Araki Joh's story BARTENDER tells the story of Ryu Sasakura, an exceptional bartender who uses his knowledge of people and cocktails to aid troubled customers. This simple premise provides an interesting and effective means to explore many aspects of (Japanese) life: the personal crises Japanese people face in their life, along with the history and culture of Japan, all linked together through Ryu providing the right beverage to help the customer gain a better perspective of life.
The series' stories are mainly down-to-earth and simple, an unusual but refreshing change for a genre noted for its larger-than-life adventures. The people are ordinary and realistic, with common problems that we can understand and relate. In addition (and in an unusual contrast), the show employs an unconventional theatrical style: monologues from people that describe their inner thoughts, documentary-style vignettes (usually on drinks) and moody atmospheric scenes; this gives the show a surreal look and appeal, comparable to an unusual cocktail mixed from differing drinks.
However, the show is admittedly a little uneven. The premise – that the right drink can sort out people's troubled lives – requires good writing for this to work, which this show doesn't always provide. At times a few stories aren't written well and thus the show's staged parts make those stories look artificial and contrived. Also, some episodes have a strong emphasis on Japanese culture, which can perhaps confuse and alienate non-Japanese viewers. But these are issues which can be overlooked, for the show generally deals in human beings and their lives and excels in understanding and explaining them.
The animation is rather basic and at best above average, but that's OK; this type of story wasn't meant to have overly stylish visuals. The voice acting is adequate, nothing that stands out but again this isn't a flamboyant show. The music is probably what stands out the most; it's a fairly jazzy and elegant track that sets the urbane and cultured atmosphere of a Japanese bar.
On the whole, it's a show that reflects its title character: rather quiet and catering to a specific audience, but a unique and refreshing experience.
The series' stories are mainly down-to-earth and simple, an unusual but refreshing change for a genre noted for its larger-than-life adventures. The people are ordinary and realistic, with common problems that we can understand and relate. In addition (and in an unusual contrast), the show employs an unconventional theatrical style: monologues from people that describe their inner thoughts, documentary-style vignettes (usually on drinks) and moody atmospheric scenes; this gives the show a surreal look and appeal, comparable to an unusual cocktail mixed from differing drinks.
However, the show is admittedly a little uneven. The premise – that the right drink can sort out people's troubled lives – requires good writing for this to work, which this show doesn't always provide. At times a few stories aren't written well and thus the show's staged parts make those stories look artificial and contrived. Also, some episodes have a strong emphasis on Japanese culture, which can perhaps confuse and alienate non-Japanese viewers. But these are issues which can be overlooked, for the show generally deals in human beings and their lives and excels in understanding and explaining them.
The animation is rather basic and at best above average, but that's OK; this type of story wasn't meant to have overly stylish visuals. The voice acting is adequate, nothing that stands out but again this isn't a flamboyant show. The music is probably what stands out the most; it's a fairly jazzy and elegant track that sets the urbane and cultured atmosphere of a Japanese bar.
On the whole, it's a show that reflects its title character: rather quiet and catering to a specific audience, but a unique and refreshing experience.
