Story: 8
Baccano's story itself is nothing special actually, it has nothing that could surprise you. The difference is made in how the story is told.
Yes, Baccano! has a superb narrative technique that makes this average story extremely entertaining, because that's the best word for Baccano!: entertaining. It's one of the best examples i can put upon the table of "style over substance" definition. The three plots the show has are mixed in a perfect way to make them truly entertaining and almost flawless. However, Baccano! has no real deep or true substance behind it. It's just a story full of style and coolness but nothing more. That doesn't mean, of course, that the final product is bad, nothing further than that.
Art: 9
This is 2007 and this art is FREAKING AMAZING, fitting the series pretty well. The animation is almost flawless, although it's not colourful at all. Characters well designed and action scenes so good no doubts. Visual 1930 orgasm even today. Good job, Brain's Base, considering it was their first big work.
Sound: 10
This OST, oh god. I've never listen to an OST that could fit better a series. I think that, among with the narrative, this is the point that carries the series so far, making it entertaining, cheerful and bombastic. Voice acting pretty good too, i've watched it with subs but i heard that this is the best anime english dub out there, so i guess you can take a look to the dub version. I think it works well due to the western setting.
Character: 7
I think this is the biggest flaw of the show. Characters are well-characterized, each one has his own and unique personality (you gotta love Isaac and Miria if you didn't watch it yet) but they are not well developed. Baccano! has a huge cast and it's imposible to develop it nicely in 13 episodes, considering the lack of deep meaning aand substance of the show too. Only the Train plot's characters get some development. However, the majority of the cast is likable and entertaining, and Isaac & Miria carry the series pretty well during the confusing first episodes.
Enjoyment: 9
Baccano! is fucking amazing and i enjoyed it as well. It's truly an entertaining masterpiece and you'll probably enjoy as a child.
Overall: 8
Baccano! acomplishes its goal very well. It doesn't try to be a mindfuck masterpiece or something that make you think about nothing. It's an average to cool story told in the coolest possible way. I think it's underrated because, being the best example of "style over substance" i've watched, it should be rated higher acording to the people that rate about their enjoyment, and this is a masterpiece of enjoyment.
"Do you recommend this anime" Hell yes. I think it's a must watch.
If you liked Baccano!, take a look to:
- Hellsing Ultimate, another entertaining and bombastic show with a darker tone.
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, if you want another show about alchemy, but way more deep, while longer.
