Review of Twilight Out of Focus Episode 5: Introducing New Characters and Focusing on Supporting Roles

Twilight Out of Focus released its fifth episode, titled “Kikuchihara Jin’s Troubles,”on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 11:30 pm JST. In this episode, the focus shifts from main characters Mao and Hisashi to the introduction of new characters and the development of the supporting characters’ story arcs.

This installment introduces the 3rd year film club president, Jin Kikuchihara, and sets the stage for the second couple’s relationship with Giichi. It also marks the start of a new romance.

This review of episode 5 of Twilight Out of Focus examines the show’s narrative development, production quality, and performances by the cast and crew, offering a detailed analysis of the series’ progression.

Please be aware that this article includes spoilers for episode 5 of Twilight Out of Focus.

Twilight Out of Focus: A Review of Episode 5 – Studio Deen’s Skillful Exploration of Side Characters’ Arcs

Twilight Out of Focus Episode 5: A Brief Synopsis

The fifth episode of Twilight Out of Focus opens with the introduction of the third-year members of the film club: Kikuchihara Jin, the director and president, Chiaki Minoru, the assistant director, Rudy, the record keeper, Inaba Rei, the vice president and VFX artist, and Tsuchiya Isao, the photographer.

Giichi is thoroughly uninterested as they present their demo film to attract new first-year students. However, a heated argument between Jin and Giichi quickly escalates and ends with an accidental kiss, leaving everyone in shock.

Afterwards, the third-year students educate Jin about BL and bring up the upcoming BL film being made by the second-years. Rei proposes that they should take Giichi’s film seriously and work on their own for the Cultural Festival. The conversation between Jin and Rei shifts to a more personal topic about Giichi, in which Jin encourages Rei to make amends with him since Giichi is the top contender for the next club president position.

A teacher tells Jin that his new roommate is Giichi, who had to move into the dorms because of his grandfather’s emergency. In a hurry, Jin goes to the dorms and discovers that Giichi is his roommate. During a meal, Jin and Rei talk about this situation. In an attempt to make amends, Jin gives Giichi some tips for dorm life, along with a plushie and kind words for his grandfather’s health.

Jin and Giichi's accidental kiss (Image via Studio Deen)
Jin and Giichi’s accidental kiss (Image via Studio Deen)

Giichi is grateful for the gestures, and Jin thinks they may be on good terms again. However, the next day, as the third-years start their filming, Giichi glares at them and curses their project, causing Jin to reevaluate his earlier thoughts. Later, when Jin returns to his room, he anticipates Giichi’s anger but is instead greeted with unexpected kindness. As they have a brief conversation, Jin ponders about Giichi’s true character.

When the third-year club members inquire about Jin’s experience living with Giichi, he shares his confusion about Giichi’s inconsistent behavior. His friends suggest talking to Giichi directly, but Jin hesitates. Later, while in their room, Jin notices Giichi reading a BL manga. Curious, Jin asks to borrow it and discovers that it’s his first time reading BL.

Giichi meticulously chooses a tale in order to leave a positive impression. Jin is deeply moved by the story, and as a result, he opens up and confesses that he believed Giichi harbored negative feelings towards him. However, Giichi clarifies that it is solely because he believes Jin’s films are subpar, not because of any personal animosity. Jin is both elated and conflicted, and he requests that Giichi offer direct criticism to him.

As Jin reads the sequel and discusses BL with Giichi, he envisions an intimate moment between them. His daydream is interrupted when he notices that Giichi has fallen asleep beside him. The episode concludes with Jin reflecting on his complex emotions towards Giichi.

Twilight Out of Focus episode 5: Production, Animation, Soundtracks, and Voice Acting: A Criticism

Jin meets his new roommate, Giichi (Image via Studio Deen)
Jin meets his new roommate, Giichi (Image via Studio Deen)

Despite being on its fifth episode, Studio Deen continues to uphold its reputation for high production standards in Twilight Out of Focus. The exceptional animation and storytelling in this particular episode are no exception, as it impresses viewers and adds depth to the plot through its shift in narrative focus from the protagonists to the supporting characters.

The fifth episode of Twilight Out of Focus continues to impress with its captivating animation and standout performances by the entire cast. In particular, Masatomo Nakazawa shines as Giichi and Makoto Furukawa delivers a stellar performance as Jin.

In this episode, Furukawa and Nakazawa both showcase their talent by bringing their characters, Saitama and Shirogane, to life. Furukawa is recognized for his roles in One Punch Man and Love is War, while Nakazawa is known for his previous work as Haruki in Given, another BL series. Additionally, the episode’s soundtracks and background music heighten the overall viewing experience.

Twilight Out of Focus Episode 5: While a New Couple Brings Depth to the Story, the Main Couple is Notably Absent

Jin and Giichi read BL together (Image via Studio Deen)
Jin and Giichi read BL together (Image via Studio Deen)

In Episode 5 of Twilight Out of Focus, the focus of the narrative shifts from Mao and Hisashi’s developing relationship to highlight the supporting characters, with a particular focus on Giichi and the members of the 3rd year film club. The introduction of new characters, such as the club president Jin Kikuchihara, becomes a central aspect of the episode.

This shift in emphasis serves to establish the growth and development of Jin’s character and introduces a new couple to the narrative. In episode 5 of Twilight Out of Focus, Studio Deen skillfully delves into the developing bond between Jin and Giichi.

The episode starts with an unintentional kiss between two opposing characters, and then follows Jin’s emotional evolution as Giichi exposes him to the world of BL stories. This encounter has a profound impact on Jin, causing his feelings for Giichi to evolve from simply being clubmates to something more significant.

Despite the absence of intimate or romantic moments, the episode makes up for it by introducing new characters and delving into side-story arcs. While some viewers may feel disappointed by the lack of Mao and Hisashi’s budding relationship, as neither of them make significant appearances with Hisashi not even showing up and Mao only making brief cameos in certain scenes.

The development of Jin and Giichi’s relationship brings new and exciting elements to the narrative. Additionally, the mysterious nature of Jin’s past adds tension and adds depth to the episode’s storytelling.

Overall, the fifth episode of Twilight Out of Focus provides an engrossing and enjoyable viewing experience through the incorporation of fresh romantic elements and the setup of a potential romance for a second BL couple, guaranteeing audience satisfaction.

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