Haibane Renmei

I wont tread over old ground as Howard has already given a good outline for the series, Ill just write a few notes as to how I felt about it.

A couple of months ago I rented volume. 1 of Haibane Renmei from our central library, I thought it was pleasant but reserved judgement till I had seen more. Unfortunately I then had to wait till last week before I could get hold of the other episodes so I rented them all out including volume. 1 again figuring that a week would be enough to watch the thirteen episodes plus any extras.

Boy was my time judgement wrong, I re-watched volume. 1, in a way it is reminiscent of the first part of Innocence, with the rebirth into a strange new world and the gradual discovery of your locale which (also as in Innocence) is hemmed in on all sides by walls. 

I then thought I might as well have a quick look at the first episode on volume. 2, a couple of hours later I had watched the whole series, I have seen most of it again since as well, it really is that good.

Graphically there are some nice effects, the cgi has been rendered to fit in beautifully with the standard animation, the characters are well drawn and although it isnt as stylish as the artwork in Serial Experiments Lain its certainly better than a lot of anime series Ive seen.

The soundtrack is beautiful, really fitting well with the story and the world of the Haibane. There is a slightly religious feel but as Howard has already said, to the credit of the authors, they have emphasized personal responsibility and the need for us to take charge of our own lives. 

Its a wonderfully emotive series and although it doesnt have the psychoanalytical depth of Evangelion (some would say thats a good thing) it certainly does hit the spot.

A highly recommended short series that you wont be able to put down after the first few episodes.

Cheers Trev.

BBFC ratings, volumes 1-3 PG, volume 4 12. 

R2 dvds available from MVM. R1 dvds available from Pioneer.