With the onset of exams Ryuuichi and Kotaro spend less time together and a special version of Snow White is put on by the cast of Gakuen Babysitters. This special episode is bundled with the 7th Blu-ray volume.
GAKUEN BABYSITTERS SPECIAL: THE ULTIMATE BALANCE BETWEEN LAUGHTER AND TEARJERKER! A Review
Written and illustrated by Hari Tokeino, Gakuen Babysitters Special brings an adorable delight to the screens as it portrays high school student Ryuichi Kashima, taking on the responsibility of his younger brother, Kotaro, after losing their parents in a tragic plane crash. Moving from their old life, they find a newfound family in the form of the wealthy Morinomiya school chairwoman, who lost her son and daughter-in-law in the same accident. The chairwoman provides them a home, with a single condition, though – Ryuichi should work as a babysitter in her academy’s daycare center dealing with an ensemble of cute toddlers!
The anime beautifully blends in slice-of-life themes about adulthood, sibling relationships, coping with loss, and the raw experience of handling children. Ryuichi plays the relatable protagonist character, tasked with juggling his high school life, the inevitable household chores, and the caregiving demands of the vibrant toddlers in the daycare – Usaida, the stuffy but charming Taka, the shy and sweet Kirin, and the polite and mature twins Takuma and Kazuma. Together this motley crew turns usual days into extraordinary tales of warmth, laughter, and sometimes frustration.
STORYLINE AND CHARACTERS
From the very beginning, Gakuen Babysitters Special sets itself apart. The story is not your typical teenage drama but a heartfelt journey filled with moments of immense joy, laughter and some that tug at the heartstrings. Each episode provides a standalone narrative, yet progresses the bonds between characters in a seamless manner.
Ryuichi, as the linchpin of the story, shows the embodiment of a caring elder brother and dedicated caretaker. The other children, each unique, provide an intriguing peek into the world of toddler mannerisms. And don’t get me started on the supporting characters – they’re three-dimensional, with backgrounds that provide more depth to the story!
ART AND ANIMATION
The animation? It’s quite literally a visual treat! The character designs are bubbly and instantly lovable. The vibrant color palette, detailed environments, and cohesive aesthetics allow the frame to burst into life at every moment. The creators have done an impeccable job in breathing life into still images, creating memorably whimsical visuals. This anime is an utter delight aesthetically.
SOUNDTRACK AND VOICE ACTING
The background score of Gakuen Babysitters Special beautifully complements the narrative. It’s a melodic amalgamation of mood-setters, enhancing every scene’s emotion. Whether it’s a simple quiet moment or a full-on hilarious chaos, the sound design doesn’t miss a beat.
As for voice acting, it’s awe-inspiring. From the voices of the adorable kids to our main man Ryuichi, everyone fits their role perfectly. The genuine emotion in their delivery is something you can connect with at a whole another level.
FINAL VERDICT
Returning to our original question – Rent, Buy, or Stream? Here’s my take: Definitely stream it, and if you love it as much as I did, you might even want to buy it for your collection!
Gakuen Babysitters Special brings you a joyous roller coaster ride that will make you laugh, might make you shed some tears, but definitely leave you with a heart brimming with warmth. If you’re up for an anime about the chaos of child-rearing and the most lovable toddlers, you need to give this a try.
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