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jetz



Joined: 31 Jan 2007
Posts: 2148
Location: Manila, Philippines
PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 10:34 am Reply with quote
I'm thinking of watching and BUYING a copy of Haibane Renmei (Tomorrow, actually), since a lot of you guys really seem to like it. But I'm thinking if it's for me or not.

Is it a serious anime? Cause I like to get at least a few laughs from anime I watch. What's it about anyway? Can someone name a similar anime so I can have an idea of the feel, story, etc.

Is it easy to understand? I hate to admit it, but sometimes I'm pretty slow in understanding plot lines (Mostly due to the Philippine laws crammed in my head thanks to law school).

What about the visuals? is it any good? I haven't seen actual clips from the anime, and I've only seen promotional art so I'm not sure if I like the drawing style or not, yet.

Is it only really 13 episodes, or is the production still ongoing? Or maybe a new season is coming up?

I hope this thread won't get locked. I'm just curious - but if the mods find a just reason to lock it go ahead. I'm not sure about it since I'm doing this quarter -asleep.. Laughing I just need sources other than the encylopedia and wikipedia.

thanks Laughing

EDIT: I forgot to mention that I was thinking of buying the DVD tomorrow. I bought this one today and it was the wrong one, so I have to return it in exchange of something else. Since I saw a copy of Haibane Renmei, I thought that maybe I should buy it.


Last edited by jetz on Thu Apr 12, 2007 12:06 pm; edited 2 times in total
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bonbonsrus



Joined: 15 Oct 2003
Posts: 1537
Location: Michigan, USA
PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 11:01 am Reply with quote
It has some serious elements, I can't really recall laughing at it, however, I saw it quite a while ago.

Ya know, I can't think of too many other things "like" it really...maybe Niea_7 would be similarish in pacing, however that had more of a comedic slant if I recall correctly. I am sure someone else will have a better idea than that. It's very much a "slice of life" series, so if that isn't your thing, this wouldn't be something you would enjoy much. There isn't a big deep plot to figure out, which doesn't mean it doesn't go anywhere either. It isn't fast paced or hard to figure out however it is open to some speculation and interpretation. If you want a straight-forward plot of we start here (a) and end here (b), this isn't it.

Visually, there are some wonderful things from what I recall, there is a scene that still sticks in my brain and will likely never leave that you will probably never get to see anywhere else.

It is only 13 eps, no more to be made.

I am not sure if you will like it, however, I did. I don't mind slower feeling slice of life series and a lot of focus on relationships and introspection. This is more like that and no action.
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abunai
Old Regular


Joined: 05 Mar 2004
Posts: 5463
Location: 露命
PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 11:04 am Reply with quote
jetz wrote:
I'm thinking of watching Haibane Renmei, since a lot of you guys really seem to like it. But I'm thinking if it's for me or not.

Only one way to find out. You know that.

jetz wrote:
Is it a serious anime? Cause I like to get at least a few laughs from anime I watch. What's it about anyway? Can someone name a similar anime so I can have an idea of the feel, story, etc.

Yes, it's a serious anime. There are a few humorous moments, especially in the beginning, but it's about as serious as they come. Which doesn't mean that it's an overall depressing story. You'll feel sad, and if there's anything to your heart besides pumping the blood around your body, you'll probably cry. But it's a good story, and you'll be happy (even elated) that you saw it. There are other anime out there that play similar cards, but I can't really say that there is anything that is enough like it to justify mentioning it here.

jetz wrote:
Is it easy to understand? I hate to admit it, but sometimes I'm pretty slow in understanding plot lines (Mostly due to the Philippine laws crammed in my head thanks to law school).

Yes and no (oh, I bet you hate that answer, don't you?).

The basic story is not very complicated. It's easy to follow, and even if you don't get all the details and undercurrents, you'll be entertained. But there are many undercurrents. Just look at all the debate that this one anime has produced in this forum.

jetz wrote:
What about the visuals? is it any good? I haven't seen actual clips from the anime, and I've only seen promotional art so I'm not sure if I like the drawing style or not yet.

It looks good. The animation style may or may not grab you. I like to compare it with watercolour paintings, though that is far from accurate. It's a soft, gentle style that lulls you into a false sense of security. Wink

jetz wrote:
Is it only really 13 episodes, or is the production still ongoing? Or maybe a new season is coming up?

Um. No. This is all there is.

You don't ask for a sequel to the Bible, do you? "Hey, I like this Jesus guy. Can we get the authors to maybe write a trilogy?"

Oh, wait, I forget. Some people do clamor for sequels. Geez, no respect for literature...

jetz wrote:
I hope this thread won't get locked. I'm just curious - but if the mods find a just reason to lock it go ahead. I'm not sure about it since I'm doing this quarter -asleep.. Laughing I just need sources other than the encylopedia and wikipedia.

About the only reason I could see to lock it would be that there are previous threads dealing with HR. However, to your credit, you have produced a well-formulated and politely curious post -- and we love that sort of thing around here.

- abunai
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hentai4me



Joined: 25 Oct 2005
Posts: 1313
Location: England. Robin is so Cute!
PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 11:29 am Reply with quote
This series is...special. Pretty much the three major works with Yoshitoshi are.

As has been explained the actual story is very simple, easy to follow and enjoyable to go with, the characters are each nicely individual and all sympathetic. There are a LOT of ways of looking into it, and analysing the events and imagery, but doing so is not really necessary.

Best description would probably be a 'coming to grips with a new world' kind of thing, Rakka arrives and has to grow accustomed to where she is now and how her life is now different. (with just that you can see all sorts of potential for analysis)

I often watch it during a really bad week (I can't marathon a series in a day...) and hug my cat. Doing that makes everything seem alright again

Artwork...you can't really compare it directly with anything (I don't like the 'watercolour' description as that implies a kind of undefined edge to the style) but the artwork carries the mood just as much as anything that is said or done, much like the music which is uplifting (Free Bird, Starting of the World) calming and reminiscent (Refrain of Memory) enchanting (Ethereal Remains, Ripples By the Drop) and quite depressing (Blight, Silent Wonderland).

I prefer to think of it as more atmosphere than anything else, the series projects such an air of calm and contentment at times and even with the serious events that go on later they still seem to happen in a place that would always remain somewhere you'd want to be.
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jetz



Joined: 31 Jan 2007
Posts: 2148
Location: Manila, Philippines
PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 12:03 pm Reply with quote
abunai wrote:
jetz wrote:
I'm thinking of watching Haibane Renmei, since a lot of you guys really seem to like it. But I'm thinking if it's for me or not.

Only one way to find out. You know that.


Yeah but I'm thinking of buying a DVD copy, cause that's the only way I can watch it and since DVDs here cost a lot of money, I just can't see it for myself without spilling some cash. That's why I felt the need to ask you guys. Forgot to mention that earlier.

The verdict? I'll give it a try.. After seeing your comments I feel like I HAVE to buy it. Although I am not 100% convinced (The only way that'll happen is if I actually watch it) but feel free to add more of your comments.. Laughing
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joel_s95387



Joined: 29 Jun 2005
Posts: 1804
Location: California... The Village Hidden In The Porn
PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 12:16 pm Reply with quote
I've seen the first 10 episodes and fel in love with the series. I just kept watching episode after episode because the series was so interesting to me.

The gap for me finding the final volume was huge though so when I finally did get the final volume, I was caught up in several other series. But for about two months I was hunting that final volume and was willing to pay any price... then the RightStuf Geneon Sale happened and I was able to obtain it that way.

But I highly recommend the first 10 episodes. Like people have said, it has a very serious tone with some comedic moments here and there.
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murph76



Joined: 26 Jul 2006
Posts: 3291
Location: Akron, OH
PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 12:29 pm Reply with quote
jetz wrote:
The verdict? I'll give it a try.. After seeing your comments I feel like I HAVE to buy it. Although I am not 100% convinced (The only way that'll happen is if I actually watch it) but feel free to add more of your comments.. Laughing


I was in nearly the same situation last year. My local Borders had a Haibane Renmei boxed set on its shelf. It was expensive, but looked interesting. I read the glowing comments about it on ANN and other sites, but you never really know until you watch it. A week or so later I took the plunge and bought it, and have never regretted the purchase.

It's one of my favorites. As was mentioned above, the story is simple, yet at the same time deep. The art and character designs are unique and beautiful. The music is an interesting and excellent mix of baroque, celtic and jazz. You'll laugh at some moments and cry at others.You'll enjoy it.

-Murph
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Kruszer



Joined: 19 Nov 2004
Posts: 8016
Location: Minnesota, USA
PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 3:06 pm Reply with quote
A guy from my college's anime club brought this one in and we watched it. Needless to say, Haibane Renmei quickly became one of my absolute favorites. I didn't think I'd enjoy it at first because it seemed well kind of like something for women and I'm a guy, however I was glad to be wrong. It's really unlike any other anime I've seen and after we were done with it, I immediately searched out the boxset online and bought it for myself. It's a character piece with psychological, philosophical, and theological undertones. it's all about people so there is no action or anything however, it still manages to be incredibly entertaining and emotional with an interesting mystery and great messages.
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Amethyst Alchemist
Former ANN Editor


Joined: 02 Jan 2007
Posts: 313
Location: where it's always a good morning
PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 3:54 pm Reply with quote
I think it's definitely worth watching whatever your taste is. I recently bought the box set. It's pretty unique and intriguing. I must admit I am a little surprised at how popular it is, seeing as so many of the popular shows are all action-pacted and "loud." This is a very subtle and elegant anime IMO. It is definitely worth the praise it gets and should be in anyone's collection.
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HellKorn



Joined: 03 Oct 2006
Posts: 1669
Location: Columbus, OH
PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:45 pm Reply with quote
hentai4me wrote:
This series is...special. Pretty much the three major works with Yoshitoshi are.


Three major works? He's only been associated with four, so which one of them gets kicked out of your group of "special" anime? >_>

Personally I consider any anime that Yoshitoshi ABe works on, whether his job is creation of the original story or just the character conceptual designs, to be absolute gold.

jetz wrote:
The verdict? I'll give it a try.. After seeing your comments I feel like I HAVE to buy it.


You'll be a better person for it. Since I don't really have much to add on to what has already been said, I can safely say that very, very few anime have ever created a sense of peace while at the same time keeping me on the edge of my seat, ending in an utter and complete "emotional relief," so to speak. Haibane Renmei is easily in my top five anime series, as well as my top ten favorite anime (which includes television seres, movies, and OVAs), and it's one of the most beloved titles out there. And unlike many of them, I feel that it is justified enough and brilliant enough to be considered so.
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Rakushun



Joined: 28 May 2004
Posts: 116
Location: Hawaii
PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:58 pm Reply with quote
If you don't want to burn the money to buy Haibane Renmei, you could always rent, borrow, or otherwise watch that anime on the cheap. While I'm happy with most of my anime purchases, there are a couple which I bought before watching the whole thing and was disappointed as a result, like Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi.

I loved every minute of Haibane Renmei, though I did rent it before buying.
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LydiaDianne



Joined: 28 Jan 2006
Posts: 5634
Location: Southern California
PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 10:22 pm Reply with quote
I was cautious when I bought HR myself. I didn't quite get all of the deeper aspects of the series but I enjoyed the heck out of the series. I think that you will too!

Just one thing --- HAVE TISSUE NEARBY! Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad
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jetz



Joined: 31 Jan 2007
Posts: 2148
Location: Manila, Philippines
PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 10:26 pm Reply with quote
HellKorn wrote:
You'll be a better person for it. Since I don't really have much to add on to what has already been said, I can safely say that very, very few anime have ever created a sense of peace while at the same time keeping me on the edge of my seat, ending in an utter and complete "emotional relief," so to speak.


I actually like that comment, and that made me want to buy it more. The shop opens at 2 PM, I hope no one gets it before I do.

Rakushun wrote:
If you don't want to burn the money to buy Haibane Renmei, you could always rent, borrow, or otherwise watch that anime on the cheap.


We don't have places in the Philippines where we can borrow or rent anime DVDs. I do think that it's going to be worth it, and since I got a bad DVD yesterday I can return it in exchange for Haibane Renmei - I may have to add a few bucks more though.. Laughing
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jetz



Joined: 31 Jan 2007
Posts: 2148
Location: Manila, Philippines
PostPosted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 7:44 am Reply with quote
Maybe I should have made this thread earlier. Someone beat me to Haibane Renmei, and the lady said this guy beat me only by 30 minutes or something like that.. Guess I'll have to wait for another copy Sad
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Kruszer



Joined: 19 Nov 2004
Posts: 8016
Location: Minnesota, USA
PostPosted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 9:53 pm Reply with quote
You can find it online for real cheap.
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