Reviews

2nd review goes to this month's horror winner, When they cry!. For fairness, I'll be basing this on both seasons, since it really doesn't feel right to separate them. As much as I'd like to review this per arc, like I did with Yosuga no Sora, I wouldn't be able to do so without spoiling pretty much the whole anime. And this is one anime that really doesn't deserve to be spoiled. So I'll be reviewing it conventionally. I'll try to keep it brief this time around, as I get the feeling that every little word I might let out regarding the show could potentially ruin or spoil its surprises (even what I'm saying now, lol). Let us commence.

Story: 10/10
It's brilliant, 'nuff said.
Seriously though, plot twist after plot twist, as you delve deeper into the mystery, you'll find yourself hooked. The story ties in extremely well with the lore of the village, explored through different PoVs, one per character arc. And that's all I'm saying. To truly understand its brilliance, you have to watch it.

Art: 8/10
It's nothing special really, but quite decent. The real reason it scores so high though is because it isn't fitting at all. And that's the point. Bright colours, cute character designs and all give you the illusion of a 'safe, fun anime', a sense of false security which will quickly become replaced by something far more dreadful.

Sound: 7/10
This show's weakest point, at least for me. It's there when it counts and provides extra scare to some of its creepier moments, but other than that, nothing too memorable. The openings for both seasons though were pretty awesome and very fitting for their respective seasons.

Character: 9/10
The main characters appear like a 'bland happy bunch of schoolmates'. And that's exactly what they are. This is a boon however. Them being 'normal students' makes what is to come all the more terrifying. It isn't so much what their personality is like, rather how they each react to the situation at hand. Besides, each of them does hide more depth to their character, which will be used to drive the plot in the first arcs. It isn't really important 'how they are', rather 'what they do'. And it's a marvel to watch.

Enjoyment: 10/10
This makes up for its lack of gore (although there are some disturbing scenes) with something far more terrifying: paranoia. The intricate mystery, the building suspense, it all leads to an experience which will leave you frightened, perhaps even horrified, but wanting more. Psychological horror at its finest.

Overall: 9/10
A must watch for horror fans, and why not, anime viewers in general. So what are you waiting for? Don't just go watch it. Experience it. Live the fear. Dive through the building tension. Persevere in the hopes of finally unravelling the mystery behind Hinamizawa. Most importantly though, enjoy it.