# Haibane Renmei



Embracing Hope in the Face of Nihilism:
A Journey Through Purgatory and Beyond

Review:

Hibane Renmei is a captivating anime series that stands out for its unconventional storytelling and unique artistic style. The show presents a blend of a mystical atmosphere and a story that defies traditional conventions, which engages the viewer's imagination. With each viewing, the abstract presentation of the series invites the audience to uncover its hidden symbolism and meanings, resulting in a personal and unique experience. Haibane Renmei is likely one of those shows that you are either going to love or hate.

The city of Glie serves as a haven of peace, where Haibane and humans coexist in harmonious serenity. Yet, beneath its tranquil exterior lies a theocratic society, steeped in religious symbolism and imbued with spiritual undertones. The Haibane, with their angelic presence, are viewed as privileged beings, and the city's walls are regarded as sacred monuments. Through the interactions between the communicator and the outside traders, a spiritual atmosphere pervades every aspect of life in Glie.

“Inside my mind, there’s a beautiful cup. A very beautiful, clear cup. And tiny drops kept falling into it: 'drip, drip, drip', slowly but steadily, everyday. And today, I felt the cup had finally become completely full.” – Kuu

The journey of each Haibane in this world is shrouded in mystery. Each one emerges from a cocoon with a dream, which serves as a cryptic clue to their past life. For instance, Rakka's dream shows her falling and a bird trying to save her. This dream is the only piece of evidence of their former existence, and its significance becomes clearer as the story progresses. However, some Haibanes have no memories of their past, including their dreams or cocoon origins, and are referred to as "sin-bound." Despite the ethereal atmosphere portrayed in the first half of the series, hints suggest that there is a deeper, more unsettling aspect at play. The first episode of Haibane Renmei displays this with its body horror, as the sprouting of a Haibane's wings is depicted in a deeply discomforting scene.

As the story unfolds, the mystery of the Haibane's existence begins to unravel, revealing that they are perhaps children who passed away prematurely in their previous lives. Offered a second chance through their existence in Glie, they strive to experience what they never had the chance to before. However, the Haibane's time in this purgatory is plagued by the challenges of reconciling with their past lives and "sins." The sin-bound Haibane represent the most tragic extreme, children who took their own lives in their former existence and find themselves trapped in a cycle of nihilism. Unable to get a grasp on their past and move forward, they remain stuck in an endless loop, struggling to find meaning and purpose in their existence. If this cycle goes on for long enough, they may lose sight of it all.

“Perhaps this is what it means to be bound by sin. To spin in the same circle, looking for where the sin lies, and at some point losing sight of the way out.” – Renmei Communicator

The walls of Glie are revered as sacred monuments, serving as both protectors and jailers for the Haibane. Standing as the gatekeepers to the outside world, they regulate all that enters and exits Glie. The guardians of the walls impose stringent restrictions, and no one is permitted to cross the threshold unless they meet the required standards. These towering structures symbolize both security and confinement, balancing protection with captivity, reminding the Haibane of the limitations placed upon them. They are so sacred that if a Haibane is caught even trying to approach them, and dare they touch them, they will be punished.

“This is my cocoon dream. The nightmare that has been tormenting my existence in this world. I was walking along this path. I remember cold winds stinging my cheeks that were wet from tears. I heard a sound from far away. But I was too tired to think. I remember wanting to become a stone. A stone that doesn’t feel pain. Or sorrow.” – Reki

Haibane Renmei delivers a powerful message amidst its bleak and melancholic depiction of life in Glie. The anime challenges the notion that moving on is impossible and instead asserts that embracing hope is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. Far from being a trait of the naive, hope is portrayed as a force that exists beyond our struggles and can lift us out of a repetitive and meaningless existence. The heavy themes explored in the show are treated with empathy and sensitivity, imbuing the anime with a deep sense of humanity that transcends mere entertainment. Haibane Renmei inspires viewers to hold on to hope and to never give up in the face of adversity.

“Somewhere, that’s not here, in a place I can’t remember, I was obsessed with the idea that I was all alone. I thought that nobody would care, or even miss me if I vanished from the face of the Earth. I wanted to disappear. Then I had a dream about falling from the sky. I just remember that the bird was in the dream with me, and that the bird was someone in the form of a bird, trying to call me back. I now know that I was never alone.” – Rakka

Haibane Renmei delivers a powerful message of hope, reminding viewers that amidst their struggles, they are not alone and that there is support and comfort to be found in their experiences.