Wolf's Rain

Just finished watching episode 27-30 (which were delayed and only released on DVD for some reason, I think a conflict with the network airing in Japan). The original 26 episodes aired on TV though.

The ending reminded me of the RahXephon one, and probably not without coincidence, since Bones (the studio making the anime) did both series.

It is a sad and dark tale about a pack of wolves trying to survive in a hostile world, on their way to a place they call "Paradise" which apparently is a better place than their present.

Recommended if you like serious, melancholic and a bit thought-provoking series.

8 out of 10

Where do I start? There are so many great things about Wolf's Rain. From the opening strains of the opening theme song, "Stray", to the very last chords of "Gravity" in episode 30, Wolf's Rain is an experience unlike any other. The animation is superb, the characters well developed, the story chock full of action, adventure and has a mythology all its own that captivates from the moment you enter into it. You don't have to like anime or even animation for that matter, to get into Wolf's Rain. The shots are the most cinematic I've ever seen in an animated series and the music conducted and arranged by Yoko Kanno is beautiful and timeless. Also, the story leaves a lot of things open for the viewer to interpret, and delves much deeper into issues of meaning, life and nature than any anime that I've ever seen. It incorporates so much from different genres and cultures, that everyone can find something to like in this series. So, for a great experience, check out Wolf's Rain!

Wolf's Rain follows the incredible journey of a pack of wolves who are desperately searching for Paradise, despite the crumbling world around them and the threat of extinction that haunts them. We viewers follow the emotional journey as they find Cheza, a flower maiden who is key to their dream, and awkwardly root for the destruction of humanity and salvation of the wolves. Check for incredible plot.

Next is music--Done by Yoko Kanno, THE composer of the century, there's no way that you can watch this series and not be moved by the incredible soundtrack. It fits the series to a T--and, might I add that the songs range from Latin to French to Maaya Sakamoto singing English. So no worries there.

The voice acting is one of the best that I have ever seen in anime, and trust me, I've seen A LOT. The voices are nearly perfect and fit like puzzle pieces with the tone and plot.

So now for my direct opinions. Wolf's Rain is one of the best things I have ever seen. After every episode I found myself searching for a paradise of my own and a purpose as great as the wolves'. It is an addicting series that is beautifully done--the artwork is amazing and the animation has virtually no flaws. It flows and flows, and leaves you stunned at the end. A good stunned though. An inspired stunned. Which leaves me to my last note--if you're looking for an anime where you can predict the ending, this one ain't it. If you're looking for one that will leave you with a changed perspective of everything, take the leap and watch it.

I can guarantee that there will be something you like and remember forever.

This is one of the single most important anime series ever, it single-handedly helped revive the fan side of the industry and created a digi-sub boom. That is why I love this show. I had waited for this show for ages when I first heard about it, when I finally saw it I was amazed. Atmosphere is the body of the show.

From beginning to end this show is presented as a simple adventure/mystery story, but it is much more than that. There is far more to praise in this show than a great number of what was on at the time of its premier in Japan, but this along with Witch Hunter Robin and Gundam Seed represent the kind of quality that the current industry is capable of.

Enough Praise...

Yes there is a lot going for it, plot, character designs, music, atmosphere, character development, but it has one downside, much like the afore mentioned Witch Hunter Robin, it is essentially an Evangelion clone. This is not evident until the end of the show, and it does not hamper the quality of the show, but it does promote a trend. The ending, unlike Evangelion, is happy, and is the most amazing ending one could possibly ever wish for out of this show, but it is a bit cryptic, but satisfying nonetheless.

Wolf's Rain is gold, the kind of gold that we get today. Hopefully we get more like it in the upcoming years.

I first saw the previews for Wolfs Rain on CN, Adult Swim and was surprised. It's ot often that you see such an interesting plot that grabs you right from the get-go. I of course watched it and fell in love. The animation is amazing and fluid thanx to the people who also animated Cowboy Bebop. The characters are deep and interesting, and their personalities contradict each other making it a lot of fun to watch.

The music is average in my opinion but still it is above normal anime standards for good. The one bad thing is the flashback episodes 15-18. They are a waste of time and get you to forget the story. Other than that it is a spectacular series, right up there with Bebop in my opinion. I would give Wolfs Rain a 9 1/2 out of ten and a jar of cookies. I highly recommend this series to anyone who doesn't mind a little swearing and blood. ^^