Bočči the Rock!

A clear winner of the entire winter anime season, and an absolutely amazing and original anime that completely won me over. And not just me, obviously. Everywhere I look, the score doesn't go below 8/10 and the vast majority of reviews are nothing but positive. From a complete underdog, a series that not many people had high expectations for, it has become an absolute treasure and maybe even a future cult classic. But only time will tell. How did this happen and what is it about Bocchi that makes her so great? Well, let's just say that you hardly ever get to see so much love and creativity in a single animated project. In my opinion, Bocchi the Rock is a combination of the best of shows like K-ON! (musical setting), Hitoribochi (a lonely protagonist looking for friends), Watamote (a socially awkward protagonist and general craziness), or even Eizōken (incredibly inventive animation). All this is skillfully combined into a unique experience. It's simply incredible, and some of the gags contain elements and ways of expression that I might not have seen in anime before (well, maybe if I watched, say, Pop Team Epic). They resonate with viewers and lead to the creation of many memorable memes, which then circulate the internet and keep spreading awareness of this excellent work. Bocchi the Rock is also unique in that it's an adaptation that might even be better than the original manga, which I've also had a peek into. While the manga is great, it's really the immense love the authors obviously had for it that has given many of the jokes in the anime an even better punchline, taken them a bit further, or added something new that you won't even find in the manga, but in perfect tune with the overall vibe. The creators not only love the original source but also understand the message that is supposed to be conveyed to the viewer, and what its strengths are. Another important aspect that makes Bocchi the Rock a perfect show and a work that so many people love is the main character herself and her social phobia. The author of the manga obviously knew a lot about this issue and managed to capture the mindset of a person with social phobia in a very creative way and with a good dose of typical Japanese hyperbole, presenting a lot of situations that many people who are not very confident in social interactions will easily see themselves in. In short, a lot of viewers found themselves in Bocchi, feeling all of her worries, and loving the humor with which the show treats them. It might have even helped them find some courage in themselves seeing all that Bocchi has accomplished... However, even for those who don't suffer from phobias, everything is so visually impressive and hilarious that they'll at least have a good laugh and enjoy the heroic struggle Bocchi wages with herself and sometimes manages to win. To be completely honest, in the first episodes, I didn't believe that Bocchi had it in her to carry the whole series. I thought she would get worn out – boy was I wrong! But it's not just Bocchi who is a distinct and interesting character that many will relate to. I've noticed the other three girls in the group (Kita, Yamada, and Ijichi) in various popularity charts, so they obviously have a strong fan base and people are rooting for them, too, just like the protagonist. I don’t find it surprising as it's an original and very memorable group of characters with their own dreams, strengths, and weaknesses. Perhaps the last thing I want to discuss, which makes Bocchi the Rock so great for me, is the animation. I've already mentioned the incredible originality and the plethora of different animation styles and other means of expression, but when I remember claymation Bocchi, or monopoly, I don’t think I have praised it enough. But it's not just that. CloverWorks did such a great job that I’ve seen the best animation of musical instrument playing ever, for example. Hands moving realistically across the fretboard of a guitar, close-ups of the strings, or capturing the rhythm of drumming, it's all there and it looks incredible, mind-blowing, just great. I was about to end my review, but I remembered that I hadn't mentioned the voice actor performances. I just feel the need to say that Yoshino Aoyama's performance was flawless, memorable, and amazing. She gave Bocchi a real personality and captured her social phobia - she really pulled it off. The creative work with the sound is also worth mentioning, such as the great use of ASMR in the last episode. If I had to nitpick, the final performance of Episode 12 didn't feel as strong as those in the other episodes (like the excellent Episode 8). I also had a bit of a problem at the beginning with one of the accompanying musical themes that was heard in the more cheerful passages and didn't seem to fit. It reminded me of the sounds of my Game Boy in the 90s. But those are just minor details in the overall impression. I don’t feel the need to take any points off the rating. It won't change the fact that this is my Anime of the Season and quite possibly my Anime of the Year 2022. Bocchi Rocks! Bocchi Rulez! Give me more Bocchi! 10/10 (24.12.2022) (mniej) (więcej)