Baccano!
Synopsis
During the early 1930s in Chicago, the transcontinental train, Flying Pussyfoot, is starting its legendary journey that will leave a trail of blood all over the country. At the same time in New York, the ambitious scientist Szilard and his unwilling aide Ennis are looking for missing bottles of the immortality elixir. In addition, a war between the mafia groups is getting worse. On board the Advena Avis, in 1711, alchemists are about to learn the price of immortality. Based on the award-winning light novels of the same name, Baccano! follows several events that initially seem unrelated, both in time and place, but are part of a much bigger story—one of alchemy, survival, and immortality. Merging these events together are the kindhearted would-be thieves, Isaac and Miria, connecting various people, all of them with their own hidden ambitions and agendas, and creating lifelong bonds and consequences for everyone involved. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Baccano! is a stylish and energetic anime praised for its unique non-linear storytelling, memorable characters, and jazzy soundtrack. However, some viewers find the narrative confusing, the characters underdeveloped, and the violence gratuitous. The series polarizes audiences, with some considering it a masterpiece and others finding it mediocre.
Strengths
- Unique non-linear storytelling keeps the series engaging and avoids downtime.
- Memorable and well-designed characters with unique voices.
- Excellent jazz-themed soundtrack that fits the 1930s American setting.
- High-quality animation, especially during action sequences.
- Successfully blends comedy, suspense, action, and romance.
- The English dub is lauded for its use of accents and slang, enhancing characterization and atmosphere.
- World comes alive, thanks to the animation,music, hairstyles, and clothes all contributing to a viewer's sense of what that era in American history was like.
Weaknesses
- Non-linear storytelling can be confusing and convoluted, lacking thematic reason.
- Some characters are one-dimensional and underdeveloped.
- Violence is sometimes used frivolously and lacks narrative significance.
- The large cast of characters can be difficult to keep track of, with some feeling interchangeable.
- Some viewers find the comedy relief unnecessary and detracting from the serious tone.
- Plot holes and unresolved subplots due to the chaotic presentation.