This series is possibly one of the most depressing/saddest anime I've ever seen. In many ways, it's the anti-Gurren Lagann. I mean, even the catchy pop-rock opening is pretty much replaced by cold openings and mood music towards the end of the series (and not of the "Libera Me to Hell" variety). As an aside, the soundtrack to this series is also one of the greatest I've heard, partly due to its diversity, partly because of its beauty. For the TL;DR crowd, here's a synopsis, via Wikipedia:
It focuses on the journey of four lone wolves who cross paths while following the scent of the Lunar Flower and seek for Paradise [a Nirvana-type place, with "real-world" repercussions once "found"]. 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...In other words, it's in the same vein as Watership Down in terms of depressing animated series that actually make you feel something (but with a somewhat werewolf-y anime twist to it). Anyhow, since this isn't exactly a "review" or anything (none of my anime "thoughts" are, per se), the series has me thinking. Aside from being depressed to the heavens by the turn of events that occur, it has a bit of a "you need to appreciate everything around you before it's gone" feel to it (the characters Hubb and Cher, their side story and how it becomes a major point in the series, is testament to this). Also, an "a lone wolf (pun intended) needs a pack sometimes" idea creeps in, along with a theme of "redemption," usually through acceptance and sacrifice. Finally, there's a mantra of stepping up and doing what needs to be done--even if it's difficult--interspersed into the events of the series.
In short, the series is depressing. It's sad. I admittedly got all "lumpy-throated" a few times throughout it. But, through this depression, it imparts a lot of "real-world" knowledge and wisdom. Sure, the story is uneven at points, but the message is something even the most callous person can relate to.
As a bonus, here's the anime's closing theme, "Gravity," in all its heartstring-tugging beauty. Who knew a cartoon about wolves could make me contemplate life and have a bit of infinite sadness?
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