Jan 5, 2017
Warning:
This review contains slight spoilers since it roughly outlines the story, but it shouldn't be in a way which destroys your experience. I'm not really experienced in writing reviews, hence it got more a basic overview of the story with my opinions. But this way you'll have an idea of what you're about to watch, maybe it's helpful for some.
~Characters/Story~
Hibike is a really enjoyable show which might not have the best story, but it doesn't matter. The main story is most likely the thing you'll care about the least. Why? Because it's KyoAni. They focus on the characters really well which is the biggest
...
strength of the show. Honestly, does a simple story about trying to gain gold at the nationals sound interesting to you? Nope, but while everyone's practicing the hell out of their intruments we've obviously discussions happen during the Characters. While the first season more or less only covered Kumiko and Reina and (which should be known to you) how they came together the second one manages to give some more development to the most important characters. I think it's not a big spoiler to say the final events will focus more and more about Asuka. The anime gives her a ton of background story and also some development. This really feels different than in the first season, since I don't think much changed in other characters than Reina and Kumiko.
We still have some story though, if I had to give you my opinion about the story itself it would be difficult. However this is my opinion and I'm fairly certain I'm probably the only one having a problem with the negative parts, mostly because they aren't negative actually.
Ok, what do I mean by that? First of all: If you want to see a story which doesn't have to do with characters then you're wrong here. I already said this. Hibike tries to give Reina some development in the beginning and since I don't want to spoiler anyone I'll only ask you if you still remember this Taki stuff she talked about during the ending of S1? Well, that (unfortunately) gets more fleshed out and is totally not the kind of cliche story I wanted to have. Regarding the ending of the arc I can't complain myself though, it was done really well.
The positive parts are most likely the beginning and the ending. At the beginning the series had a great start, the first 3 episodes were a lot better than anything of S1. The series focused more on the serious stuff here, also one quote of the first episode managed to perfectly describe what the ending of S2 will be like. „All the time we have won't last forever, there'll be some day when we've to part with others“. This hints to the obvious retiring of the current third years and last episode was only done to stress the last point. You'll see for yourself how that works out, basically anyone who left school and went to college, uni or working afterwards will know how it was. It's a sad feeling to leave all the years you had behind and that's what Hibike tries to capture.
The midpart is most likely the weakest point of the story, however that doesn't mean it's bad since its events will get important later on. Asuka is clearly in the spotlight from episode 8 on, and here everything gets basically prepared for the big ending. If you manage to keep up interest till then you made it to the really good part. The good thing about it is that it closes the circle, and that's giving a really good impact on it. But as said, you'll see what I mean.
~Music~
It's not all about music here, in fact the only time they really played a song completely was at the end. However that's not bad, since the show focuses more on the characters this way. And there's still enough music left, don't worry. They managed to make the failures while playing the instruments hearable very good during S1 already, S2 also makes the instruments sound really natural. The quality of the songs is the same as in S1, since most of what you hear won't be new. There'll be a new one though, which is also the most important.
~Art~
I don't think we need to consider what to give the show here, 10/10
Summed up Hibike was a series which will stay on your mind. It's a great show dealing with characters the best way possible. Not somethng I'd have watched normally, but it was great.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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