Why you should watch it: Because despite all the crap that Japan produces, occasionally they can make something that is truly sublime and endearing.
Usagi Drop is a story about what it means to be a parent. Daikichi is a thirty-year-old bachelor living an ordinary life as a Japanese salaryman, when his maternal grandfather dies. Attending the funeral with his family, he is surprised to discover his grandfather left behind an illegitimate daughter about five years old. The rest of the family wants nothing to do with this strange and embarrassing little girl, but Daikichi discovers that he feels a closer connection with her than with the selfish motivations of his relatives. This is an anime with no fanservice, no mechas, no idiotic teenage protagonist, and no bizarre otaku references. It's just a well-told story with likable and believable characters, beautiful art and music, and solid direction. And it's the kind of story you don't often see done in anime, especially not done this well.
Who made it: The anime was produced by Production I.G., and its relatively high budget shows in every frame. Don't make the mistake of thinking that just because it isn't an action show, the visuals are boring. The animation is energetic and full of little touches that illustrate character. The background art uses an eye-pleasing watercolor style that fits the tone of the show perfectly. The short segments before the opening are particularly beautiful with the way they use an exaggerated watercolor type of shading on the characters themselves. And the opening itself is a unique and playful imitation of child-like drawings and collages.
The direction is not particularly flashy but that doesn't mean it's simple. Director Kanta Kamei deftly uses visual cues and symbols to support the underlying characterization and themes of the script. He allows the characters to breathe and grow in front of our eyes without excessive stylistic flourishes. In particular the show makes great use of camera angles and perspective to develop both the connections and the gaps between the worlds of children and adults.
The sound work is simple but effective. The music, from Suguru Matsutani, who also composed for Nodame Cantabile, is beautiful and often features melodic strings and piano without ever becoming overbearing.
Where to watch it: The entire 11-episode series can be watched for free on Crunchyroll
http://www.crunchyroll.com/usagi-drop
NOTE: This thread is for discussion of the anime series. Visit the manga thread if you wish to discuss the separate manga series.
ANY MANGA DISCUSSION WILL GET YOU BANNED.
