Shirobako Review

Shirobako is an interesting and unique anime. This anime is about anime. Or shall I say this anime is about anime production. It is about a group of school  girls in the anime production club that had ambition to make an anime together as professional in the future, in which their dreams are gradually being materialized.

What is unusual about this anime is the general style, that leans more towards reality. The character are not upbeat and cheerful or expressive like other animes, but unusually more realistic and serious. The art work, particularly the drawing of male characters are usually more realistic, similar to the older anime style like Ocean Waves.  Even the background noise is more quiet than usual, again having a sense of realism.

What is unique about this anime is how they do not take into consideration of making the audience understand what is happening in the hustle and bustle of the busy anime production studio. It actually feels like we are there watching everyone doing their work, running up ad down the busy studio, using jargon that we don’t understand and pretty much being overwhelmed by the whole experience. That it self was a risky approach that could actually lose their audience interest, in which I had been tempted to skip this anime because of the fast pace and being clueless what is happening. At the same time, it makes you feel intrigued because it is actually a projection of what work life is really like in the anime production, which is also appreciated. It is pretty much like a reality TV show.

One of the positive aspect is how inspirational the characters are. It is inspiring to watch these girls work hard to achieve their dreams. It also shows how important team work is, from the group of hundred of people just to create an anime, and there is a sense of unity within their team. What I admire about this anime is the amount of wisdom it has in it’s dialogue. The troubles and emotions workers faces, words of wisdom and a supportive atmosphere.

I would suggest this anime to anyone who likes slice of life, work life base and something more realistic and mature. It is certain an anime for the older guys.  All in all, I strongly recommend it.

Score: 7.5/10