Wolf's Rain

Plot synopsis:
According to an old legend, when the end of the world comes, a place known as Paradise will appear. However, only wolves will know how to find it. Although wolves are believed to have been hunted to extinction nearly two hundred years ago, they still exist, surviving by casting illusions over themselves to make them appear human. Freeze City is a northern human city in a world where the majority of people live in poverty and hardship.
Kiba, an injured lone white wolf, goes to Freeze City following the scent of the Lunar Flower, which is the key to opening Paradise. There he encounters Tsume, Hige and Toboe, three other wolves who were drawn to Freeze City by the scent of the Lunar Flower and are now living in the city. The wolves encounter Quent Yaiden, a former Sheriff of Kyrios who is obsessed with hunting down wolves, and his dog Blue. Cheza, the Flower Maiden who is destined to lead the wolves to Paradise, is being studied at a laboratory under the care of Cher Degré. She is awakened by the smell of wolf's blood. As Kiba and Hige approach the lab to find her, she is stolen away by Lord Darcia the Third, whose people created Cheza.
With the Flower Maiden gone, the wolves have no reason to stay in the city. Despite some initial misgivings and suspicions, they decide to stay together and follow Kiba in his search for the Flower Maiden and Paradise. As they pursue Cheza, the wolves travel through various cities and the remnants of former habitations. Cher joins the city's army to try to recover Cheza, while Cher's ex-husband Hubb Lebowski searches desperately for Cher, and Quent continues his relentless pursuit of the wolves. When Blue eventually encounters Cheza, it awakens her wolf blood from dormancy and causes her to leave Quent and take on her own human form. She joins the wolves and travels with them for a while, developing an intense and close romantic relationship with Hige, and meanwhile Hubb finds himself traveling with Quent, who is now searching for Blue as well as the wolves. Hubb eventually finds Cher and from there they continue their pursuit of the wolves to find Cheza.
Together the wolves reach Darcia's keep after Kiba goes off on his own. Hubb, Cher and Quent arrive in the keep, and Tsume, Toboe, and Hige find Kiba, Cheza and Darcia during a sword fight between Darcia and Kiba. The reunion is short-lived however because Jaguara's troops attack, destroying the keep in the process. The Noble's troops capture Cheza, Hubb, Cher and Blue during the raid, and the wolves get separated from Kiba. After finding Kiba, the wolves continue their journey to rescue Cheza from Jaguara, while Cher rescues Blue and manages to find Cheza with help from Hubb, but Jaguara's troops instantly recapture Cheza, taking Hubb with them and forcing Cher and Blue to find Cheza on their own.
The wolves and the humans eventually come together in Jaguara's city, where the captured Cheza is being held. In attempting to rescue the abducted Cheza, Kiba, Tsume and Toboe are captured. Tsume and Toboe are thrown into a dungeon with Hubb while Jaguara attempts to use Kiba's blood to force Paradise to open. Meanwhile, Hige and Blue are reunited outside the Keep, where Hige remembers that he had once worked for Jaguara and decides to go rescue his friends, but not before telling Blue to stay outside and promising her that he will return to her no matter what. While waiting for Hige, Blue is reunited with her master Quent and meanwhile Darcia, having survived the attack on his keep, interrupts Jaguara's ceremony as Kiba and the other wolves break free and rush to free the Flower Maiden. Hige is wounded during the fight against Jaguara and Kiba arrives after Darcia is poisoned by the Noble. Darcia battles Jaguara along with Kiba and finally slays her as the keep begins to collapse, ending the anime's original 26-episode run.
As the original video animation (OVA) episodes begin, the wolves and the humans escape Jaguara's city, which has fallen into chaos. Quent is gravely wounded saving Blue from an oncoming vehicle, but he and Blue are found by Hubb and Cher, and subsequently by the wolves and Cheza. Together, they all continue making their way to Paradise, pursued by the now insane Darcia. As the Earth begins to fall into destruction, Cher dies when the car falls off of a cliff. And soon after, Toboe is accidentally shot by Quent when he tries to shoot Darcia who in turn kills Quent. Hubb tries to keep up with the remaining wolves climbing up a mountain, but falls to his death. Darcia attacks the remaining wolves killing Hige, Blue, and Tsume, leaving only Kiba, Cheza and Darcia alive at the place where Paradise can be opened. Darcia and Kiba battle over who will open Paradise, in which Kiba is fatally wounded. Darcia dies when he attempts to enter Paradise due to not being a true wolf. Kiba finds Cheza as she dies and disintegrates into seeds. Dying, Kiba concludes that his quest has failed, but rain begins to fall and Cheza's seeds grow into thousands of lunar flowers. As he dies, Kiba is falls into the waters depths but sees the blood red moon turning back to its normal color. Cheza's death causes Paradise, as well as the world, to be reborn. However, Darcia's corruption can be seen taking root in this new Paradise.
=== Changes in manga adaptation ===
The two-volume manga adaptation includes some of the core events of the anime series with few changes, but as a whole the manga veers greatly from its anime inspiration. Many events from the anime do not occur in the manga, and some of the events from the anime that are presented in the manga are completely different in terms of dialogue, chronological sequence, and final outcomes. In particular, the second volume tells an almost completely different story, with Darcia recruiting Blue to help him open the door to Paradise with her blood. The wolves must go to Darcia's keep, rather than Jaguara's, in order to free Cheza, with Kiba missing but appearing at the end to make the final rescue effort. At the end of the manga, the four wolves and Cheza are sitting on a rock as the clouds break and sunlight streams through for the first time. The world rejoices the end of the Ice Age and rumors that Paradise has been found abound.
In the manga most of the characters are similar in appearance and personality to their anime counterparts, but some characters seen in the anime do not appear in the manga, including the Noble Lord Orkham.

Tags: psychedelic

Review:
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.
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.
I had never seriously watched anime before, and found myself fascinated with this series, especially with the characters.
Not all people will find them so interesting, as some have pointed out, but if they appeal to you at all they will grow on you by the end of the series.As for the flaws, they mostly are with character depth.
Each character really has one main feeling, as you could probably guess from watching any episode.
The conflicts, twists, and connections between characters make up for this, though, and while you could probably guess a number of the twists, they still have a great impact.Take in mind, though, that this comes from someone who is obsessed with the series.
After seeing one episode, I fell hopelessly in love with it, though not for anime in general, as some might.Animation here is much better than typical anime, with many talents from Cowboy Bebop, and the overall feel of it is that you don't really mind the shortcuts taken in animation, as they don't really distract you from enjoying the show.If you want to sample the show before seeing a good amount of it, see at least the first five episodes (or DVD 1) before giving up, as it takes a short amount of time for the series to get into full gear.
Hence, don't buy DVD 4 if you end up wanting to own the series, unless you're a compulsive anime freak who must have all of the disks for the art/whatever.
It's just out of a principle of mine that I don't give away '10-s' because I believe that a movie or series which you thought of being the best, can be surpassed by something which you just didn't happen to know yet.
This begins at the very first episode and brings the viewer to a dramatic and beautiful climactic end.One other absolutely great anime-series has to be Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex.
(They already have a professor in cybernetics at the University of Reading, you know.) Wolf's Rain however is all about the goals that we have to set in our lives to keep us going and all the feelings and emotions which lie on this road towards these goals.
The human and emotional approach of Wolf's Rain is easier to understand for most people then the far more rational approach of the Ghost in the Shell-series.
But in my point of view these two are part of the same amazing coin because these anime-series truly know how to amaze the viewer.Anyway Wolf's Rain is a perfect example of the grand potential of the anime-genre.
I'm not a person who likes to cry a lot, but I'm not ashamed to say that I had to shed a tear while watching the last parts of the series.
This series will make it very clear that the power of animation is to be able to maximize the expression of every element of the story.
The legend says that wolves will come back and bring Paradise to Earth...MY OPINION -- Wolf's Rain is a 21 or 22 episode (depending of a web site) fairytale, about a pack of wolves searching for Paradise.
Animation is superb like in most of latest Anime series (e.g. Hellsing or Cowboy Bebop).
Story is interesting, animation is excellent, acting is very good and production is of highest grade.
What more a man could want?VERDICT -- Wolf's Rain is one of the best Anime series in the last couple of years (since Cowboy Bebop and Hellsing that is).
In the sea of new age animated series for kids there aren't many titles that can praise about intelligent, interesting and action packed story/script, or with good acting as a matter of fact.
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.
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.
The most touching relationship in this series is that between Kiba, the alpha wolf who desperately searches for Paradise, and Cheza, the Flower Maiden who can lead him there.
An imaginative, creative, and all around great series that everyone (especially wolf lovers like me!) should take the time to watch.
When my brother first explained the storyline of Wolf's Rain, the first thought that came to mind was "Typical Werid Anime Storyline".
After watching the first few episodes, you really really grow accustom to the characters, scene and the overall feel you get from the situations.
Id like to start off with commenting on the plain out engulfing soundtrack, its underscribable the styles of music used, but it just works perfectly with the situations.The series is also "short", only 30 episodes makes for a nicely sized series, not so long that you get sick of watching it, but not to short to the point you feel cheated.
"What do I do now?" it was just that great.Try the series out, really pay attention, and I promise if you like very richly told stories that this one more than delivers..
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.
Wolf's Rain is a beautifully crafted story, telling of these wolves who are desperate to find Paradise.
Along the way they have many adventures leading up to finding it, really grow as a pack and on a personal level, and really look at the torn world around them and really make you ask the question: does the dream really end once you reach your goal?
The thoughts of these wolves, their lessons on survival and what it means to have a family and a dream, everything about this anime makes it deserve to be one of the top ten in my book.
I can't really complain about the anime at all aside from a small dip in the middle which was honestly kinda boring, buuut it comes back with a bigger bang so it kind of makes up for it.All in all, Wolf's Rain is one of Bones Must-Watch if you are an action/adventure anime fan..
Sort of mystery, I thought, until I realized form the first series that it was more than just a regular anime.
You know, post-apocalyptic story always makes you feel sad since your imagination brings you the dead world where people still live, and they live just to die in the end.
When I read the plot at the back of DVD of Wolf's Rain I laughed at the logic of a story that "wolves are in a search of a Paradise".
You know, Paradise is closed for the souls of people when the day the world ends will come, but still, in theory, if there were some survivors, what would they live for?
Wolf's Rain is a "rainy" story that will eventually bring tears to your face.
Wolf's Rain-One of the best anime series I've seen.
Wolf's Rain seems almost like a modern fairy tale.
interesting plot line very enjoyable characters from many different backgrounds, the characters grow so much throughout the whole series and love them more each episode.
Wolf's Rain is just the best anime ever!
Throughout the anime, we witness how the main characters (Kiba, Hige, Tsume and Toboe) and even the supporting characters, grow up and change and experience different feelings which at the end of the series serve to illustrate how each and everyone of us interpret life and beyond that...
With a background of Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Wolf's Rain shows how Society is, with discrimination, Capitalism, aspirations and how human beings are, love, hatred, confusion, trust, loyalty and the animal instincts in all of us.
Therefore, I can only conclude this review by stating once more, the most obvious fact, Wolf's Rain is the beat anime of all time!.
There has been many great anime show's out there like, "Naruto", "Cowboy Bebop", "Dragon Ball Z", and "One Piece".
But back when Adult Swim use to show a lot of anime, there was, "Wolf's Rain".A Post-Apocalyptic tale about a group of Wolves trying to search for a place called, Paradise.What make's this show really great is the animation, the story, and the character's.
They were really boring.Overall, "Wolf's Rain", is a sad and amazing anime show that is definitely worth watching if you're an anime fan or a Wolf lover..
"Wolf's Rain DVD 4" is nothing but replays, recollections of the series thus far from the view of the main characters, each handing down a commentary on their own personal episodes.
Thanks to it's charming characters Wolf's Rain can keep one involved enough to make it trough the interesting but badly told story, that just never wants to get started leaving you on the edge of your seat (in a bad way) all along the series.
On the other hand Wolf's Rain rather frequently lets you down, probably topped by the 4 - I repeat, four - unforgivable flashback filler episodes (that you might just as well skip) right in the middle of the whole thing, at the one and only point, where it really looks like things could finally lift off.
I espetially found the drawing time saving repeating shots obtrusive.All together, despite it's likable characters and the interesting story, as much as I tried to like it, Wolf's Rain simply drags ass and as it never really reaches any climax, I'd say, it's rather a waste of time than anything else.We've all seen better than that.4/10.
Beautiful anime goes slightly bad at the end.
Anyway, the story is very interesting and convoluted, with many characters going their own way, but always bumping into each other and a lot of mystical stuff from the Japanese mythology.Everything revolves around a Lunar Tome that describes what the end of the world would look like and how the world was actually made by wolves.
I seem to remember an episode in Inuyasha where the action revolved around a lunar scroll and a red moon and a poem, so I guess this is some story every Japanese knows and I don't.The music is better than most animes, but it's in English, again reminding me of Cowboy Bebop.
Even the last message of hope is tainted by evil, even if I could swear somebody hummed "Spreading the seeds of love" while drawing the last few scenes.I guess that the moral of the story is that there is a single world and we should make good by it, but after such a sad ending and mystical mambo-jumbo, all one wants is to wipe out tears and watch some comedy.Bottom line: Very good 26+4 episodes show, better than most animes, but inconsistent.
Anyways this anime was a great film, loved how it represents the dog and wolf communities.
My mother knows I love anime, so she came home with a box set called Wolf's Rain that she picked up for only $15 (It said 15 dollars on the side).
You don't understand it, but you know you've just seen something incredibly beautiful.Well, Wolf's Rain is a lot like one of those dreams.The story is fairly complicated.
Wolves are considered mythical creatures, but they live right among humans (they can change form in the blink of an eye.) The story centers on four wolves named Kiba, Tsume, Toboe, and Hige (their names mean Fang, Claw, Howling, and Whisker, respectively) who set out on a journey to find a place called Paradise.I'm probably a little biased.
Superb voice acting and dubbing, which is what bumped this show up past Inuyasha on my "favorite anime" list.Even though the final seconds of the series create a horribly disappointing ending, it doesn't matter too much.
There's nothing more to say, except go watch Wolf's Rain right now.
"Wolf's Rain" is one of the most beautiful and inspiring anime shows that I've ever saw.
The animation, the characters, the story, and the music (The great music made by Yokko Kanno, who also made the score for very good animated shows as "Cowboy Bebop" and "Escaflowne") all was perfect.The story, despite being somewhat strange, it is captivating and wonderful since the very first moment.
"Wolf's Rain" it is one of those anime shows that you could see thousands of times, and always have the same magic and charm.And about the last episodes...I know that many reviewers disliked the ending, but, personally, I thought that it was a perfect ending for a show like this, the kind of ending that is sad and emotional, but fulfilling and hopeful at the same time."Wolf's Rain" is a great anime show, and I highly recommend it to anyone..
Wolf's Rain is a story about four wolves who are searching for Paradise.
The story, about four wolves, Kiba, Tsume, Hige and Toboe try to find the Flower Maiden, Cheza.
If you loved Cowboy Bebop, you will love Wolf's Rain.
Following the success of Cowboy Bebop and Rah-Xephon, BONES created this 30-part anime about four wolves on their search for Rakuen (Paradise) .
Anyways, a wolf wanders into Freeze City and eventually, over the course of the first three episodes, pairs-up with three other wolves to find Paradise.My only problem with it is the ending, where the creators took the easy way out and killed-off all of the characters, seemingly following in the steps of Cowboy Bebop (where they killed-off the main character, Spike).But I digress: Wolf's Rain contains one of, if not, the best storyline in anime history, and it has given me something that I could watch over-and-over-again.
This is one of the best anime series I've ever seen.
This is one of the best anime series I've ever seen.
The animation is beautiful, the characters are realistic and believable.
Also, the anime's ending is depressing, but that is a moot point, because the story necessitated it, otherwise the 'seed' of the new world couldn't have been planted...
*Spoilers*The story of Wolf's Rain centers around four wolves searching for paradise.
The characters are all unique and like able, but the premise of the show is what makes people want to watch.
We want to know and we hope that they find paradise in the end.
The reason I did not give this a show a ten is the story is kind of convoluted at times, has four filler recap episodes, and I didn't like a certain character that they meet later in the series.
The search for Paradise is, therefore, a great quest across the wheel of Time and Life; each successive search brings the goal closer.Wolf's Rain is a sensitive yet dynamic attempt to engage with spirituality which I think rivals that of Ghost in the Shell.
This has a very unusual plot line without a doubt, however, I am of the opinion that if the plot had not been as unusual as it was (wolves appearing as humans, searching for paradise) that viewers would not have felt such a sense of caring and understanding for the characters.
I went into this thinking I would be watching an unusual action flick that simply wanted to grab audiences by saying "look we have wolves in our story!" Man, was I so so wrong.
If you like stories that can truly cause an emotional response, then this series is for you.
As suddenly as you begin to become interested and pay attention, the action starts, and then all of a sudden your at the end of the series-crying for each one of the characters.
Its like a well made book, its not too long, its not too short, but just right, it tells the story and then ends.A MAJOR contributor to the series was the audio, it truly made for a more than just wonderful experience, it made me *feel* the emotions of the story.
Thanks to the simple characters, the secrets kept about each up until the end, the few number of main characters (protagonists-8), the unbelievable mind-blowing soundtrack, and the rather good art, this series was an overall stunner and will be recommended by me to everyone I know.
It had some of the best characters and storylines i have ever seen in anime.
Just be prepared because the ending of the show is kinda hard, even for an anime fan like myself to take.
The last 4 episodes were done as an OVA to officially end the series.