[Klashikari]

Originally Posted by Archuka

But again, certain traps required the kids to be there to set them off and they simply would not be suitable in real life. How come the Yamainu did not see Keichi and Rena move to their positions? If they were there before the Yamainu got there, how did they know they'd walk through that exact spot? This kind of stupidity is usually only seen in shows like Tom & Jerry.

The fact we don't see how they could get there doesn't mean it is impossible or not.
As seen with the slight glimpse of the surroundings, the yamainu were in the deep forest. There isn't any improbability for them to not notice kids who crawl around the dense bushes. And seriously, consdering how they are obviously not taking precaution with their advance and attire, there are much chances for keiichi and rena to see them from afar than the reversed ways.

No he didn't. They were both against the wall, then Kasai came in and somehow managed to kick the first one before he could shoot and then the second one just froze in place and didn't shoot even though he had several seconds to do so before Kasai shoved his shotgun into his face.

I suppose if you're really nice you could let this go by pulling out the bad animation card, but it was still bad.

Several seconds? it only lasted one second after Kasai was wide open to them.
Again, the psychological card might be "convenient", but it is actually effective in reality as well: you are facing an angry yakuza armed with a shotgun loaded with SLUGS. The guy barged all of a sudden and knocked your only ally... I don't think you can obviously have the "instinct" to open fire as if nothing happened.

That doesn't explain anything. They were still being chased by many men who intend to kill them in cold blood. It would take much more than a few tragedies and some bullying to become hardened against that.

And again, regardless of whether it can be credibly explained or not, it just looked off. They were cheery like they were playing games and it's simply not a reaction you'd expect out of anyone in a situation like that.

That is because they take the situation as a game because they actually know the terrain and their opponents. Their mindset is actually comparable to Minagoroshi-hen. The thing is they are actually figthting, but their spirit doesn't register the possible "horrible outcome" if they fail.
As shown in Minagoroshi-hen, they didn't have much stress and all fighting the 4 yamainu, despite they risked their life. It is only after Keiichi was shot down that the Harsh reality knocked them.

Considering each of their personality, it isn't even surprising that they are acting as it was like an afterschool activity.

Yes, I know how the original games look. It's not a good excuse for bad animation, though.

Anyone defending Deen against these accusations is clearly not thinking objectively.

Higurashi was never stellar in animation, that's a given considering the nature and the budget allocated. Granted, it isn't as outraging as some works recently either anyway, especially that it is a very late episode. It isn't as whacky as it seems, and it is still vastly superior to season 1.