First off, a word of advice. Do not judge this show by the first episode.
It starts off like your standard anime with several lighthearted moments all the way through the first episode. However, you’d be a fool to think that this is all there is to it. This is not that type of show. Higurashi masterfully combines physiological, mystery, horror and comedy in a way that is simply remarkable. The anime is mind breaking and murderously genius. It is so brilliant and unique that it’s almost criminal to not give it the credit it deserves.
It takes physiological and horror to a different level, it makes you feel secured using lighthearted moments to give the audience a feeling of false security. The next thing you know, you might be looking right at death and despair. Trust me, it will happen.
The main five characters are Keiichi, Rena, Mion, Satoko and Rika. They all play important roles in the series and their actions throughout each chapter decide the outcome of the Arc (good or bad ending). They all seem to lead carefree lives in Hinamizawa but in reality, they all possess a much darker and sadder history behind them than they appear to have. Throughout the series, they somehow get involved several times with Oyashiro-sama’s curse (the local God) and unfortunate chain of events are triggered every time.
The anime/manga is divided into “Arcs” or Chapters (-hen). The first part of the anime are the “Question Arcs”, showing us the mysterious deaths, Oyashiro-sama’s curse, and the mystery behind the bizarre town of Hinamizawa. The second part, “Answer Arcs”, provides us with answers to several events that happen in the first part. The events in the following arcs may seem similar but the way in which they unfold and the events are quite different than the past arcs. Additionally, throughout the series there are plenty of clues, speculations and theories that are hinted to help you solve the mysteries behind the town. It is imperative to pay great attention to them and you’ll see that the mystery behind the town of Hinamizawa slowly unwraps.
Overall, the music in Higurashi (Kai) perfectly fits the anime. The opening song “When they Cry” flawlessly portrays the dark, raging, and murderous feeling of the anime while contrasting it with scenes of serenity, sorrow and uncertainty. Similarly, the ending theme “Why or why Not?” and the other OST songs are calm and pleasant to listen to.
Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni is a show that should not missed, nonetheless, it is not a show for the overly sensitive, feint hearted, and simple minded due to the bloody scenes and complexity of the show itself. If you are not into physiological-mystery or cannot handle graphic scenes you will not enjoy to the fullest and you will fail to appreciate it. If you are looking for an incredibly unique, very complex and extremely engaging show, this anime is right for you.