of Focus Episode 5, the narrative shifts focus from Mao and Hisashi’s budding romance to spotlight the supporting characters, particularly Giichi and the third-year film club members.
The episode introduces new characters, including Jin Kikuchihara, the club president, who takes center stage. This change in focus sets up the development of Jin's character and the entry of a second couple in the story.
In Twilight Out of Focus episode 5, Studio Deen adeptly explores the evolving relationship between Jin and Giichi.
The episode begins with an accidental kiss between these two rival characters and follows Jin’s emotional transformation as Giichi introduces him to the world of BL stories. This new experience deeply affects Jin, shifting his feelings for Giichi from mere clubmates to something more significant.
While the episode lacks intimate or romantic scenes, it compensates for it with the introduction of new characters and the development of side-story arcs. However, some fans may miss seeing Mao and Hisashi’s blossoming romance. The pair is not the main focus, with Hisashi not appearing at all and Mao only briefly appearing in some scenes.
The shift to Jin and Giichi’s rapidly evolving relationship provides fresh narrative elements. Moreover, the intrigue surrounding Jin’s past adds suspense, making up for the missing points and enriching the episode’s overall storytelling.
In summary, Twilight Out of Focus episode 5 offers an engaging and entertaining experience by introducing new romantic elements and setting the stage for a second BL couple's romance that viewers are sure to enjoy.
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