“Buddy Daddies” is a comedy anime series that follows the story of Kazuku and Rei, two hitmen who find themselves taking care of a young girl named Miri. The series is an action-packed adventure that explores themes of family, loyalty, and the bonds that can be formed between unlikely companions. This series is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Buddy Daddies is a true gem of a series that manages to be heart-warming, funny, and thought-provoking in equal measure. It tells the story of two hitmen, Kazuki and Rei, and a child, Miri. On one of their jobs, they kill Miri’s father and end up taking her in.
The story follows how we can find family in the unlikeliest of places. Whether cooking meals and cleaning the house, looking for the best daycare for Miri, or balancing their jobs, Kazuki and Rei do their best to provide a loving and stable home for her.
As we go further into the series, we see that Miri becomes an unlikely catalyst for the change and growth of the two characters who are dealing with their own grim past experiences. At its core, Buddy Daddies is a story about the power of connection and how we can find healing and redemption through relationships, even when we resist them.
It delves into some heavy and complex themes, exploring the impact of traumatic experiences on two characters who initially resist emotional connections. The found-family dynamic that is heartwarming and poignant, providing a sense of hope and optimism even in the face of tragedy, is just a cherry on top.
Lighthearted and Goofy
Despite the heavy subject matter, the show manages to balance darkness and light, offering moments of hope and warmth amidst the pain and suffering. The comedic timings of the show are on point, which makes the show more lighthearted, goofy, and easy to watch, making you laugh throughout. The show delves into humor flawlessly, giving a welcome break from the darker themes of the anime.
We see the characters come together to form a makeshift family, navigating their messy pasts and learning to rely on each other in the present. It’s heartwarming to see the men take on the challenge of caring for a child, even though they have no prior experience or knowledge of how to do so.
The characters themselves are deeply flawed and damaged, but their struggles feel authentic and grounded in reality, making them all the more relatable. What makes the anime stand out is the significant character growth. The anime exceeds our expectations by portraying a usually stoic and intimidating character, Rei, as a tender and caring father for Miri.
It is a testament to how even the toughest of exteriors can be softened in the presence of love. We also see Kazuki, who is deeply troubled by his past, finally find peace and learn to forgive himself. We see his journey towards self-acceptance and happiness as he attempts to look after Miri. It’s a refreshing portrayal of the lengths people will go to care for those they love.
Although the anime slowed down in the middle, with certain episodes feeling like filler or not contributing much to the overall plot. While the beginning of the anime is engaging and fast-paced, the few episodes in the middle seem a little unnecessary. However, despite these challenges, the anime still manages to give us an emotional rollercoaster ride.
Emotionally gripping and visually stunning
The scene that absolutely stole the show was when Kazuki wrapped a scarf around Miri and left her with her mother. The anime draws a parallel to the first episode, where he did the same with a stray kitten. The words he spoke, “Sometimes it’s kinder not to get involved,” reveal his inner turmoil about getting attached to Miri and the risks it poses.
Kazuki and Rei both understand the danger their jobs bring and the possibility of failure in their mission to protect Miri. They learn that letting go is significant, even if it’s painful. It’s a heartbreaking moment that shows the depth of their love for the child and the difficult choices they have to make.
Regardless, the animation, graphics, and music in Buddy Daddies are nothing short of exceptional. The attention to detail is evident in every frame, from the fluidity of movement in action scenes to the subtle expressions on characters’ faces.
The music also plays an integral role in the show, setting the tone and heightening the emotional impact of key moments. Like the groovy jazz music playing in the background of their action-packed fight sequences. Be it the shootout scenes or the action, it has been flawlessly executed, enhancing the storytelling and providing an immersive and unforgettable viewing experience.
Verdict
The anime delivers a heartwarming story about a found family with top-notch animation, graphics, and music. Even in the darkest moments, there is a sense that things will eventually get better and that all the characters will find the peace and happiness they so desperately crave. It’s a message that resonates with viewers of all ages and backgrounds.
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