Review of Arakawa Under the Bridge

The one word I'd use to describe this series would definitely be "escape". Not necessarily from somewhere, it's more about where you're headed. Most people look past the true depth in this show due to all the slapstick jokes, and gimmicky humor, but there is some subtle beauty in this show that sits right under the surface. The premise of accepting who you truly are as an individual, and not letting social norms effect that idealistic image you strive for is the strongest driving theme throughout the show. Ok, so the story is fairly vague, not much actual "plot" apart from the initial incident of finding thisbridge community, and the various escapades within this curious place. But the show does make good work of making the best out of the small advances we see throughout the show.

Art is very well done, the gradient art style is very appealing, and refreshing. Although you can say the actual character art feels a few years behind, I think it adds to the show as a whole, giving a different feel then more modern art gives off. Overall, I really did think the art was fairly strong throughout.

The sound is ok, not really that memorable apart form the ending song, which I happen to love. It really captures the fragile feel of the anime, and speaks more in emotions and feels than literal meaning. Take that how you want, it's more of a hit or miss sort of thing.

I've seen a lot of criticizing of the characters, especially considering new developments throughout the story. Don't get me wrong, I do thing character development is very importnat in almost all animes, but I give a small exception to this show. The point is less on seeing these characters change, more so to understanding their past, and learn who they are. We get to peel back their obscure exteriors, and understand them in a strangely intimate way, getting a little slice of what makes them need this bizarre community so much.

I really enjoyed this anime a lot. It's one of the most refreshing shows in ages, especially considering how I've been putting off watching it for a good 6 months, I am glad I finally got around to it. I think that one of it's major problems this show has are that people can't get past all the slapstick to really soak up the real genius, and introspective beauty this show has to offer. It's all right there, you just have to be willing to look for it just a little.

Excuse any small mistakes throughout this review, I'm not too good at writing these sorts of things, and thank you if you bothered to read through the whole thing.