Rating: 
Summary: Not quite catching...
Review: The anime itself is decently drawn, but the plot leaves much to be desired. Your mind isn't allowed to imagine too much with this anime. It was dry when it came to humor, which I need something to lighten the mood a little. Of course, it could just not be "my style."
Rating: 
Summary: Beatiful story
Review: The visual style is great. There is no way they could do this with real actors and get the same feel. This odd story of Angels starts slow in the first four episodes but its not a boring slow. We get a painted picture of a wonderful place- where angels and people work and live side by side in harmony with themselves and nature. Its very easy to grow fond of Rakka the main charactor for she is goodness and purity rapped up in a little package with wings. And then the story progresses in a more disturbing trend in the next five episodes as Rakka notices small blemish marks starting to develope on her wings. The last four chapters of this story are a sort of anticlimax but otherwise I consider this one of the finest Anime works equal to Lain and Spirited Away.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderfully animated, but it's...not for me.
Review: This animated work is very good for whatever it's worth. It'll be nice for children to watch, but I thought it to be a bit boring. I didn't read any of the other reviews so...I didn't know what I was getting into. Oh, yeah...Kids who look like angels walk, talk, and have fun. It's kid stuff.
Rating: 
Summary: An enticing series start
Review: This disc collects the first four episodes of an animated TV series. The series holds a lot of appeal: its characters are engaging, the animation is good, and there is huge potential for future stories. Much is left unexplained about this fantasy world, and these first four episodes ration the information in a way that encourages loyal viewing.
The Haibane are a different people living among ordinary humans. They have halos and small, flightless wings, but otherwise look quite ordinary. They are a small minority, compared to the humans, and have an oddly defined place in this walled society. They can only use what humans have already cast off - abandoned housing, second-hand clothing, and hand-me-down bicycles. They work and do business with the humans, but are not allowed money. Relations with the humans seem un-strained, and at least one important post is reserved for a Haibane.
Mostly, though, this disc introduces the mystery of the Haibane. They are 'born' from cocoons at teen-aged size, able to talk and to handle themselves. The new ones have no memories, though, except the memory of a dream, and there is no clue about how the cocoons arise. The newborn have no halos - those are given to them. And, as near as I can tell, all Haibane are female.
There is a modest amount of action here, but no violence and no adult themes. Instead, the story focusses on the central newborn, Rakka, as she finds her place in the several parts of this society. It would be easy to get hooked on this series, to watch as each of its parts is explained. What is outside of the town's walls? Who are the Haibane, and what is their relationship to the humans? What do the crows signify? And why is every day a bad hair day for Rakka?
Anyone who likes these episodes is in for a long haul. As in a soap opera, the viewer watches for small clues as the characters develop and interact. Also like a soap opera, it will require some dedication to follow the story through enough episodes for its mysteries to open up.
This fictitious world is a peaceful and inviting place. The anime look is well done, but not revolutionary. Although I liked this sample, I'm not going to put in the time and effort to follow it through. I can certainly see why people do, however. Enjoy!
//wiredweird
Rating:
Summary: A Perfect Start
Review: This first DVD of the series defies description... No, really, I'm not quite sure what its draw is.It just seems that the first DVD seems to simply click. The music, the characters, the animation all of it seems to blend seemlessly or near enough so as to not matter. The music is etheral and splendely blends with the series itself. Brought to you by the creators of Lain and Niea under Seven, Haibane Renmei is exactly the quality you would expect from these names. Now I may not be the greatest of Otaku, but I have seen more than my fair share of anime and this one is one the most impressive ones I have seen in a long time... I am eagerly looking forward to the next DVD...
Rating:
Summary: Quiet and beautiful
Review: This is a fairly short series at 13 episodes that is well worth your time to watch and is based on a comic written by the creator of Serial Experiments Lain and Niea_7. It is refreshing to see a show that relies on likeable and realistic characters, albeit in an unusual setting. At no point does this show deteriorate into a fan service showcase as so many with a primarily female cast seem to fall into. There are no explosions, no giant robots, no save-the-world exploits. Rather, there are many unanswered questions as we explore the world of the Haibane, people who awaken into a world where they are given halos, grow wings, and have no memory of their past. I recommend the show for it's beautiful animation, soothing music, and of course for a wonderful story about a young girl trying to find her place and who struggles with the limitations and mystery of the new world into which she has been born. I do not recommend this show if you are interested only in action heavy shows or for those who often complain about slow pacing in stories, although I do urge you to give this one a try. You may be pleasantly surprised. As far as the available language tracks, I felt that the English voice actors did a very good job with their characters, and I would venture to say that they were overall on par with their Japanese counterparts. As it is, I was able to enjoy watching it dubbed or subbed.
Rating:
Summary: Are Amazon Reviewers Mad?
Review: This is one of the best anime series I have seen in recent years. It doesn't have a lot of action (no Samurai or Space Ships), but the characters are interesting and each episode leaves you wanting to know more. If you like more to your anime than just action, then try the charcoal feather federation. Otherwise stick to Dragonball Z.
Rating:
Summary: Mr. Solomon should go back to watching Dragonball Z
Review: This is, without a doubt, the best anime series to be released so far this year. Beautiful, haunting, thought-provoking, and rich in detail, imagery, and ideas, this is a story that will keep you thinking about it for weeks after you've finished watching it. A masterpiece from one of the most talented names in anime today. Warning: may not have enough explosions or fart jokes for some tastes. (rolleyes)
Rating:
Summary: MY OPINION MEANS NOTHING TO YOUR'S, BUT.....>>>
Review: This movie is best summed up in one simple, yet boldly fitting work: PERFECT. End.
Rating:
Summary: Five stars aren't enough
Review: This series is, simply, a work of art. It tells a story of great sweetness, simplicity, sincerity, and profundity that has few peers in both anime and cinema.
The first DVD's episodes are simple and heartwarming; you are left with a warm fuzzy feeling without ever dipping into the cloying uber-cute that infects a lot of anime. This innocence belies the incredible and powerful story that lies beneath the many layers that each new episode peels away, leading you through the darkness to a shining conclusion that is indescribably beautiful.
To my mind, this work ranks amongst the greats of animated literature. Music, concept, art, and story are all absolutely first-rate. In a world full of anime rental houses where you can enjoy anything for a couple of bucks a day, this series is worth OWNING.
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