MAL: Haibane RenmeiYear: 2002Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy, Slice of Life, Drama.In Haibane Renmei, we follow Rakka's journey as she is cast into the world of the Haibane, both her identity and reason for being unclear. In her state of confusion, she finds comfort in Reki, a more mature and experienced Haibane. We learn more about this world she has been hurled into, meeting the rest of the Haibane, and how they live their lives on a daily basis. The opening scene brilliantly conveys what the series itself is about, and providing a sense of what’s to come. The viewer is cast into a position where we must learn through Rakka's actions, alongside her, about the world around her.For the most part it is a cozy, yet mysterious watch. Its ambiguity creates a sense of unease, urging the viewer to come to their own understanding and interpretation of the mystery and purpose behind Grie. However, the scant world building serves mostly as a mirror, reflecting and enhancing the strength of the character writing. The desire to learn more acts in the show’s favour as it is this question of the unknown, and searching of oneself that progresses the plot.Haibane Renmei requires both patience and the right frame of mind going in as it's incredibly slow-paced and is so very vague & ambiguous that you could rip your fucking hair out trying to figure just exactly what it's all about. However, that’s part of its charm. It spares no time spoonfeeding you information and leaves all its nooks and crannies for the viewer to make sense of. In my opinion it is an exemplary slice of life, taking everyday Haibane life and blowing it up to explore a much greater expanse of themes than one would expect.As I've said like, 1000 times, Haibane Renmei will not hold your hand when it comes to anything beneath the surface. It is the epitome of a show-don't-tell anime, and this method of storytelling adds to the mysterious atmosphere. Haibane Renmei features a bleak colour palette, and simplistically soothing soundtrack that accompanies it. Though the anime shows its age, the production still more than succeeds at creating an appropriate tone, using muted greys and greens and scoring all the mellow, eerie, and emotional scenes with fitting music.Haibane Renmei confronts uncomfortable themes of existentialism, forgiveness, regret, and jealousy. Thematic exploration is paramount to the nature and staying power of Haibane Renmei.. Each person may find something of their own during their journey through Haibane Renmei, and learn a little about themselves.Overall I find Haibane Renmei is a very human show, allowing us to explore the inherent mysteries within ourselves-- projecting our questions and doubts as people into art. I very much recommend this to everyone, even if just to try, as it provides something more than just killing time.Cheers for reading :)P.S. Thanks to /u/theflagonwagon and /u/fordanguyen for helping <3P.S.S Y’all should also check out other works ABe has participated in, such as Serial Experiments LAIN and Texhnolyze. http://ift.tt/29EXnxE
