Review of Haibane Renmei

An interesting world with nothing to offer. Haibane Renmei, like many other anime, presents to us an slightly mysterious and compelling world where humans and Haibane - angel-like creatures - coexist. The relationship between said creatures and humans is one of kindness, nonetheless, an uneasy feeling hovers near. Something feels out of place. For that reason, at first, I thought Haibane were being used (and maybe abused) by humans, something the protagonist would slowly figure out... ...HOWEVER... ...that concept wasn't explored... ...and what we are left with is, rather than a mysterious psychological thriller, a slightly mysterious fantasy anime with pretentious philosophical themes. The false sense of mystery isan excuse for the teenage level philosophy about themes like death.
These subjects aren't explored directly. Instead the anime opts for a "metaphorical" approach... but it's hardly deep at all. It only presents us real life situations with a fantasy twist. It's simple. It's pretentious.

Now, I'd like to discuss the worst part of the anime...
Yet, another surprise: it's quite hard deciding what part is crappier: the art, the characters or the story.

But let us start with the art. It's pretty obvious the budget was really fucking small. The animation is hentai-level. Background is either static or a loop of the same scenery. However, I must praise what must be praised. Props to the choice of colors. They really fit AND set the atmosphere.

As for characters, there really isn't any redeemable features about them. They are ridiculously one dimensional (even though they are 2D drawings! What a feat!) therefore extremely predictable. And to top it off, they fucking annoy the fuck out of me.
I don't care enough to remember them, but what I know is: the protagonist is weak and useless. You know that clumsy-shy trope every shit anime uses? She's basically that, but, somehow, far more annoying.
There are a few other characters that get on my nerves as well (but I guess the whole anime does...), but I only remember the smoking woman. I had hopes for her. Had. In the past. She's just as empty as the rest. There is some kind of backstory that explains why she's the "carer" and that's about it. Just like the others, one characteristic summarizes her entire personality.

I wonder where in the world the person who wrote this lives. Where can I find a human being with one only trait?

As mentioned before, the story is deceiving and pretentious. Falsely deep, as I like to call it. However, not only it is shit, it is also slow. But wait, don't judge me yet for not enjoying the good ol' slow burner, first, let me explain: there are 2 types of slow paced stories. First: e.g. Breaking Bad; A slow burner that takes it's time to expand the characters' personalities and make a bond between the character and the viewer whilst creating suspense and tension. And Second: e.g. Haibane Henmei; A slow piece of shit that takes it's time with fillers to add nothing at all to the overall experience of the show, besides boredom. Well, there IS teenage-level philosophy. If it floats your boat, who am I to judge?

Voice acting isn't the worst but it's annoying. The OST, ED and OP are fantastic. A damn shame there is no anime to back it up.

In comparison, at least NGE was really good at being depressing.