Bungou Stray Dogs has the perfect mix to make it a landmark anime: Gorgeous art direction, original setting, sophisticated plot and colourful characters. Many will agree it is in fact a masterpiece and their arguments may be perfectly valid.
However, the issue with the show lies in its obsessive search for sophistication, only to end up taking itself too seriously. BSD constantly seems to be seeking the mature viewers' approval, only to look self conscious and aware.
Every scene, dialogue and characters ' reactions pursue the purpose of showing their elegance, maturity or wittiness. However, such aspects should always be self explanatory thanks to clever writing and direction, not explicit triggers.
As a consequence, by wanting to appear edgy or deep, BSD ends up being often goofy and superficial.
The characters suffer from this approach and turn out to be quite one dimensional. Rather than being created for the purpose of the story, they seem to exist to fill out preexisting roles around which the plot was only built afterwards.
Moreover, they keep the obnoxious habit of serving vague and philosophical monologs without getting to a specific point. Characters seem to be listening to themselves and trying to appear as tragic as possible rather than advancing the story.
The result is a mountain of clichés served at every sauce depending on the character's uprising.
The production keeps stressing the viewers about how sorry they should feel for the character. This approach is very reminiscent of a Shrek scene where the executioner tells the crowd how to react with a signboard.
Nevertheless, Bungou Stray Dogs remains a quality show. Such critic is worth because of its potential and undeniable quality. The art is a feast for the eyes, the pace is excellent, the plot is clever and its OP & ED are some of the best in the industry.
This only increases the frustration of witnessing a show trying too hard to achieve a certain image or effect.
BSD would have gained to trust itself more and go fully onward without any compromise. The lasting impression is of a show which found an original idea but could not completely let go of certain codes and tools.
This glass ceiling separates great animes from legendary ones. BSD is an interesting anime, possibly a hidden gem. But as a diamond in the rough, it now needs to be polished. Its narration ironically lacks the sophistication it desperately seeks.
BSD need to understand it will only get this image through a thoughtful and patient story telling.
There is elegance in simplicity, it may not be too late to level dialogues and characters and leave them more freedom. It could offer a nice contrast with the already complexed and well written plot.
As it is BSD have solid foundations and obvious passion poured in its story. It is already a promising start.
