Overall Rating
Excellent
Story: 5
Dialogue: 5
Animation: 4
Entertainment: 5
|
For the longest time after my start-off into the anime world, the tag āslice of lifeā to me equalled āboringā. Heavens though, was I wrong!!!
āUsagi Dropā is the tale of a 30-year-old salesman taking in his 6(or so)year old aunt on a whim when nobody else among their relatives seems to care about her. The resulting chaos is subtle, if chaotic at all. Usagi Drop is a simple story of daily adjustments and the forming of familial bonds, and where the main characters sure are thrown together in an odd manner, the resulting drama and emotion are sure to hit the hearts of many out there.
āUsagi Dropā is simple and slow; thatās for sure. Itās easy to get into, and itās easy enough to follow that even a three-year old could watch (provided they understand Japanese, because I have yet to hear news of an English dub). But in all that, thereās one thing itās not, which is superficial. Instead, itās absolutely beautiful--realistic, sincere, and heart-warming. All its simplicity actually helps the deeper parts along, as the problems depicted are real, relatable, and relate well to issues present within modern society (balancing family life and work is only one example). Itās a tale of real life and everyday struggles, and how people find a way to pull through even if things are hard at times.
To be frank, when I watched the first episode, I was eagerly waiting for the next, but with an air of anxiety--aka, āplease donāt let this turn into a pedo plot thingā. If youāre having similar worries, thereās no need for those. āUsagi Dropā is one of the rare anime that always manages to tread a delicate line where it comes to people and relationships. Itās just one big picture of genuine familial love--I canāt recall even one instance where it would have slipped up or gone overboard.
The cast is reasonably small; and the characters may not be much in themselves. They however are individuals, and fully-fleshed out in that; even the children are portrayed realistically, which in no means is an easy task. And character dynamics and development is where this anime shines. The topic of parenthood is approached with a maturity thatās rare in anime world; e.g. how important family is in raising a child; that itās by no means easy to do so; but also the happiness the task brings along. Raw familial bonds and emotions are sure to touch peopleās hearts, and some comedy adds to the light-hearted feel of the whole show. Thereās an entire strong and safe emotional base to it all--in short, itās just an honest anime; tender, smooth, relaxing, and large in heart. If you care for children at all, this will ring true; believe me.
The dialogue is as simple and understandable as the story, but helps the emotion along. It may be flawed at times, yet itās very realistic, and the voice-acting only helps it. Rin is so cute~ XD
The animation may take a little getting used to, as it is as different from most anime out there as can get, but it fits the show very well, and the art, simple as it may be, is expressive and adds a lot of that subtle detail unique to āUsagi Dropā. The music is just as simple, but always manages to hit the right string.
āUsagi Dropā is simple--yes. But itās also detailed, pleasant, heart-warming, and all in all very well thought-out. A tale of family that can be enjoyed by everyone with an attention span; a tale that will ring true if you care for children at all; and one that makes you think about yourself and the little things in life. That it portrays some unique feats of Japanese culture on a side-line (e.g. throwing a childās first teeth on the roof) only makes it better. Itās detailed, and simply unique on many levels; and where some things may be slightly inconclusive, that only makes it truer to real life. Thereās the manga for those who want the full closure, but it takes quite a time jump where the anime ends, so some fans might find it to have lost its flavour somewhat (just saying).
Short, but definitely aimed at those with an attention span, but definitely one of the most beautiful anime out there as well! If youāre not just into gangsters, ecchi, and action only, but are looking for something heart-warming and inspiring instead, grab a cup of tea and give this a spin--itās awesome. :D
|