Originally Posted by
Neichus
Haibane Renmei - 9/10 or 10/10 (undecided)
Like so many of my anime choices I encountered it through coincidence, but I can say I am very grateful that I found it.
Haibane Renmei is a beautiful anime. At first I was cautious: as a series essentially lacking conflict, I feared it would also come up short on substance. After a few episodes my worries proved unfounded and I was drawn in by the simple, yet genuine, interactions and relationships between the characters.
However, as a fair warning: this series is slow, subdued, and driven by its core ethos rather than more tangible plot, action, or comedy. Some people may find this off-putting. Also while I am usually a stickler for answers I found that this series did very well without them. What's beyond the wall? Is this place a metaphor of purgatory? Where do the Haibane go after their Day of Flight? What was in the past of all these characters? Why do the Haibane Renmei care? Why the odd rituals of silence? The answers to these questions are often left vaguely implied or simply unanswered. But I was surprised in spite of myself that when the series was done, I didn't entirely care because they were irrelevant to the core of the show.
More than anything the series speaks to a fundamental need for acceptance. What a dream it is to be valued unconditionally: Rakka's mere appearance and existence is enough for joy in the Old Home. Conversely, Reki's suffering is so emblematic of the human condition, trapped by her own fears and self-resentment, and so unable to feel this same joy. Her freedom from this vicious circle was such a cause for rejoicing. The final likening of Reki's kindness to her namesake was sublime, that she was still the 'one trod upon' but now as the first stone step toward heaven. This bittersweet sensation of confusion in a strange world shared with others, if even for a short time, made the series profound.
I shall be revisiting this series again in the future, as one watching is not really enough to fully absorb and appreciate it.