What Children lacks in classy anime polish it makes up for in its artistic rebellion against the fable of Japanese social hegemony. You might see parallels with Zealous Creative's "Zero" in simplicity or perhaps to THX 1138 by the detached numbering system for individuals in the story. This isn't an unusual device employed for dystopian or pseudo-dystopian narratives and it serves its purpose here. Adults mask their features with a smile. Students go through motions that please the adults: high marks and activities/sports participation. Our central child looks at the dead and dying world about him and can't take it. Turns out, neithercan his compatriots. Once it becomes too much it turns into rebellion and delinquency. But also a previously untapped kindness for the the little things.