Dororo - revisiting this ending. Story sense and writing sense wise why do you think it ends this way? *SPOILER*
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Just finished rewatching dororo after a few years and the same lack of farewell still stings. I understand why he had to go his own path and become independent. Story sense wise, why do you guys think he at least didn’t say any last words to Dororo? She’s been there through thick and thin, demon or human. Writing wise, why do you think the writers didn’t include a departure scene?
In the story sense seeing him decide to pick the better path by not killing his father and being able to convey this verbally while giving him the bhudda, he did have the mental awareness and thought process to say something to dororo instead of leaving her waiting like that until she realizes he’s not returning soon. So his state of mind is there even if he has lost his family. Dororo also mentions to the priest he said he’ll be back and the priest does give Dororo an explanation as to why he may not return, so she does have an understanding of WHY he would leave. Once she realizes he’s not coming back she tells herself he’ll be back soon and goes off with her new goal, so again she knows WHY he left and that’s fine to me. I just don’t get why he wouldn’t physically depart with her/see her one last time. No explanation needed, just one last embrace, a nose nuzzle, even just a thank you. I understand in the writing sense they imply they reunite but it still falls short to not have a departure scene.
My next issue is the obvious burning castle and mother, his caretaker, and Tahamoru dying in the fire. Again story sense this is quite lame as they don’t even try to escape. Writing sense it’s supposed to be symbolic, but the symbolism only works for the mother and caretaker. They both get to finish their jobs and that is the last thing they wanted to do. Tahamoru was save-able. They should have saved him if they helped hyakkimaru down the escape path only seconds prior or it should have been written so that it was impossible for them to do it.
Also last writing issue is both the mother and the caretaker after helping Hyakkimaru down they hear Dororo arriving and helping him through the smoke, telling him to be careful. They look at each other and know that he is in good hands. But it just doesn’t follow through because they separate soon after. Why create that moment when it doesn’t carry any weight?
P.S I want to mention that I enjoyed rewatching this. I sound annoyed with these complaints but they do not over shadow or ruin the anime and experience for me.