region2 DVD: pub: Revelation Films. FUN72403. 1 DVD 100 minutes 4 episodes plus extras. Price: £15.99 (UK).

check out website: www.revfilms.com and www.rumblinghearts.com

We've finally come to the concluding set of episodes of 'Rumbling Hearts'. This story which is basically a tortured love triangle continues initially with as much angst as the previous episodes. Haruka, after hearing the truth of the situation, that she has lost three years in a coma and all has changed with the group of friends, falls again into a coma-like state from neurological shock.

Mitsuki moves both physically and mentally away from Takayuki but draws Shinji into the middle of the situation in the process. Haruka finally wakes up and is told the truth, having a hard time coming to terms with both. The fact she's lost so much time and Takayuki and Mitsuki had become a couple and then split up.

Takayuki trying to please everyone is left straining under the weight of turmoil. He tries desperately not to hurt anyone but finally comes to the realisation he needs to choose who and what he really wants. Mitsuki finally breaks and leaves Takayuki, her job and tries to finally break free.

The episodes linger around Haruka as she decides on pushing on with her rehabilitation, desire to walk again, find independence and deal with the issues that have arisen. Takayuki admires her spirit and we are led down the path of him rejoining with Haruka.

There is so much emotion tied up with these episodes. Mitsuki struggling with her 'lack' of relationship with Takayuki and her final leaving. Takayuki's realisation that he's overlooked and took for granted Misuki's love and his dilemma and love for Haruka.

Haruka's struggle with her physical disability and her missed three years of growing up are emotionally pulling to the viewer. The resolution is not quite what you expect with the ending left in the telling of a children's picture-book story. The ending is satisfactory, ticking the right boxes but you do feel it would have been good to have some sort of epilogue. Just to make the whole series feel a bit more rounded.

The series starkness is emphasised both visually and in the use or lack of music. Often just piano based, it feels very much in the background most of the time. The animation also sometimes fails although most of the backgrounds are pleasing on the whole.

Sometimes, the series slips from its adult emotional basis and very occasionally fails to convince but over all this is moving and heart-pulling stuff. All the characters work and the story takes you on an interested if somewhat uncomfortable ride. Well worth a watch.

Phil Jones