HAIBANE RENMEI
Haibane Renmei is one of the most aesthetically remarkable series that I have ever seen. That transitions into its storytelling and its overall structure; each aspect of this series is phenomenally crafted. This isn’t your typical anime, just to make it clear.
The religious imagery is just for aesthetic, the symbolism in the show is just for aesthetic reasons, and there is no actual purpose to them outside the context of the series. However, it makes for some incredibly cinematic imagery in a provocative and experimental anime. It’s a slow burn that builds over through the course of the series and leads to an insanely beautiful climax that you’ll remember long after you’re done watching it.
The plot itself is very straightforward, following the “new” life that Rakka leads in the stoic town of Glie that is off-limits for the rest of the world. The impenetrable town is home to both human beings and Haibane, living beings with halos and wings. Their distinct appearance makes them resemble beings such as angels.
However, the Haibane subtly set themselves apart with their behaviors from their deceiving appearance. Rakka’s part in this story is to be our eyes; with no memory of this town or the lives here, she becomes the primary mirror through which we witness the world of the Haibane.
Haibane Renmei is one of the most deceptive series that I have ever come across. It has an easy-to-follow plot, yet it makes up for that through its stylistic design choices and the moral themes it chooses to talk about. The series tends to mature with time, giving the audience an ample amount of time to follow both the themes and the art of the series and appreciate both aspects by themselves.
This isn’t a series that will show you a ton of explosive battles or fan-service sexual drawings in your face. Instead, it is a series that chooses to showcase each water-color vista that Studio Radix has created—opting to bring you a simple yet thought-provoking tale of maturity and experiences.
Now it’s time to talk about the best aspect of this show; the characters. Every character in the show is memorable for me. I remember them by name! Many of the show’s themes are constructed through the Haibane family’s relationships with each other. These interactions are shown through dialogue scenes which offer a ton of family dynamics just flowing naturally. Friendship is another essential aspect, delivered in a perfect foundation of not overdoing or not making the relationships feel underdeveloped.
These two family and friendship dynamics make for interesting character moments, making us empathize with the characters and understand their motivations and personalities much better. Rakka and Reki are the two main characters in the show, and their friendship consistently grows throughout the series. The girls become pillars of support for each other and are there for one another in the time of need.
Now, to talk about the beautiful aesthetic of Haibane Renmei, which is by far the most powerful and potent aspect of the series. The characters don’t look overly “anime.” There are no scars on anyone’s faces, no overly stylized hair, and no blue or red-haired characters.
Each character seems humbly designed and fits the purpose and themes of the series very well. The art is immaculate in the background; soft pastel palettes are used, with watercolors being the primary tool for these artworks. Each vista is gorgeous; each moment is toned with color grading coming in to help out with the melancholic blues and greys to posturize the mood in each scene.
There seems to be a whole internet argument revolving around this series’ artwork, some calling it incredibly poetic and biblical, while others call it pretentious and downright offensive to Christians. I think that it’s got nothing to do with religion and is more of a stylish choice that doesn’t come up as distasteful throughout the series. However, personal preferences aside, the artwork is beautiful, provocative, and conveys the themes of the series visually.
Now, the soundtrack, on the other hand, is made EXACTLY to cater towards the series and nothing else. While I would’ve preferred the soundtrack to be something of a classical masterpiece, it’s a decent soundtrack that serves to craft an atmosphere in the show. Not to say that it’s boring by any means, there are still some songs that are deeply ingrained in my head, and I’m pretty sure these tunes will not be washed off too quickly.
So, I can safely say that Haibane Renmei is going into my list of top ten anime of all time; and the best anime that I have personally watched in a very long time. This is a series that is poetic in both its themes and its overall aesthetic. Every single aspect of Haibane Renmei is intricately crafted to fit the specific ideas it puts to display on the small screen. It’s a very self-aware series, with some highly realistic depictions of humanity in a fantastic setting.
The art style supports this vision with actual ferocity. The designs of each character are distinct, soaked in simplicity and complexity at the same time. It’s a series that will stick with me for a very long time, and it should go down as one of the most profound pieces of art that have ever been showcased to a TV audience.
