The simple story of Bocchi the Rock! quickly unravels as we learn that Bocchi has had social anxiety for as long as she knew her existence. As it’s shown at the very beginning of the series, Bocchi spent all of her middle school struggling to make friendships, share hobbies, and do what her heart desires. Her anxiety stems from her uncanny disorder of being unable to speak and project confidently in front of people. When in face of one-on-one conversations, it’s shown in her body language as she often darts her eyes left and right, cowers her body as to run or away, and speaks in stuttered ways under the spotlight. The attention to portraying an introvert with social anxiety in this obvious yet subtle way is what makes the show work.
Additionally, the show takes steps to make a distinction between an introvert with social anxiety and a frequent normal introvert. This element of contrast is plainly shown between Ryou Yamada and Bocchi. Ryou, one of the four members of the Kessoku band and one of the main leads of the show, likes being alone as opposed to Bocchi, who desperately seeks connections and friendships despite her social endeavors. Ryou is very much different from Bocchi. Despite that both of them can be categorized as introverts, it’s the ways of their behavior and conduct that separate them. Such as in ways while Bocchi struggles under the spotlight and in social situations, Ryou is absolutely indifferent to social interactions; she speaks when she wants to and when she likes to without any of the traits that Bocchi has. I admit that even though this part of the presentation is not prominent in the show, it’s subtle enough for me to appreciate it and it’s an add-on that makes the show work.
Outside of its characters, the director of Bocchi the Rock! often uses clever and profound visual imagery to convey Bocchi’s inner workings of the mind. Many moments where I found myself surprisingly chuckling or laughing out loud arose from those scenes. Be it the display of pouring water from a pipeline in a non-animation format or an actual sketch drawing animation sequence that was meant to represent the chaotic space of Bocchi’s mind when she goes under social panic attacks; nonetheless, I found this style of directing to be really fun to watch and it serves its purpose to the characters and by extension, the show. Thus, making it really reminiscent of something such as The Tatami Galaxy and the like. While I haven’t read its source material, I have no doubt that this anime adaptation has significantly enhanced the manga that an animation form can and truly produce in extravagant ways.
As I aforementioned at the beginning of this writing, the core of Bocchi the Rock! is the journey of growth, lessons, and emotional maturity in Bocchi throughout the show. In the many instances since Bocchi’s decision to join a band as she has always dreamed of, the show takes notable moments to present the momentous occasions in which she’s in the process of changing and growing. And the scenes comprised of those moments are always dealt with heart and passion from the director, animators, and storyboarders. This is evident in the way how this project is presented in every episode. Every scene of every episode in this show goes the extra mile and a half more than the previous ones and its efforts certainly stand out among the masses. In turn, for the viewers, making it really endearing to watch. At the same time, it’s not easy for Bocchi. This is why we see Bocchi often reverting back to her old self—crumbling under social situations, panicking and overthinking, or stuttering all the same. But the change is still there and we, the viewers, can see it. The same can be said for the rest of the band as well. For all of its members: Ryou, Nijika, and Ikuyo get their moment of reflection as a collective. Which in turn, cultivates their bond as a group, a band, and friends, leading to some of the best and my favorite moments and performances in the show. This is all due to the fact that it’s presented in entertaining ways as well as with heart and passion that’s communicated to the audience.
Bocchi the Rock! is one of those shows that permeate happiness, adrenaline, and excitement, as well as meaningful heartfelt moments in every single episode of its run. The usage of its visuals as a storytelling tool is beyond the limitations and confinements of the usual animation form as it’s utilized in an uncanny fashion that’s filled with flair and mastery directing to produce results. Combined with the absolute devotion and enthusiasm from the staff, their passion and love for the series constantly seep through the show. And that’s what makes Bocchi the Rock! work. It’s more than just your run-of-the-mill Cute Girls Doing Cute Things type of show as some quickly label it as. What makes Bocchi the Rock! a such delightful watch in its entirety is that the show goes beyond its initial genre impression and shall be held above all of its comparisons and the shows alike.
