Everyone in Neptune, I'm supposing.. have watched anime, either it be slice-of-life, action, romance, or just plain randomness. But has anyone gotten the delicious taste of extremely violent anime? They're surprisingly good, if you give them a chance. If you're asking me, "I've watched plenty of anime with blood and violence", I can assure you, I'm not talking about "Bleach violence/blood", I'm talking about "Tenjou Tenge violence/blood", without the unnecessary + inappropriate content. (If anyone gets that reference..) It even exceeds that degree, by a lot...

Thus I present to you: Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni (When Cicadas Cry)
Cover looks real nice, like any other typical anime, doesn't it? That's where you're mistaken.

Genre
A clear difference from any other anime I've seen. I'd classify HNNKN as a captivating and deliciously sadistic thriller, because with all due seriousness, it's freakin' crazy, and almost demented to a certain extent, (probably the only anime where a boy beats the crap out of a girl with a baseball bat..) which makes it so enjoyable to some. On the other hand, people who are squeamish or weak-hearted should not even bother watch this; I'm seriously worried about your safety, if you happen to fall into this catagory. But if you insist.. don't watch it alone at night.. you'll start having nightmares. You get my point--dementedly sadistic.

Plot
Maebara Keiichi, a new resident to a small village named Hinamizawa. He is the main protagonist to some degree, joining a "school" (if you call 15 students a school..) club for playing fun games with his new friends at school--Rena, Mion, Satoko, and Rika. Life seems to be normal with Satoko's antics and the lively club activities, which usually involves Keiichi losing. When he realizes that the denizens of Hinamizawa are hiding something--a mysterious murder involving the clash between the government and the small village, Keiichi sticks his nose too deeply into the matter. This leads to Keiichi learning about the Watanagashi, a "festival" in Hinamizawa--a fatal mistake which gets him involved in various "murders", disappearances, and mostly, Oyashiro-sama; "someone" who decides the "fate" of everyone--including Keiichi himself.

Episodes
This is a completed series, (You know I like shorter series of anime! [Less than 100]) with 50 episodes, divided into two separate seasons. Each arc of the series is relatively short, (I mean, very short) in which a new arc starts every 4 or 6 episodes. At the end of each arc, Keiichi usually meets his demise, either via murder or suicide. Then the following episodes "replays" the same story, except in a different perspective, or with a different set of events. It might not make sense in the first few arcs, (seriously, I don't get it right now either) but as you watch halfway through, these random "perspectives" will start linking together to form the "bigger picture", so to speak.

Quality Aspects
Overall, HNNKN plays very fluidly. Top-notch voice-acting, and the realistic-ness of twisted facial expressions. (enough to make one surprised/scared) At times, however, some of the animation is rigid, or very unnatural. Art is nicely done, but the animations slightly ruin it at times. Nevertheless, the quality was plenty above average, with rarely disappointing scenes.

Originality
Retains a very fresh feeling for its sadistic awesomeness. Even with violence, there are some "icebreakers", and heart-warming (not exactly *cough*) moments. You'd think a anime using this much violence and gore wouldn't have much of a storyline... Then you're denying yourself--this title has a flawless planning and execution in the plot/storyline, along with the characters' developments.

Q&A (For half-humor purposes)
Q: Why should I watch HNNKN?
A: Why shouldn't you? It should be on the list of any dying mortal!

Q: How far are you into the anime?
A: So far, I've watched only 8 episodes. But if I can get this much out of 8, you know the greatness of HNNKN already. :)

Q: Can I recommend this anime to my friends?
A: If they're mentally and physically prepared, yes. Oh, if they can't take it, just tell them to sleep with some waterproof bedsheet. :p

Q: Why did you decide to make this thread?
A: Just shows how much I love I have for this anime, despite the fact I've only watched 2 1/2 hours worth of it.

Q: Can I discuss this anime on this thread?
A: Sure, I'll be happy to reply to any of your questions/discussion issues.

Q: Does this anime live up to the expectations you've mentioned?
A: Go watch it, and decide that for yourself. :)

Q: When will you rate/fully review this anime?
A: When I'm done. Now leave me alone.

Q: Pirates or Ninjas?
A: Ninjas.
(Above Q&A, courtesy of a good friend. :D)

/end somewhat a review & rant~

I've watched Elfen Lied :o
That is pretty violent :)

edit: I'm watching the first episode of this right now :D

Sounds interesting.

Teh violence/sadistic-ness starts at Ep 3.. :D
Also, remember after Ep 4 ends, ep 5 is a replay of the same story with different events... so don't go "wth" if you see Keiichi alive.. he'll he alive.. a lot.

Where can i get these Eps?

http://www.animecrazy.net/category/comp ... u-koro-ni/
^ This is a megavideo link, so you can't watch 60+ min.. then you have to wait.. >_>

http://www.anilinkz.com/higurashi-no-na ... episode-1/
^ So I prefer this. Although the quality doesn't live up to mega... not much difference. Try to ignore the weird chatting going on.

I do NOT recommend YTubing HNNKN, it ruins it.. just ruins it.

Hmm looks nice
I watch anime on
Animefever

Type "Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni" in the Find thingie
and change it too 'Anime Episodes'
Then click Episode 1 part 1 then click again and enjoy

Just fore-warning... You might hate it if you aren't demented to some degree... Then again, most anime-watchers are.

What I meant to say is.. this anime brings out the sadistic side of anyone who does watch it... Depending on how much of your side is the "dark" side, you'll like it or dislike it. :)

oooh, scary

Maybe I have a lot of a dark side.. because I actually enjoyed Keiichi killing Mion and Rena in the first arc.. *guilty*
And the nail in each finger appendage thing.. my god, that was deliciously messed-up.

You're scary.

Anyhow.. If anyone has watched the first arc, (Ep 1~4) the discussion is now open. I mean, if you didn't get totally freaked out by it, of course.. Don't watch 'em all at once.. one arc at a time.. If one doesn't die, don't be disappointed.. Everyone will die at least once, or more. :)

Summary
*WARNING* Spoilers!
This arc is pretty much straightforward. (if you are insightful/making predictions) They pretty much give away the murder at the first episode, to be honest. Still.. for the sake of those who didn't see it coming.. I'll be glad to explain.
[spoil]Keiichi is just living his good 'ol life with his friends in Hinamizawa, when he hears about a murder case, involving a dam construction accident. Although he asks Mion and Rena pertaining to it, they give out a flat answer, denying such events happened. Since he has to be so damned nosy, Keiichi ends up discovering a news article of the murder, not to mention finding more evidence from a freelance photographer, Tomitake. On top of that, Ooishi, a detective in Hinamizawa pays Keiichi a visit, attempting to convince him that he might be the next to die. In addition, Ooishi gives evidence that directly or indirectly connects all of Keiichi's friends in each murder that has happened over the last five years. Oyashiro-sama (AKA Shrine God)'s curse is explained here-- that on the evening of the Watanagashi festival, a person who supported the dam construction was to die, and another to go missing and never found. Keiichi continues to cooperate with Ooishi, despite his friends' (mainly Rena's) "warnings" (more like threats..) In the Watanagashi, photographer Tomitake and his companion, Takano-san face untimely death. This is odd for Keiichi, because only one person was to die, while the other goes missing.

As Keiichi begins to unravel the mystery of Hinamizawa, odd events begin to happen around him--eventually, events that attempt to take his life. He is thoroughly convinced that he is in danger, and begins to "train" himself for protection. Keiichi's friends discourage him, because he portrayed a student in the past who had "transferred"--Satoshi Houjou. Nevertheless, Keiichi continues to practice "swinging" Satoshi's baseball bat, the identity of the bat mentioned by Rena. Keiichi even writes a "death note" for himself, with constant updates. Finally, Keiichi realizes that his friends are the "murderers" when he finds a needle in a lunchbox Mion and Rena give him. His decision is solidified from Rena constantly stalking him, and knowing everything that he does--increasing Keiichi's panic. (Who wouldn't be freaked out if there was a girl out in the rain, in front of your house, constantly repeating "I'm sorry.."...? *shiver*) Eventually, Mion and Rena pay Keiichi a visit.. to kill him. Keiichi is "injected" with a substance from a syringe by force. This must have done something to him, as he fights back, killing both Mion and Rena with Satoshi's baseball bat in the process. Overwhelmed by what seems like fatigue, Keiichi makes a phonecall to Ooishi at the nearest phone booth. Ooishi sends for assistance, but Keiichi is dead before aid arrives. The odd fact pointed out is that Keiichi had died the same way photographer Tomitake had died--killing himself by using his fingernails to dig into his neck, probably cutting off vital blood vessels. Ooishi's detective team eventually finds Keiichi's note, which was hidden behind the clock in his room. However, a portion of the note is ripped and missing, not to mention a presence of another "thing" next to the note, indicated by the tape marks.[/spoil]
Review
It was a nice warm-up for the further madness to come, in my opinion. From this arc, one is able to extract the distinctiveness of each character in the story. (Which, by the way, is very well done...) Keiichi was his own enemy, in a sense, while Ooishi was the "good" guy. This arc left a very big impression on the girls, especially Rena Ryugu, who portrays her sadistic personality very well in the arc. I think the note that Keiichi wrote, especially the portion missing might be significant in the later arcs, possibly. I'd like to end this short review for the first arc with this statement: "Evil Girls with giant machetes for the win."

Rika
and the other omg

So sad man.

From Episode 9, or have you finished the third arc already? >_>
Then I should update the summaries and reviews sooner.. I'm only starting the 4th arc now.. :O

i like HNNKN its different from things ive seen.

Don't watch em all too quick! Then you'll be bored when it's done.. I'm taking my sweet time, one arc every week. :)
Not to mention you might need some time to absorb each arc.. since they'll start coming together later. Anyways, glad that you like it.

Thanks for bringing them here.

With an arc you mean an episode?
I'm watching episode 6 now

Each arc consists of 4~6 Episodes. You'll know when an arc ended.. Keiichi dying/mass numbers of death. After that, re-orient your brain, and start from the beginning. Until the arcs start coming together, no need to pay attention to anything that's happened in previous arcs. :)
P.S. - 2nd Arc's (my) summary and review coming later today? :P

Owkay
I understand it better now
I was confused

I decided not to do the summaries.. because it's pretty obvious if you watch it. Still, if you didn't get a certain detail leading to the conclusion, then I'll explain...

Anyways, I'll still review this second arc, which is Episodes 5 through 8. It was pretty insane, IMO. Also, it pushes the main plot along by explaining the truth behind the Watanagashi Festival. Make sure to keep Mion's importance in mind.. that she is really a demon, because it's just something they wouldn't throw in as a mere detail. Sure, she looks friendly in other arcs, but just keep alert! :p Also, who doesn't like a little torture? (Although we don't get to see it.. ;-; ) Perfect for the violence-lovers, this arc. Oh, and Keiichi dies.. again! (If some people still hated him because he killed those adorable girls, back at the first arc). At the end of episode 8, he doesn't die, but some people will find a body with nails stuck on the hands at the beginning of episode 9. (how I know)

Well, I want to keep 2 arcs ahead, so I'm starting the 4th one now! :D

Omg I have been watching Higurashi No Naku Koro Kai
instead of Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni

Stupid animefever >.<
I search for Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni
and it gave me Kai, I never noticed untill someone told me rofl.

xD.. You've been watching the sequel..
Don't watch eet!

Current status - Arc 3, 4 completed, on part 5 of arc 5~