The horror/thriller genre (I will be using these two terms interchangeably) has always been a tricky one to deal with in any medium. Other than with the written word, it’s very difficult to find the fine line between genuine, quality horror and cheap shocks. Personally, although I tend to favor shows that prioritize quality of writing and characterization over sheer entertainment value through heart-pumping thrills, I do admit that I am a sucker for the horror genre. That’s why when I finally started Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (let’s just shorten this to Higurashi for the rest of the review), my feelings were mixed. I wasn’t completely sure what to expect. One side of me expected nothing more but lots of senseless blood and violence, but another side of me thought that there had to be something more considering the show’s high ratings. One very fast marathon later, and I had my answer.
Story (9/10):
Maebara Keiichi and his friends live in the calm, village-town of Hinamizawa. Spending their days of youth playing around in an after-school club, the lighthearted tomfoolery soon takes a very dark twist. The history of Hinamizawa’s ritualistic murders are shed onto an unsuspecting Keiichi, and an unfortunate set of events begin occurring as the days close onto the night of the town’s festival, where for the last few years, people have mysteriously died or disappeared. Higurashi’s story resembles an arc-split narrative that seemingly covers the same chunk of time that lasts around a month (give or take a week or so), and repeats itself six times.
However, there’s more to this set-up that meets the eye.
While one could describe the story in the sarcastic words of one of my friends: “Hi! My name is Keiichi, and I just moved into a new town! Murder, murder, murder, murder…,” the six different narrative arcs do more than simply repeat; they change, develop, and sometimes vaguely connect with previous arcs at times. While the story itself covers the same basic concept in the same period of time, the experience itself never drags or feels old. This is a testament to quality of the content. The series will always keep you guessing and theorizing as it adds more and more details. Even the exposition/buildup phases are noticeably different, whether it is through different character introductions or different roles. As far as the horror genre goes, Higurashi handles both its concept and shock in a controlled manner. Contrasting it from other anime with a similar concept such as Another, the story never relies on body count or liters of blood splattered per minute (lbs/min) to keep the viewer’s attention. Throughout the entirety of the first season, Oyashiro-sama’s curse (the “curse” that the villagers believe is the cause of the murders) is an element that is never fully addressed in the first season, but is integral to the air of mystery that encompasses the different arcs. The story has an excellent fast pace to it, and the end of each arc adds more to the mystery, but never makes it feel contrived or unsolvable.
Unfortunately, there are some flaws that inherently come from the genre and the situation it places itself in. The first season is extremely incomplete with the obvious reason being that there is a second season, but allow me to explain why this is an unforgivable flaw. In terms of structure, Studio Deen essentially forces the bulk of the mystery aspect of this horror into one season. What results is that most revelations are all dumped into the second season, which unfairly sets its sequel up for inevitable failure (well, at least when it comes to being a horror). While the mysteries steadily gain, not much of an honest attempt is made in explaining many of these mysteries, ultimately putting everything off until the end. While this is not a huge flaw, it is a noticeable one. Also, although I did enjoy the funny, lighthearted exposition for the reason that it contrasted so much with the serious and dark climaxes, sometimes the transitions in tone can be rough and abrupt. Again, not a huge flaw, but small flaws add up too.
Overall, the first season of Higurashi tells probably one of the better stories the horror genre has to offer. It boasts a great concept, and caps it off with excellent buildup and pacing. Despite some flaws, Higurashi is still one hell of a thriller.
Art (7.5/10):
Unfortunately, I can’t laud the quality of Higurashi’s art and animation as much as the story’s great pacing. In terms of animation, movements are rough and choppy and details aren’t very well-addressed. Even though the show was animated in 2006, there are still many shows during the time that boasted much better animation. However, the art style itself in terms of character designs is special in its own odd way. While I do think that the designs aren’t the best, for some odd reason, I can’t imagine them looking any other way. The cutesy design lends to the air of deception that the story presents itself with. Unfortunately, I do think that they went a bit overboard with the facial expressions. Although cartoony glares have worked well in other anime like Monster, the crazy serial killer-looking facial expressions some characters give look hilarious rather than intimidating. It offsets the mood at times, and the show really could’ve done without them.
The series does a decent job with its atmosphere and setting. While the town of Hinamizawa itself isn’t the most noticeable one in anime, it does have some memorable locations (due to the limited scope we have with the setting). With the atmosphere, the show feels dark when it wants to be that way, and it feels light-hearted (if not too much) during the carefree setups. My overall feelings with the art and animation of Higurashi are mixed. While I do credit the series for having noticeable and effective character designs and atmosphere, the animation in general is very rough, and the setting is a bit dull.
Sound (8.5/10):
The soundtrack of Higurashi sets the tone as well as the atmosphere does. While the soundtrack doesn’t particularly stand out, it is a fitting compliment to the series. Tense and ominous tracks like Kikai augment the mystery aspect of the experience, while there are some even more hard to describe tracks like Ai, an almost nostalgic piano tune that looms in between the realm of esoteric and depressing. While I do think that the soundtrack could’ve been used more to its full potential throughout the series (since frankly, a few months after completing the series and sitting down to write this review, I had to refresh my memory on the OST and its use throughout the series), there is no doubt that the OST is very good.
Voice acting was great overall too. Standout performances included Nakahara Mai’s Ryuuguu Rena and oddly enough, Shimasawa Hirotaka’s Ooishi Kuraudo. Most of the main characters have a go-to catchphrase and/or sound effect they fall back on for the sake of sounding cute, but I’m not the type of person to find that to be a problem. Rika’s Ni-pah’s or Satoko’s devilish laugh were both enjoyable to listen to, and for some reason, I never got tired of hearing them. The opening, which bears the same title as the series itself, sets the perfect ominous tone for the series. The ending, Why, or Why not, wasn’t a particularly memorable ballad, but I wouldn’t say the song itself was bad (that engrish though).
Characters (8/10):
I honestly think this is where Higurashi’s story structure comes to hurt itself in the short term (the long term being the second season itself). For most of the first season, we are guided through six different mysteries. In some mysteries, characters play a different role (whether being a suspicious person or a good friend, all in relation to Keiichi), while in others they are either static or not the focus. As a result, Higurashi becomes inconsistent and choppy when it comes to characterization or development. While it does add the story’s thriller-entertainment value, it really doesn’t help the characters, who fall victim to the story. In a masterfully executed horror show (in fact, in masterfully executed shows of most genres), the characters should work hand in hand with the story. If one takes too much precedence over the other, the one that is neglected is likely doomed for mediocrity. This is what stops a lot of good shows from being great, and unfortunately, Higurashi is not an exception.
Thankfully, there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
In exposing the characters to several different roles in the different narrative arcs, you get an odd sense of starting to just know the characters for who they are, regardless of whether they are playing the good guy or the bad guy. A lot of this is aided through the exposition at the start of most arcs. No matter who ends up being what by each climax, they usually start off by acting in the same way. For instance, Rena is just about always characterized as a cute, hyperactive girl who loves to take cute things home a bit too often, and Satoko is always the clever trap master. Sure, the show itself may end up depending one particular point of characterization (or just a typical trope) to define a character, but it ends up working wonders on getting to know the true nature of each individual.
Overall, the characters of Higurashi are done well to an extent. This “extent” exists because the story’s structure demands incomplete characterization. As a result, some characters that eventually become lovable in the second season never really stood out or were liked by myself after completing the first season. Much like the nature of the series, it felt almost like an experiment.
Enjoyment: (10/10)
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy Higurashi, and a terrible, terrible lie it would be. As far as thrillers go in any medium, I don’t think I was as sucked in with any other series before when it came to just wanting to know answers. And while most of the answers ultimately weren’t delivered until the second season, I did feel sad that the first season didn’t address more, but not disappointed or angry. Again, a lot of Higurashi’s enjoyment is credited to the double edged sword that is the anime’s script. As far as pure entertainment goes, there’s not much better; however, if you’re looking for a bit more care and thought put into the bigger picture, you might be a little disappointed. Nonetheless, that still doesn’t discredit the roller coaster of a ride that I absolutely enjoyed.
Overall (a.k.a TL;DR version of the review):
Within its genre, Higurashi is definitely one of the better and more complete packages. Despite its ultimate reliance on a second season that has a bit too much on its agenda, Higurashi is by no means a slouch or a miss. It delivers a great concept with six strong narrative arcs and fast paced entertainment, and the entire experience is complimented by a becoming OST and strong voice acting. Even though I can’t really say the same about the art style, it’s really a case by case basis that ultimately depends on your preference. A good watch, and definitely worthwhile, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni is an engrossing and creepy horror/mystery that is not for the weak of heart or stomach.
Average score: 8.6/10
Weighted score: 7/10 (Liked it, recommended)
(if the rating confuses you, take a glimpse at my rating system on my profile for clarifications)
