Review of Haibane Renmei: Vol. 1

Introduction

Yoshitoshi Abe has done it again. He`s completely freaked me out with his mind-bending, genre defying anime - and possibly turned in a work even more compelling than `Serial Experiments Lain`. This really is curious addition to the glut of anime flooding the market. It has a strange atmosphere and pace all of its own that really sets it apart from the flock.

So how best to describe it? The `Haibane` of the title are `angel-like` females (with halos and wings)who fall from the sky (possibly after dying?) and land gracefully at an old `school-house` where they take up residence.

We join the story, in episode 1, as Rakka (so named by the other Haibane because she dreams of `falling` which is what Rakka must mean in Japanese) falls from the sky . The other Haibane gather around a giant cocoon, out of which Rakka emerges as the newest in a line of Haibane (literally translated as `Charcoal Feathers`).

She can remember nothing of her past life and her other young friends do what they can to settle her in to her new life - which includes seeing her through the painful process of her wings forcing their way out of the skin on her back.

Through Rakka`s eyes we too explore this brand new, enigmatic and fascinating new world.

The Haibane must never leave town (the borders being defined by a huge wall) and must never own `new things` - relying instead on scavenging things (like clothes) to survive.

There are other unresolved mysteries too, like Haibane occasionally being drawn back up into the sky, never to be seen again.
The Haibane live close to a town of humans who tolerate them, though are always a little frosty towards them. Their interdependence is highlighted by the fact that the Haibane can act as intermediaries with the `Toga`, a group that go from town to town to sell and buy goods. The Haibane act as a communicator between the two, using an elaborate sign language that seems familiar to the Haibane.

The show has an almost dreamy pace as its plot (what there is of it) gently unfolds, though in truth, very little actually happens. Despite this, it remains the visual equivalent of a page-turner.

Video

Haibane Renmei is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and encoded for anamorphic playback. It`s a very nice digital transfer that has retained the clarity of the original animation, as well as its attractive hues and colouring.

Audio

Whilst original Japanese dialogue and English sub-titles is an option, I viewed this in its English dubbed incarnation. Choice of voice was nigh on perfect - with Rakka portrayed as a breathy innocent, whilst selection of voices for her winged cohorts also perfectly cast. It`s a big, solid sound (stereo) with good quality dialogue really cutting through the dreamy incidental music, which includes the haunting title theme featuring a mix of acoustic guitar and strings.

Features

This is a little light on extras, but for the record here`s what you`ll find:

-Textless Opening - just the opening title sequence without textual overlays.

-Original Japanese Opening - Just like the English one, only slightly different cut with Japanese captions.

-Art Gallery - 30 rough conceptual pencil sketch frames for those interested in the origins of the drawings etc.

-Episode Previews - Very intriguing, with the promise of more mysteries solved in the next edition!

-MVM Trailers - for `Chobits` and `Trigun`.

Conclusion

Produced as a manga follow-up to `Serial Experiments Lain`, `Haibane Renmei` was never intended to become an anime, though enthusiasm for LAIN (in the West particularly) encouraged its production. Originally airing in 2002, just two episodes of the original manga were complete when production began, and apparently Abe busked the rest of the tale as he went along, preferring an almost experimental approach.

The results are very fine indeed, and whilst this is no white-knuckle ride (don`t expect `Fist of the North Star`!) it has a soporiphic, dreamlike atmosphere that makes for some very satisfying viewing.

It`s also full of fascinating sub-plots that are thinly disguised `coming of age` scenarios as the young female `Haibane` seek to discover their role and purpose in a confusing world.

If you`re becoming jaded by the sudden glut of sub-standard, barely comprehensible anime flooding the market, then `Haibane` could be the perfect antidote. I`m definitely hooked and can`t wait for the next disc in the series.