Barakamon

I do not think it is entirely out of place to praise the main creators of Barakamon for their capabilities – one only has to look at their legacy to see what other creations they could "brag about" in their portfolio. Rather, I dare say that, given the subject matter, there was basically nothing that could have gone wrong with this anime, unless the creators had a talent for blowing it. Rather than being a meticulously produced anime, then, this is a show where the creators simply relied on a tried and tested formula they have proven works a hundred times over, and which they knew would compensate for their mediocre creative skills, and appeal to the widest audience possible. The story of a mischievous young dandy from the big city reforming, and finding new meaning in life, in the country as a total redneck among the warm-hearted villagers, and the not-yet-spoiled kids is just a sure thing. The show tries to warm the audience’s heart with its would-be immediacy and pulls on their heart-strings, but the much more well-made anime had spoiled the idiot Hromino. The screenplay and the way the characters are written, their psychology and interactions, the depth of the story, the quality of the animation, the soundtrack – all of this is average for its genre, which results in the fact that not once did I jump out of my skin during watching due to the lousy screenplay. However, on the other hand, Barakamon did not even stick in my mind in any significant way – unlike, say, Silver Spoon or Bunny Drop. I watched it, I saw it, I deleted it. (20/07/2019)

I was debating between 3 stars and 4 stars, but in the end it passed with 4 stars by a hair. After all, it was such a cheerful breeze where you didn't have to worry about anything; when you wanted to relax, this anime allowed it. Granted, there were some repetitive elements that didn't sit well with me, but all in all, it's a very sweet anime about a lost soul who finds himself on a small island thanks mostly to children. Simply put, if you're in no hurry to get anywhere, want to be charmed by children, and would prefer a laugh to a nail-biter, this is the way to go. (04/11/2017)