Review of Haibane Renmei

*First note* Looking for an action flick, or sexy angels ? This isn't for you. Haibane Renmei is something special. In a single word this can be called bittersweet. Sorrow, joy,and occasional periods of simple but effective humor. HR is a heartfelt tale of friendships, loss, and forgiveness. What makes this series so special is not that it excels in flashy animation, in fact the animation technique at times is simplified. This is very much not the focus of the series, so please bear with the occasional choppy animation. There are occasions where sound quality can make or break a series and this is no exception. Thereare a few problems with the script and some monologues tend to run a little bit, this is true in both the English sub and dub. But even so voices are overall good. Some of the actors are a little but unsure of themselves early on, but quickly settle into their roles, and by the end do an excellent jobs conveying their characters' emotion.

The soundtrack is excellent. Ootani, Kou, easily did one of his better works in designing the BGM.The intro song which is based off of one of his original works, wonderfully sets the tone for the entire series. At first lonely but optimistic, then bursting with emotion. The rest of the music, voiced or vocals, often seem haunting with a sense of either joy or despair lurking just outside our perception. The only bad thing I have to say about the soundtrack is that it was split into four volumes from its different composers and artists. This combined with limited exposure here in the US makes it hard to find and expensive to import.

The two remaining things that truly make this series shine are the characters and the story. Hand in hand these two aspects carve a place in your heart. The characters are incredibly memorable, friendships, dependence, jealously, betrayal, and forgiveness are critical elements and each takes its turn battering down your resolve to not let a tear slip.

Some people criticize the story for not explaining everything. Rather than a fault I see this as a strength. Rarely do we know all the ins and outs of our surroundings, but the pieces we do know make it what it is. This is what the Haibane see in their world and what is means to them. They do not know all the answers, but they make the best of each day of their existence. Regardless of what few answers and the mounting questions.

I perceive The town of Glie as a cage, but cages can serve more than as a prison. They can serve as a protected place where something cannot get to you in the same way they prevent you from leaving. At least until you are ready to leave and the door is opened. Take it in stride and the pieces fall into place.