Story: 9/10 (Great)
Barakamon features a heartwarming and timeless story about unlikely friendships and continuing to press forward, which, while simple, proves to be effective when done right. The themes are well depicted without being campy- Barakamon is a subtle and sweet anime that shows that the simplest things in life could be the most colourful moments. Despite its short twelve episodes, the pacing is superb, it moves forward while feeling natural and has a very fitting ending.
Art: 9/10 (Great)
Even though the art is not the most unique style there is nor would I consider it breathtaking, I have to give props to its similarity to the manga and how well it suits the show. However, if there is one thing I absolutely have to commend Barakamon for, it is that it is not lazy. Still shots are rare, but makes sense when used. The scenery is done beautifully and at times (especially when accompanied by expressions), convey more meaning than words can.
Sound: 8/10
A cute OP and ED befitting of the anime, but nothing special in my opinion. The voice acting is amazing- every character sounds exactly the way you would expect them to. The background music suits each scene well.
Character: 10/10 (Outstanding)
Undeniably my favourite part of Barakamon. There are no characters that I dislike- all of them have their charm and are extremely lovable. Barakamon proves that you don't need an antagonist to create a wonderful show. Handa's dynamic and his relationships with all the characters feel real- you can tell that each person is precious to him. While there is no large character arc, Handa's growth is obvious not only through his actions and words but also through his calligraphy, which is tied in well to the plot. Naru is the star of the show, whose childlike innocence shines through so well you can't help but find her adorable! While I believe they could have done more with Naru, she is still very much a wonderful driving force for Handa's growth. The character's interactions with each other flows very well and are oddly charming.
Enjoyment: 9/10 (Great)
I genuinely could not stop watching when I started and ended up finishing the season in one sitting. It is an amazing show and I'm glad it is recognised for it.
Overall: 9/10 (Great)
I highly recommend Barakamon to anyone who might enjoy even a small part of it. It is a truly heartwarming journey that you will love.
