"Bakumatsu Rock" was a Historically Inaccurate Accident Waiting to Happen
Ah, "Bakumatsu Rock". At the start of the season, I was really excited to watch this lovely piece of work -- mainly for the music since I am a big fan of animes in that genre. However, what I got wasn't quite what I expected.
Meet Sakamoto, Ryoma. Your average guy? No. Troublemaker -- Maybe. Loud, annoying guy who permanently holds a place in your Death Note? Ah. Yup. That's the one. This Ryoma pales in comparission to the actual historical figure he represents (though, what kind of historical accuracy did this show have in the first place?). Set in the Bakumatsu era, 19th century, Ryoma has acquired an instrument called the guitar. With it, he wants to spread his passion for rock across the country. However, such a feat is close to impossible, for the government has baned any music but theirs; Heaven's Song, a work of art used to pacify the people and control the country. Through a lot of mishaps and a chain of events, Ryoma meets two other rockers who know the person who gave Ryoma his guitar. From there, Ryoma's journey begins.
Ryoma is voiced by Taniyama, Kishou (known for many characters including Jean Kirstein [SnK] and Shinomiya, Natsuki [Utapri]). I was suprised by his take on Ryoma, I'd never really heard Taniyama's voice like that. Not only was he a believable rocker, but his voice can seriously knock out the heavens (heh. Get my joke?). Boy can that man sing! I'm not going to talk about the other character cause I don't know them as well, but all the main characters' voice actors did a wonderful job!
Now. The thing I hate most about Bakumatsu is the historical inaccuracy. This is the 19th century. How in the world did they have microhpones in 1853! And the all time unnanswered question -- WHERE THE HELL IS RYOMA'S AMP?! *cough* Excuse me *cough* Another quite unfortunate this is that fact that the animation sometimes switched to 3D during the instrumental part of songs. This really saddened me because 3D animaton really hasn't progressed enough to do this without it looking odd. I also have to say that giant rockets (almost rocket ships) most definitely did not exist in Japan at this time either. This is all.
"Bakumatsu Rock" did, however, imply deep messages on the off occasion. The main message is a tribute to the real Sakamoto Ryouma who changed Japan in an unbelievable way. This story is mostly about doing away with an opressive government (with the power of rock and magical tattoos). Friendship plays a big part in this series (more like loyalty), but besides these rare cases, the show is basically just comedy relief.
If you're looking for an anime to waste you time on, here you go. Pick up "Bakumatsu Rock", keep your expectations low, and have a good watch. The comedy and artstyle will keep you coming for more. This is a trap, though. The prettiest fish isn't always the yummiest (and I don't even eat fish). This anime is dangerous for those who get bored quickly, and those who look for a good, sophisticated anime. Like I said, this anime's only purpose is to be a comic relief. And with that out there, I can say I disliked this anime very much! I had high expectations, but what I was met with was rather disappointing.
Story - 4
Good enough for a silly anime with no purpose, but almost trailing on the end of "childish."
Art - 6
The artwork was actually very lovely. Nice tones (almost No Game No Life-esque), plain scenery, and sexy men. The men are on the more buff side (I like lean men). Again, there were 3D animations mixed amound the regular 2D, and that just wasn't very appealing.
Music - 8
The music is pretty good. The voice actors do a great job of singing. I can't say it's real rock, though. This anime says that they got their rock from America, but it sound more like modern Japanese rock than anything (which I love dearly). The lyrics aren't all that deep, but nonetheless singable.
Character - 6
The only thing you need to know about the characters is "passion, passion! Let's rock out guys. It's like the best thing evar!!!" That's basically all the development given.
Enjoyment - 5
So very let down. It was around the third episode where I started becoming disinterested in the series. However, I was already too far in to quit. So I kept on watching, and here we are today.
Overall - 5.8
This anime is very average in terms of basic plot, story line, and characters. It's nice for an adaption of a video game (cause they always seem to mess those up), but not for me.
*Anime in External Link
On a lighter note -
My Ship: RyomaxCindy
Favorite Song: 残響 -feedback-
Favorite Character: Okita Souji
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Anime Reviews
RandomIn this book, I'll be reviewing several animes from the first episode, to the last, and then putting up a review of the anime as a whole. My goal is to take a creative step in reviewing anime, as well as let you experience my emotions with me. Whate...
