Cute Children with Wings is the first thought that popped into my mind when I picked up ‘Haibane Renmei’. But that’s quite a harsh statement if that’s all it was. After all, it has got Yoshitoshi ABe at the mantle, who has contributed his artistic skills to the excellent and plot-provocative ‘Serial Experiments Lain’. This time, the plot isn’t as provocative as his first work, but it’s no less reason to get yourself attached to it.
The plot is special. It’s slow-moving and is in no rush, especially with such a small episode count of thirteen. The characters are developed up to a satisfying point and the back-story is revealed in a pleasing dosage. The only issue that might mar ‘Haibane Renmei’ is its negligence to explain the remaining questions. But once you get attached to the story and the well-liked, diverse group of characters, then there’s no point quarreling about the carelessness of those neglected answers.
Yoshitoshi ABe’s input on the series has been both within the art and the production. It’s the first time that he has had more of an input that doesn’t require just his artistic talent. However, if you’ve been following ABe’s work, you’ll instantly recognize his art style. That said, you’ll see that he is the main man behind the concept of ‘Haibane Renmei’, as the anime itself started off as a Dojinshi. ‘Rakka’, a young girl and the main star of the series, is friends with six or more who all live in Old Home. What sets them apart and makes them different from the people of the city is that they all have wings of an angel.
It’s interesting to see Rakka being born in the world at the start of the series and getting a grip with reality, from being given a name and seeing herself as a Haibane [People with Wings] to being bombarded with rules that are specific to the Haibane. And it’s truly heart-jerking to see Rakka dealing with loss. However, Reki is the true star of the show, as her mother-figure, back-story and personality make an extreme likability out of her. And others such as Kuu, Nemu, Kana and Hikari don’t grate on others and aren’t merely filler.
It’s all accompanied by an all-rounded soundtrack, although some are flat and not that appealing. But others are very memorable. The ending could’ve done with a bit more effort, as it ended without giving much needed answers to many of the story's questions. But its ending is fitting for ‘Haibane Renmei’, as life goes on for the Haibane.
Should you watch it: Haibane Renmei is an excellent and solid anime, with Yoshitoshi ABe at the mantle to give you a well-written and heart-jerking anime. You’ll be crazy to NOT pick this up.
This is one of my top three favorites.
ReplyDeletei really like your post overall chrono but you could still use improvement. For example, I think it would had to appealed to me better had you for your second paragraphs introduced me to the premise of the show.
ReplyDeleteRather than, jumping to tell me the pacing of the show and character development. Yes, i appreciate that you offer the insight and it's something i would like to know about the show. But, it's not going to make me come watch it by itself.
What i would have done if i were you would to be make a second paragraph giving us the premise of the story and some points as to why it's interesting.
Then i would switch paragraphs 3 and 4 for better pacing.
Overall though, excellent job though i can't say honestly speaking to want to go want to watch it for the fact i don't know what's it about xD. Well i can infer but i like a more detail explanation what i would be in for if i were to go and watch it..