I've seen some people classifying "Wolf's Rain" as a " werewolf anime ". I can't flat out object to this, because, one of the good points of this aproach, is that it gives you the freedom to percieve it in whatever shape you find most natural to digest, while all the focus goes straight to the essence, and through that, the anime manages to stay true to it's message. Yet, I can't exactly agree with them either.
" Wolf's Rain " is the story of four wolves ( a race considered extinct for hundreds of years - they have human shapes ), who, in an apocalyptic world setting ( where most of the land has turned into an arid, unwelcoming wasteland ) and a collapsing, degraded society led by the Nobles ( who have distanced themselves from the rest of the humans, as a distinct, superior race ), go over their differences, and learn to cope with each other, banding together, in search for what all wolves are instinctively drawn to : the maiden of flowers. The one, that is the key to finding the Paradise.
But in their journey, they have to go over many dangers, and obstacles, every one taking them a step closer to maturity. Because...the world is not a welcoming place for the likes of them, and they are also not the only ones who got tired of the society, and started to chase after such goals.
It's a story of courage, of surpassing your limits ( or the limits you think you have ), of working together as well as on your own, for a common goal, and overcoming the impossible. But most of all, a story of freedom, freedom to stray away from the decadent society and its oftenly absurd norms, guided purely by your own instinct. To find...your paradise.
This anime sets itself apart due to its remarkable simbolism, suited for everyone. It is abstract, original, and some may even find it a bit bizzare. If that's what you're looking for, then I highly recommend this one to you.
...No, forget that, I recommend it anyway.
