To Us for Every Decision We Make: A Deleuzian and Guattarian Criticism of the Films "To Me The One Who Loved You and To Every You I've Loved Before"
Document Types
Paper Presentation
School Name
De La Salle University Senior High School (Manila)
Track or Strand
Humanities and Social Science (HUMSS)
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Ferrer, Nathaniel Rey, D.
Start Date
23-6-2025 1:30 PM
End Date
23-6-2025 3:00 PM
Zoom Link/ Room Assignment
Y503
Abstract/Executive Summary
Anime has emerged not only as a form of entertainment but also as a cultural and philosophical medium exploring concepts such as identity, decision-making, and existential dilemmas. Despite its growing influence in both global and Filipino contexts, little scholarly attention has been given to how philosophical frameworks like Deleuze and Guattari can be applied to analyze such narratives. The study analyzed To Every You I’ve Loved Before and To Me The One Who Loved You while applying Deleuze and Guattari’s philosophical approach to understand how decisions, with identity formation and social norms, affect character development. The research applies qualitative textual analysis to analyze both films, applying core concepts from A Thousand Plateaus (1987), which include rhizomatic thinking, becoming, body without organs (BwO), smooth and striated space, assemblage, deterritorialization, and line of flight. The analysis relied on Herman’s Narrative Framework (2009) to examine how Koyomi’s choices develop because of his previous experiences. Through his travels between parallel realms, Koyomi illustrates the constant battle between the forces of free choice and the unavoidable effects of actions. Through his choices, Koyomi demonstrates the fluidity of identity and the complexity of self-determination via loss and external factors, together with feelings of regret. The study emphasizes that Anime functions as a philosophical platform that presents existential problems that connect with people, especially those in the exploration phase of their lives. The study adds valuable insights to research about philosophical film analysis, animated narrative structures, and individuals’ development based on their environment and decisions.
Keywords
decision-making; identity formation; Deleuze and Guattari; anime criticism; parallel worlds
Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)
Living Culture and Contemporary Societies (LCS)
Initial Consent for Publication
yes
Statement of Originality
yes
To Us for Every Decision We Make: A Deleuzian and Guattarian Criticism of the Films "To Me The One Who Loved You and To Every You I've Loved Before"
Anime has emerged not only as a form of entertainment but also as a cultural and philosophical medium exploring concepts such as identity, decision-making, and existential dilemmas. Despite its growing influence in both global and Filipino contexts, little scholarly attention has been given to how philosophical frameworks like Deleuze and Guattari can be applied to analyze such narratives. The study analyzed To Every You I’ve Loved Before and To Me The One Who Loved You while applying Deleuze and Guattari’s philosophical approach to understand how decisions, with identity formation and social norms, affect character development. The research applies qualitative textual analysis to analyze both films, applying core concepts from A Thousand Plateaus (1987), which include rhizomatic thinking, becoming, body without organs (BwO), smooth and striated space, assemblage, deterritorialization, and line of flight. The analysis relied on Herman’s Narrative Framework (2009) to examine how Koyomi’s choices develop because of his previous experiences. Through his travels between parallel realms, Koyomi illustrates the constant battle between the forces of free choice and the unavoidable effects of actions. Through his choices, Koyomi demonstrates the fluidity of identity and the complexity of self-determination via loss and external factors, together with feelings of regret. The study emphasizes that Anime functions as a philosophical platform that presents existential problems that connect with people, especially those in the exploration phase of their lives. The study adds valuable insights to research about philosophical film analysis, animated narrative structures, and individuals’ development based on their environment and decisions.
https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2025/paper_lcs/3
