Cool picture. I love the Hughes and Gracia with pics :)

Haibane Renmei is slow, thoughtful and atmospheric, and the plot is psychological rather than action-based. I think it's phenomenally good - up there with Utena and FMA, in the category of shows that will Last.

I've often thought it would also make a good introduction to anime, for an intellectual type looking to see what the big deal is or why they should let their kids watch this stuff.