Beautiful Bones: Sakurako's Investigation

IMDB - 6.8/10 HMTR - 66/100 Episodes - 12

Beautiful Bones: Sakura - A Beautiful Yet Flawed Mystery

"Beautiful Bones: Sakurako’s Investigation" sets out to merge the worlds of forensic science and mystery, featuring Sakurako Kujou, an osteologist with a knack for solving crimes, and her high school assistant, Shotaro Tatewaki. The series promises a blend of intriguing cases and scientific sleuthing, but it doesn't quite hit all the marks.

The premise is undeniably captivating. Sakurako, with her deep fascination for bones, brings a unique angle to the mystery genre. Her partnership with Shotaro, who provides a more grounded viewpoint, creates an interesting dynamic. However, while Sakurako's expertise is fascinating, her character can come off as a bit too aloof and difficult to connect with on a deeper level.

Visually, the anime is a treat. The detailed backgrounds and character designs are beautiful, and the atmospheric, often melancholic tone fits the series well. The animation quality is top-notch, and the soundtrack enhances the overall mood. However, these visual and auditory strengths can't fully compensate for the show's narrative weaknesses.

The episodic nature of the series allows for a variety of cases, but the execution is hit or miss. Some episodes are genuinely intriguing and well-crafted, while others feel rushed or lack the tension needed to keep viewers fully engaged. The mysteries themselves are sometimes overly complex or implausible, stretching the limits of believability.

Character development is another area where the series falters. While Sakurako is intriguing, the show doesn't delve deeply enough into her backstory or motivations. Shotaro, though likeable, often seems to exist mainly to highlight Sakurako's brilliance rather than contributing significantly to the investigations. This imbalance can make their partnership feel one-sided.

Moreover, the series hints at deeper, overarching plotlines but doesn't fully commit to exploring them, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential. The time spent on individual cases sometimes detracts from building a more cohesive and satisfying long-term narrative.

In conclusion, "Beautiful Bones: Sakurako’s Investigation" offers a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating experience, but it struggles with consistency in its storytelling and character development. The intriguing premise and beautiful animation make it worth watching, but it may leave mystery fans wanting more depth and coherence. If you enjoy unique takes on the detective genre and can overlook some narrative flaws, "Beautiful Bones" is still a worthwhile addition to your watchlist.