Usagi Drop: How a slice of life should be like ^__^

Written by Little_Wolf-18 on February 18, 2013 at 1:14 PM

For the longest time after my start-off into the anime world, the tag “slice of life” to me equalled ‘boring’. Heavens though, was I wrong!!!

“Usagi Drop” 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.

“Usagi Drop” is simple and slow; that’s for sure. It’s easy to get into, and it’s 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, there’s one thing it’s not, which is superficial. Instead, it’s 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). It’s 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, “please don’t let this turn into a pedo plot thing”. If you’re having similar worries, there’s no need for those. “Usagi Drop” is one of the rare anime that always manages to tread a delicate line where it comes to people and relationships. It’s just one big picture of genuine familial love--I can’t 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 that’s rare in anime world; e.g. how important family is in raising a child; that it’s by no means easy to do so; but also the happiness the task brings along. Raw familial bonds and emotions are sure to touch people’s hearts, and some comedy adds to the light-hearted feel of the whole show. There’s an entire strong and safe emotional base to it all--in short, it’s 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 it’s 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 “Usagi Drop”. The music is just as simple, but always manages to hit the right string.

“Usagi Drop” is simple--yes. But it’s 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 child’s first teeth on the roof) only makes it better. It’s detailed, and simply unique on many levels; and where some things may be slightly inconclusive, that only makes it truer to real life. There’s 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 you’re 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--it’s awesome. :D