The story follows beings called haibane— beings that hatched from cocoons, were given a halo and grew wings- angels. The Haibane are then given names based on the dreams each of them had within the cocoon. For example, the main character has a dream of falling as a crow tried to pull her back up, so she was named Rokka meaning 'falling'. The Haibane reside in a village surrounded by large walls that make you sick when you touch them. Nobody known when the walls came there, or what is outside of them, that is for the Haibane to find out when their day of flight arrives—when they are permitted to leave the village.
All of this may seem like a fairly simple idea, but there is a lot under the surface. There are religious (it is an anime about angels you know) but it never really forces it down your throat, making it very watchable even to those against religion. All of the symbolism in the series can also be easily brushed off and enjoyed regardless.
Haibane renmei is very tight-lipped about its world. It doesn't like to give you answers. You never do learn what's outside the wall, what the wall itself is, what the Haibane really are, why nobody can leave or enter the village or why the Haibane can't remember anything of their past. However, this isn't exactly a flaw as it's meant to be this way. You're not really supposed to know, and it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. It just adds to the wonder of their little world.
Another thing this series has is that (and I won't call it a 'problem'), although beautiful, people looking for action will find it boring. A large part of the series is just the Haibane walking around and talking. The first episode is exciting, with Rokka growing her wings and learning about the world she has been reborn into, and the ending was nothing short of perfect, but the episodes in between may turn some people off.
There are a lot of characters in Haibane renmei, despite the fact that it's only thirteen episodes long. In large part, you don't get to see much of each character and learn just enough about them to make them likable, but not overwhelmingly interesting. The two exceptions to this are Reki and Rokka. Both of them grow and change a lot as the series progresses. Rokka learns of the world she is born into, learns to accept it, and overcomes every obstacle, no matter how difficult it is. Reki, though, is the most interesting character in the show. She is kind to everyone, despite being incredibly lonely and bound by a destiny she was born with and never wanted.
The art in Haibane renmei is absolutely gorgeous. It's simple and easy on the eyes. It's bright and colourful for the most part, but never afraid to turn dark when the mood of the show changes. The animation is some of the best in anime in the first two episodes and the last episode, but in between it's a bit mixed. Sometimes it's gorgeous and a feast for the eyes, other times it's quite simple.
The music is also spectacular, always fitting the mood of the scene it's in perfectly, and often adding emotion to it. Making you smile as they celebrate the coming of a new year and making you cry when they lose someone that they love. It is one of the most perfect matches of a soundtrack to an anime ever. The opening is very relaxing and fits the show quite well.
The acting in Japanese is listenable, but the voices often sound flat or bored. On the other hand, the English voices always fit the characters quite well, despite the fact that most of the English voice actors haven't done much voice acting in anime. The most outstanding role is, without a doubt, Erika Weinstein as Reki. She does a fantastic job, and sounds natural, where she always sounded bored in Japanese.
Overall, Haibane Renmei is a great, if only slightly slow series with beautiful art, animation, music and themes. It may have narrower appeal to people who prefer action-filled shows, and its characters aren't all as developed as they could have been, but the characters that are developed well are a delight to watch.
