>>4303231
The way I see it, most yuri is pretty insular, that is to say it gives us what we want and what we expect. KnM challenges a lot of straightforward yuri tropes, and on top of that, teaches about love and life in general, not just the romantic relationship between Chikane and Himeko.

The way Chikane tried to break down and demonize herself to both air out her feelings and identify who she really was to Himeko is an example of this. Sure she was a reincarnation of her past self who loved Himeko, but instead of caring for her own wellbeing, objectively sought out to give Himeko the maximum amount of happiness as a real test of love. Of course, this test proved nothing because as Himeko realized, if she did the same thing, Chikane would be heartbroken like how she was. Loving yourself is the best form of love you can give someone.

Most yuri is self gratifying and focuses too much on the relationships themselves, which is why I heavily disagree with >>4303244. Because the twin ending implies its okay for Himeko and Chikane to do ritual suicide together every reincarnation instead of appreciating the life that made them or how it really affects how the other, who has to keep on living.