Originality: Let’s face it, we don’t see that too often in the media nowadays. While there’s nothing wrong with something that’s unoriginal inherently, just as long as it’s done in interesting ways, it’s always a breath of fresh air when we see something beyond the norm. What do you get when you combine both mystery and horror into one?
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni.
-Story & Characters-
The story of Higurashi takes place in a small village in the middle of nowhere, called Hinamizawa. Everything seems peaceful, but as the story continues, more and more sinister secrets about Hinamizawa reveal themselves, and this tiny little village is not at all what it seems. Every year, there is a special event called the Cotton Drifting Festival. There are games and food stands, and the local priests perform a ritual in honor of a god named Oyashiro. But things are never that simple: After the Cotton Drifting Festival, one person is murdered, and another person vanishes into thin air (Spirited away).
What’s unique about the story of Higurashi is that it’s actually set in a time loop. After a handful of episodes, time resets, and the story plays out again in a different way (Also known as “arcs”). Each arc features the same core concepts and are all connected in certain ways, but we learn new information in each arc, giving you the pieces of the puzzle to solve this mystery once and for all. The arcs primarily focus on different characters, and we learn things about the characters that we didn’t know before, and our views about the characters change, and not every character are how they seem on the surface. The arcs also even sometimes change the personalities of the characters. Why were two of the characters trying to kill the main character during the first arc of the show? How come one of those two characters is cute and bubbly in the next arc? Who is the one that is murdering and “spiriting away” these people after the Cotton Drifting Festival? These are just a few of the shocking reveals that occur in Higurashi.
Most of the questions that are left unanswered in the first season are explained in the second season (Known as “Kai”), however, I did say “most.” There are a few key plot points that are just left up in the air without proper explanations, and while I cannot say what these are due to spoilers, they are unfortunately very large plot holes that simply cannot be ignored.
Speaking of the second season, I have to admit that it’s not as good as the first season. The atmosphere just isn’t there anymore, and there are parts of it that feel convoluted. However, do not misunderstand me: Kai is VERY good, and it’s necessary to watch it if you want the full story. It was highly enjoyable, even though it was a notch or two below the first season.
But what’s a great story without characters? The characters are some of the deepest characters that I have seen in a long time. Every character has a story to tell, and not everyone is how they seem. The main character of the first season, Keiichi Maebara, seems like your typical bland teenager, but has a very twisted past, Rena Ryuuguu seems like your typical moe girl, but she has a more sinister side to her, Rika Furude is not your average little girl and is probably the saddest of them all, and I could go on about how three dimensional these characters are. Each of them have some sort of struggle or obstacle to overcome, and watching them develop is very satisfying, and the cast as a whole is very relatable.
Mystery, horror, plot twists, deep characters, is there really any reason not to love this story?
-Visuals & Sound-
Higurashi’s visuals are, unfortunately, its weakest suit. Even for the time that it came out (2006), it doesn’t look good. The visuals are below average at best, and nauseating at worst. There are a few scenes in particular where the visuals take a serious nosedive. Sorry, Studio Deen, you horribly failed here.
The art style, though, mostly makes up for this. The first season is very eerie and creepy, and the atmosphere is just amazing. What’s interesting is that the show uses two different visual styles: One for the comedic, lighthearted scenes, and one for the creepy, scary scenes, and there was a very nice contrast between the two. Something thing that added to the horror aspect of it all were the exaggerated facial and eye expressions, when a character is laughing maniacally, and their pupils shrink. The show is also not for the squeamish, as it hosts a good amount of violence, blood, and gore.
The dub is an aspect of Higurashi that seems to garner the most criticism, and, to be perfectly honest, I don’t see it. The dub for this anime was very solid. While there were some less-than-stellar performances, the lines for the characters were delivered very well and the voices themselves perfectly matched the characters’ personalities. In fact, there were actually a handful of characters that I preferred in English, particularly that of Keiichi, who I thought was very poorly voiced in Japanese. It’s unfortunate that the second season is not dubbed, and since I am the type of person that prefers to watch anime dubbed, this was disappointing.
The soundtrack is also solid. What I particularly enjoyed about the soundtrack is just how fitting every song is within the context of every scenario. Watching a funny scene? You’ll hear a quirky song. Watching a terrifying scene? You’ll hear eerie noises, beats, and moans. The best part about the soundtrack, however, the first opening, as it is one of my personal favorite openings of all time, featuring a quiet, creepy, somber song accompanied by disturbing animations and scenery, but I was saddened when they changed it in Kai.
-Conclusion-
Overall, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (Kai) is a phenomenal anime that masterfully blends together mystery and horror. With a mature and intricate plot, complex characters, and amazing atmosphere, this is one not to be missed by any anime fan. Its flaws are there, and they are noticeable, but these are by no means deal breakers. Higurashi is top tier, and if you’re looking for a great mystery, look no further:
Higurashi has got you covered.
+Intriguing story
+Deep and complex characters
+Eerie atmosphere
+Solid dub
+Nice soundtrack
-Second season, while very good, is not quite as good as the first season
-Second season is not dubbed
-Some things are left unexplained
Final score:
10/10
