The story of Haibane Renmei is centered around Rakka, born in a cocoon admits a group of females with wings on their backs and halos above their heads, called "Haibane". She experienced a dream of falling, then birth. What does this all have to do with each other? Why is there a tall, impenetrable wall that surrounds the town of Grie? The fact that only the mysterious "Toga" are allowed to exit creates more questions to ponder about this world presented to the viewer.
While the story itself is of simple nature, yet where it shines is in its execution and the narrative. Audiences are presented with the mystery surrounding this world and its exterior, which never really gets revealed to the viewer. It is focused on the small world within the walls, where the protagonist suddenly encounters herself in a strange place, with peculiar people while being a stranger herself. Nothing less, and nothing more. Such interactions with the people are soothing, yet realistic. It has a consistent pacing throughout its duration, carefully introducing and displaying little hints on the world, as well as the charcters
As mentioned earlier, the story focuses around Existentialism which is magnificently done through the people and the character's behaviour. It is a tale that evolves from heartwarming tales to a stunning development in the second half. Afore mentioned interactions do not only convey a relaxing atmosphere, it carefully introduces the characters problems with life, as well as revealing the mystery surrounding the town. However, viewers never really get this information directly; it is deduced from its surroundings, character's and through the art. Speaking of which, the aesthetics chosen resemble that of an angel, yet this doesn't allure to religion in any way. Other thing to note is the fact that viewers don't know anything more than the character's themselves, which adds to the element of mystery.
The cast of characters are small, yet varied. The main focus lay upon the two characters, Rakka and Rekki, being these well fleshed out and undergoing significant character development throughout its duration. These have remarkable depth and are surprisingly interesting, audiences observing how these interact with their surroundings and society, in addition to providing occasionally some background stories. Hardships such as loneliness, insecurity and the likes they endure are very relatable to audiences, making it easier to engross oneself in the narrative. The supporting cast isn't that well fleshed out, yet are of crucial importance in understanding the characters motives and behaviour. Other remarkable aspect are the mysterious "Toga" who add a significant layer of mystery to the show. A thing to note is that the characters are not divided into archetypes, which add credibility to the story.
The animation quality of Haibane Renmei is rather lackluster in comparison: character's movement come over rather rigid at times, in addition to the character's design in the background being rather distortioned or simplified. Nonetheless, it fulfilled its purpose; what is remarkable though, is the fact how the wings apparition was portrayed: this was stunningly realistic looking, easily conveying the pain the character was feeling. What however is remarkable is the art style utilized in the anime: it is befitting of the atmosphere, being bleak and grey, in a dream like setting. The character's design are unique in its own way, yet was difficult to distinguish at first the gender of some of its cast. The backgrounds were drawn well and were varied, interesting to look at.
What struck me was the soundtrack used in Haibane Renmei, as opposed to other reviewers: it matched with the setting and the story it was trying to portray, with piano, violins compositions and some simplified lullaby's, being compositions such as Ailises Grises or Blue Flow magnificent compositions. Not to mention the ending and opening that fits with the series. The voice actors performed their roles well, yet there were instances when these didn't correctly portray the behaviour of characters, which slightly hindered the immersion in the story.
Haibane Renmei was overall a very enjoyable anime with a very alluring fantasy setting shrouded in mystery, as well as the captivating characters and their interactions with their surroundings. The lack of explanation on the outside world and the specific explanation on Haibane was a drawback personally, as it could have expanded a bit more on it, yet was easily overshadowed by its strengths. The climax of the series leaves quite some things open for interpretation, which in this case is actually works in favour of the anime. So do I recommend this anime? Indeed, I do, yet viewers may be warned as it can be confusing at times.
Thank you for reading.
