Baccano!

During 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.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Dian, Isaac Main

Onosaka, Masaya Japanese

Stanfield, Claire Main

Morita, Masakazu Japanese

Harvent, Miria Main

Aoki, Sayaka Japanese

Russo, Ladd Main

Fujiwara, Keiji Japanese

Prochainezo, Firo Main

Yoshino, Hiroyuki Japanese

Splot, Jacuzzi Main

Sakaguchi, Daisuke Japanese

Laforet, Chane Main

Hirohashi, Ryou Japanese

Gandor, Luck Main

Koyasu, Takehito Japanese

Ennis Main

Kobayashi, Sanae Japanese

Meyer, Czesław Main

Kanda, Akemi Japanese

Cook, Justin Producer

Harp, Clarine Producer

Yokoyama, Shuko Producer

Satou, Yumi Producer

Reviews

Jun 25, 2025

Orangzer

Recommended

Introduction:

Funny how timing works. I had been meaning to watch Baccano! for a long time, but I finally got around to it right after finishing Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Both of those explore the idea of immortality and the search for some kind of elixir of life. Hell’s Paradise has "tan," and FMA has the Philosopher’s Stone. They’re not the same thing, but the theme is definitely similar—trying to overcome death and dealing with the consequences.

What really caught me off guard was how much Baccano! had in common with Fullmetal Alchemist. It’s not just the immortality, but also the use of alchemy ... and the presence of homunculus-like characters. Whether it was a coincidence or not, watching these shows one after the other made Baccano! land in a really interesting way.

Anyway, here’s my quick review.

Story & Plot :

The story of Baccano! isn’t complicated at its core—the main plot is actually pretty simple, and it doesn’t try to be deep just for the sake of it. But what makes it feel complex is the way it’s told. Baccano! uses a non-linear storytelling style that constantly jumps back and forth in time, mainly set in 1930s America. And then, seemingly out of nowhere, Episode 7 throws us all the way back to 1711, revealing the origin of the immortality plot and explaining how some of the characters came to be the way they are. That episode recontextualizes so much, and it’s a turning point that makes the whole timeline click into place.

At its heart, the story revolves around a mysterious elixir of immortality and the chaos that follows when it resurfaces centuries after it was first created. The series moves across different timelines—from a ship in 1711 where a group of alchemists summon a demon and gain immortality, to the mafia wars and violent events aboard a transcontinental train called the Flying Pussyfoot in the 1930s. What starts off as several disconnected storylines involving gangsters, thieves, assassins, and immortals eventually reveals itself as a much bigger, intricately connected narrative.

Even though I’ve seen non-linear storytelling in movies and TV shows before, I honestly can’t think of another anime that does it quite like this. What stood out was how the story is told from multiple characters’ perspectives. That shifting point of view, combined with all the time jumps, creates a sense of mystery that keeps you hooked. It could’ve easily fallen apart or felt messy, but it doesn’t. Sure, the first few episodes are confusing—you might be thinking, “What’s even happening?” I was too. But once things start connecting, it becomes a really satisfying experience. It might not be for everyone, but if you’re into this kind of structure, you’ll probably love it.

The plot blends a lot: action, gore, drama, comedy, mafia tension, political intrigue, and the mystery of an elixir of immortality. What’s most impressive is how all these seemingly unrelated storylines and characters end up tied together in unexpected ways. Baccano! may look like a bunch of separate stories at first, but they all come together into one wild, interconnected ride—and that’s what makes it so engaging.

I think the story had more potential and could have been done better. Maybe adding more episodes and context would have improved it, but it's amazing in its own way.



Characters :

Baccano! features a massive ensemble cast, and one of the most striking aspects of the series is that it does not center around a single main character. Thanks to its nonlinear storytelling, the narrative constantly shifts between different timelines and perspectives, giving nearly every character a moment in the spotlight. This might feel disorienting at first, but it is exactly what makes the characters and their interactions so engaging.

Some viewers might argue that there is not a lot of traditional character development here, and in a short series like this—13 episodes, or 16 if you count the specials—that is a valid point. But Baccano! is one of those rare anime where characters do not need to go through dramatic arcs or personal transformation to be compelling. Their strength lies in how true they stay to themselves. Not every character needs to be written like an onion, with endless layers of trauma and complexity to peel away. Sure, that kind of depth works wonderfully in some stories, but Baccano! shows that sometimes being bold, simple, and unapologetically consistent can be just as effective. And even if some characters might seem one dimensional on the surface, the way they are written and how they interact with others gives them just enough depth to stay interesting. Their distinct personalities bounce off each other in fascinating and often chaotic ways, creating tension, humor, and heart without relying on traditional growth or change.

The cast is huge and full of variety. Isaac and Miria are the hilariously cheerful couple whose infectious energy somehow connects all the characters and timelines. Ladd Russo is a gleefully unhinged maniac who finds joy in chaos. Czeslaw Meyer is an immortal child scarred by trauma. Ennis is a quietly conflicted homunculus who begins to question her own identity. Firo is a passionate young member of the Martillo family, while Maiza Avaro, his calm and thoughtful mentor, plays a key role as one of the original alchemists. Sylvie adds a more introspective tone to the group of immortals and carries emotional weight in the later episodes. There is also Jacuzzi Splot, the timid but deeply loyal gang leader who shows surprising bravery when it matters most while also being a crybaby most of the times, and his explosive-loving partner Nice Holystone.

Then you have characters like Szilard Quates, the cold and controlling alchemist obsessed with knowledge and power; the demon, who grants immortality and watches events unfold with an almost godlike detachment; and Elmer, who is fixated on making others smile no matter how dark things get. There is also Chane, the silent and fiercely loyal daughter of Huey Laforet; Eve Genoard, the innocent girl trying to find her delinquent brother Dallas; and of course Claire Stanfield, also known as the Rail Tracer, an unstoppable assassin with a theatrical flair and a strange sense of justice.

But the real glue of the story is Isaac and Miria. They bring joy wherever they go, often without even realizing it. They stumble into people's lives and somehow end up tying the entire narrative together across timelines and events. That is why Episode 8 is titled “Isaac and Miria Unintentionally Spread Happiness Around Them” — because that is exactly what they do. Their happiness is infectious, their absurdity is comforting, and in a world filled with crime, alchemy, and immortality, their presence becomes strangely profound. Baccano! does not try to draw clear lines between good and evil. Instead, it focuses on how people live, how they chase meaning, and how they survive the chaos around them. In all that madness, it quietly explores how people find their own version of happiness — and that just might be its most human message.




Animation and Music :

The animation in Baccano! is consistent and surprisingly strong for its time. The use of color really stands out, helping to set the mood across different eras and locations. This was actually my first time watching something from the studio Brain's Base, and I have to say—they did an impressive job. The visuals feel tight and cohesive, with energetic action scenes that move smoothly and keep the momentum going. The art style is distinct, and the show has a dynamic visual presence that adds to the overall chaos and charm of the story. For a series that came out back in 2007, it holds up remarkably well.

As for the music, I honestly do not remember every track, but I do remember how well the soundtrack complemented the show. The jazzy background score fits the 1930s setting perfectly, adding a playful yet tense atmosphere when needed. The opening theme, "Gun's and Roses," and the ending theme, "Calling," are both instrumental pieces without vocals, which is a rare and bold choice for an anime. But it works. The opening especially has a lively jazz feel that immediately sets the tone and even helps introduce the characters visually.

While the animation and soundtrack might not rank among the absolute best in anime history, they are more than good enough to carry the series and give it a distinct identity. For a relatively small studio, the effort and style they put into Baccano! is something worth appreciating.





Other Factors :

Like I mentioned earlier, Baccano! grabs your attention quickly thanks to its engaging story structure and strong production choices. The show is easy to get into once you accept the non-linear storytelling, and it keeps things consistently interesting throughout. The animation and direction do a great job of holding the viewer's focus, especially in the early episodes when things are still a bit confusing.

The character designs are solid. They are not the flashiest or most detailed I have seen, but they fit the setting and personalities well. Each character has a distinctive look that makes them easy to remember, which is especially helpful in a show with such a large cast. I wouldn’t call the designs groundbreaking, but they work—and I ended up liking them a lot.

I also found it impressive that the creators reportedly traveled to the United States and did research on the Prohibition era to capture the look and feel of 1930s America. That kind of dedication shows in the background art, setting, and overall atmosphere of the show. It adds a layer of authenticity that many other anime set outside Japan sometimes miss.

The fight scenes are enjoyable, though they are not necessarily the highlight of the series. They get the job done, and some of them are definitely fun to watch, but there was room for them to be a bit more dynamic or impactful.

Overall, the production team did a solid job. From the settings of the atmosphere to visual style, you can tell that Baccano! was crafted with care, even if it did not have the biggest budget or the most high-profile studio behind it.



Enjoyment and Impact:

I genuinely enjoyed Baccano! and it left a strong impression on me. It is one of those series that sticks in your mind—not necessarily because of a deep emotional payoff or a grand message, but because of how well it balances chaos, fun, mystery, and charm. It is easy to like, and even easier to recommend to someone looking for something a little different from the usual anime formula.

In terms of legacy or cultural impact, Baccano! might not stand on the same level as giants like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood or other iconic titles, but that does not take away from what it accomplishes. It may not be a global phenomenon, but it clearly did something right, because the people who watch it tend to remember it fondly—and for good reason.

Personally, I think enjoyment and impact matter just as much—if not more—than technical achievements or critical analysis. Whether it is the story, the characters, the music, or the way it all comes together, what really stays with you is how the show made you feel. Baccano! was engaging, entertaining, and genuinely fun to watch. And in the end, that is what counts.
I would like them to continue the anime.

Story & Plot : 4.25 to 4.5/5
Characters : 4.25/5
Animation & Music : 4.25/5
Other Factors : 4.25/5
Enjoyment & Impact : 4.25 to 4.5/5

Total Score : 21.25 to 21.75/25 (85% to 87%)

Overall Rating : 9/10 (A+)

Reviewer’s Rating: 9

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May 29, 2025

rinbeeby

Mixed Feelings

baccano has a really interesting and unique story, there is no denying that. i didn't hate watching it! but i didn't really like it either. like Durarara, there are a LOT of characters that are all fundamental to the story. but the characters in this are way more boring and one-dimensional. i don't even remember a lot of them. the female characters are so incredibly one-note and boring that they might as well all have been one character. ennis, chare(? i don't remember her name lol), eve, nice, and lua are all the same person basically. emotionless, cold, quiet, submissive women whose whole existence in ... the plot is to serve a male character. rachel at least did something, but she acted in the exact same way as the other women, if not even less distinct. milia is the only exception, and i kind of just found her annoying.

the violence is also really gross. i'd say i'm more sensitive to violence than most people, but this took it to the next level. there was such disgusting, visceral violence that i actually had to skip some scenes! if you're desensitized to violence, obviously that won't matter, but for the squeamish, like me... i guess if you choose to watch this, be prepared to avert your eyes. and probably your ears too. the nasty violence even happens to a child at one point. i couldn't handle it!

so, all that's to say, i don't really think it was worth watching. i'm glad i watched it just so i won't be curious about it anymore, especially since i have heard so much good stuff about it, but it wasn't really for me. it was just fine. i think if some characters were maybe combined, so that there was a quality over quantity situation going on instead, it would've been easier to connect with them, and easier to follow the plot. i took notes and i still don't really know what happened in the end.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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Dec 10, 2024

Yunice

Not Recommended

I don't have a tendency to want to finish an anime too fast usually, but with Baccano!, i just feel that if I have to drag it on much longer, I might end up breaking a lot of things. The voice acting for Miria was not bad, but the voice for the character itself drove me insane. The constant jumping to and fro between time lines in a show did not sit well with me either. Only the soundtrack appealed to me.

The hype on this animation seemed to be very overrated. Not recommended unless you enjoy ear piercing voices and erratic scenes.

Reviewer’s Rating: 5

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