7Raven7
05-05-2007, 06:48 PM
Originally intended for the contest, I figured I'd post it anyway so you guys could chew on it a bit and spit back what you didn't like.
Haibane Renmei
91%
Highs:
Character driven, moving story, very original.
Lows:
Still not enough between Rakka and Reki, not every “i” is dotted.
Summary:
The Haibane, angelic figures who live inside the walled town of Glie, have received a new member. Naming her Rakka, for “falling,” as is the Haibane tradition to be named after the dream she had while in the cocoon. That dream is now the only thing she remembers as she has to face the mysteries surrounding her new world.
Review:
I’ll have to admit I was a little reluctant to sample the latest work from the creator of Serial Experiments: Lain, Abe Yoshitoshi. And finding a good drama is often like finding a good painting, most are dull and dusty. For Haibane Renme however, its success lies in that it is completely unafraid to paint with fantastic colors; both bright… and dark.
Not unlike other works of Yoshitoshi, we begin clueless in a new world full of mystery as well as its own rules. This in itself has appeal and we are immediately drawn into a lush and unique atmosphere but with waning patience as the questions begin to mount up. What helps in this anime is that we see everything the same as Rakka does, born without memory, and we partner with her as she learns about her new life and the people in it.
Not only is Rakka the right main character for this series in terms of being compassionate, coy and simplistic, but the friendships she forms among the other feathers brings us closer to each of their bright personalities as well. None more important then Reki who takes it upon herself to take care of Rakka. The story then becomes less about knowing every little detail, a stumbling block for many in these types of anime, and more about their relationship as well as discovery and having fun in a strange land.
If the series were to stay lighthearted it would still be above average however as exciting as exploration can be, in the dark there are also things scary, saddening and dangerous to be found. A twist in the middle of the story brings Rakka to understand not everything is perfect here and gives way to a unique and troubling bond between her and Reki. This turn of events promises to keep you captivated till the very end no matter how many times you watch it.
However, while this connection between Rakka and Reki is at the heart of this series, I still didn’t feel there was enough between the two for me to have closure as the ending drew near. With few embraces between them or words like I love you, miss you, etc. it has had me yearning for more and I think I always will. That, and in all the mystery surrounding us throughout, there are still many things unexplained and while I don’t think this hindered the story, it will gnaw on those who need to know everything. Both of these are only minor grievances however.
You will hear even the most ardent fan of action occasionally put in a strong recommendation for a moving dramatic title. For a unique world filled with great characters and a heart wrenching story that Haibane Renmei has in spades, I make such a recommendation: this series is a must.
Haibane Renmei
91%
Highs:
Character driven, moving story, very original.
Lows:
Still not enough between Rakka and Reki, not every “i” is dotted.
Summary:
The Haibane, angelic figures who live inside the walled town of Glie, have received a new member. Naming her Rakka, for “falling,” as is the Haibane tradition to be named after the dream she had while in the cocoon. That dream is now the only thing she remembers as she has to face the mysteries surrounding her new world.
Review:
I’ll have to admit I was a little reluctant to sample the latest work from the creator of Serial Experiments: Lain, Abe Yoshitoshi. And finding a good drama is often like finding a good painting, most are dull and dusty. For Haibane Renme however, its success lies in that it is completely unafraid to paint with fantastic colors; both bright… and dark.
Not unlike other works of Yoshitoshi, we begin clueless in a new world full of mystery as well as its own rules. This in itself has appeal and we are immediately drawn into a lush and unique atmosphere but with waning patience as the questions begin to mount up. What helps in this anime is that we see everything the same as Rakka does, born without memory, and we partner with her as she learns about her new life and the people in it.
Not only is Rakka the right main character for this series in terms of being compassionate, coy and simplistic, but the friendships she forms among the other feathers brings us closer to each of their bright personalities as well. None more important then Reki who takes it upon herself to take care of Rakka. The story then becomes less about knowing every little detail, a stumbling block for many in these types of anime, and more about their relationship as well as discovery and having fun in a strange land.
If the series were to stay lighthearted it would still be above average however as exciting as exploration can be, in the dark there are also things scary, saddening and dangerous to be found. A twist in the middle of the story brings Rakka to understand not everything is perfect here and gives way to a unique and troubling bond between her and Reki. This turn of events promises to keep you captivated till the very end no matter how many times you watch it.
However, while this connection between Rakka and Reki is at the heart of this series, I still didn’t feel there was enough between the two for me to have closure as the ending drew near. With few embraces between them or words like I love you, miss you, etc. it has had me yearning for more and I think I always will. That, and in all the mystery surrounding us throughout, there are still many things unexplained and while I don’t think this hindered the story, it will gnaw on those who need to know everything. Both of these are only minor grievances however.
You will hear even the most ardent fan of action occasionally put in a strong recommendation for a moving dramatic title. For a unique world filled with great characters and a heart wrenching story that Haibane Renmei has in spades, I make such a recommendation: this series is a must.