Review of Haibane Renmei

This anime actually has a special place in my heart. There is something about the setting that makes me want to live in Gile or Old Home; the simple, carefree lifestyle is appealing, particularly with the lack of advanced technology, and any anime that can make me feel like that has done well. The only other anime that has managed to do this would be Gunslinger Girl. STORY: Normally, it's a strong turn off when it comes to anime that hasn't had things in the beginning explained. To be honest, it would have been nice to have known about why Haibane are born and where theyoriginally came from. Is this new 'world' some sort of After Life? But amazingly, the way the anime has been constructed, I haven't been bothered about this. It can usually be a hit or miss when it comes to Slice Of Life anime, and this was a hit for me. Probably because of the large insight into the setting of Gile and Old Home. What surprised me again, was how I didn't dislike the anime once the second half of the anime started. It's dramatic, and we do see a dark side of Gile that may answer the viewer's questions. However, the only disappointment was the ending, which did seem a little rushed to me.

ART: Art and animation are so-so, however I didn't think it was too bad for something that was made around the early 21st century. I'm usually attracted to anime with bright colours, but I suppose the dullness used fits well with the story and setting. There is nothing to complain or praise about the character design, with the exception that the designs are made well enough so the characters don't look too deformed on different angles, which I've noticed in other series. The animation seems fairly simple, however I think the animation was well made in parts such as the opening, the moment when Rakka's wings sprout and some scenes in the last episode.

SOUND: The sound seems fitting and appropriate for the series, and I enjoy both the opening and ending songs. I can't really expand much on the sound, but it was generally good.

CHARACTERS: In the first half of the series, the 'enlightening' side, each episode focused on one of the main Haibanes living on Old Home, both for Rakka and the view, and what they did for a living. In each of these episodes you could see how Rakka and the other Haibane character interact with each other.
Actually what I found interesting, was how the Haibane and even the humans treated the crows. Some of them complained about how the crows picked at their 'left-overs' and (can't quite remember if this was said) how the crows can only depend on us to survive. Really when you think about it, Haibane are like the crows; taking what ever is not wanted by the humans, and how they probably would not be able to survive themselves without depending on the humans.

Overall, it would have been nice to have given this anime a 7.5 if it wasn't for the restricted scoring system, and it does not quite meet the demands of an 8 score; if the series had been made around this time, I think it would have superb animation and design, and I would have given it an 8. I can't really pinpoint who would enjoy this anime, however, if you enjoyed any of Yoshitoshi Abe's other work (Serial Experiments Lain, Texhnolyze, NieA Under 7), you may enjoy this.