This is one of them.
An impulsive calligraphy prodigy whose exiled to small island in Japan called Gotou, Handa Seishuu. Handa, just like me, have no expectations of how his live in the village will be. Moreover, the first day of his moving on to the village, he encountered crazy peoples. But the most notable is an hyper little girl named Kotoishi Naru. And just like me, Handa doesn't expect what magic does Naru have in her pocket.
And then the opening starts. Epic, fucking catchy, unskippable performance by Super Beaver. The opening video supports it in every way possible.
The journey begins.
I'm a big fan of Comedy, but Slice of Life tag? Not really. So i don't expect so much from the series.
How does it feel to get your expectations exceeded, again?
Barakamon is way too funny.
City boy in 'alien' place with all his awkwardness of situations, unexpected experience of a strict-raised, not to mention his Narcissism and immaturity. Along with ecstatic 7yo girl with her squad that's not losing in terms of annoying. Plus village teens and their youth spirit combined with crazy personalities. In addition, the rest of villagers is just as lunatic.
The character department never lacks. The main character's development is depicted so well. And Naru, well, you'll know why i love this cute trouble machine so fucking much. The other characters is also very much entertaining.
Slice of Life anime needs to emphasize the character. And Barakamon do just that.
The story revolves in slow pace, but nevermind boring. You won't. Unexpected situations, awkwardness in the midst of beautiful nature scenery, surprising words coming from children's mouth, amazing etc.
And the feels amount this anime gives is bountiful. So you can laugh your ass off while feeling little memory pain in heart. "Ahh, so this is what it feels like to be kids again". You can't help but falling in love with this.
The art is of 2014. Pretty works. And the scenery feels like painting. Stunning. Not the strongest subject, but still worthy to be amazed.
The VA is not an all-star parade. You can feel Daisuke Ono award's aura here. But the totality of the cast is something different. And they use ACTUAL KIDS to voice over the kids. I can't really imagine the situations in the studio, haha. The voice of Naru,Suzuko Hara, is so cute. Did i tell you the ending song is just as awesome? 10/10
This anime is a very definiton of Expect the 'what you don't expect from a series' Unexpected and a powerful blockbuster.
Cracking, full of feels, refreshing, exquisite, pure work of Maestro. Barakamon is worth every minute spent. One of the best work in anime of 2014.
TL;DR Naru is Love, Naru is Life.
