Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju

Similar to the Erased anime series, Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju has a very mature feel and could just as easily be described as a movie divided into parts rather than an anime series. It could easily be a biopic though I am not sure if the main male protagonist of this anime series is a real character. Yet he seems to be, and his narrative is slowly and gradually revealed to us in a very interesting and engaging form. It is like a real story about a real artist in the real world. Moreover, it is not just about the artist, however, it is about art itself, which is humorous storytelling - Rakugo, in this case. This is where the anime's creators do a brilliant job because the performance of each act is absolutely breathtaking! The mimicry, the monologue of the performer telling the story, and his expressions are all very convincing. A person who has never heard of something like Rakugo in his life will very quickly understand what this particular art is all about and what there is to admire about it. The characters are very believable, their problems and internal strife are quite real, and virtually all of them are very easy to watch. As a fellow reviewer on FilmBooster writes, they are endearing characters. Lastly, I (like my fellow reviewer) can confirm that both the visual and musical coat in which this spectacle is dressed up in looks very good and fits well. Summing up, this is a very good anime series that does not get boring, although it could (not everyone likes "biopics"), and offers a performance that I could not fault. In other words, it is very good, interesting and intelligent. 9/10. (10.01.2016)

As expected, this anime series has easily maintained all the qualities I previously enjoyed and has gained more intensity in terms of content. Thus, Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju (I am speaking generally about both seasons) has become a real treat that even the most discerning viewers of dramatic anime series are going to appreciate. It is also a perfect introduction to the art of Rakugo itself. The beauty of which has to be understood by anyone with the minimum cultural sensitivity. I can appreciate all the enthusiasm of some reviewers and many others on various anime forums because this really deserves nothing but five stars, in my opinion, for its depth (of story and emotion), acting, visuals, and soundtrack. This is art which is about art. (27.03.2017)