Review of Dan Da Dan

Some stories simply work better in an audio-visual format, and Dandadan is an excellent example of this. Clearly, Science Saru deserves praise here, but creativity is challenging to derive from nothing. The source material’s elements offer a wide array of experimentation as it deals with the bizarre, and although the general plot is incredibly fundamental, that’s precisely the reason why the staff is able to add their vivid touch to this adaptation. It’s almost impossible not to notice Yuasa's undertones, from the playful camera angles to distorted character models displaying fluidity in movement, and I’m impressed by how well Yamashiro has handled the narrative flowin his directorial debut. Dandadan creates a balance between its sexual hyperkinetic sequences and the subdued romantic moments of character growth. It’s consistently fresh with its gags as new characters and entities are regularly introduced, all while subtly playing its emotional beats in the background. A variety of clever editing techniques are employed to match scenarios, and coupled with the tonality-specific use of solid colors, Dandadan is visually enthralling throughout. It’s rare to come across anime so bold in style yet contained enough not solely to rely on it, and most of its merit can be attributed to the short arc nature. I’m unsure whether this structure will be sustainable in the long run, but so far, it works well with the rambunctious animation. Kensuke Ushio on the music composition is a total blast as well; his instrumental range heightens the emotional response in both the action and personal set pieces, and the beats are exceptionally coordinated with particular cuts, lighting choices, and character acting. Dandadan exemplifies the multifaceted strengths of the medium, a bonanza of unbounded energy and entertainment.