Audience reviews
20 · Sample from the first available page, separate from the total number of ratings.
C__C
This anime is feels like an art piece! very artsy in a good way, but it cannot stop the fact that the story is a kind of bad, at least not up the the standards of its osts and artworks' caliber. To be fair, I have never read the original material, but based on the anime alone, if somebody told me the story was an after thought of the artworks I would totally believe it.
Lets start with the good. The whole world building is fascinating, all the utopia/dystopia systems and the mega structures give me a strong BLAME! vibe but even better, feels more organic. The tone is very consistent; gloomy, lost, and a dash of hope, but mostly gloomy; the art direction is very noir, edgy but again very consistent, and the framing is masterworks. Beside, all the BGMs blend in the scenes seamlessly, and t…
Read at the sourcenonaloth
Watched on Crunchyroll, OVAs on AnimeFire
I first encountered Wolf’s Rain through a short commercial on Jetix, wolves running through ruined cities, gunfire, mysterious characters, and a bleak dieselpunk, cyberpunk, almost raypunk atmosphere. At the time, I had neither cable TV nor reliable internet. Accessing anime meant downloading one, maybe two episodes per week, late at night, with the whole family sharing a painfully limited connection. Less mainstream titles like this one were always postponed, and Wolf’s Rain became one of those “someday” anime.
That “someday” finally came years later, when I stumbled upon it on Crunchyroll. I remembered a classmate who owned the manga and talked about post-apocalyptic philosophy, existential themes, and emotional weight, all things that strongly…
Read at the sourcefh1478
Wolves Will Find Paradise
Wolf's Rain Is a story about four wolf, who just can't stop yapping about food, about where to go, but the flower will show them the way.
It's such a bleak apocalypse story. It feels like the road in some part, but the Wolf's dialogue keep it from going that grim, but there is always this tone of sadness, with a small colors of flowers here.
The human character are great. how they are trying to find meaning in this world, that is ending and their journey to finding a Little peace inside. the Wolves on the other hand are much more pure, in they pursuit of what they want. They are driven by nature, in a way that is more simple but also Noble.
Character design is pretty and distinct. looks great still today with really styles clothing on the wolves.
backgrounds a…
Read at the sourceChamin99
(Spanish review on my list)
Beautiful and fascinating. Crying and crying in the final chapters (the OVA part) and in the middle is like being glued to what happens, how they suffer, the wolf/human duality, the war that happens, the reason for everything, its mysteries. It's quite good and has an exciting ending.
The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where wolves are considered an extinct and dangerous race and have had to take refuge by transforming into humans. A group of wolves that were living among humans meet and begin their journey to "reach the moon" and fulfill their innate purpose... But along the way, they face many problems, sad and dramatic moments that are totally unexpected and far from cliché.
Read at the source13ad
The story of the end of the world. The story of a paradise where only wolves can find their way.
The anime of distant 2003 left an indelible impression on me. Not the most complex concept and not the most twisted plot, but how it all is staged. Every detail works here. The described world is beautiful and scary. I have always loved the themes of the post-apocalypse. Especially the theme of a group of heroes traveling through such a world. Each character has an interesting personality. Perhaps the two main ones are very formulaic in places (Kiba and Cheza). I am pleased with the detailed stories of secondary characters, which is not often the case in works.
I often read that the series is drawn out. I did not notice this anywhere. I watched it in one breath.
The drawing, considering the…
Read at the sourceioanink
10/10 This anime has no flaw, and every decision was a directive masterpiece, each episode following a deep philosophical meaning reflecting ongoing issues in modern life. From the themes of survival and existentialism to the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, Wolf’s Rain is a rare piece of storytelling that blends mythology, raw emotion, and a sense of inevitable fate.
Whoever reviewed that the plot is bad or that the episodes are repetitive—I’m sorry, but better stick to convenient animations/movies rather than disrespecting this work of art. This is not a spoon-fed narrative designed for passive watching; it’s a journey, one that requires patience, attention, and emotional investment.
You need cinematographic culture to enjoy this series. Or at least, not to be a shallow person or an in…
Read at the sourcekeemoksa
This is a spoiler-free review covering both Season 1 and the OVA
This is one of the most distinctive artistic works I’ve ever watched. Its core concept is excellent, unique, and brilliantly executed. The pacing might feel uncomfortable initially for viewers but improves significantly over time.
The anime’s greatest strengths lie in its outstanding characters, both in their realistic, well-written dialogues and their compelling goals.
The way the dystopia is crafted in this work is masterful. You gradually immerse yourself in it until it fully engulfs you, thanks to the anime’s excellent production. The team excelled in:
Background art, Character design and artwork,
Animation quality.
Overall, all these elements remain consistently high-quality throughout the entire anime.
Must watch…
Read at the sourceMad20222
I watched it 4 years ago but every time I think about it my eyes are in tears. For me it's truly masterpiece. It was my first anime and I'm so glad of this. I never in my whole life wasn't moved by anything that much. This is beautiful history, that shows life from it's cruelest, most heartbreaking but also most beautiful way. And honestly every time I watch other anime I just know that nothing will ever get a place in my heart like Wolf's rain did. It's everything the characters, the story, the way it's shows friendships and love. I wish more people watch it because it's shows how cruel world can be if people don't change the way they behave. I wish more people would watch it and realize how important is to love and to live and even if we fall we must fight to the end. It really hurts me…
Read at the sourceAlc-Mai_Sunny
Honestly, this feels like a masterpiece that has been overlooked for far too long. If it ever gets a remastering, id imagine itd be VERY popular. That being said, lets go over it. This series has a never ending struggle that has a hopeful tone to it. The characters feel relatable and well rounded, giving many different and unique perspectives of the main plot. My only real complaint is that I wished to see more.
The technology and the state of the world feels mysterious and perhaps it is a part of this series charm eventhough I would have loved to delve in deeper. I was entranced by the music as well as its relatable characters. Throughout the show I was surprised, and I never could predict what was to happen next, making it feel very unique.
Overall, amazing. I love the characters, musi…
Read at the sourcebergars
That feeling, you know? Nobody's home; there was a blackout, so you have nothing but a heavy rain outside, drowning out any other sound. That's the only way I can describe this series.
It's that very specific kind of bleak. The 2000s dark, brownish colors, a fantasy plot, combined with a touch of sci-fi or vice versa. Every episode, dense in story, in character, written in a grounded way, be it the characters or how it tries to deliver the story. Even if it's a simple point A to point B story. The search for a potentially fake paradise.
I applaud a story that can happen in the span of 26, necessary episodes. They give us such a rich world, with rules, etiquette, interactions, and a way of talking. It's a new world, and one that's presented with honesty, and almost no exposition. We're th…
Read at the sourceCodSalmon
Wolf's Rain is a gorgeous anime with a great soundtrack that will bring you to tears if you are a dog lover. However, the plot leaves a lot to be desired. I think if you have a particular affinity towards dogs and feel like looking at pretty things and crying, this could be an enjoyable series for you.
If you've watched Cowboy Bebop, you'll recognize a lot of the elements here. The soundtrack in both is done by Yoko Kanno. The character designs are similar to Cowboy Bebop. The English Dub has a lot of the same voice actors. The overall art direction and ambiance of the show tends to be on the darker side. This might work towards your nostalgia, but the comparison works against Wolf's Rain as it falls short of Cowboy Bebop in every regard.
The art and animation are great. Character design…
Read at the sourceSgtSalamander
I'm going to be honest, for the entire first half of this show, I didn't really like it. I thought it had a weird concept, and had long stretches of dry characterization, which all moved at a glacial pace. Had I rated it before the mid-season recaps, I would have maybe given it a 6. But, after the recaps, like a lunar flower which blooms at night, Wolf's Rain really comes into its own in the second half, and only gets better the closer to the end you get. I was floored by how compelling it was past this point, and my opinion was totally different by the time I finished the OVA. Beginning with the story, it's got a strong foundation rooted in some pretty interesting worldbuilding, and hits many of the necessary major points for a classic hero's journey, even if the main premise of shapeshif…
Read at the sourceSingular9
Have you been wanting to watch a show that actually respects its audience and doesn't treat it like children? Do you want a show that takes at least an average IQ to understand, and feels like a truly adult show made for grown ups? Do you want a show that cuts out the modern anime diabolical fluff and sticks to the dang plot? This is it!
This is definitely a slow burn. Going in, don't expect to be impressed right away, or even half way! What makes this show is the last 2-3 episodes and then the following OVA is the great crescendo. Is it worth the watch? Yes, definitely. I landed on this show after searching endlessly for obscure anime made for adults, and not in a lewd way. I wanted a show that treated me like an adult and didn't hold my hand the whole way, and offered me a story and a s…
Read at the sourcereizamundi
By synthesizing the breathtaking worldbuilding, artistic cinematography, and Yoko Kanno’s majestic compositions - Wolf’s Rain I call it the fine art of anime.
***SPOILER WARNING***
Worldbuilding: The astounding worldbuilding is doubtlessly the best I have seen in anime. The world of Wolf’s Rain comprises of environment and architecture styles ranging from Art Nouveau and Gothic to Ancient Ruins, Futuristic Minimal and Dystopian Industrial. This unique and surreal blend of environment design is reminiscent of the surreal architecture from Shoujo Kakumei Utena. My favorite locations from the anime are: 1. Mine Ruins Town - with it’s dreadful and seemly never-ending bridge portraying an exhausting journey and search which may lead to nothingness, 2. Aerial City (Darcia’s abandoned Villa) -…
Read at the sourceDoutei-kun
"Paradise is just a totally unfounded tall tale. Either that, or it's from a dream somebody once had."
"Why did you come with us, then?"
"We'll never know unless we look for it!"
"How far can you trust this guy? How far are you gonna follow this guy in pursuit of a place that doesn't exist?"
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1. There are some anime that made me really ecstatic, & WOLF'S RAIN is one of those very rare one. When I write this, I am talking especially about the scenes mentioned below :
-- Episode 2 : [18:00 - 20:15] -- DARCIA kidnaps CHEZA.
-- Episode 3 : [16:00 - 18:30]
-- Episode 7 : [11:30 - 14:40] -- CHEZA & KIBA met for the first time.
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2. The STORY is not generic, despite the fact that it involves wo…
Read at the sourceLA1N1WAKUR4
Generally speaking, this anime is breathtaking, the soundtrack is astonishing, as well as the art conveys a beautiful representation of how saddening a decaying world can really be, moreover, the characters have an uniqueness of their own. Although I verily think it gets too repetitive sometimes - specially when it's related to Tsume and Kiba discussions - and certain plots take more time than they actually should, the anime surpasses its deffects in a fashionable manner, so that it will be one of my favs forever.
I may also state some explanations regarding the general lore of the world were also lacking, specially regarding the nobles.(Unlike other animes, I think an explanation was necessary in this case.). In spite of it, this anime still has its own identity, it has its reflections a…
Read at the sourceThe_Amanuensis
I began watching this anime way back when I was a teenager (around 13-14)
So this would have been around 2007-2008.
As a teen I saw wolves, and a dark world that I felt I belonged to, so naturally, my edgy teen self was drawn to he atmosphere and the idea of being a "Stray" myself.
I didnt get far into it, as the attention span wasnt there at the time for me to stay invested into a show.
Fast forward and here we are in 2021.
Going back into the show I wasnt sure what to expect. The atmosphere was similar but different to my brain.
The show weaves a tale that seems to be fantasy and sci-fi, but at every turn is put into check by the unrelenting nature of the world that our characters find themselves in.
Visually its a beautiful anime, and the voice acting for the Dub is wonderful.
Th…
Read at the sourceLukeKubs
Where do I start with Wolf's Rain?
First I would like to say that, in my opinion, this is the most underrated anime of all time. Not many people have seen it, or even heard of it. Of the people that have reviewed it, I've seen people either love it or hate it. I don't much understand the hate, though I may be clouded because of my love for the show.
This show is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Studio Bones went above and beyond for this. The character design, the environment, everything. Whenever I watch this show, it's like I get sucked in and everything around me temporarily disappears.
Another big part of this show is the music. My goodness, this soundtrack is magnificent. The opening, the ending, and everything between is masterpiece. The opening and endings being in English really catches yo…
Read at the sourcedoguscannk
P.S English is not my primary language.
Anime is slow and depressing. 'I will finish it in one day or 2 days',don't think like. Because it has a dark atmosphere and its traceability is not that high. He clearly gives the subject and the message he wants to give, and he tells the stories of the characters beautifully (He also shows us the character development. For example Toboe). It doesn't leave much in the background (however you want to think of the final as open-ended). You can directly skip 4 parts of 30 chapters as a summary (chapters 15,16,17 and 18). I recommend it to those looking for something dystopian with a dark atmosphere. My score is 7.5 out of 10
Read at the sourceVeiledEdge
So I have a problem with Wolf's Rain. It is often compared to its younger brother Texhnolyze. Texhnolyze is in my top 10; Wolf's Rain is in my top 50. What happened?
[Movie Announcer Voice:]
From the creators of timeless classics like Evangelion, Lain, Code Geass, and Cowboy Bebop... comes a dark, dystopian, atmospheric fantasy-sci-fi series that is bound to sweep you off your feet. Wolf's Rain, 2003.
[End Trailer]
"OMG, every anime the announcer mentioned is in my top 10!" - me
Again, so what happened? Wolf's Rain has the right formula, the right people, and the right feel. They had the technology, but it's just not Texhnolyze. I finished Wolf's Rain months ago but I just couldn't pinpoint why I didn't like it. It had the atmosphere and philosophical plot just right, but I couldn't ha…
Read at the source
