Not that incest bothers me in the least. I only take issue with hetero incest, because of the children, and incest where the younger party is being emotionally manipulated or abused, for obvious reasons. Otherwise, you can't help who you fall for. Anyway, this always felt more like an unrequited love story to me. Or maybe a "missed opportunity" type of story. Their meeting and falling in love was so bizarre, it isn't like that could ever actually happen in real life. Though I think the driving theme, that what others think of your love is irrelevant as long as you both are happy, holds true for many types of unconventional relationships. Whether it is a homosexual relationship, a large age gap (provided both parties are consenting adults), interracial relationships (where that us still an issue), or even an incestuous relationship, what others think should never determine your happiness. Strangers, friends and even family can't live your life for you, nor should you live your life for them. If being a filial child and abiding by your parents' wishes brings you peace and happiness, do it. But if that filial duty prevents your happiness, stop right there. There isn't a decent parent living who would want their child to live miserably. It is not your duty to be miserable. The same applies to society. You are not duty or honour bound to be miserable just because society doesn't understand you. Find or make your own happiness and to hell with what anyone else thinks (provided you're not hurting yourself or others - and disappointment doesn't count as hurting anyone). I guess that is why I love this story so much. That theme doesn't just apply to time traveling fathers and sons or even gay men. It applies to us all.
Not that incest bothers me in the least. I only take issue with hetero incest, because of the children, and incest where the younger party is being emotionally manipulated or abused, for obvious reasons. Otherwise, you can't help who you fall for. Anyway, this always felt more like an unrequited love story to me. Or maybe a "missed opportunity" type of story. Their meeting and falling in love was so bizarre, it isn't like that could ever actually happen in real life. Though I think the driving theme, that what others think of your love is irrelevant as long as you both are happy, holds true for many types of unconventional relationships. Whether it is a homosexual relationship, a large age gap (provided both parties are consenting adults), interracial relationships (where that us still an issue), or even an incestuous relationship, what others think should never determine your happiness. Strangers, friends and even family can't live your life for you, nor should you live your life for them. If being a filial child and abiding by your parents' wishes brings you peace and happiness, do it. But if that filial duty prevents your happiness, stop right there. There isn't a decent parent living who would want their child to live miserably. It is not your duty to be miserable. The same applies to society. You are not duty or honour bound to be miserable just because society doesn't understand you. Find or make your own happiness and to hell with what anyone else thinks (provided you're not hurting yourself or others - and disappointment doesn't count as hurting anyone). I guess that is why I love this story so much. That theme doesn't just apply to time traveling fathers and sons or even gay men. It applies to us all.