Haibane Renmei eps 5-13

[meganbmoore]

Though very beautiful and moving, this series may be a little too sedate and paced for a lot of anime fans. In the end, It's very like Kino's Journey or Gunslinger Girls...a series that you go into probably expecting building action and a grand revelation, but instead you get quiet, moving stories of personal growth and resolution.

Instead of focusing on mysteries and intrigues, Haibane Renmei focuses on the daily lives of and relationships between the characters, how they deal with their uncertain future, and the blank slates of their pasts. Neither the town nor the haibane are ever fully explained, but they don't need to be. What you need to know, the show lets you figure out.

The series does have some definite religious undertones, but while the angel imagery ties it to Judeo-Christian tradition, in some ways, that's as far as it goes. The world of Haibane Renmei seems to primarily be a resting place to gather yourself between one place and another, rather than a representation of a specific religious idea.

I could say more, but, though not really a series where many spoilers apply, I think it's best watched knowing as few details as possible. Highly recommended

oyceter's tag.

An AMV(it does spoil one of the 2 things that I would call important spoilers in the last minute and a half, so you may want to stop when it hits 4 minutes...there don't seem to be many good AMVs out there for the series, sadly...):

Comments

[no1-antielitist.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you liked Haibane Renmei despite its slower pace. Kino's Journey is probably my favorite anime series period, so shows like it always get pushes and nudges from me. :D

[amewarashi.livejournal.com]

I've always wanted to watch Haibane Renmei, but sadly it was already licensed in the US when I heard of it. I really should look for it on Spanish subs or something. I don't mind the slower pace if the plot is good (I mean, can't be slower than Aria and I love that manga), and I've heard good things of it all around.

[sora-blue.livejournal.com]

I believe Megatokyo did a Haibane Renmei omake, which is about as much exposure to the show as I've had. The omake was very moving.

[lilac-breeze.livejournal.com]

Oh, that video was beautiful. Thank you for sharing it!

I'm happy you enjoyed Haibane Renmei. I absolutely loved that series.