Anime Cinematography Blog

There were some really nice subtle touches in this episode in which the character's actions and feelings were mainly expressed through cinematography.  A long shot of Asahi contemplating. The school and the crows in the background are the visual representation of what's on his mind, which is whether or not he should go back to the team.  A shallow focus on the crow taking flight in the background, further emphasizes the symbolism.   The shallow focus then switches on Asahi as he leaves, emphasizing the decision he has made. Just like the crow in the background he's taking flight again and rejoining the team. In this scene there was no dialogue from Asahi, the visuals were used to speak for the character ___________________________________________________________

 Long shot with a shallow focus. This establishes the volleyball setting. The haziness and the out of focus background give a memory lane effect.   Close up shot of the net with a shallow focus. The net coming into focus strongly suggests that the character (Nishinoya) is reminiscing about volleyball.  Off center medium shot. Volleyball background remains prominent.  Medium shot of the back of another character (Asahi). This shot specify what Nishinoya misses about volleyball and that is playing with the person in the shot.  Full shot of both characters. This establishes the two characters. Asahi having his back turned drives the emotional point that he has left volleyball.