Review of Higurashi: When They Cry – Kai

Higurashi (yes, I'm shortening the name once again) must be observed not as two seasons and whole load of OVA's and specials, but as a collective entity, and what a brilliant one! Beware, because I'm including some plot segments and ideas of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni. If you haven't watched it yet - then go and do it right now, before it's too late! -Story- This is the strongest and the most striking point of the whole show. I was puzzled while watching the first season, because most of the events seemed random and somewhat insane: characters murdered each other, resurrected again and kept going mad.But I also enjoyed all the mystery surrounding these events ans even started building up some theories. I was hoping for some answers in the second season, and I got them to the fullest extent.

The thing this season did straight away was prove, that there was a method through madness of this show. The "infinite loop" idea was not really uninspired and new, but it did fit and it explained most of the strange moments. But the thing that amazed me the most was the slowly, but surely unravelling of a big ball of ideas in my head. Do you remember the cake theory? Never eat it at once, or you will hate it eventually. Well, this theory works for these series too. Those pieces of plot which I connected with each other throughout Higurashi kept me watching at the edge of my sit and asking for more. I personally place the conspiracy of Higurashi somewhere near the storyline of Death Note, because the psychological and information warfare near the end of the show was absolutely brilliant.

The are only two real cons in the way they handled the story of Higurashi. The first is Higurashi no Naku Koro ni. The madness and "random" events can really put off some viewers. Thankfully, it didn't happen to me.

Second con is a somewhat ridiculous way the company of kids won the battle against the whole squad of special forces just by using some traps and a bit of an advanced tactic. Still, this is Japanese show, can't blame them too much, right?

The viewers were also kept wondering about the origin of Hinamizawa Syndrome, which I feel is the first thing worth explaining.

-Characters-
Another strong point of Higurashi is the way it develops the main characters. All of them have commited some sins, which drove them into the village, but they are trying their best to live happy lives. I began to empathize the MC to the fullest in the second season, when the battle against fate started and most of the backstories were revealed. The only problem was that some characters (mainly Rika and Hanyuu) were still left aside ang quickly captured by sharp-clawed paws of OVA directors.

Some didn't like the series mostly because of all the comedian "fillers" in it, but I feel that I enjoyed it even more because of them and the contrast they made. All the "quiet before the storm" episodes were really heartwarming and funny. The scenes, where all the MC started to combine their strength and help each other in their trials, where really well made too.

Another pro is the development of the antagonist. It was hard for me to watch her struggle in her childhood. Desperate people become the "Pierrot marching around the stage" really easily, and this fate didn't pass her by. My feelings about the antagonist are controversal, but at least it's not the typical "kill them all and get the crown" villain without any ulterior motives.

-Art-
The artwork of Higurashi is not bad, but old. Plus, I had to watch the show in 480p. It didn't really spoil the overall enjoyment or anything, though. Characters were happy and cute when they wanted to be, but also really scary and insane at time. This contrast was very well drawn and it created all the atmosphere.

-Sound-
All the openings and endings are pretty catchy and they actually fit the atmosphere. The first OP is quite intense and bloody just like the first season, while the second one is more dramatic and calm. I didn't pay much attention to music, but it was changing mood when needed.
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Overall, I feel that watching all the seasons is indeed worth it because of an amazing storyline and most of the urgent questions answered. I enjoyed Hirugashi a lot and I would advice everyone to watch it, but certainly not as a first title.

Quick summery:
-Story-
8/10
+ The "answering" second season, which slowly unravelled most of the mysteries.
+/- Madness and random events of the first season.
- No explanation to the origin of the Hinamizawa Syndrome.

-Character-
8/10
+ Amazing development of MCs and the sins they commited.
+ Desperate antagonist with sad and depressing backstory.
- Not enough attention to Rika and Hanyuu in the main series.

-Art-
7/10
+ Art changing mood when needs be.
+ Bright and well drawn characters.
- Bad quality and overall stale artwork.

-Sound-
8/10
+ Mood changing.
+ Brilliant OPs and EDs.
- The music is not really that impressive.