Non Non Biyori

Ridicule me if you wish: I openly admit that, despite its general popularity, I am not so in love with soft-focus soothing anime. Whether it is Natsume's Book of Friends, Barakamon or Tamako Market, for example, these and similarly meaningless anime usually fail to satisfy me, because the production company are not able to balance the lack of a strong and coherent plot and suspense with interesting characters, a well-built atmosphere or, for example, good comedy. Therefore, I am all the happier that this time I bet on the right horse and Non Non Biyori managed to offer all of the above. This is sleepy, slow storytelling of events surrounding a newcomer from Tokyo, and several small redneck-girls from a town in the sticks where tanuki raccoon dogs wish you good night. Things that are impossible in Tokyo become a raw reality in the small town. This show offers you good characters, a variety of funny, pleasant or just soothing scenes, and interestingly its tranquil atmosphere works well, like when you realise a single long shot accompanied by well-chosen music, took a minute. It is good to watch especially at the end of the day, and it knows how to make you happy when binge-watching or taking it slow with occasional viewing in small doses. I give it a mere 4 stars. (19.03.2021)