DVD REVIEW: All Good Things Have to End With... HIGURASHI NO NAKU KORONI KAI (WHEN THEY CRY SEASON 2 PART 2)
Well it is over. It has been a fair wait but When They Cry concludes with Higurashi no Naku Koroni Kai Part 2 and
when I say conclude, I mean it.
Like every component of this brilliantly conceived, plotted
and executed series, Part 2 begins in an unknown place with new characters and
a completely new angle. In the first episode of this part alone, a lot is
revealed regarding the syndrome plaguing the city and its supposed mythology,
as well as the motivations behind it. It proves enlightening and unexpected,
but this by no means signifies that the remaining episodes are filler; on the
contrary they wrap the series up perfectly.
The action and intensity ramp up in this concluding chapter,
it is decidedly darker and much less compromising than previous episodes with a
strong focus on violence and visceral elements. This proves a welcome departure
from the saturation of mystery and eeriness as now that we know what drives it,
the show is smart enough to ditch these conventions and delve to the heart of
the matter in an action packed and thrilling way.
Although the story excitingly ramps up the action, When They Cry Part 2 still focuses on
the core protagonists, redefining the game changing players and retains its
developmental strength as a result. A completely new character enters the mix
in a non-obtrusive or contrived way and it is great to watch how it is handled.
The loose ends keep you engaged as the series could end in any possible way at
this point, as a loyal fan, following each episode and story arc it is a tense
enough exercise to see how it will all play out, and watching total background
characters become vital to the plot has also been an unexpected joy.
There are enough twists and turns to satisfy an anime of
this calibre and each one is treated with the upmost care. As always the series
is perfectly plotted right from the start middle and end of each episode to
cater and explain without exposition everything that is happening, drawing back
to every past event and character, and revisiting scenes, events and memories.
The ending is extraordinarily satisfying, and as someone who
has invested time and energy in the series I can say there will be no
disappointments. When They Cry is
easily one of the best modern anime series. The attention to detail, exponential
character development, and twisted crisis scenarios mixed with the metaphysical
is handled and balanced extremely well. It has been a pleasure reviewing this
series and a great relief to heartily recommend all four parts of this
incredible story.
Stay tuned for my colleague Ard Vijn's take.
Higurashi no Naku
Koroni Kai Part 2 is out now in Australia from Siren Visual
