Hi no Tori: Eden no Sora [Season 1 Episode 1 to 4]

Review: Hi no Tori: Eden no Sora – A Haunting Tale of Desperation and Hope

Introduction

Hi no Tori: Eden no Sora (also known as PHOENIX: EDEN17) is a sci-fi anime that dives deep into themes of survival, despair, and the myth of the immortal Phoenix. The first four episodes introduce us to Romi, a woman who leaves Earth with her companion for a new life on the planet Eden17, only to find it barren and lifeless. What follows is a gripping narrative that blends existential dread with stunning visuals—but not without its fair share of controversy.

The Premise: A Bleak New World

From the get-go, Eden no Sora sets a somber tone. Romi’s journey to Eden17 is anything but hopeful. The planet, once promised as a utopia, is a wasteland, forcing her into a brutal struggle for survival. The anime’s depiction of Eden17 is hauntingly beautiful, with desolate landscapes that mirror the emptiness of Romi’s new reality. Fans on MyAnimeList praised the art direction, calling it “visually striking” and “eerily immersive.”

However, the story takes a bizarre turn with the introduction of Cain, Romi’s son. The dynamic between them is unsettling, to say the least. One Reddit user pointed out, “Why does Cain call his mother ‘Romi’? Unless the subs were wrong, it feels… off.” Another commenter joked, “Oh god, he’s gonna fuck a copy of his mom,” referencing the manga’s more explicit content. While the anime tones down some of the manga’s controversial elements, it still leaves viewers with an uncomfortable tension.

Themes and Symbolism

The Phoenix legend looms large over the narrative, symbolizing rebirth and eternal life. Yet, in Eden no Sora, the myth feels more like a cruel joke. Romi’s search for meaning in a dead world parallels humanity’s own futile quest for immortality. One fan compared it to “a cross between The Old Testament and Solaris,” highlighting its philosophical depth.

The biblical references, though, are a double-edged sword. Some viewers found them pretentious, like one MyAnimeList user who said, “The use of proper names from the Biblical narrative trivializes the anime.” Others, however, appreciated the layers they added, calling the storytelling “dramatic but not overly angsty.”

Music and Direction

The anime’s soundtrack is another standout. The haunting score amplifies the sense of isolation, though fans were divided over the ending theme. One viewer lamented, “They removed the best part of the song in the ED,” while others praised the music for elevating the emotional weight of the scenes.

Direction-wise, the pacing is deliberate, almost meditative. It’s not for everyone—some called the first episode “weird” or “slow.” But those who stuck with it found the payoff rewarding. The contrast between the characters and their surroundings is intentional, as one fan noted: “While some stuff like the characters kinda stick out from the backgrounds, I got quickly used to it.”

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

Eden no Sora is polarizing. Some viewers were hooked by its bleak beauty, while others were put off by its odd character dynamics. The changes from the manga sparked debates, with one Reddit user asking, “Why was this changed? Is it to be politically correct?” Meanwhile, others defended the adaptation, arguing that it streamlined the story for a broader audience.

Despite the mixed reactions, the anime’s ambition is undeniable. It’s not afraid to challenge its viewers, whether through its unsettling themes or its unconventional storytelling. As one fan put it, “This episode was so weird… but I can’t stop thinking about it.”

Final Verdict

Hi no Tori: Eden no Sora is a bold, visually stunning anime that isn’t afraid to go dark. Its exploration of despair and the human condition is compelling, though its bizarre character relationships might turn some away. If you’re into thought-provoking sci-fi with a side of existential dread, this one’s worth a watch. Just be prepared for a ride that’s as unsettling as it is beautiful.

Rating: 8/10 – A haunting masterpiece with a few questionable choices.

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