The end of the story seemed too dark. They can be understood - the authors of the series managed to create bright and cute images of the characters, causing empathy. The TV version ended with an open finale on an optimistic note, and many thought that was enough.
The latter, of course, approved of the ending - because the story really broke down and needed to continue.
In general, it is worth carefully reviewing the first series, as it becomes clear - this is how the series was supposed to end. The denouement writers came up with, apparently, in the course of work on the first series, and we can only guess why it was not shown on television – perhaps not approved by the leadership of the channel, or did not meet the deadline?
At the end of "Wolf Rain" are visible references not only to Japanese mythology, but also to the Apocalypse, and to Scandinavian myths. But in the end, the conflict of life and death is resolved with the fatalism inherent in Japanese culture - the death and rebirth of the world is only part of the rhythm to which the Universe obeys, and any attempts to change its laws are futile. " Something ends, something begins, as the character of the saga about the Witcher of Sapkowski said. Good will not perish, but evil will not be superfluous, and all will be repeated in a new turn. Everyone and no one will be saved, this is just another turn of the wheel of Samsara.
Perhaps the only flaw of this series is a strange change in the role of Darcia in the plot. His behavior is inexplicable given his previous actions and motives. It seems that he turned from a full-fledged character into a function, into a duty devil, which was needed by the screenwriters in order to close the chain of mystical symbols. I never understood why he did that or what he hoped for. That is, if we consider Wolf Rain as a myth, as a symbolic system, its role is clear, but as a person it is lost.
Total: the true finale of "Wolf Rain", which not everyone will like. The end of the eternal myth about the meaning of life and death. 9 out of 10
Original