A thorough analysis of the appeal and depth of "Higurashi When They Cry Rei"! Must-see reviews and ratings for fans

"Higurashi When They Cry" - The ultimate choice and a new truth

"Higurashi When They Cry Rei" was released as an OVA in 2009, and is based on the game "Higurashi When They Cry" series by Ryukishi07. This OVA consists of 5 episodes, each with a different story. Below, we will explain in detail the content of each episode, the production background, characters, staff, and recommended points for viewers.

■Released media and original work

Higurashi When They Cry Rei was released as an OVA, based on a game by Ryukishi07/07th Expansion. The OVA was released on February 25, 2009, and was sold on DVD and Blu-ray Disc. The first limited edition DVD came in two versions, the "DVD Collector's Edition" and the "DVD Oyashiro Edition," each with different bonus features. The regular DVD and Blu-ray Disc versions were only available through anime distribution.

■Release and sales

The anime distribution company is Frontier Works and Geneon Entertainment, while the game distribution company is Frontier Works, with sales support from Sega.

■ Minutes and number of episodes

Each episode is 30 minutes long and consists of 5 episodes.

■ Director and producer

The film is directed by Toshifumi Kawase, animated by Studio Deen, and produced by the Higurashi When They Cry Production Committee. Copyright ©2009 Ryukishi07/Hinamizawa Gosanke.

■ Story

Higurashi When They Cry is a work that consists of five episodes, each with a different story.

Volume 1: Embarrassment

"Shurihasashi-hen" is an anime adaptation of a novel (written by Ryukishi07) that was included as a bonus with the first release of the PS2 game "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Matsuri" by Alchemist, as a special content that was not included in the original game "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei". It is a comedy story set in a public pool, where all the characters from "Higurashi" appear and cause a big commotion over a pair of magical swim trunks that make you popular just by wearing them. This episode is filled with humor worthy of an OVA and brings out the charm of the characters to the fullest.

Volumes 2 to 4: Saisatsuhen

"Saikoroshi-hen" is a realistic story that depicts the tragedy that befalls Rika, who is finally released from a thousand-year battle at the end of the TV series, and the ultimate choice she is forced to make. In stark contrast to the first volume, the story takes a serious turn and a deep drama that draws viewers in. This episode depicts Rika's suffering and growth, emphasizing the weight of destiny and choice, which is the theme of the entire series.

Volume 5: Daytime Breaking

"Hiru-Kurabashi-hen" is an animated episode based on the world of the action game "Higurashi Daybreak," which became a hot topic when it was ported to the PSP. It is a hilarious slapstick love comedy in which Rena and the club members get caught up in the secret treasure "Fuwarazu no Magatama" of the Furude Shrine. The story is a mix of laughter and emotion, providing viewers with a new charm of "Higurashi."

■Explanation

"Higurashi When They Cry Rei" is the final chapter of the series set in the fictional village of Hinamizawa in the 1970s, depicting a series of mysterious deaths that occur around the village's ancient custom of "Cotton-Floating." It was released as an OVA in February 2009 as the third animated series of the much-talked-about "Higurashi When They Cry" series, which caused a social phenomenon. The DVD limited edition was a groundbreaking attempt to release two different versions with different distribution and specifications, and Kazuya Kuroda was involved as the new character designer. Viewers will be witnessing a new truth in this work.

■Cast

The voice actors for the main characters are as follows:

• Keiichi Maebara: Soichiro Hoshi
• Ryugu Rena: Mai Nakahara
• Mion Sonozaki, Shion Sonozaki: Satsuki Yukino
• Satoko Hojo: Mika Kanai
• Furude Rika, Furude Sakuraka: Yukari Tamura
• Satoshi Hojo: Yu Kobayashi
• Hanyu: Yui Horie
• Yoshiro Sonozaki: Eiji Miyashita
• Takano Sanshi: Miki Ito
• Rinka's mother: Sayaka Ohara
• Rumiko Wisdom: Fumiko Orikasa
• Kyosuke Irie: Toshihiko Seki
• Jiro Tomitake: Toru Okawa
• Mamoru Akasaka: Daisuke Ono
• Oishi Kurano: Chafurin
• Okogi: Jurota Kosugi
• Yamamoto: Hozumi Goda

■ Main staff

The following staff members were involved in the production of Higurashi When They Cry:

• Planning: Takeshi Oikawa, Akihiro Kawamura, Akihiro Yuasa
• Original author: Ryukishi07/07th Expansion
• Series Composition: Toshifumi Kawase
• Director: Toshifumi Kawase
• Character design: Kazuya Kuroda
• Chief animation director: Tomoyuki Abe
• Prop design: Satoshi Kosaka
• Art director: Chika Shibata
• Color design: Takeshi Mochida
• Director of photography: Seiichi Morishita
• Edited by: Masahiro Matsumura
• Music: Kenji Kawai
• Sound Director: Hozumi Goda
• Music producer: Akira Yoshikawa
• Music Production: Frontier Works
• Video editing: IMAGICA (Yoshiyuki Tokuyoshi, Hitoshi Yasuda)
• Sound effects: Shizuo Kurahashi, Masafumi Watanabe (Soundbox)
• Recording: Kohei Oishi (Studio T&T)
• Recording studio: Studio T&T
• Sound Production: Ducks Production (Tetsu Hirata, Natsuki Fukuda)
• Production Manager: Kazuomi Seno
• Assistant producers: Masato Danno, Satoshi Fukao, Mami Toida
• Merchandising Director: Matsumoto Yuka
• SPECIAL THANKS: Daiki Okamura, Toru Fujishima, Hidenori Itabashi, Hiroshi Takano, TYPE-MOON
• Producers: Mika Nomura, Hiroyuki Omori, Takemasa Okamura
• Animation producer: Keiichi Matsuda
• Animation Production: Studio DEEN
• Production: Higurashi When They Cry Production Committee

■ Main Characters

Introducing the main characters of "Higurashi When They Cry Rei."

Keiichi Maebara

A boy who moved to Hinamizawa from the city, he is so eloquent that he is called the "Magician of Lies." He is a man of action who is curious and passionate, and cannot resist getting carried away with any good deals. His drive and friendship play a central role in the story.

Ryugu Rena

She is a devoted girl who is Keiichi's best friend. She has a weakness for cute things and has a habit of taking them home with her whenever she finds them. Her actions of trying to kidnap Rika and Satoko add humor to the story.

Mion Sonozaki

She is one year older than Keiichi and Rena, and is the next head of the Sonozaki family, a prestigious family in the village. Although she can act a bit like an old man at times, she is loved by those around her because of her big sister personality. Although she may seem rough around the edges, she also has a surprisingly feminine side.

Shion Sonozaki

She is Mion's twin sister and works part-time as a waitress at the family restaurant "Angel Mort" in Okimiya. Contrary to her ladylike impression, she is just as cunning as her sister, using Mion as a pawn.

Satoko Hojo

A junior student of Keiichi and Rena, she is the best trap master in Hinamizawa. Her talent is displayed freely even during club activities, and even Mion is afraid of her. Her character, who hates to lose and speaks in a strange ladylike tone, adds a unique charm to the story.

Furude Rika

She is the only daughter of Furute Shrine, and her kitten-like cuteness warms the hearts of those around her. She calls herself "boku" and has catchphrases such as "mi~" and "nipa~☆". She is both calm and mysterious, and holds an important key to the story.

■Subtitle

The subtitles and release dates for each episode of Higurashi When They Cry are as follows:

• file.01/Shamefulness Edition (2009/02/25)
• file.02/Dice Killing Part 1 (2009/03/25)
• file.03/Dice Killing Part 2 (2009/05/22)
• file.04/Dice Killing Part 3 (2009/06/24)
• file.05/Daytime Breaking Edition (2009/08/21)

■ Related works

"Higurashi When They Cry Rei" has deep connections to the following related works:

• When Higurashi Cries
• Higurashi When They Cry Solution
• Higurashi When They Cry Kira
• Higurashi When They Cry: Outbreak
• Higurashi When They Cry Gaiden: Cat Killer
• Ura☆Higu

■ Theme songs and music

The theme songs and music for "Higurashi When They Cry Rei" are as follows.

OP1

• Superscription of data
• Lyricist: Eiko Shimamiya
• Composer: Kazuya Takase
• Arrangement: Kazuya Takase
• Sung by: Eiko Shimamiya

ED1

• Gaze
• Lyricist: interface
• Composer: inazawa
• Arrangement: inazawa
• Sung by: anNina

■ Recommendation points

"Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei" is the final chapter of the series, and offers viewers new truths and deep emotions. Below, we will explain the recommended points in detail.

1. Diverse story development

"Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei" features a variety of storylines, from gags to serious drama. "Shukubarashi-hen" depicts the humorous side of the characters, making viewers laugh. "Saikoro-hen" depicts Rika's suffering and growth, creating a deep drama that draws viewers in. "Hiru-Koroshi-hen" also features a mix of laughter and emotion. Each episode has a different appeal, so viewers will never tire of the story.

2. Deepening the characters

In "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei," the main characters' growth and development are depicted. Rika's character in particular grows significantly throughout the series, leaving a strong impression on viewers. Rena and Satoko's humorous behavior also adds a unique charm to the story. Through the development of the characters, viewers can easily empathize with the story.

3. High-quality production

Many excellent staff members were involved in the production of "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei". Director Toshifumi Kawase has a deep understanding of the worldview of the series and has created a story that will move viewers. In addition, new character designer Kazuya Kuroda has provided designs that bring out the charm of the characters to the fullest. Furthermore, music composer Kenji Kawai has provided beautiful music that enhances the atmosphere of the story. These high-quality productions make it easier for viewers to immerse themselves in the story.

4. The final chapter of the series that caused a social phenomenon

The Higurashi When They Cry series is a social phenomenon, and many viewers have been looking forward to Higurashi When They Cry Rei as its final chapter. This work emphasizes the weight of fate and choice, which is the theme of the series, and provides new truths to the viewers. It is a must-see for fans of the series.

5. Diverse viewing experiences

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei will be released on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, with the first limited editions coming with different bonus features, allowing viewers to enjoy a variety of viewing experiences. The OVA format also allows viewers to enjoy the story at their own pace.

Conclusion

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei offers a diverse storyline, character development, high-quality production, and the expectation of being the final chapter of a series that has caused a social phenomenon, as well as a diverse viewing experience. It is highly recommended not only for fans of the series, but also for viewers who are new to the world of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni. Through this work, viewers will be able to experience new truths and deep emotions.