…There were angels born from giant cocoons. Imagine my surprise when the series Haibane Renmei begins with no apparent conflict. Mystery and secrets abound, but they aren’t serious plot devices, and so the viewer begins to wonder where the conflict lies. This is the central idea of the series: it has no larger conflict; the conflict is only revealed in the concluding episode of the series. A few minor conflicts occur, which deeply affect the plot and drastically change the tone of the anime in a short period of time, but the tender message of the story does not change as a result, but is rather strengthened as more truth comes to light.
This series is Haibane Renmei, an anime based on a doujinshi comic series created by Abe Yoshitoshi in 1998. The series débuted and ended in 2002 with 13 episodes, categorized as drama/fantasy. For the Reverse Thieves’ annual ‘Secret Santa’ project, this is the anime I chose to review for the end of the year.
The Appeal
In this series, you grow alongside the protagonist, and learn as she does about this small world she was reborn into. The short, spoiler-free review of this anime I read beforehand was precise and charming; pithy in describing how touching and easy this anime was for the heart, with no big complications or psychological issues to scare the viewer. The mystery and intrigue are there, but the rare serenity of the overall series is wonderful, and a welcome sight for sore eyes.
The Story
A town enveloped by a mysterious wall, with no knowledge of the outside world; a seeming utopia where the citizens live in peace with the mysterious creatures the Haibane, Charcoal Feathers, and the only people allowed to leave the confines of the city are the cloaked Toga, of the mysterious Haibane Renmei, the Charcoal Feather Federation. Seems like your average protagonist and antagonist-led story, right? Wrong.
The main character, who takes on the name Rakka, has no extraordinary features, and no special powers or abilities. The only real change which marks her as a bit different from the other Haibane are the fact that she later becomes a Sin-Bound, but then recovers when another Sin-Bound cannot. Her intrigue and curiosity toward the outside world offers a possible element to drive the series towards a serious conflict – until it becomes apparent that there is no hostility.
The Haibane Renmei, mysterious old men in dark cloaks and masks which hide their faces, do not reveal their activities outside of the walls, dictate what Haibane may do in the town, and do not communicate with others, appearing quite maleficent. Though limiting the Haibane to only using second hand items from humans and lacking accountability, no one seems to have any issue with their rules, and the governance of the town results in a sense of peace and serenity for all citizens.
The townspeople are always friendly and kind to the Haibane, and the angel-people themselves seem to be in constant good spirits, creating a surreal effect to the anime. It truly is a regulated, strictly-run, utopia; a situation not possible in real life and rarely seen outside of a malicious plot or dictatorial schemes.
The Characters
From simple to ambiguous, hyper to heavenly, humble to mischievous, the characters warm your heart and grow on you like the sprout-like cocoons they are born from. Whether Haibane or townsfolk, each person reaches out to you in their own way. The main Haibane are Rakka, Reki, Kuu, Nemu, Kana, and Hikari, who live at Old Home with younger Haibane called Young Feathers and a ‘house mother’ from the village.
Other Haibane live at Abandoned Factory, which is co-ed but cannot support the Young Feathers as easily as Old Home, including Hyohko and Midori. Other important groups in the series include the mysterious leaders of the town, the Haibane Renmei, whose motives are unknown for most of the series. These include the Toga, the only ones allowed to exit and enter The Wall, and the Communicator, who seems to lead the Haibane Renmei. Many townsfolk play significant roles in the lives and decisions of the Haibane as well, mainly interacting at places where each Haibane works or at the used-clothing store where they shop.
There is, however, a lack of male Haibane, and a distinct separation between the denizens of Abandoned Factory from the main characters in Old Home, the main stage of the show. The separation is never explained properly and the two groups seem to rarely interact. The lack of men is only commented on once or twice in the anime, and is not taken very seriously by the characters when discussed. Another issue is the weakness of the main character. Though her lack of self confidence is part of her character as she learns to believe in herself, it can be overbearing.
The Sound and Animation
Opening – Gentle, calm, peaceful, sincere, graceful, peaceful, light-hearted, warm.
Ending – Haunting, mysterious, questioning, calming, soothing, intriguing, satisfying.
These are the words which describe my feelings about the opening and ending themes for the series. Though an instrumental piece, the opening song is peaceful and soft, yet enticing. The opening is a good reflection of each Haibane character, showing off their personalities and some humor. The ending theme includes lyrics and displays opposite qualities. They complement each other nicely.
The Conclusion
Haibane Renmei is a delightful series which keeps you on your toes waiting for a violent conflict which doesn’t occur until the series climax, and still manages to surprise you with a happy ending, and a sweet reminder that not all anime needs to be cutthroat and explosive in order for the story to succeed. The opening and ending songs are wistful and melodic, and the series is short enough to buy and re-watch a few times a month. It’s like sipping a soothing cup of green tea after a day of Red Bull and Coca-Cola. For its simplicity and elegance, I would definitely award this anime an 8 out of 10 star rating. Rakka’s anxieties detracted somewhat from the plot, but these were minor problems in comparison to the excellent quality of this strange, small world.
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