The story is set in the late 1930's in North America.The story follows a number of charcters and their lives,which basically revolve around the same thing.The place of the plot either takes the place on the contraversially-named train Flying-Pussyfoot or the city known as the base of large mafia families,Chicago.The lives of characters get intertwined accidentaly,or purposely,and the thing that connects them and which the whole story revolves around is the immortal elixir.
Baccano begins its story rather confusingly and slowly,the viewer might find himself in daze because of the large number of characters introduced in first few episodes,as well as the time flips between the plot happening on the train and the one happening a year earlier in Chicago.However,the show comepnsates for its lack of clarity after the few episodes with its various types of interesting characters and their clash of diffirent motives ,as well as tragic back stories.Every character gets their own spotlight and a chance to tell their story,and as the story proceeds it becomes absorbing and leaves you wanting to know more about them.The diversity of characters makes the story,which is intersting for itself given its odd unstereotyical setting ,all the more enjoyable.It can range from bubbly euophoric robbers to witty bloodshedding psychopaths.The only thing that I could against it,are a lot of unnecessary inserted charcters ,which contribute close to nothing to the story and take the space up for the main charcters,which there are MANY,so that there isn't enough screen time for everyone.The one good example of it is the supposedly main character Firo Prochainezo,it makes it real shame for a character like him to show up so rarely.However,all these mistakes don't make Baccano a less enjoyable show,although at the same time ti isn't something I could completely overlook.
Now,what makes this show truly amazing,besides alll the little faults,is the capability of the makers to merge the detective aspect with the supernatural elements and make it fit so smoothly.After reading the synopsys,some may think how the storyline sounds absurd,but actually it makes it more amusing and adds to the complexety of the story.Also,the comedic and light-hearted moments of the show mix perfectly wiht the serious and dark aspect.
However,I wouldn't call this show only amusing,being introduced to a number of diffirent back stories,which takes us deeper behind the motives of characters thus showing us the emotional side of Baccano,beside all the blood-shed and violence it is inundated with.It makes Baccano a truly mind-boggling,exhilirating show that leaves the viewer in awe.
The music of the show is as show itself unique and fits perfectly,though it is not a masterpiece itself,but the imoprtant thing is it contributes to the atmosphere of it.
I have to mention ,having watched Baccano dubbed,I whole-heartedly recommend it to everyone,since it contributes to a very Chicago-esque feeling and gives a new look to the characters with the unique Chicago accent they use.Also,it is one of the rare good dubs out there.
In the end,because of the confusion the first few episodes make,it can leave the viewer without the will to continue.However,this show develops into something so marvelous,that it counterweights the lack of a good introduction.I would also recommend,watching the Baccano specials ,which are a direct contunation of the show and are in my opnion even better,and who loved this show,will love them just as much.
