Baccano!

Baccano! is an anomalous and intriguing anime television series from 2007-2008. It is based on Ryōgo Narita's award-winning light novel series of the same name. Created by Brain's Base studio and directed by Takahiro Omori, the series consists of 16 episodes, including three DVD-only episodes.

In Italian, Baccano means 'ruckus' or 'chaos' and this is an apt eponym for a bewildering roller-coaster of a narrative that offers a non-linear and multi-layered storytelling experience. As a unique blend of period drama, crime thriller, and supernatural fantasy, the series takes place primarily within the years 1930-1932 but dips its toes into several other time periods. The action primarily circulates amongst three temporal settings: an infamous transcontinental train journey on the 'Flying Pussyfoot' in 1931, mob warfare in New York City in 1930, and an alchemical incident involving the quest for immortality on a ship in 1711.

One of the most captivating features of Baccano! is its extensive kaleidoscope of characters, including bootleggers, thug mafiosos, thieves, assassins, alchemists, and other eccentric individuals. There are essentially no defined primary characters in the series. Instead, the narrative picks up pieces of numerous interconnected stories, each told from the perspective of its own characters. This unrestricted narrative structure allows viewers to perceive the diverse portrayals of the same event, resulting in a complex storyline that unravels like a knotted string.

The notorious train journey is the closest to a central plot; the other two main subplots interconnect through characters and their often past or future actions. Food for thought, the narrative displays unconventional storytelling techniques reminiscent of movies like Pulp Fiction. Paralleled with a gripping storyline, viewers are offered a complex world of contrasting personalities and rich interactions.

In terms of its genre, Baccano! is an amalgamation of a multitude of elements. The series stirs in elements of action, black comedy, horror, and supernatural phenomena, as well as intense elements of mystery and suspense. The complexity and intricacy of the plot are balanced with ample comic relief and character-driven humor.

Character development is another unique aspect of Baccano! Despite there being a plethora of characters, each character possesses their unique stories, making them compelling and engaging. From immortal alchemists to make shift boxers, every character has something to offer to the viewer in terms of entertainment, thrill or intellectual intrigue. Their actions and decisions contribute to the forward momentum of the plot, and their individual tales intertwine, interject, and interact in unexpected ways to form the grand narrative of Baccano!

Aesthetically speaking, Baccano! is a visual treat. It exhibits an artistic style reminiscent of film noir and the art deco designs of the early 20th century, perfectly capturing the zeitgeist of the, seemingly chaotic, yet oddly harmonious world of the 1930s in America. Graphic violence, including blood splattering fights and intense gunfights, contributes to the mature appeal of the show.

Punctuating the fast-paced action and complex narrative is a masterful use of music. Baccano! employs a jazz-filled soundtrack that fits the time period flawlessly, setting the mood with every change of scene and helping to dramatically enhance the viewing experience. The opening theme, "Gun's & Roses" by Paradise Lunch, stands out for its exceptional pace that provides an energetic rhythm to the narrative's developments.

In summary, Baccano! is no ordinary anime. Its narrative complexity, the richness of its character development, and its vibrant aesthetic draws you into a world of clandestine liaisons, dark humor and immortal characters. With an intricate mixture of genres, the show interrogates the notions of immortality, time, and the chaotic order of the universe. This anime showcases an unpredictable and unforgettable ride through the world of the Prohibition era. A journey where every event is equally as significant as another and every character has an essential part to play in the universal 'ruckus' that is Baccano!.