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| This is truly a great show, but the last episodes lacked something. What it was, I do not know. But whatever it was, it was the thing that made the rest of the show a masterpiece. And without that thing, the show become worse. So in the end, I do not know if I should rate it 7/10 or 8/10. I probably sound weird. But something lacked, I just know it. |
I have my own anime blog. It's called Anime Viking. Hope you'll you read it! |
| Great ending. I am glad everything worked out for Reki. |
| Wow, I am at a loss for words. It's been a little while since I've seen an anime that was so story/character oriented. And I absolutely love how open ended it was: I believe the town was an area between life and death. The angels are lost souls that aren't ready to accept their next destination Rakka - Seemed to me that she was a girl who committed suicide by jumping off of a building or something. The crow in her dream I believe was her mother that had probably died before Rakka. Could have been a leading factor in why Rakka had committed suicide in the first place. Reki - She probably grew up with parents who didn't want here or something like that which lead to her suicide of jumping in front of a train and born as an angel with sin. As I've grown to learn, suicide is the most selfish thing a person can ever do so of course, these haibane with sin must learn how to forgive themselves. All in all, it was one of the most beautiful shows I've ever seen. Glad a /c/omrade was able to show me this. |
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| Lovely series. It’s a shame it had to end. I adore the symbolism it used and showed us a different way to see life; the reasons to move on, the solitude, the selfishness of one who doesn’t want to ask for help, in fear of being ‘weak’… Even if everything isn’t explained, that’s exactly the source of its charm. It’s it better when a show leaves you wonder for a long time, trying to figure out its real meaning? Doesn’t it make it more profound and thought-provoking? I, for one, felt it to be great the way it is. Although, maybe, deep down I would’ve wanted a little more tragic ending. |
I think, then procrastinate. Therefore, I am. |
| 8/10. I'm sure something lacked but can't figure out what. And I find the entire series kind of creepy. The ending song gave me creeps all the time. |
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| No wonder this is a high rated show. It's one of a kind anime. I loved it. :) |
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.~ |
| This was something else. I'm at a loss of words. I'm just giving the series a 10/10 and that should reveal how I feel about the characters, the setting, the mood, the music and everything about the anime. Definitely going to rewatch someday. |
| An odd show for show, while decent some stuff that's already mentioned is weird too such as the Haibanes wearing used clothes and such. Then again someone thought of purgatory so I guess the anime does make some sense. But then AGAIN, I also didn't like how they had to mixed with the humans. The mystery outside the walls/togas aren't explain much but I believe the show could do better without even having these two mystery. The ending was alright. I really think they should make it clear that Reki had committed suicide or something though, that would have made me definitely sympathize with her. Reki reminded me of someone also from anime but can't really remember at the moment. Oh well, good concept, almost great execution. 8.5/10...really wish I could give decimals, I'm gonna round it down as a 9 is too high on my scale. Not a bad show overall. |
| It was a very odd ride, it wasn't too short, but not too long either. You say that the very point of this series could be considered as the relations between the characters and the outstanding music. While both of these statements are true, I'd say that what's even more important is the UNIQUE, and impossible to describe with words, atmosphere. The mystery factor (what exactly is the town, what are renmei, why such a place exists, and so on and so forth) adds a lot to the feeling, but what strikes the most is how you literally feel this anime. It's so vivid, it's almost possible to touch it. Until now, I haven't watched an anime that would awaken such emotions in me - it shouldn't be even rated, as it's simply something on a whole different level. If I cannot express my feelings about this show in words, how am I supposed to do so by rating it... I'm giving it a 10, but it's not appropriate for this series. It shouldn't be lower, nor should it be higher, it's just... out of the scale. Sorry for not making any sense, but I just can't grasp what exactly I feel right now... |
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| Just finished this. C/P my post. live2win said: Haibane Renmei has flaws ? I was so mesmerized with the characters and settings I didn't realize any. Charming, very charming. The osts and opening stole my heart, seriously, they are like beautiful accessories accompanying a breathtaking goddess. It has a brilliant emotional ending and the series is a good take on existentialism. I have difficulty allocating a score to it, so for now, it will be a solid 9. Give a temporary favorite character spot to Reki ;) |
| Simply beautiful. The ending was very satisfying. Reki finally could pass on. The ending scene was so cute, they're gonna have twin Haibane! lol Before I started this, I was expecting one of those pretentious and lolDEEP shows that would be super boring, but it totally surprised me and I ended up watching all of the episodes in one go. Setting was magnificent, perfect OST and memorable characters. I can't believe I let myself go without watching this show for so long. |
| My God. That episode...was hands down one of the best ending episodes of an anime I've ever seen. Reki's cry for help after her previous revelations was a perfect moment, and one to look forward to upon the inevitable rewatch :-D After a real emotional journey through this anime, I'ma give it a 9/10 |
| "Ah yes, the demon drink...'Nature's Alzheimer's' they call it" |
| The Angel Beats! of the past. Heck this is what Angel Beats! should've been. A 9/10. |
| I honestly have so many thoughts and theories about this show that I can't put them all into words right now. And that's really the mark of a great series. Part of me wishes that some of my questions could be answered, but this way is best. Wish we could have a second season, but that's unlikely and would probably lessen the impact this season had. I loved the way it started off as a light slice-of-life show and slowly grew to something greater. I didn't enjoy the middle episodes (7 & 8) much due to Rakka though, so I can't give this more than a 9/10. |
 Znips: When Shay is born she just crawls back in the womb to shitpost for another year |
| I think the Haibane are people 'reborn' again and are at an inbetween place of heaven and hell. Which most of you have already said to be a sort of limbo/purgatory. Using religious referrences for this; I believe the New Feathers are just as someone else mentioned- still born or aborted children. For the origins of the Haibane (that I've repeated already from others) I wholly agree with the idea. --- My idea to why the Haibane had to receive hand-me-downs and used items was to prevent some sort of earthly tie. You know, like materialism-- that explains why money is never to fall in to their hands- since it can be considered a form of greed or evil. I also think the used items kind of represent the state the Haibane are in, they're at a 'second' chance for redemption. I think the reason why they're 'reborn' without the the memory of their past lives is to prevent complications for their goal which is to find resolve and forgiveness and join the flight- the other side. Another reason for that is, if you knew of your past life- some people might grieve and stray away from their rebirth- like suggested fail to accomplish their goals. I think the idea of working is kind of like a way to physically atone for one's sins or misdeeds. Sort of like a community surface and for the sake of representing that second chances can promote change... The idea that the Wall shouldn't be touched kind of reminds me of the idea of the Fall of Adam and Eve. In a sense, Reki was Eve who was tempted with the idea of what's over the wall- then we have Hyouko who followed Reki. The excommunication of God which in this sense is the punishment that result from disobeying the Toga which can be considered God's messengers. Sorry for all the religious references- but placed in that way sort of makes sense in terms of symbolism. Another thing that's been bothering me are the crows. Those birds have a history of being a bad omen or an inevitable sign of death. Was I the only one who thought where ever the birds were it was certain that someone was going to 'go'? In another sense- the birds were kind of the 'grim reapers' and guided the Haibane to their salvation aka The Flight? I also think that the Toga can be considered 'God's messengers'. They seem to understand the Haibane and now what to go from there. They're the only ones able to come in and out of the wall (heaven to purgatory reference here)- kind of like a guide to the Haibane but not necessarily a 'hand-me-out' guide? Anyways--- sorry for the crappy and run on sentences- I think that's all I can come up with. |
| [insert lulz signature here] |
| Pointless... -_- |
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| not very clear what rakka and the others really are... but overall this anime is good... we rarely to see this kind of anime again these days.. -___- btw i'd love to see how and when rakka's day of flight.... :) |
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| I can't find any plausible theory as to what the Haibane are... That's because most ideas (for example, people who committed suicide) don't explain why so few of them are 'sinborn'. Also, I don't get why do they is everyone OK with the rules and limitations. I'm not necessarily talking about a rebellion, but I would expect people/haibane (at least the new ones) to question a lot more, and more people to try to leave the town... I have no ideas about Rakka's job either. What exactly was it about? What was in the river? Were the walls actually 'good' or 'bad'? Were the Haibane being abused or the town and the Renmei were really trying to help, but that was the best they could afford? |
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| This was a great show. I wish I had finished it sooner now. |
Silent_Scream said: The Angel Beats! of the past. Well that says it, setting-wise...but haibane renmei is still yet better in regards to its moral value and symbolism, and that was a spanning gap of 8 years(i guess the industry nowadays is really running out of morally creative ideas)... Actually Jun Maeda, the creator of angel beats(and clannad) himself, was suggested to have been influenced by this surreal but inspiring story. Overall, alas i have found a hidden gem...after being buried for almost 10 years, why in the world i watched this show only just recently? Pleasing plot progression in a short timeframe, and the soundtrack T__T im strict at scores, and giving 8/10 means this was a good show under the antique shop \m/ |
| Just rewatched this with a buddy of mine. Absolutely fantastic show, and severely underrated - this is rated lower than Angel Beats for the same reason the new Call of Duties break video game records. That is, people are fucking stupid. |
| Rakka was alone because she thought nobody wanted her. She needed someone in the form of a bird to tell her she was wanted to break the circle. Reki never asked someone for help because she had learned that the safety of getting support from others betrays you when they disappear. She needed to be driven to a corner until she could trust Rakka's support to break the circle. A bit too shallow and not really thought-provoking, it's just a story about people who act irrationally because of their uncertainities and how people need one another when they get lost. The scenes between Rakka and Reki were nice, and it was particularly touching how Reki's true nature became someone who supports the weak, the thing she felt she felt she was stolen from unfairly both in her previous life and life as Haibane (Kuramori). Interesting to see how selfish Rakka was in the end, not allowing Reki to have any selfish thoughts. That's much better than seeing her endlessly support others with unexplained cheerfulness. Being shallow and generic aside, this was pretty great overall. 4/5, 8/10 |
VictimOfFateFeb 21, 2012 11:56 PM
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| Wow. This show was incredible. I can see how the pacing and subject matter might not be everyone's speed (or might be over a few people's heads, as well) but this is one of the best anime I've ever seen and one of the best ways I've seen an old question of life and death 'answered.' |
| we;; that was by far the best episode, by a million miles, although there was a few questions that didn't get answered most were, and I was satisfied with that, also so so glad Reki got her happy ending, the scene with the train was just breathtaking I don't think I breathed for at least a minute xD i personally believe at the end of the series, that maybe it was something to do with suicide, or along those lines, but its kinda like they were 'angels in training' when they found themselves, forgave there sins..... they were accepted into heaven maybe? That's what i got anyway, nonetheless a nice short but sweet series, glad I picked this one up! |
| It was a snorefest for me.. which makes me sad because 99% of you think it's the best anime ever.. :( |
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| By far the best episode in the series. Great concept and a touching end. |
| I will give this show all the credit in the world for originality. The story itself was a little lackluster for me unfortunately. I'm glad the way everything turned out and the the story's world concepts are intriguing but meh. 7/10 |
| seems like this place is purgatory. |
| pleasant watch although I did feel a bit bored at times with the early slice of life liking feeling. Still, it was very refreshing. |
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| somehow a dissaappointing end for me , because the main thing that interest me about this series is the mystery surrounding the haibane and barely any question are answered. Especiallly aftter emphasizing those questions on early episodes but not really mentioned on latter episodes. so 7/10 from me |
| And so it ends, it wasn't an all to bad ending but for me it feels unfinished they could have really improved the story with a couple more episodes or so! As for the series, well it did really started great but the uneven story development and the rather slow pace in story although rather fast pace in each episode made it really unbalanced to watch and god quite boring after a time. Although in general it isn't all to bad they still could have had lots of improvements onto the series and for starters making it a 26 episode anime instead of only 13 as now the story seems so unfinished. The art was not all to bad but the animations could have been slightly better, sometimes it really bothered me but in general it was not bad at all! I still had a nice watch though! 6/10 |
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Baconzombie said: Ultimately it's all about opinion. Although I don't believe in such a thing as the "best anime ever," there's no reason to say you're sad that people liked this show. It's basically telling the people who liked it that their taste is shit because it isn't the same as your taste. No. The path of prejudice is an endless and unrewarding one, you'd do best to stay off of it. I'm almost 100% certain he's not telling everyone else they have bad taste, but rather, he is saying he's sad because he was unable have the amazing experience everyone else has said they had, and wishes he could see the same things everyone else sees in this anime. --- Well, that episode was great. I'd have to agree that it is probably the best one in the series. The only problem I really had with it is that Reki changed her disposition very rapidly over a period of only a few minutes. At first she was depressed, resentful, and hostile towards Rekka. Then she suddenly became repentant, desperate, and friendly to Rekka. It seemed like it all happened too fast, but I enjoyed it regardless. Ordinarily I'd feel like the ending was a cliffhanger, as many questions are still left unanswered, but somehow I actually felt totally satisfied with how it ended. 10/10 |
LarasoJan 18, 2013 11:40 AM
| Some parts of this post may be exaggerated. |
| I've just finished rewatching Haibane Renmei, I loved it the first time, and rewatching it I've ended up loving it even more. This anime really is a gem, comparable to the likes of Mushishi and Kino's Journey, It's not a show you need to race through, each episode is to be savored. The lack of direct answers to the show does not bring the anime down, instead it's one of the things I liked so much. You know its a good show when you aren't fed all of the information. Being able to think and come up answers with yourself is one of the things which is so rewarding. Another thing I have to mention is the soundtrack, I have to say that this anime has one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard, if not the best. It's so memorable and fits the show perfectly, I'll definitely never forget it. It might not be for everyone, but I really feel this anime is special, I have no doubt that I'll be rewatching this yet again in the future. |
| 8/10 Loved the ending |
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| I want more! :D |
| Two words: Perfect pacing |
| Oh god, how much I hate happy endings. |
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