The Haibane are winged human-like creatures who are born from cocoons. They exist among humans, but no one really knows what they are or where they
come from.
This is the story of a newly hatched Haibane named Rakka, and how she lives
each day as she is while retaining memories from what seems to be her past
life as an ordinary human girl.
Haibane Renmei Anime Review
If anything, Haibane Renmei is definitely one of the most unique anime series
I've seen. Haibane Renmei revolves around the Haibane, who look just like humans except
that they have gray wings on their backs and glowing halos on their heads.
Although the Haibane co-exist in a small town with humans, they are not
allowed to venture out and a different set of rules govern their everyday
lives.
Rakka is the latest Haibane to hatch from a cocoon, and she is immediately
taken under the wing of an older and more experienced Haibane named Reki.
Reki helps Rakka come to terms with what she is and eases her difficulties in
adjusting to the human world.
Helping Reki and Rakka are several other Haibane: the child-like girl Kuu; the
sweet and playful Hikari; the boyish Kana; and the motherly Nemu.
At first, Rakka can't fully accept herself as a Haibane since she is plagued
by the constant feeling that she used to be a regular girl who had parents and
a home somewhere.
Her eventual discovery that all Haibane must one day disappear mysteriously on
what is called the "day of flight" doesn't help matters much either.
Nobody really knows what happens or where a Haibane actually goes on that day,
it is just said that when that happens, the Haibane is finally ready to leave
the town and exist in the world.
Haibane Renmei can be likened to Yoshitoshi Abe's other series, Niea_7. It presents an extraordinary situation amidst what seems to be an ordinary
setting.
In Niea_7, we are shown what life is like with a quirky alien girl. In Haibane Renmei, we have a group of supernatural beings thrown in a little
town full of regular folk. Given the nature of the series, the pacing is quite unavoidably more languid
than some of us would like.
Character introspection and development, rather than actions and events, take
up majority of the screening time. A lot of what transpires is open to various levels of interpretation.
Ultimately though, Haibane Renmei is a story about conquering your own inner
ghosts and finding peace within yourself.
Art and animation-wise, Haibane Renmei is really quite exceptional. Sepia tones and rustic landscapes lend a somewhat nostalgic feel, while
character designs are very refined and distinct.
The dreamy and ethereal musical scoring inspires images of beautiful angels up
in the heavens. If you're one to appreciate compelling characters and a lot of food for
thought (plus points if you liked Serial Experiments Lain and Niea_7), you'll
surely love Haibane Renmei.
I for one find it to be Yoshitoshi Abe's best anime series to date.
Miscellanies: Haibane Renmei
Haibane Renmei was created by Yoshitoshi Abe, who's also behind "Serial
Experiments Lain" and "Niea_7".
Fan Art: Haibane Renmei
Haibane Renmei | |
| Genre | Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Slice of Life |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 13 |
| Status | Finished Airing |
| Aired | Oct 10, 2002 to Dec 19, 2002 |
| Producers | Kadokawa Shoten, Fuji TV, Studio Tulip |
| Studio | Radix |
| Rating | PG-13 - Teens 13 or older |
| Themes | Psychological |
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