From the moment Barakamon starts, everything is peaceful and serene from how the setting feels intricately subtle in its atmosphere. Art plays a significant role in making this possible. There isn't any brush-stroke style artwork present in it like many shows of this nature, such as Usagi Drop, but it has its influences say, Miyazaki's My Neighbor Totoro. Not only do the characters and their vivid facial expressions have some impact from that, but the environments are also neatly crafted in that old-school Studio Ghibli aesthetic.
Going back to what I mentioned previously, many people like to point out the various similarities between Barakamon and Usagi Drop. One main similarity is how the characters are portrayed and express emotion. You have the main male protagonist who is likable but at the same time can be a bit of a pain for people around him. Then you have the cute girl that everyone adores because of how sweet and realistic she comes across in her actions and humorous dialogue. But there is a clear distinction between both of these shows. While Usagi Drop had its comedic moments, it wasn't a full-on comedy show and was more of a slice-of-life, whereas, with Barakamon, it is the exact opposite.
Not to say it is all comedy, but the majority of the time we spend with these characters involves hilarious situations involving the protagonist, Seishuu, and the main little girl, Naru. Even with what I said earlier, like in Usagi Drop, the chemistry between the two main characters is nothing short of brilliance, but on a different spectrum. Because Barakamon heavily relies on comedy, the show's lighthearted story adds a new element for us to gander upon. These two characters playoff as complete opposites, personality-wise, and throughout the narrative, they start to grow into each other own rational mindset and become friends in the process.
Its pacing helps build up Seishuu and Naru's friendship as a slow process to garner a credible, realistic story given in context to its overall tone. With its lack of story, all it has going for is the characters' growth and how Seishuu is more accepting of the snotty kids that give him a difficult time on the island. While I feel the adult characters seem weaker in this aspect than the children, they are still more serviceable to the show than actually making an enormous impression. Nevertheless, at least all of the characters have one comedic moment that proves to be an instant joy that will make seer into your memory after watching it.
Any story fulfilling a slice of life show like Barakamon can be second nature depending on the context. It does at least try to convey a narrative that involves Seishuu trying to succeed as a local calligrapher in this new local town he is in. However, it does not emphasize its great importance since it pales in comparison to comedy in terms of sheer value and consideration. What makes it less of an issue is that the humor is actually great to get through, so there is always something to look forward to amidst most of the drab story they shoehorned in.
One aspect of the story that does not venture slightly off of a cliff is the cast's character development. Every character has a distinct characteristic, while may be cliched in a few areas, making them unforgettable. Their comedic interactions certainly help seal this asset, thanks to the brilliant comedic timing the writers put their effort into. Honestly, the best parts involve the children and the way the writers portray them as genuine kids and not the typical sensational ones we often see in Romantic Comedy/Ecchi animes that we're used to. Now that doesn't signify a bad thing for those particular genres, as they are unique in their own right and context, but it is a nice change of pace to see an anime trying to take it practically.
Delightful and sentimental are two definitive words that can describe Barakamon. Think of it as a journey through your inner childhood and how you viewed the world as a happy place to live. As you grow older, you don't think that way anymore. This is where Barakamon hits home by setting a subtle message. When we look through Seishuu's viewpoint, we can empathize with his pain of going through rowdy kids like Naru as an annoyance at the first encounter. Then, at the same time, we spend some time on Naru's rationale and can also relate to how we've all been as little kids. It doesn't nearly take a side on how we should treat each other, but merely a general examination.
For the naysayers who complain that slice-of-life in-of-itself is a boring genre where nothing happens, I can assure them that there is a lot to experience in Barakamon that can convert even the harshest critic. Not only are there things that happen, but they can be entertaining even without the context of slice-of-life in its name. While I wouldn't classify this as the best one in the genre, I still hold that with Usagi Drop, as it does have some dry plot problems, which shouldn't be a huge issue in an otherwise subtle slice-of-life show. If Naru-chan never makes you smile with sheer goofiness and hilarity, I don't know what will.
Grade: A-
