Higurashi no Naku Koro ni
2007-01-22 09:11:01

When it comes anime that keeps you guessing and forces you to look at it's plot in different ways animes such as Lain and more recently Paranoia agent come to mind. Be sure to add Higurashi to that category. Based off a popular series Doujin mystery games Higurashi no Naku Koro ni shows the events that take place in the small isolated village of Hinamizawa in June of 1983 all tied in with a bizarre series of murders that take place every year.

Due to it's source it's plot is divided into story arcs that are seemingly separate to each other but each reveal more of the background of the various characters. In the games there are four "Question" arcs, which present different mysteries with different villains and events. Then four "answer" arcs, which fill in the gaps while occasionally posing even more questions. This season covers the four question arcs and the first two answer arcs leaving the last two for the second season coming in April of '07. This format is found confusing by some but as you watch it becomes more of a positive then a detraction. The begins of each arc general come of as a harem romance comedy with very goofy interactions and some laughs though they turn serious as episodes go and generally become quite violent and disturbing, definitely not for younger viewers.

The plot is very character driven and cast is generally strong, The leads all have baggage and deep (usually tragic) backgrounds. The question arcs follow the male lead Keiichi who is usually in the dark about what’s going on but the answer arcs come from the point of view of other characters to give more clarity to the more subtle actions. The music and atmosphere is very creepy and mysterious and is very good at keeping you on edge with a stellar opening sequence that sets it up well. The animation is usually good but quality drops a few times during the more 'psychotic' moments but it's a minor detraction you likely won't notice.

Overall this is one of the better "mess with your Mind" animes that have come out. If your looking for an anime that will make you think and can stomach blood and gore that puts most animes to shame then you should check out Higurashi... If you don't Oyashiro-sama will be very upset *evil maniacal laughter*

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