Review of Black Rock Shooter

Black*Rock Shooter (TV) is a spin-off franchise based on an illustration by -"supercell" member- Huke, which inspired the songwriter of "supercell", Ryo, to create a song for the illustration, which spawned a music video, OVA, an abundance of merchandise, and then this series. The story was originally the brainchild of the director, Shinobu Yoshioka. The script writer of this series is Mari Okada, who many would know of from "Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai." (myself included), "Canaan", "Fate/Stay Night", "Toradora", and many more. She has a style of incorporating Moe into her characters, as well as realistic character interaction, and decidesto focus on the details of feelings, that most people would look over. She also delves into the territory of melodrama, quite often.

This particular series focuses on a slew a characters, which is one of its shortcomings.
The series is only 8 episodes, and there are at least 5 characters to focus on, there's not enough room for explanation, especially when it comes to the melodrama in this series. But I have seen stories handled worse with 13 episode by other writers, so that does show in her ability to write.

The story is incorporated between two dimensions. The idea of the story is based around a story book that the main character has always liked since she was a kid. A little bird flies across different parts of the world, and collects the different colors the world emulates through it's wings. But the bird collects too many colors, and its wings turn brown and gray, then black, and then the bird dies. Sounds like your general everyday nursery rhyme to me (No, seriously, it does)!
Mato Kuroi (alter ego- Black Rock Shooter), Yomi Takanashi (Dead Master), Kagari Izuriha (Chariot), Yuu Koutari (Strength), and Saya Irano (Black Gold Saw). And a few more are introduced along the way.
It's the beginning of the school year for Kuroi. While she familiarizes herself with her new school, she decides to make friends with Takanashi, who she mistakens her name as "Little Bird Games (because of the Japanese pronunciation)".
Takanashi's sister (or friend, or something), Izuriha, is, well, crazy. She doesn't want Takanashi to be friends with Kuroi, because of her conceitedness.
And it basically just snowballs to depression, jealousy, deceit, manipulation, rage, ect.
As you can tell, this show is very depressing. And at times confusing, with plot hole abound.
In the other dimension, it is only stylized fighting with some narration every now and then.
Over the course of the series, you will understand, or at least be given an explanation, as to how the second world is connected to this reality (particularly in the last 2 episodes).

I will say this. The feelings that these characters express, are definitely real ones. We all have had these feelings over our lifetimes, especially during puberty. But that doesn't mean I want to watch a dramatization of those emotions that I have grown out of. Especially when they're as embarrassingly immature as they are.

I wish the writing was dealt with more maturely, despite the characters age. I have met a lot of younger kids, and they are much more mature than these characters, even with the same problems.
One of the biggest problems I have with are the adults in this series, they're even more immature than the children (Which is sadly a truth in this world).
Only an immature adult who cannot level-headedly handle a situation, let alone tackle it at all, could create such a disruption of emotions withing these children.

On another note, the music, the art, animation, and CGI are outstanding. The seiyuu do an excellent job with their respective roles. The direction of the cinematography is very stylish, and sometimes can evoke an emotional response. But there has to be something there to make it impactful. What could it be?
The writing. That is where this series falls short.
I think the series would have done much better if they decided to focus on 1 or 2 characters, build up the story a bit, and not have an emotional breakdown over the most menial things. They could also throw the whole "Other-world" idea out, or just stay in the "Other-world", because no matter what message you send with this anime, you cannot place your burdens on this non-existent entity in true reality.
Enjoy life. Be happy that you have the ability to eat hot food, with clean water, sleep on a soft bed, and have a loving family.
There are so many people in this world who go without, and just because "She isn't paying attention to me" 24/7, does not make it the end of the world. Not at all.
We all have those stages in life, but I don't think we want to see them again.

Despite all of my complaining about the writing, the story is surprisingly entertaining to watch, but extremely shallow and over the top.
So if you want to watch this anime, watch it as a step up from a generic, turn your brain off, thriller.
But the writer makes the story feel more important than it really is, and that will annoy many people who have seen how important stories can be told.
The ending will make an accusation to face all of lifes trials, and that you can never live without pain, or happiness. But there are many stories out there with that explanation, and they are better told stories.
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To conclude, the story is very shallow with many holes, so the water of life will start draining out of it.
But the story is fun to watch, as the art, music, cinematography, acting, and direction are very good.
Watch this as a thriller, with psychological tendencies, and a little heartwarming message at the end, and you'll enjoy it.
Be prepared for the over-dramatic melodrama along the way though, because it's a doozy.

Keep pursuing your dreams! ~ Wynn