Haibane Renmei

[Aeolus21]

I have been meaning to watch this anime for sometime now. I've heard it was quite good and that it focuses more on character development as well as having deep symbolisms throughout. To those who have seen it, what are your thoughts on this series?

[Hephzibah]

I haven't seen it myself, though I kinda want to. Anyway, I just wanted to pop in here and put the link to The Review for it; just in case someone who also wants to see this is wondering if there is any objectionable content in H-R

[Alice]

Yay!!!!

They have this at the video store. My brother and I are planning to watch it.

[Icarus]

I really need to finish watching this series. I started a while back and never got past the third or fourth disc. All I'd warn about it in the first episode, when her wings come in is a bit bloody.

[eva-boy7985]

Haibane Renmei is a beautiful show, filled with much character focus as you've stated. I found the show to be relaxing; maybe that isn't the best word to use, but it's the first that comes to my mind. Many people have accused this show of being boring because nothing happens; on the contrary much does happen, however most all of it is internal to the characters rather than on the environment and circumstances in which they live. Each character learns some kind of lesson or changes dynamically in some way by the end of the show. As you've also said, there is some symbolism involved. The "angel wings" that the Haibane have are in no way likened to our perception of angels in Christianity (though few angels in the Bible actually had wings). Terms such as "sin" and even "God" are used at various points in the story; "sin" is used a lot in reference to the main charater as well as one of the key supporting characters, and "God" is used in place where some of the Haibane are attempting to write their own creation story as sort of a whimsical gift to one of the Haibane's dear friends. While many peopl may get hung up on the usage and symbolism behind these words in the show, I believe that their use and meaning is unique to the show itself and has no solid connection to the use of these words that we are familiar with as Christians. This is the conclusion I've come to anyways, after much thought about the matter and reflection on the story and it happenings. Watch it and judge for yourself, but I can assure you that you most likely won't be offended by anything. The content is very clean, having some minimal language (usually "****"), no sexual content/nudity, and only one scene that could be dubbed "violent". The music is also excellent! The show was created Yoshitoshi ABe who did Serial Experiments LAIN and Niea 7. Ultimately the show carries with a message concerning the overcoming power of love and friendship and also the kind of "redemption" that results from those two things. Watch and enjoy. Feel free to PM me if you have any deeper or explicit questions regarding anything else in the show. Sorry this was so long! :-)

[Rev. Doc]

Having heard a lot of good reviews for this title I finally picked up the four volumes on ebay. I'm looking for the time now to sit down and view it. Should be soon.

[ClosetOtaku]

My favorite anime by far. It is deep, thoughtful, spiritual, and occasionally dark. My recommendations:

a. Watch the subtitled version, not the dubbed version. I've watched both, and while opinions are divided, I come solidly down on the Japanese side for this one.
b. The series begins slowly. It doesn't start to pick up until halfway through. Don't be fooled by this. This is one of the tightest-written animes I've ever seen; not a single line is insignificant or wasted. Much of what is planted in the first half comes to fruition in the second.
c. Don't read the backs of the DVD covers. They contain spoilers.
d. Take it a few episodes at a time; don't marathon (even though you may be tempted to marathon the last half).
e. Enjoy; when you are done, if you liked the series, check out Sekai no Hajimari, the definitive Haibane Renmei site. But not before you finish!

[Jeikobu]

Wow, after reading the posts in this thread, I want to see this one even more. And thankfully, the first disc should arrive at my house from Netflix tomorrow. I look forward to it! ^^

[Aeolus21]

After reading the review and the posts, I decided to pick up the first volume. Having just seen the first four episodes, I can say that I am going to like this series. It's definately character-driven and that's a plus since all the characters are very interesting (a couple of episodes focused on the background characters). And so far this has been a clean show, except maybe for that painful scene in the beginning. Also, Haibane Renmei has some of the BEST music I've heard in an anime for a long time.

Looking forward to the next volume!

a. Watch the subtitled version, not the dubbed version. I've watched both, and while opinions are divided, I come solidly down on the Japanese side for this one.

So far I am liking the dub more than the Japanese. As I watched it and compared both of them I felt that a lot of the voices were well-done in English and fit the characters perfectly, especially for VAs that dubbed Rakka and Reki. I can say this is one of the better dubs that have come out, but that's a matter of personal preference.

[Rev. Doc]

Just a heads up. The complete box set of this series is coming out on October 4th.

[Aeolus21]

Just a heads up. The complete box set of this series is coming out on October 4th.

Huh, guess it's too late for me to get my $30 back on the first volume.

I'm guessing that that the box may be in one of those "thinpak" formats that ADV is pushing with their complete sets. Though having already seen what Geneon did to Lain, it could be a box with the standard cases, but with their Signature Label on them (meaning no extras included).

But seeing the first volume having that nifty guidebook, I might as well buy the original releases and keep some of the extras.

[Rev. Doc]

Huh, guess it's too late for me to get my $30 back on the first volume.

I'm guessing that that the box may be in one of those "thinpak" formats that ADV is pushing with their complete sets. Though having already seen what Geneon did to Lain, it could be a box with the standard cases, but with their Signature Label on them (meaning no extras included).

But seeing the first volume having that nifty guidebook, I might as well buy the original releases and keep some of the extras.

And given the fact that it is pretty much an inexpensive way to collect the series now, that's probably the best way to go. I got mine (all 4 volumes new) on ebay for $36.00 plus shipping.

[The-Case]

I watched the whole series and loved it. It has beautiful, quiet plot and wonderful characters, and of course it's share of symbolism and other device. I was sucked in the series imediatly and stayed sucked in untill well after I watched the last episode. Definitly worth it checking out.

[Aeolus21]

And given the fact that it is pretty much an inexpensive way to collect the series now, that's probably the best way to go. I got mine (all 4 volumes new) on ebay for $36.00 plus shipping.

Of course, you already know the question I'm going to ask: Are they legit copies? If they are, then that's one heck of a deal you got there getting four discs for the price of one and a half!

[Rev. Doc]

Of course, you already know the question I'm going to ask: Are they legit copies? If they are, then that's one heck of a deal you got there getting four discs for the price of one and a half!

Yes, these are the Region 1 Pioneer (now Geneon) releases. They even had the pencilboard extras included in them.

[Aeolus21]

By any chance did it include the actual box, and the pencil board in the first DVD? I know I got a PB with the 2nd volume, but from what I heard there was limited supply in the first.

[Rev. Doc]

By any chance did it include the actual box, and the pencil board in the first DVD? I know I got a PB with the 2nd volume, but from what I heard there was limited supply in the first.

No, this did not include the box. In fact you are right, there was not a pencilboard in the first DVD. Only in the remaining three. Sorry for the confusion.