Barakamon allows you the chance to peer into a story of struggle and self growth, without being bogged down by melodrama. Each episode is well timed and made good use of comedy, providing a very relaxed ride while you watched the characters continue on their journey. I very much enjoyed this fact. Unfortunately this made for a very predictable story as well. By episode 6, I had no doubts about how this anime would end. I know some people do not mind this, but I enjoy just a little mystery when it comes to the conclusion of a story.
The art style used in Barakamon, while good, is nothing special. This is not a totally bad thing though. The style is a safe one, allowing the viewer to focus more on the characters and the story over anything else. The emotional effects are done well and each character is unique in both visuals and personality. So over all, the safe approach turned out to be the best approach. But it is nothing that will leave a lasting impression on me.
In this medium the power of the voice is very important. Each character in Barakamon is voiced by a very talented actor, bring them to life on the screen. A lot of times when I am watching a subbed anime, I have a hard time trying to figure out which character is talking if they aren't currently being shown on screen. But I had no problem knowing who was talking and when while watching this. Which was a very nice change for me. The sound effects are done well, adding to the over all comedy of the show. The only aspect keeping this section form getting a perfect 10 from me is the music. It was very lacking in this area. Other than the opening and ending themes, the music used throughout the show left very little impact on me. Which is quite the shame seeing how it has the power to add even more to a scene.
With a genera like Slice of Life, characters are the most important aspect. When it comes to Barakamon, they are perfectly done. There is a clear line showing how they were before, and after the main character is introduced. The experiences they share allows them to grow bonds that the viewer can clearly see. Not much else to say about it really. Perfectly done.
Barakamon was an emotional ride without being crazy emotional, and I enjoyed ever second of it. In it's 12 episodes it manages to do what most anime can't do in 20. Is it something that is ground breaking and never seen before? No, but that shouldn't keep you from watching it. Sometimes the tried and tested aspects of anime work the best, and is definitely works for Barakamon.
