Haibane-Renmei - A Review of a Soulful, Beautiful Anime

Yoshitoshi Abe's "Haibane-Renmei" is an intriguing Japanese animation series, which will stimulate contemplation about destiny, choice, life, death, and the essences and motivations of people.

Directed by Tomokazu Tokoro, Haibane-Renmei takes a very different route from “mecha” anime or action-based stories. Haunting and sweet at the same time, it is a journey into the mysterious lives of the Haibane or “Charcoal Feathers”.

The Haibane look like the other humans living in the peaceful town of Glie, which is completely surrounded by gigantic walls, isolating it from the unknown outside world. But for reasons unknown to them, the Haibane have been birthed here out of white cocoons, at various ages – some as small children, others as teenagers. Shortly after their birth process, they sprout angel-like wings and are given a halo and a name. And as time passes, they continue to grow and develop like a normal human. However - to avoid a spoiler here - when they reach a certain stage of peace and understanding of themselves, they will come to a turning point in their lives that is very different to the trajectory of the ordinary human lives around them.

There is something quite beautiful about the simplicity of the town, and the lives of its inhabitants. It appears to be a place without computers or phones, highways or traffic jams; yet with most other conveniences we are used to today. Life seems uncomplicated here, and reminds you of some of the simple joys of living - like long walks or bike rides talking with a friend, lying on a grassy hill looking at the sky and the view, and drinking tea in a peaceful place. As I watched the “newborn” teenage Haibane, Rakka, discovering her new world and the safety of her new friendships, a kind of bliss settled over me.

Added to the soothing charm of this story is the opportunity to explore a deeper idea: What would it be like to re-discover the world at the age you are now, surrounded by beauty and people who care about you, yet to not really know these people or anything about the world you now find yourself in? How would it feel to know that you have lived before, but to not know what or who you have forgotten - or why you have been re-born as a Haibane? As is often the case with many anime productions, there is a lot of intellectual stimulation – wondering, along with Rakka, about why she is here and about the secrets and questions surrounding this place.

The sweetness of Rakka’s new life begins to ripple like a reflection in water, as she learns more about one of the older Haibane living with her, Reki. While Rakka had begun to feel that the Haibane were some sort of charmed creatures of a pure and innocent essence, she learns that Reki was troubled as a young Haibane. At one point Reki had even come close to one of the most forbidden taboos of the Haibane, with disastrous results.

As Rakka begins to understand some of the buried sadness that the Haibane may carry within their hearts - including her own - she makes up her mind to truly become someone’s guardian angel; and to save someone who does not know how to save herself.

Don't miss this story if you enjoy an anime that makes you think, and stirs some emotion.

© 2010 Johanna De Rosa