Summer 2007
Baccano!
Brain's BaseDuring the early 1930s in Chicago, the transcontinental train, Flying Pussyfoot, is starting its legendary journey that will leave a trail of blood all over the country. At the same time in New York, the ambitious scientist Szilard and his unwilling aide Ennis are looking for missing bottles of the immortality elixir. In addition, a war between the mafia groups is getting worse. On board the Advena Avis, in 1711, alchemists are about to learn the price of immortality.
Based on the award-winning light novels of the same name, Baccano! follows several events that initially seem unrelated, both in time and place, but are part of a much bigger story—one of alchemy, survival, and immortality. Merging these events together are the kindhearted would-be thieves, Isaac and Miria, connecting various people, all of them with their own hidden ambitions and agendas, and creating lifelong bonds and consequences for everyone involved.
The Anime Critic’s In-Depth Review of Baccano!
Synopsis
Baccano, Italian for “ruckus”, isn’t just a title; it’s also a diagnosis for this anime series set in Prohibition-era America. Our story jump-starts in 1930 New York, where three mafia families operate in a tense atmosphere. Amidst this, an elixir of immortality starts to circulate, leading to an influx of eccentric characters, some crazier than others. Ranging from mystical alchemists, sociopath assassins, street thugs to determined gang leaders – all find themselves tangled in this spiraling story that transcends time and place.
The anime hops, skips, and jumps between three timelines – 1930, 1931, and 1932 each enriched with their own distinctive narrative. This fragmented storytelling births a non-linear plot structure that, although slightly confusing at first, eventually weaves into a compelling storyline that will have you hooked till the last frame. Forewarning, the multiple viewpoints and timelines add substantial depth, but require rigorous attention span to keep track of.
The Anime Critic’s Review of Baccano!
Story
Now, you might be thinking, a story that bounces between different timelines? Isn’t that a recipe for a narrative disaster? Strangely enough, it’s the exact opposite. The writers of Baccano! have done an incredible job of crafting a complex yet consistent and intriguing plot. It’s like a fascinating jigsaw puzzle, the beauty of it only entirely dawns upon you when the final pieces fall into place.
Characterization
With a vast ensemble of characters, Baccano! thrives in its diversity. Every character, whether minor or major, has a rich backstory and a unique personality. From a seemingly insane assassin to a pair of bootleggers masquerading as a comedy duo, each character has their moment to shine without detracting from the overall plot.
Animation and Sound
Animation in Baccano! is flawless. The animation team brilliantly portrays the era, leaving no room for error or inaccuracies. Combining fantastic art and animation with a deep and satisfying story creates an immersive experience right from the start. The sound, especially the jazz-filled track, greatly complements the visuals to set the perfect tone for the series.
Should You Watch It?
Would The Anime Critic recommend Baccano!? A resounding yes! Baccano! is a whirlwind adventure of dark humor, action, intrigue, and even a dash of romance – all interlaced with a narrative so brilliantly crafted, it will leave you yearning for more. This is not an anime to rent or stream for a one-time watch; Baccano! deserves a permanent spot in any anime connoisseur’s collection.
Final Thoughts
A word of caution: Baccano! isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s violent, bloody, and outright bonkers at times. But if that’s your cup of tea, and you’re up for a brilliantly orchestrated anime that doesn’t spoon-feed its audience, then Baccano! might just redefine your anime experience.
Rating: 4.5/5
There you go! That was The Anime Critic’s review of Baccano!. I hope this review helped you decide whether to rent, buy, or stream this one. Thanks for reading, and until next time, stay animated!
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Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai
Studio DeenIn the small village of Hinamizawa, Rika Furude and her friends live together in relative harmony. Beneath this mask of peace, however, lies a hidden darkness, one that Rika understands all too well. In this eternal summer, she has been witness to unspeakable horrors. Every time the clock resets, Rika must try to find the villain behind these senseless deaths before tragedy strikes again. However, trying to decipher a mystery when only half the clues are present proves time and again to be disastrous, and each time she believes that things will change, she inevitably fails. As the annual festival approaches, Rika begins her descent from hope to despair in her struggle to break the chains of fate entangling them all.
Synopsis
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai, the sequel to the intensely mysterious, chiller-thriller first season, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, goes beyond where its predecessor left off. Set in the rural village of Hinamizawa, the story centers around a group of friends trying to piece together a rather disturbing puzzle that has cast a dark cloud over their village. The seemingly peaceful rural setup is disrupted by a series of ominous events, drenched in the occult and a sinister underbelly of conspiracy, revolving around the annual Watanagashi Festival.
The story takes an unprecedented turn when Rika Furude, the character at the core of the mystery, gains an awareness of her countless past ‘lives’ (resets), hinting towards an enigmatic cycle of reality. As the prophetic date of the festival draws nearer, Rika and her friends race against the ticking clock to decipher the ominous conspiracy that spirals into the entrancing labyrinth of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai.
Review
Prepare to have your heartstrings tugged and your mind bent, my fellow otakus, as you submerge into this beautiful and horrifying universe. The richly woven plot is a Ferris wheel of chilling events, sequences that appear out of nowhere, and despairing shifts in mood that play out in tragic crescendos, only to whisk you back to a disconcertingly calm start. There is a whiplash quality to this mystery-horror, expertly handled by the minds at Studio Deen.
Character development shines high up on the priority list. Main characters Keiichi, Rena, Mion, Shion, and Satoko experienced significant growth in season one. However, in Kai, the character development escalates to a whole new level, especially for Rika, who was slightly subdued in the previous season.
What truly stands out in Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai is its clever way to tackle the mystery genre. While most series would merely focus on the ‘who’ in their whodunnit, here we are looking more at the ‘why it’s happening’ and ‘how to prevent it.’ Every loop brings us closer to the truth and ratchets the tension higher.
Visually, and aurally, Higurashi stands tall. Studio Deen delivers with its atmospheric animation that captures the eerie beauty and menace of rural Hinamizawa perfectly. The soundtrack too, is haunting and beautifully eerie, which complements the story perfectly.
All in all, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai is a roller-coaster ride full of horror, mystery, and an intricate empathetic understanding of its characters. It’s a ‘must-see’ for any hardcore anime enthusiast, excelling in almost every esteemed category of storytelling. Whether to stream, rent, or buy, there’s no question. This is a purchase-grade anime and a worthy addition to your collection.
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Mononoke
Toei AnimationThe "Medicine Seller" is a deadly and mysterious master of the occult who travels across feudal Japan in search of malevolent spirits called "mononoke" to slay. When he locates one of these spirits, he cannot simply kill it; he must first learn its Form, its Truth, and its Reason in order to wield the mighty Exorcism Sword and fight against it. He must begin his strange exorcisms with intense psychological analysis and careful investigative work—an extremely dangerous step, as he must first confront and learn about the mononoke before he even has the means to defeat it.
The Medicine Seller's journey leads him to an old-fashioned inn where Shino, a pregnant woman, has finally found a place to rest. The owner has reluctantly placed her in the last vacant room; however, as she settles in, it quickly becomes clear that the room is infested by a lethal band of mononoke, the Zashiki Warashi. With his hunter's intuition, the Medicine Seller begins his investigation to discover the Form, the Truth, and the Reason before the Zashiki Warashi can kill again.
Anime Review: Mononoke
Enter the startling world of Mononoke that delves into the unseen supernatural realm, transcending the barriers of our mundane reality. This riveting series stars a mysterious medicine seller who travels through feudal Japan in search of malevolent spirits, known as Mononoke, to destroy. He operates under a simple principle: he must first discover the Mononoke’s true form, motive, and regret before he can unveil his sacred sword and vanquish them. Seamlessly blending the elements of mystery, horror, and folklore, Mononoke offers a fresh, atmospheric take on Japanese occultism with its distinctively unique narrative.
Each story arc unfurls like an intricate tapestry, presenting distinctive, self-contained tales of malevolence, karma, and reincarnation. Placid yet eerie, these episodic presentations immerse the viewers directly into chilling ancient Japanese folktales and rumors. Painterly backdrops of muted watercolors create an unnerving, dreamlike reality that further immerses the viewer into this paradoxically beautiful yet grim world. Amidst the spectral happenings and malicious apparitions, our enigmatic protagonist remains the sole constant, his enigmatic presence an anchor of intrigue.
Story and Characters
Mononoke’s storytelling prowess deserves undivided appreciation. Unlike many anime that majorly focus on fantastic visual effects and dramatic battles, this series illustrates each story arc with a tone of suspenseful anticipation and eerie calm, wrapped in a surreal aura. Background stories lend depth to characters, masterfully weaving human emotions and actions into the Mononoke’s emergence, making each revelation a satisfying, if not chilling, experience.
The protagonist, the nameless medicine seller, is an entity that distances itself from traditional anime heroes. He is not here to save the world or defeat evil; he merely exists to expel Mononoke from the human world. His stoicism, enigma, and cryptic demeanor, combined with his strikingly colorful appearance, make him an incredibly compelling anchor of the series.
Art and Animation
Mononoke’s art and animation depart radically from the conventional anime style, opting instead for a vivid, impressionistic approach. The series exploits grainy textures, blotchy watercolor backdrops, and flamboyant patterns that mimic traditional Ukiyo-e prints. The animation, though largely static, emphasizes the eerie, unsettling elements of each haunting. This viscerally artistic style enriches the stories’ ethereal nature, contributing to the overall storytelling rather than serving as mere visual candy.
Soundtrack
Matching its striking visuals, Mononoke’s soundtrack is an exceptional tapestry of eerie, haunting tunes. The series uses traditional Japanese music elements to accentuate the eeriness, creating an immersive environment of suspense and anticipation. The voice acting, too, is commendable, seamlessly syncing with characters’ emotions and evolving scenarios.
Final Verdict
Mononoke carves a niche of its own in the anime domain. It isn’t for everyone, especially for those seeking action-packed plotlines or typical anime tropes. It demands the viewer’s patience, appreciation for unique art styles, and love for cryptic, thought-provoking narratives. Yet, for those open to a different kind of supernatural spectacle, it gracefully delivers an amalgam of horror, mystery, and folklore that is both unsettling and enthralling.
So should you rent, buy, or stream it? Absolutely! No matter what your preferred method of consumption, Mononoke is a beautifully made, intelligently written series worth your time. This is a gem that certainly shines brighter with each viewing, justifying a place in your anime collection.
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