This review contain spoilers.

The first thing I'd like to make clear in this review is that it is going to be really about my personal experience watching the show rather than an "objective" analysis. This is important because I feel that if had watched this in another moment of my life or even in a different mood, perhaps I would have a different opinion about it.

Haibane Renmei is the second work by Yoshitoshi ABe i've seen, the first being Serial Experiments Lain, a show heavily packed with strong symbolism, confusing events and conclusions, deep philosophical reflections and dark themed aesthetics throughout the entirety of the show. So it was a little surprising to find out that Haibane started as a much more calm and wholesome anime, almost like an iyashikei slice-of-life. The first 5 episodes can be described as a slow-paced and charming anime that is meant to bring a subtle discussion about a new beginning, getting used to a new life, making friends, trying to find a job, and all of that with a sweet touch of Christian imagery. For me, that already was enough for a very enjoyable experience, given the marvelous characters, art direction and soundtrack.

But soon enough, I knew that it wouldn't be like this until the end, as several mysteries and conflicts begin to appear in episode 6, when the "Day of Flight" arrives for Kuu, one of the girls living in Old Home. This is described as a bittersweet event, as on the one hand it is something expected and natural to happen, and on the other hand it is a representation of a 'temporary' loss of a friend. The tone of the anime is changed as Rakka struggles to accept not having Kuu around and starts to lose her meaning to live, and the questions "what's beyond the walls?", "what are the Haibane?", "where do they come from?" become way more relevant for the narrative.

This sudden change of tone got me really interested to see what more this anime has to offer, and the following episodes that goes on about how Rakka finds a way to redeem herself with the help of the unconditional support from Reki and the bird really exceeded my expectations. Later on, Reki also struggles to find her own redemption, and the final resolution is very satisfying, with beautiful written and very heavily emotional scenes packed with symbolism and grace.

Usually after finishing a show like this one, I love to read theories, explanations and reviews that fans have written about it. But for Haibane Renmei, I'm 100% satisfied in not objectively understanding what every symbolism means, as I know that they are just a way to show us the messages about hope, forgiveness and time, that for me, are the most beautiful part from this show.

The art, the soundtrack, the character designs, the music are all stunning.