Baccano! is a story in which events are foretold in a very tarantino-esque manner like the movie Pulp Fiction, but taken to an extreme level that is, the events do not take place chronologically, but rather in a very random and unpredictable order that gradually connects, spanning over years. The word "baccano" itself, is italian which roughly tranlates to "ruckus", which perefectly fits the wild, and rambunctious events that take place.
Baccano starts off as an eerie narration but instantly throws us off after a few minutes into the first episode transitioning into a clusterfuck of events which dont make sense at all, but as you watch more you start to understand what baccano! is actually supposed to be. The story takes place across different parts of the US. The plot consists multiple timelines that gradually piece together as the series progresses forming the ammalgamation known as Baccano!
First off are the early 1930s timelines which consists the journey of "The Flying Pussyfoot", a transcontinental train which leaves on a henious journey across the US with a crazy set of passengers including gangs, delinquents, robbers, and cultists alike with many other surprises. On the flip side in New York, the ambitious scientist Szilard and his peculiar aide Ennis, are looking for missing bottles of the elixirs. In addition, a war between mafia groups is getting worse. There is also the timeline aboard the ship, Advena Avis on which Alchemists are about to learn the price of trying to gain immortality.
The cast of characters that bring Baccano! to life consist from wacky and charming, like the the robber duo of Isaac and Miria, whom spread happiness through their goofy behaiviour and endeavours, the multiple mafia executives from different families such as, Maiza, Luck, Firo, tattoo faced cry baby, Jacuzzi, whom is the leader of a gang, to the straight up murderous, Ladd the hitman, whom basically kills for fun. This set of characters and their companions bring about crazy situations and interactions which proves very entertaining.
The animation is pretty darn good for a late 2000s anime. Character designs are great and the action sequences are very well choreographed.
If Baccano was in a standard chronological order it still would’ve been good but this achronological way of storytelling takes it to another level. The way Baccano! presents itself like a puzzle that the viewer pieces together is very refreshing and works phenomenally in a setting such as Baccano! My only complaint is that it is very short which might be a good thing but I would've liked to see more of these characters. There is also an OVA which has 3 episodes of extra content for whomever may be looking for it.
I highly reccomend everyone to try Baccano! It’s short, snappy and very much binge-able and only 13 episodes!
Overall rating 9/10
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