Review of Higurashi: When They Cry – Kai

Television has brought back murder into the home - where it belongs. ~Alfred Hitchcock, 1969 It's a rare occurrence when an anime (or any TV show) is able to hold thrill and fear in a perfect balance. For starters, the show has to reach a certain standard of quality in order for the viewer to feel either of those two emotions, but in addition, the series must be able to switch between excitement and terror with ease. But maintaining that equilibrium is in fact possible, and such is the beauty of the Higurashi world as a whole. Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni Kai (Often abbreviated Higurashi Kai) isthe second installment in the Higurashi set, and the predominant purpose of this anime is to provide resolution for some of the unanswered mystery arcs in its prequel, Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni. Many people review the two shows as a single anime, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I don't have any intention of merging two full-length anime into a single, 50-episode conglomerate.

That being said, I'm going to assume you've already seen the first season of Higurashi, because if you haven't, you should probably watch that before considering Kai.

Anyways, let's get get on with the review.

~the STORY~
Many people (myself included) were left somewhat unsatisfied with the closure of the first season. It just begged too many questions that were left unresolved. How could such adorable, innocent schoolchildren become psychotic killers at the flip of a switch? What were the unforeseen consequences of each killing? And mst importantly, who was the grand mastermind behind the murders of Showa 58? As the only two who have witnessed the endless cycle of June 1983 and as the only two who know the truth behind the shrine god's curse, Furude Rika (nipaa~) and her celestial companion Hanyuu take the reins as the main characters of Higurashi Kai as they venture to expose the true cause of the murders, and more importantly, how to escape from the endlessly repeating vicious circle.

It is impossible to sum up Higurashi Kai's plot in one word, but if I were to try, I would say it's "satisfying." Over the course of 24 episodes, the viewer builds a powerful empathy and love for Rika and Hanyuu. Watching them struggle, watching them uncover dark secrets, and watching them have a good time in the game club all helps to increase this feeling of devotion for the main characters. Thus, each time they overcome a major obstacle, it is immensely gratifying. This is a device used in many popular mystery books and movies, but I have to say: It works quite well.

~ART 'n SOUND~
Most of the time, I put art, animation, and sound into three different categories. For this anime and this anime only, I will group them because they all contribute to a feeling of uneasiness the viewer will eventually develop. The art perfectly portrays cutesy middle/high school students running around, playing games, and having fun, but it portrays each character's psychotic side equally well. An ambient soundtrack further enhances the suspense between what feels like a high school rom-com and a free-for-all killing spree.

~them CHARACTERS~
Another qualm I have about the first Higurashi series was its total lack of any kind of character development, with the exception of Shion and Mion. Each character gets a lot more depth in Kai, and characters with less significance in the first season (such as Satoko's uncle and Miyo Takano) are expanded into major importance.
The only negative remark I have to say about the characters, and the only negative remark I have to say about the whole series in general, is the unwavering resolve of each character. Nobody really changes over the course of 24 episodes, so people became somewhat predictable. But each character is explained in such depth, I could probably forgive it.

~Higurashi Kai: OVERALL~
This is the rare breed of anime that almost touches absolute perfection. If you haven't seen this yet, watch it now!

One of only three anime I have ever given a perfect 10/10.

~Dechie