Review of Higurashi: When They Cry – Kai
Personally, my favourite kinds of stories are the ones that really make you think. Ones that make you look back on what you've already seen, and realize there was more going on than you had initially picked up on. Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni Kai makes you realize that the entire first season was preparing you for the story it has to tell. The first season of Higurashi is fantastic in its own ways. It's unique in the way it tells its arcs; but it leaves the viewer questioning what they each have to do with one another. The second season, Kai, answers every singlequestion you could have asked, and also adds multiple layers that you didn't realize were even happening. It is the most satisfying psychological story I have experienced in a very, very long time. In terms of story, it is possibly the most impressive psychological story I've ever seen - its internal logic is consistent and wraps up in a way that leaves you with no lingering questions.
Arguably one of the most successful parts of Higurashi is its characters. The characters are the story, and the story is what matters. Especially when taking the first season into account, each and every character is given proper time & weight. You understand their backstories, their fears, their traumas, et cetera. They even introduce a new character in Kai that, honestly, makes the whole series make sense. Without this character, the show couldn't wrap up as fantastically as it does.
Though I'm praising Higurashi a lot, that isn't to say it is without fault. The animation can be a bit lackluster at times, and the little I heard of the English dub was aggressively awful. With that being said, I felt the Japanese voice acting was actually fantastic, and the fansubs for the second season were adequate (some awkward phrasing, but they're fansubs haha). As for the art, I never felt the faults in art ever detracted from the show, and there were many moments of beauty in terms of art - I enjoyed it all.
By the way, the soundtrack to Higurashi is wonderful! It uses its themes appropriately, and the production on the music never feels cheap. It is a triumph along with the story, and added a ton of depth and emotion to impactful scenes.
I can't recommend Higurashi enough. I've watched the entire series three times now (first time on my own, second two times with different friends) and always catch something new with each watch. It is a show that is firmly placed in my personal Top 3, and it would take something truly incredible to move it from that spot for me. Higurashi is completely worth your time, and it comes with a heartfelt recommendation from me!