Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni
 

Seeing that the other thread was locked up by Blah, here's my attempt at promoting this series for great justice.

http://members.cox.net/anime-club/title.jpg

The story opens off with a really bizarre scene where someone is bludgeoning/chopping someone up and provides a very intriguing start and lays the foundation for the events that will transpire in Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni.

After the flashy, kaleidoscope introduction finishes, you're introduced to the main character: Keiichi Maehara (left), a kid who has just moved into the village of Hinamizawa and his next door neighbor: Rena Ryuguu (right).

http://members.cox.net/anime-club/keiichi.jpg

Other characters in this series who quickly becomes friends with Keiichi include an upperclassman, Mion Sonozaki (left), and two underclassmen (right), Satoko (blonde hair) and Rena (blue hair)

http://members.cox.net/anime-club/mion.jpghttp://members.cox.net/anime-club/satoko.jpg

Hinamizawa is located in a rural area, and looks like your run-of-the-mill quiet country village. Like most run-of-the-millcountry villages in horror/mystery flicks, Hinamizawa harbors a chilling secret. We get some signs of this when Keiichi meets with Tomitake, a freelance photographer who seems affable enough. However, when Keiichi makes a joke, Tomitake turns serious and he comments which hints that things may not be as they seem in Hinamizawa... something that occurred when the government tried to build a dam in the village.

When Keiichi brings the subject up with Mion, Mion denies that anything happened in the village aside from the townsfolk successfully preventing the construction of the dam which would have destroyed their homes. But there's a pause in her speech... suspicions are raised and the plot slowly thickens...

Aside from the serious plot moments, the first episode contains a lot of comic relief, shown in the scenes at school between Rena, Keiichi, and Mion. There's also the luncheon at the Furude Shrine, later on in the episode, but nothing hits the comedy home as much as the scene where Keiichi, Mion, Rena, Satoko, and Rika play a game of Jijinuki where the person who places first can do something to the person in last place. It's pretty easy to tell just how screwed Keiichi is going to be:

http://members.cox.net/anime-club/screwed.jpg

Thoughts after Episode 1: The animation and art style definitely aren't what I was expecting from a series described by ANN as a horror/mystery flick since everything seems so cute and chibi-ish. Despite the quality of the animation/artwork, the premise to the story is most excellent and one that I hope can sustain itself through its entire run-time. The story, combined with a soundtrack by Kenji Kawai makes this series extremely promising, and one that must be watched. Besides, I haven't had a good horror series to watch in quite some time so this should suffice that thirst.

Right now, I'm watching Triad's subs and they're pretty reliable as far as subbing goes. I'll probably make more comments as I see more beyond just the first episode.

Torrent Links
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3

About time there's a thread for this, it's arguably the best show this season.

The first 4 episodes have been seriously creepy. And ep4 had some of the most fucked up stuff i've seen so early in a show. I haven't checked ep 5 RAW yet, but it either goes to a flashback or even "groundhog day" (keep on restarting till he gets it right). It would make sense to do that.

The opening and ending videos are some of the best this season.

Hmmm... haven't see it yet, but from hearing the review by zzero, it sounds good ^ ^

Might give this a go, thanks for sharing the light on this series!

I watched the first four episodes yesterday...



Music by Kenji Kawai? This series is perfect now.

That name caught my eye, okay, it's on the "100% Sure I'll check it out" list. His music rarely never disappoints.

This is an amazing piece of madness, since the design for characters are customly meant for anything except what goes on in this place.
Truly I find it up to now quite enjoyable, plus the opening and ending songs are a perfect fit.
I have a question though, after watching the fifth.

As far as I know, the story will take it from different angles and reveal clues slowly. The differences will primarily be the backdrop which will then lead up to the events that will transpire at the festival and subsequently to some sort of tragedy like what happened at the end of episode 4. Think of it as like a video game where you start over and over and because of some decision you make, it leads to a totally different outcome.

It's a fun mystery to be sure and that alone has kept me hooked to the series. The creepout factor is also very nicely done.

HOLY SHIT!!! Did anyone watch episode 8 of this series yet? That's some of the most messed up scenes I've seen in quite some time. I don't think I could've asked for a better finale.



On another note, Rena's my new favorite character in that series. Thoughtful, and observant as all hell. I really like the way she analyzes clues and reasons everything out.

Looking forwards to the next story arc.

I also agree zzeroparticle, I just saw it and for once had shivers running up and down my body, and Rena did actually have a more mature side rather than the giddy one in the first chapter.



This keeps on getting madder.
I like it. =P

I joined the forums for this topic.

I cant wait for the next episode.

Supposely WinD lost their translator but they're trying to get ep 9 out soon. But after that it should be a rocky road ahead unless they find a replacement. Hopefully they do, I don't want to wait weeks and weeks for Triad to catch up :(

Those are some bad news. I hope they get the episode out, meanwhile I'll be dying here trying to find out what's going to happen next.
Triad was stalled way back on episode 4, right?

I haven't watched it yet, can anyone recommand a fansub group to me? It seems like there are 3 groups currently subbing this series....

WinD is the furthest along with its subs. They're pretty good in terms of accuracy (with only one problematic area which they fixed in their second release of the episode; the NO BLOOD for those who know what I'm talking about) and speed at which they get their stuff out. Of course, with their translator gone, this will slow down, but hopefully the replacement is just as good as who they had before.

In any case, I do recommend watching WinD's subs.

Episodes 9 & 10 are already out!

The show seems to be creating some buzz in the anime community recently. I'm watching something else at the moment but I will definately check this out next.

Only 15 posts here?! C'mon, it's Higurashi no Naku Koro ni.

Anyways, I've seen up to episode 11 and it's just getting better and better. I'm really looking forward to the end of Tatarigoroshi-hen, especially after I heard the following episodes will pretty much crush all the theories you've made up until now.

Also, for those who have not played the game (including me), there's a blogger who writes summaries of the events in the game that the anime changed or omitted. I apparently can't give a link because I don't have enough posts, but if you're interested, google for Makenai desuwayo.

I agree, there should be more posting, there is so much "juice" in this anime to be talked about, and I'm definitely waiting to find out what really happened in each of the parts.
Episode 12 is already out! =)

If you think the episodes 5-8 were confusing, good luck understanding 9-13. They leave you with surprisingly many questions...>_>




Well, to be honest, this anime is still one of the best I have seen so far!

Episode 20 was just released by Wind, who are the group I'm going to be switching to. I was using Ayu, but they are way to far behind right now. Alot of stuff has happened since 13 on the last post in this thread.



Episode 20 has got to be the most gruesome of them all so far though >_>

I'd say that episode 8 ruled the day simply because of the sheer amount of suspense that it tacks on with Shion and what was in store for Keiichi. The series has been very gruesome all in all and I love it for all the mystery it's putting forth for the audience to tackle.

As for some of the more recent episodes, a lot of it is beginning to make more sense now. My thoughts on it are as follows:



Also, I really felt bad for Rika in episode 20 during the school scene and what happened afterwards :( More so in light of the episode when she said:

I watched the Triad's subs up to episode 9, but couldn't wait for more so I had to get the WinD's.

This anime is pretty damn cool, just saw the 10th episode.
I like the creepy setting this one has. Also like the opening music.

Saw through Triad's episode 9. Quick "WTF:"

I really don't want to spoil anything, but don't bother making any theories about that ark. It gets "revisited" later on, but I won't say more since I feel that's one of the best surprise in the series.

This is, by far, one of the most fucked up, disturbing animes I have ever seen... and I love it. The story is superb... and I was hooked shortly after episode two. Shion is super moe and by far my favorite character in the series. I love the odd choice of character design, considering how serious the anime actually is. The show is filled with moe/loli girls... but everyone in that town is practically insane. The final episodes should be released within the next several weeks... and I can't wait to see the last two arcs conclude.

To be honest, a scene from episode 20, particularly a raw uploaded by a Japanese user, is what made me watch this show in the first place.



Anyone have any theories on Takano-san's case? So far her story is completely shrouded in mystery. I don't even know what to think about her and how she's involved in all this.

Also, if anyone happens to have the CG set for Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, either hook me up or point me in the direction of one. That would be greatly appreciated. ^_^

Takano-san's case?

Vexe:

Spoiler for episode 21 (and everything before). DON'T FUCKING READ UNLESS YOU'VE WATCHED EVERYTHING SO FAR OR YOU'LL SERIOUSLY REGRET IT, GO INSANE, AND ON A MURDEROUS RAMPAGE.

Yes! After watching episode 21, this series has become more awesome than I could possibly imagine.

I read about this one in someone's sig, and went on to watch ep #1. I'm at #12 now. I've never been so thrilled while watching anime. It's just awesome.

Was it FreelanceWolf's sig or my sig >_>

By the way, Episode 22 should be subbed and ready to go by Tuesday, seems to be the standard release day by Wind. I really like this last arc, and how it focuses on Rena, because Rena is the end all be all of pure awesome.

http://www.two40sevenyouth.com/Forum...inningrena.swf

Wolf's sig.

Man, I'm stoked. I finally managed to convert someone, and I don't even know the dude. Awesome. Who would have thought avatars and sigs could be used for subliminal messaging?

Actually make that 2 converted people, Freelance Wolf. The sig also got me interested in the series. I'm about to see the first 4 episodes, but from what I've read in the reviews of animenfo.com and here in GFF, it looks like one of the best series in a long time. I hope that's the case. I've been wanting to see something that's worth it. I'll write what I think when I'm done watching.

Yes, but did you like it? I can't really call that converting someone if they don't like it or haven't seen it!

I'm usually very picky when it comes to shows, so the fact I enjoy this one has got to count for something!

I just saw ep 23 today!

Ep. 23.

Ep. 23

Ep. 24

I'm enjoying this anime quite a lot, I came across it thinking it was a cutesy love story or something but i was ather shocked at what i saw. oh yeah about those of you watching the fansubs? you may find this site to be of use. i'm currently watching the anime on here, it's on crunchyroll.com

When Taco first told me about the premise of the show, I was highly skeptical after viewing some images in this thread. He promised me that the cute girls would get splattered in it, so I DLed some eps and now I'm converted.

There's only two more eps left. I wonder who will win...

Yeah, I couldn't show the blood splatter. That would've given things away waaay too fast ;).

Ep. 25

I don't know. It thought ep. 25 was a nice change of pace with a lot of heartfelt moments in it. I especially like the scenes where



Through these acts, Keiichi's pretty much been able to redeem himself of his psychopathic ways. I can only hope that he'll be able to prevent the tragedy and bring Rena back down to earth.

#25

Ep. 25

Ep 25

Ep 25

Ep. 25

Freelance Wolf converted me too. I stayed up all night so far watching one episode after another. Well it's 5:23 A.M, and it's time to pop in episode 7! I hope I can make it through them all before I gotta work later...

Haha, it's nice to know my sigs are actually good for something.

There's only one episode left. I wish they'd make more : /

You guys think it will ever come out here?

Doubtful. All that child violence. I would be VERY suprised if it made it here...

Actually, yeah. I don't think any networks would pick it up right off the bat, though. And even if they did, it would probably be on at some weird hour of the night to prevent 'poisoning young people's minds' or something.

edit: I don't know about Canada, but that's most likely the case for the US.

Even if it did come here, I probably wouldn't get that channel anyway. Sucks to live in Canada. We don't get Cartoon Network and stuff.

Any chance of it just coming out on DVD here, though? I'd grab them if they did.

It will most likely get released on dvd here eventually. Geneon USA funded it and if the violence from children was a problem then we would have never had "Now and Then Here and There" or Elfen Lied.

I don't understand the last part in the last episode... actually overall im confused with all of this series. Someone briefly explain it please!

In response to the above post, spoilers for the anime, possible spoilers for the games/manga:

This had better have a second season then.

Well, to be fair, there are a few "Answer Arcs" that haven't been released (two of them to be exact). The last two story arcs reveal everything that's been going on and put a face upon the murderer. The last story arc, of course, will be the one that non-game players will be looking for as the happy ending.

I do hope that these will get released as an OVA or something. The series was satisfying all the way through and I had a blast coming up with theories and comparing them with others. There's also a lot of joy in rewatching episodes over and over to scrounge for details that I may have missed on the first watchthrough.

Correcting YeOldeButchere on a minor point on episode 25:

Anyone else see 26?

I know Bigblah, but I was sorta pissed when I wrote this post and didn't bother changing it. He did (spoiler for 25)

Got to Ep 23.



Double Post:
Oh, Finished the series!



Rika is much too cute.

Well, I finished this series a while back and i gotta admit, I was very good

Ok, if you really want to know...

Oi! I browsed around in regards to the other two unanimated arcs.

While the last arc remains unsummarized FULLY, much to my chagrin, I did learn the following:



Had I not been a stupid idiot and went to Wikipedia to look up more on Higurashi, I would've been satisfied with the anime's ending. But NOOOOO...

As it seems, Higurashi still is not over. Some of my sources mentioned that an unspecified magazine had an article about Higurashi no Naku koro ni getting further episodes.

Of course, I do hope that this is the truth, since this is one of my favorite animes. I'd love to understand what happened to Satoshi and who Rika is.

Why did it take me so long to find this awesome?

I just recently discovered it on my random search for worthy anime, and I love it so far. I'm through episode 4, and everything about the series is quite amazing. The characters, the town, and just the overall horror and suspense of the area.

What I love most:

There will be a season 2 starting sometime in 2007.... I'm sure it'll include the two chapters from the PS2 version of the game.

Holy hell! I just started watching this series and after reading through some of your postings here I have to say, OMG! It's all I can think of, I love the series and the whole concept is really neat and inviting. Although, the brutality of the series is kinda sweet and innocent, something about those kids makes me fear and love them all at once.

On to the second season.

"Although, the brutality of the series is kinda sweet and innocent"

Hehe, you'll love the semi-last anime arc. >_>

Awesome. I had a feeling there'd be more episodes, as there's still questions that need to be answered. This is the first series I've watched in a while that I've actually liked.

I thought this thread was dead too.

From ANN:

I would have posted the news sooner, but this is the official statement, not just someone finding out that the domain name was registered like three days ago...

Awesome! I've been in a anime slump lately, and wanted something to watch. I am defenitly looking forward to this one! Now if only they would release the PS2 game here...

Know how much the set's gonna be? I didn't think it'd come out here.

The second season is coming so soon? Awesome. Yet another cool show to watch :3

It's not coming out in April but sometime in 2007. My aim is at the summer. I still have to watch the rest of this anime. only at episode 2 XD

Awww! That sucks. I was looking forward to watching another series. I'm only watching two right now. One will probably be ending soon (am on ep 40), although the other may run for a bit. I dunno how many eps it has.

The boxset date is official though?

Yes. That's basically the reason why they announced that little error. They get too excited ;p. At least the unknown date of part 2 will give me time to watch the first season.

Yeah... this thread seriously needs to be revived...

Watching the first episode of this show just made me realize how much I missed Higurashi and how awesome that show was to begin with. The first episode sent shivers down my back. Not shivers of suspense or horror, mind you, but the shivers of excitement and anticipation.

Budget seems to have gotten a bigger boost this time around and I hope to see fewer deformed faces than what we saw during the first season, mostly because it was shocking the first time, but then stopped being scary. Even though the first episode was a recap of the events, it did do a good job of setting the atmosphere. I'm expecting an awesome conclusion to come about through these Answer arcs.

Also,

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/483/renadj3.jpg

seeing Rena thirty years later is <3

Know where I can find the 1st season to watch?

Surely not on Boxtorrents.