Reviews

If there's one phrase that describes Usagi Drop, it would be "gentle yet thoughtful". Usagi drop, at heart, is a simple series about a bachelor learning to raise a little girl, and learning all the joys and hurdles of being a parent along the way. The story premise itself is such a simple idea, yet the way in which Usagi drop goes about the story brings about a near perfect blend of light-hearted moments, as well as some more subtle and serious undertones. The plot itself is delicately woven, and complements the charming characters quite well. The overall result is some quiet and relaxed storytelling.

This series, when you boil things down, is about parenting. To be more specific, the series' central focus is on Daikichi's growth as a parent, and how that gradually changes his perspective of many little details around him. While the premise itself sounds simple, the story progresses through Daikichi's new life with Rin in an extraordinarily realistic yet thought-provoking manner.

At the same time, the plot also explores some rather serious themes and ideas, all while balancing in the adorable antics of the cast. Darker themes such as single-parenthood, parents abandoning their children, divorce, and unhappy marriages, are all touched upon in this series. The balance between the serious and goofy moments in this series is superb, although this does somewhat break down near the end of the series.

Usagi drop is a rather unambitious series in a way, where it's not aiming for any sort of grand story. Yet it's the sheer simplicity of the story which makes this series so charming. We see little everyday moments like chopping up ingredients for dinner, or going shopping for a backpack, or jump roping in the local park, that makes for many memorable and charming moments. The chemistry between the main cast is great as well, and is gradually developed through the entire series. You really grow to sympathize with these characters as they grow up, and experience both their joyful and worrisome moments alongside them.

All in all, Usagi drop is a wonderful little slice of life series that was a relaxing and enjoyable watch. It proved to be an endearing series all the way until it's final moments, and brought plenty of smiles and laughter along the way. The anime does get a bit more overdramatic towards the end, yet it's believable enough to strike a chord with most viewers. Usagi drop explores it's themes in some rather clever ways, and has resulted in one of the most down-to-earth yet charming slice of life anime I've seen in a long time.

Animation/Art: 8.5/10

Music: 8.5/10

Setting: 8.5/10

Characters: 9.0/10

Story: 8.5/10

Overall Enjoyment: 8.6/10 (Rounded up to a 9 on MAL)