** Spoilers marked below **
The story develops from the perspective of the main character, Hitori, who suffers from social anxiety. Just minutes into the first episode, the number of relatable memories and her energetic inner monologue fastly strike. Hitori is a character that instantly clicks from her humorous delivery and her recognizable attitude. The animation and the voice acting just further enforce her particular personality. The series fully utilizes all the elements to showcase that she is none other than Hitori. Furthermore, the series uses its social anxiety to be unpredictable. The narrative is smart because it uses the fight between her vision and reality, connecting her deeper insecurities to realistic yet unexpected consequences, and using imaginative and energetic visual gags to visualize her emotions.
While Hitori is clearly the star of the show, what I consider truly great is the approach to the rest of the cast. Usually, anime related to social anxiety can become pandering and victimizing, reducing contemplation and striving for wishes. However, Bocchi's friends develop realism, quality comedy, and lessons. Ryo's hilarious introversion teaches the contrast between being an introvert to social anxiety, a usual confusion among those who don't recognize their condition. Nijika humanizes the perspective of outgoing people, clarifying their struggles, worries, and motivations. Kita's perspective defines a horizontal relationship to Bocchi, showcasing another point of view from inexperience. The group's dynamics are just fantastical because they work humanly. They are reminiscent of any conversation you could have with your friends, a beautiful compromise between reality and anime.
Also, it is hard to decide which girl is your favorite, trust me.
The direction of this anime is another strength. The camera positions are creative and purposeful, the usage of perspective and depth is impactful and meaningful, that fish lense with Bocchi approaching the group is fucking majestic, and the timing to the visual gags of Bocchi has been nailed (Anya would be envious). More importantly, the characters of this anime emanate a ton of life. Their walk, their voice, their eyes, their clothes folding, everything stems from intentionality.
**
The scene at the concert. Nijika is trying to empower Bocchi with her smile and looking for words to motivate her, moving her eyes to double-check her response, mesmerizing. The band is talking in the background, delivering life and portraying another point of attention, ambiance. Bocchi fixed to a corner, reflecting on her flaws, mistreating herself, feeling awkward, and anxious. The song starts playing, and Hitori realizes her determination, connecting to Nijika's words. She firmly breaks the ice, while the concert is still playing in the background. The sequence is so simple and yet so effective. It is enough to make you fall completely to Nijika, cheer for Bocchi, laugh at the punch, and feel a cathartic flow of memories from the past. This scene is Bocchi the Rock's experience. Empathetic, comedic, and creative.
**
Bocchi the Rock! is just a product overflowing with love and care. The themes make sense and they develop organically and fruitfully. You cheer for each one of the characters and you are charmed by each one of their attributes. This anime is superb, and the first three episodes have been nothing but excellent.
As a PD: Many people would compare this anime to K-On, which is a shallow comparison. The anime is way more natural than K-On could ever be, the approach is totally different.
