When They Cry - Anime Review

When They Cry - Anime Review

Duration: 26 Episodes
Supplied: Blurays purchased via Rightstuf
Published: Sentai Filmworks
Released: March 15, 2016(this print)

Welcome to the sleepy little town of Hinamizawa. Nestled in a mountain valley, not a lot really happens in this place. Keiichi just recently moved here and is adjusting to the new rural lifestyle. Fortunately, Keiichi manages to become friends with some of his classmates. Through chance meetings and sarcastic comments, things are unwittingly discovered about Hinamizawa that people do not really like to discuss. Digging further into this mystery is where our story begins.

*Note: This is a horror piece so if you want to know as little as possible you might want to refrain from reading further. Although, I try and keep it as vague and as possible, anything could be considered a huge spoiler. Feel free to scroll to the conclusion and recommendation.

Initially, I thought this might end up sorta lame. It being 26 episodes, I wondered just how in the heck it could stretch out that far and remain compelling. Well, early on, this does become rather apparent due to how this series is developed. The plot, overall, was very solid and compelling. I always wanted to know more. After having finished it, I still want to know more!

There are several characters besides Keiichi and we end up getting their points of view on many things. They are all fairly well developed, which is great considering the series length. There is plenty of backstory provided to fill in many of the cracks.

The town of Hinamizawa itself feels very alive in this series. It is not very often when something inanimate feels like it is actively shaping parts the experience. This is usually done on a much more subtle level, but here, it feels like the town itself is a character.

Conclusion
This series, I will say, is almost brilliant. The way it is written and pieced together is so clever that it brings a smile to my face. I was totally enthralled by this the entire way through. The characters all felt real and their plights were sympathetic. The situations felt very believable as well. I loved it!

Recommendation
For fans of horror this is at worst a must-see and at best a must-own. Fair warning however, there are scenes that may disturb you if you are sensitive. I do not say that lightly either.

It would be a shame if this fell through the cracks of obscurity once again. I only came upon it recently and definitely think it deserves success.