Review of Haibane Renmei

I watched this very early on when I was first getting into anime, but I would still recommend it to newcomers/anime fans who want something a little different. I've watched it in both Japanese and English, both of which the voice acting is good, and am always willing to re-watch it with others. In terms of story it's very unique, it's a good story but with fairly slow pacing which gives the feel of watching a movie rather than a series of episodes. The world building for the anime is equally interesting, and even in the final episodes you don't learn muchabout the world these characters live in (but you can infer).
The art style is fairly simple, but I think it fits with the quiet yet slightly unsettling feeling the anime can get at times. I thought the ending was fantastic, and love the animators choice of not falling into common anime pitfalls that make a show stereotypical.

I don't have any major criticisms for the show, but I realize that for some it may not be their cup of tea. This is definitely an original anime where if the story doesn't interest you, and the art bores you, it may be hard to watch. There are some darker moments, and trigger warnings, but for anyone willing to try an anime slightly off the beaten path, this is a great anime!