I love how you are always half a year late to whatever show you are talking about, but still manage to add something new to the discussion or have an interesting perspective.
How about half a century? The motivation to do this WHOLE adaptation of a 4-panel manga, is probably willingness to actually adapt the manga Shiori Expereince, but that would pretty much be permanently in copyight limbo for its expensive real-life music references. Cardinal West amkes a compelling argument that Disney did a similar thing with Fox and The hound, couldn't secure the license they wanted, so they made the same film on the premise of ANOTHER novel, that being Fox and the Hound. The wild artistic trappings are following along the lines of early Studio Shaft and Pani Poni Dash, while possibly getting some sparks from Excel Saga and one sort of an early Vtuber anime called gdgd Fairies. Also notable are transgressive 2010's gag anime like Ai Mai Mii.
@golovkaanna8757 That may be true, but I think at least in this case this video and its release date can more so be attributed to the fact that Kyle (I have no idea if that's their actual name, but I'll just go with it) has other things going on besides RUclips and still puts so much effort into these videos, thus delaying their release. That's atleast what I am guessning, if you want an actuall answer you are going to have to ask the man himself.
He keeps the discussion alive. Or at least revives it short term. Thats in some ways more valuable than adding a bit of steam to the rolling bandwagon.
I also think it's important to distinguish introversion and social anxiety. Ryo is an introvert that has no problems with social interaction, she just wants to avoid them where unnecessary. Bocchi on the other hand isn't just an introvert, she has crippling social anxiety to the point where it significantly affects her ability to exist in society. You can accept your being introverted but still have social anxiety being in the way of trying to make actual connections.
That’s a great point. I actually think dealing with social anxiety is the central theme of the show. It’s what actively holds Bocchi back and what she needs to overcome/cope with (even though she doesn’t consciously realize it). And it gets into a vicious loop where she feels social anxiety which keeps her from interacting with others, which hurts her self-esteem, which makes her socially anxious, etc. This part is so accurate to real life and I think that’s one of the reasons it’s ultra relatable.
To add to this of introversion≠social anxiety, and for the ones who haven't read the manga, not long after the point the anime ended at the character of Ohtsuki Yoyoko is introduced (she actually does appear in the anime but isn't properly introduced until later) who is an extrovert, at first appearing to be a polar opposite of Bocchi: imposing, loud, and thrives in the spotlight, but suffers from the same social anxiety and lack of confidence as her. Despite being extroverted and infinitely more outgoing than Bocchi, Yoyoko has even harder of a time forming connections and doing proper socializing.
That seems to be very purposeful since Kita is an extrovert with Anxiety but Nijika is extrovert who is 100% comfotable in social interaction, giving us the full spectrum between these two traits ^^
Yep, she suffers from a mental illness and the show is about her trying to overcome it. It's like 3-gatsu but with social anxiety instead of depression. In both cases would be better if the MC just got some therapy but it's satisfiying af seeing them take the harder path.
It's an absolute masterpiece. After finishing it, I couldn't stop thinking about it, so I just watched it once again right after and wasn't bored once. And I was even going to watch it a third time immediately after, but I had to stop myself as to not get burned out
@@raven75257 same. I watched all the episodes twice when it was airing and watched it 2 more times after. 1 more time when I had to study for a stressful exam to sort of act as a background noise.
Introvert here. I want to be alone, but I don't want to be lonely. I value the time I spend in isolation, but I don't want to feel sick and uncomfortable around others and eventually ruin their mood, and I blame myself for being that way. That's why I relate with Bocchi.
A word for the show: "Wow." I started the show at 21.7.23. Finished it at midnight on 22.7.23. The following week, I suddenly was a person who played the guitar.
Something the show did really well was start by having hitori state a clear goal. She decides she wants to change, and makes a three part plan. Get good at guitar, form a band, perform at the school festival. If she does that everyone will acknowledge her and her anxiety can go away. Over the season we see that plan was magical thinking. Hitori accomplishes all three things but she’s still “the crazy rocker chick” to her classmates. Instead her moments of personal growth came from taking a hard look at herself and challenging her habits. From forcing herself to look a customer in the eye, to leading the band with a killer solo. Those were the real work of her growth. The show ends with the line “time to get back to work.” Even though she met her three goals, she recognizes she still has room to change and there was no magical solution. It’s such a honest and sympathetic depiction of mental illness. I love this show.
Mental illness? I don't think either introversion and social anxiety is mental illness. They are just traits of one's personality. Mental illness is something like schizophrenia or whatever.
@@zigzag8392 Yes, and clearly Hitori suffers because of it and admits as such when her sister says that Hitori is a pain in her own A**. Hitori knows that she needs to be able to interact with people because the alternative means being a shut-in. She will always be an introvert, but if she can deal with her S.A. it will be a huge step forward for her.
@@hieioni3354 it is, look it up. things are considered a mental illness/disorder when it interferes significantly with your ability to function normally, or causes you great distress. Social anxiety does both to Bocchi. People can have mild social anxiety and not have a disorder, but in Bocchi’s case it definitely is one
This show is the best representation of social anxiety that I’ve ever seen. Though exaggerated for comedic effect, the situations and the mental gymnastics and absurd hyper-fixations that Bocchi goes through are very similar to my own experiences living with and trying to work on my own social anxiety.
"She spends most of the time trying to be anything but herself, because that's what you would do if you thought you were broken for being the way you are" ✍🔥🔥🔥 bro cooked so hard with this line and all the surrounding analysis.
It's genuinely so cool that you make your own music for these videos. Most people prob wouldn't notice that, but I think for me that's why these vids feel so special. Keep up the great work bro!
"There is a difference between thinking of change as improvement and thinking of it as repair" Right in the feels, holy shit. Really love the points you made in this video, editing is fun, and the segment of you talking from personal experience really resonated with me. As a person with severe social anxiety and Hitori Bocchi levels of self-confidence, thank you!!! for binging up the idea of Hitori not being "broken" and "someone who needs to be fixed", but rather a fully-functioning complete person, let it be a little too anxious when met with social interations - this is something I still struggle with and hearing that makes me more optimistic about myself🙇♀️ Great video as always, keep up the good work!!
I just loved the chemistry of the characters, and how they just fit with each other so well Bocchi is the Unconfident, and introverted one While Ryo is the Confident and introverted one Kita is the Extraverted but unconfident one And Nijika is the Extraverted and confident one All of them complete each other, and all of them fit together like a puzzle piece Even if you don't relate to bocchi, I'm sure you'll relate to the other characters This anime was phenomenal, and even though bocchi made me feel like I was getting hit by a semi truck because of how relatable she was, I would 100% go through that pain again, because this anime was amazing
13:04 "Bocchi started on this journey because she wanted to shine as the person she is, but she spends most of the time in her band trying to be anything but herself. And, of course she does. Cos that's what you would do if you thought you were broken for being the way you are." That made me pause the video for a moment, hit me hard.
I don't know if you will ever see this, but I hope you are doing okay out there. You make some of the best video essays on the platform and an update from you would be great, much love
I finally got to watch Bocchi The Rock a few weeks ago, it's quickly become a new favorite of mine, especially with how much I relate to Hitori, I get so anxious about going places but I also want to be able to socialize with others as well and even fantasize about similar things she does like performing on stage, and after watching this anime it makes me want to try harder to find a good group of people who I can actually connect with while also being accepted the way I am. And I love how no one ridicules Hitori for being anxious, there are people out there who have a hard time understanding what someone with anxiety is going through so they can get a bit harsh. We need more people like Nijika, Kita and Ryo out there who try to make Bocchi comfortable with being social. Like when Bocchi was freaking out when Kita mentioned the idea of starting a personal social media account, Kita understands that she's not comfortable with the idea and tells her that she doesn't need to if she doesn't want to instead of peer pressuring her. Then when Nijika apologizes to her for dragging her into working with her at Starry without actually asking her first and wanted to make sure she was actually comfortable with it. These characters are so well done and lovable and it I look forward to seeing more of them.
This is by far the best Bocchi video essay I've ever seen. The video may have been late but it is by far the most insightful one. And the message by the end of the video hit me hard. I genuinely love this video so much.
One of the most concise, summarized, clear, and meaningful video essays on the platform. Instead of just 30 minutes to 2 hrs of throwing around ideas, or going from topic to topic, leaving the viewer confused with no ending thesis. If there is no thesis or point to be made, then there is no reason to have an essay that long in the first place.
As someone that started learning how to play drums and other percussion instruments during my own middle school years, I can say from personal experience and observation of my peers around me, that the skills that the members of kessoku band develop during the time period presented in the story is actually not too far off for the people that are dedicated to the practice (at least in an area that heavily supports musicians). Bocchi's talent for the guitar is the product of multiple years of exclusive honing because of her shut-in life, so naturally she gets to show off more for it compared to the others. As individual players it's very realistic on that front for people that take music performance seriously at that age. Playing in an ensemble of any kind is different than playing alone, which is something that they also touched on briefly when they first got the gang (minus Kita, iirc) together. It definitely takes a different type of practice to get the handle on that, but if you're already a talented musician, adapting to an ensemble setting isn't all that difficult to do over the period of a month at most. I can agree that the fake audition was a little convenient, though I can see it in Seika's character to support Nijika and her friends where she can, so giving them that chance and the taste of a live performance was definitely needed. Also the nepotism thing is unfortunately a problem. I can attest to the feeling of wanting to get to that next performance after I did my first, so it's a great motivator, as you mentioned. The most unrealistic part about all of this is that the band needed a guitarist. Normally it's the drummer that people are looking for and sometimes you'll see one drummer take on gigs with multiple groups because of that. So for a bassist and a drummer to be in need of a guitarist, that's the most unrealistic part of the musician side of the story, since more likely the guitarist(s) and bassist are in need of a drummer. I do agree that it's mostly focused on the emotions of the story more than anything but they still managed to nail an accurate depiction of early, dedicated musicianship. The show just kind of hits me differently because her story is incredibly similar to my own life until I didn't join a rock band in high school I joined a variant of musical theater blended with percussion ensemble. Also my motivation wasn't to try and become sociable or popular it was to find some way to express myself emotionally and music became that medium, and it's helped me figure out how to express those emotions and ultimately come to the conclusion that I just need to do the best that I can do and not try to be the best at what I'm not. What I am is an introvert with an affinity for music, games, literature, and a few other artistic mediums. I bear a social anxiety that leans me into the direction of avoiding large gatherings but I can come out of my shell if I need to or if the environment around me (the people that openly accept me for who I am) lures me out of it. What I'm not is someone that goes to bars and parties and events with the goal of making connections and finding friends, or the person that seeks to be the center of attention. I don't have a desire or longing for extended discussions outside my interests or small talk with the stranger behind me in the line at the grocery store. There's nothing wrong with that and while I may not have found out where I want to go yet, I certainly know who I am and what I can do, hopefully the road forward makes itself apparent to me in some way soon. In retrospect, past me would have LOVED to be part of starting a rock band in high school regardless of success, the issue was that the musical environment I was in was mostly other percussionists, which meant I knew a lot of drummers. I ran into a few bassists over those years but no guitarists... wait a second... maybe I was wrong about the idea of a drummer and a bassist needing a guitarist...
Honestly, as an amateur guitarist It seems that Bocci should be better than she is after the 6 hours a day/3 years of practice the show specifies. Also, Guitar, loneliness, and blue planet sounds downpicked to me on the rhythm, and Kita would not be able to play that fast using that technique with less than a year of practice, in my opinion. TLDR bocci should be better and kita worse unless the show lied about how much they have practiced.
13:50 This specifically is something I feel a lot of people missed, or didn't know how to put to words when reviewing this show (including myself). It always bothered me when people talked about Hitori picking up guitar as something of a quick-fix to getting popular. She was struggling with crippling anxiety which resulted in loneliness that made her feel worthless. Picking up guitar didn't just give her hope that she'd be able to gain friends, but she wanted to feel like she wasn't worthless. Hence all the gags about her profusely apologizing for being an inconvenience crawling and not bringing up being Guitar Hero to her band mates, or anyone. It didn't "fix" her and she doesn't feel worthy of any of the attention/praise/company that she has.
It's a show full of good people. Some goofy, some awkward, some odd...but all of them kind. The kind of people I've never had the fortune to meet even once in my 30+ years of life. If I have a regret...it is missing out on that. I love this show dearly. For its humor, for its creativity, and most of all, for its heart. I love it. And I always will. Great video!
i like your analysis, but personally i think bocchi is a socially awkward extrovert who says she's an introvert because she conflates the two, which is an easy trap to fall into and one i had for years. becoming more confident made me realize that i need social interaction and hate doing stuff alone, that doesnt mean i need to be the center of attention but i do like talking to people and making new friends, bocchi seems the same way to me. being an extrovert doesnt mean you need to be like kita, i'd say kitas fatal flaw is she's over reliant on others approval and pushes herself to the extremes of extroversion to seek it. bocchi and kita almost feel like the same problem but mirrored, thats even what the lyrics to constellation make me think of
the manga gets into this more but kitas constantly thinking and saying that she wants to be more like hitori and that she envies her, and not just her talent
Bocci found in herself one talent that could actually save her from being a disaster. If not that, I guess it would be hard to like her for just literally anything. All her friends appeared because she had a guitar. Main point of this anime, if you ask me, that you have to have some trait people will like you for. Nobody likes silent people just because they exist, especially guys who struggle to communicate.
Amazing video, thank you so much for making this. Bocchi is great and emotional and cute and she's so wonderful. This video perfectly encapsulated that, it was very very well made. I am going to watch Bocchi again now. Thank you again!
All the band members are great and emotional and cute and wonderful. This is part of why having female representation in the people behind media production is so important, the end product can be a higher volume of authentically engaging female characters. Of course not to say male authors can’t write engaging female characters, but with someone like Hamaji Aki it’s more likely
You and me both. It's the reason I picked up the guitar again, after a major head injury. I used to be quite good, but it's much more difficult now... but if an anxious, messy person can do it... then I can, too. It resides in my head, rent-free, always reminding me when I wander off the path.
Watching this vid, a phrase jumped into my mind. I don't know if anyone's said or thought it before, but that doesn't matter. "If you look at the wrong assembly guide, you'll think so many parts are broken." If you try to envision an extrovert with no mental health issues, infinite confidence, and all the social skills on earth, and then see all the introverted parts of yourself, as Bocchi did, you'll try to "fix" what can't be fixed; You looked at the wrong assembly guide.
There was something about BTR that hits different. How the show ended with Bocchi being the same unlike, what you have pointed, other shows where the protagonist becomes unrecognizable in the end. I really love your point about doing this and that to improve vs to "repair yourself" you've kinda made me understand a bit more why scenes of this anime keep playing in my head during my daily struggles irl. Well said, and well made. One thing's for sure, this anime may not impact many but to those that it does, deeply.
I will always stand for this show. It's easy to throw in loads of money and overwork your animators to make beautiful animation and art. But passion, I feel, is what pushes a good anime into something great. From expanding the adaptation of a 4 panel manga, giving free creative reign to it's animators, to making an entire album. I felt every bit of love and care from all thestaff behind this, and wish to appreciate every nuance it gives. This show deserves every attention it gets and more
This show has been living rent free in my head ever since i watched it back in january, even got me start learning guitar. There is just something so special about it
This video is a masterpiece. The narration is great, the visuals are acurate to what is being said, the content is really well written and the music ties up everything. You should have 10 million views atleast.
Dude, I had never watched an entire anime in my life, at most I managed to watch like 2-3 dragon ball episodes when I was a kid, but bocchi is different, this anime hit so close home I can't stop thinking about it ever since I watched it about a week ago, like I got obsessed with something I never thought I could get obsessed with lol
Bro im so obbsessed with Bocchi the rock so much that i started to play songs from that anime on guitar and started to draw just because of the characters in that anime
I’m so glad that I watched this show as it was airing. As someone who’s very introverted most of the time I don’t think I’ve ever related so much to a show as much as I’ve related to Bocchi The Rock. It’s incredible how good this show is
damn that was a really fucking good video, been looking for a really good video essay on the show that heavily inspired me with music so thanks dude you rock
Your storytelling skill has to be one of the greatest. Not even a single minute i felt bored and the perspective you had got me thinking. Great work also the music was nice.
I already relate to bocchi on a spiritual level i didn't need to relate to some random youtuber I only just found out about who just so happens to have done pretty much the exact same things I did growing up
Usually I don't like these type of style of "essay/analysis" videos but I can't help but stay captivated by how you put these videos together. Especially with the music matching what you're covering, I still cant believe all of it is original music made by YOU! Every aspect of your videos down to the music is amazing, cant wait to see more projects from you!
Beautiful essay! You hit so many points that speak deeply to me, from a different perspective that the show itself conveyed, like how Bocchi thought her introversion was broken and by playing guitar it would help her break out of her shell. Even if I dont play instruments, I heavily related to Bocchi that she's essentially literally me.
I have a Crackhead theory for 2:25 A 3d Animator who was working on the Scene got bored and was basically screwing around with a separate file as the main one was done and had some rare free time. The Animation Director passed by the Animator's desk and saw it saying "Keep that in"
As a guitarist and bassist; it isn’t hard to get good fast, and working in a band isn’t difficult as long as everyone understands even a tiny bit of music theory in regards to timing. Guitar, drums, and bass can take a long time if you only practice 30-60 mins a day, but if you put in 3-5 hours a day for a couple months, I’d say you could put out music that is somewhat stage-worthy. Also, coming from a former bar-hopping band member, the musical talent needed to form a band is way lower than people think, many of the bands I played with and watched were complete amateurs, so if a band that is even mildly decent plays, they do stand out.
Glad to see people offering their views on a series so important to me I've never thought of the show as deeply as it seems so many people did, but after watch it, I truly felt driven to try and change my life for the better Afterall, if this little pink goofball can manage it, why not I?
The more I watch videos about this show, the more I love it. On December 24, after watching the last episode, this show was easy top 10 of all time for me. But a few months after, with all the memes and analayses I've seen, it's become top 2, only behind Tensura which I know is inferior to everything else in my top 10, but is quite literally a big box of candies for me so I can't helpcbut give it the top spot. In terms of general quality, it makes Bocchi the peak of everything I've watched. (I hope season 2 is not gonna ruin that) And after everything I've already seen about this show, you still managed to make me like it more than I already do. Congrats man, you made the Boccher resonate even more with me.
Incredibly articulated and detailed essay analysis of Bocchi the Rock! You're attention to characters and details through empathy and patience is remarkable. Please continue to make more! Would love to see you to be the next Gigguk or The Anime Man or [Inset well known anime critic]!
12:25 It could've been centered around cooking, but I don't think it can be centered around a sport. Cooking would also be difficult. Someone can achieve a lot with music with just a guitar, but the beauty of music is that is shines when multiple instruments are involved as well as vocals. EDM can be done mostly alone, but rock almost requires more people. Bocchi could become an amazing guitarist by herself in her small closet, so it's great for an introvert. But to get on stage she would need to be in a band with other people. Cooking can be done alone, so there's not much incentive to get together as a group. Sports often require special facilities and special equipment which would make it impractical for an introvert who never leaves their room. Maybe e-sports could've been a setting, but this doesn't force someone to be the focal point of the event. People are watching the screen to see what they're doing, and they're not really looking at the people themselves. In other words, I think music is most likely the only setting where this story could shine the way it did
This is a very well made essay video, thank you for your efforts. Bocchi the Rock! has been one of my favorite animes and I can't stop thinking about it too
Prodigious bands happen; this group is believably good. In here you have a very good bassist, a very good drummer, a brilliant but erratic guitarist and a talented singer and hard working rhythm guitarist who are creating alchemy, a gestalt greater than its parts. Sort of like the Beatles. Ringo was good, John was a great singer and songwriter but not the greatest guitarist who ever lived, George was competent but deeply insecure, and Paul was a terrific musician whose vision of the band was wrapped up in his justifiable ego, But, against the odds given their out-of-joint natures, they kicked the world's ass as a band. That's what I think we have here.
This exactly what I call a good video. Not a amazing editing, no screaming, no exageration Just a good script and amazing music choices. You really put your personality in this video 🔥
I watched it and really2 enjoyed the comedy spirit & animation (super creative and unique in anime medium) style. But, the thing about introvert you said/explained kinda got glossed over. noticed it. but, didnt put too much attention on it until watched you video. thank you. as an introvert myself, prety much like bocchi (struggling to be infront of audiences, albeit not extreme like her). it's kind of relatable. thank you! A good analysis, interresting take into bocchi's development, and introversion personality
Fantastic video! I love the choice of music in the background. "A Place Further than the Universe" is a show I think you might enjoy. Thanks for making this! Edit: I just realized you made the music yourself :0
Thank you so much for making this video. For whatever reason the algorithm recommended it to me and like less than 5 minutes in i decided to go watch it and just finished binging the whole show... Like goddamn was it good. I resonated so fucking hard with Hitori, obviously the show exagerates but she is like literally my spirit animal, a truer-than-I-would-feel-comfortable-admitting-to-most-people representation of my inner monologue/ego. And the plot!! Seriously terrifyingly accurate to so much of my middle school/high school experience. I changed school districts the year before middle school, i was already introverted and suddenly flung in to a new school at that age was so hard, made very very few friends. In middle school i started learning to play the bass because i thought it might help me be cool. Second semester of my freshman year of highschol i brought my bass to school because i wanted to practice during lunch but really because i thought it would make me look cool (oh god the cringe of some of those memories even now that im 34 is so real) one of the kids in my math class saw me with it and it turned out he was a drummer in a metal band and their bassist had left, he had seen me wearing like Lamb of God and Slipknot t-shirts and when he saw me with a bass he asked if i wanted to join their band. A couple days later i ended up at his place and they asked me to show them what i could do, in a panic i played the first riff that popped in my head which happened to be Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry lol, they bust out laghing and said doesnt matter if that's all i know how to play I'm in. And man what an incredible experience it lead to. The drummer, lead guitarist and i just had such good musical chemistry, we would spend hours after school just jamming and riffing off each other, it was how we wrote all of our songs. Our very first show was like 2 months later, it was a battle of the bands held at one of the pubs in our town, of the 6 bands playing we were one of two that was all highschoolers, we played 3 original songs, all pretty heavy metal and ended up coming in 2nd behind a local punk band that had been around for like 3-4 years. We started landing regular gigs as like opening act every couple weeks at this one rock club in a city about an hour away. We tried out for our schools wnd of the year talent show and got rejected because we were too "heavy metal". Our guitarist and drummer were very outgoing fuck the rules kind of people and we ended up setting up and playing out front of the auditorium just before the talent show which was right after school got out. Most nerve wracking thing ever for me. By this point we had 6 original songs that gave us like a 15-16 minute set. We ended up drawing a pretty big crowed and even had a little moshpit going, it was incredible. That summer we saved up enough to pay for some like very indie underground studio time and recorded an ep and then got invited to play at a little indie metal festival one state over, and we rocked the fuck out of that show. We ended up breaking up in my junior year of highschool and sadly i was never really able to re-create the chemistry we had with anyone else, but those 3 years were just incredible and really influential in building up my confidence in myself. Sad to say that music isnt as big a part of my life any more, but those years were so important to who i am now, and man this show really brought me back. So again thanks for the video that sent me to watch this incredible anime that just reaonated so perfectly with my life, one of the few anime that has actually been able to make me cry lol.
I'm gonna be honest, I didn't think that far when I was watching and just enjoying the show. I do relate with multiple moments of Bocchi, though I'm nowhere near her level. You really gave me a new perspective on what the show is about. About your Mcdonalds experience, I too have been in that situation, except I would just panic pick whatever, even if it was not what I wanted and said 'yes'. Nowdays, there's those self-ordering machines and you no longer have to speak to someone when ordering. Great for introverts like us.
I only just finished watching this show a few weeks back and I still think about it on a daily basis. I have since bought two of the Kessoku Band albums and now reading the manga to fill the lack of season 2 void. I don't have such an extreme social anxiety like Bocchi does, but I can definitely relate to her struggles of wanting to make friends with others but constantly overthinking the worse possible outcomes of how people will view me in any scenario especially during high school. I still do that now as a working adult, but just like Bocchi I'm making an effort to be better and I think I'm getting there. I find myself more like Ryo now in terms of just prefer to being alone most of the time. But I still try to make the effort to keep up with the few friends I do have. I'm not going to be changing the world with my actions, and that's okay. As long as my existence is remembered by even a few people that know me for who I truly am, I think that's more than enough.
Umm... you are right that they are a bunch of amateurs, but 3 out of 4 played somewhere else and Bocchi had a Channel on theTube with million of views, so they where not exactly inexpirienced amateurs. Well, that is the magic of anime, the main point is not their level of proficiency, but the story about Bocchi fulfilling their dream with the help of their very supportin friends. Music is the medium for her to overcome her shyness.
I am extremely extroverted and am fortunate enough to have never struggled with social anxiety or any form of anxiety at all really. Honestly I feel like I relate to Nijika the most out of the entire cast. Even then I still love the fuck out of this show and Bocchi. Absolute brilliant writing with brilliant musicians and animators.
There's a number of video essays on bocchi but this was by and large the absolute best one I've seen covering the show. The point you made felt so heartfelt and I'm glad you were able to put into words why it resonated with you so much. I had the same sort of feeling when watching it, but I could never really put into such words why it did hit me like it did, but you honestly described it way better than I could. And your idea about the character in a story not really needing to make any insane changes to themselves really resonated with me as well. I recently played through the game VA-11 Hall-A and had a similar sentiment come from it. By the end, the main character of that game is still the same girl she was at the start, but it's her introspection and way she came to terms with herself that made me so drawn to her after I already saw her as such a relatable mc on the surface from things like her demeanor. I'm glad bocchi is the same sort of character for a number of other people out there, because art like this really does hold a special place for a number of people, I can confirm that because I'm one of them haha. Great vid!
Just to defend my take a bit, the main thing is that I think they sound a bit too "polished" as an amateur band. It's not that I'm expecting them to sound bad, but there is a bit of roughness present in a lot of amateur bands that I think is missing. At the same time, the way they fall apart in that one song is more characteristic of completely inexperienced performers: it's kind of weird for the band to sound as good as they do at all other times but to still have issues like that. But just to reiterate, I don't consider any of those to be flaws of the show. None of it really matters in the end
I completely relate to bochhi as an introvert the way they struggle is not a joke and being with so many people not a joke and the best thing is the friends around her are so supportive not judgmental i like this anime so much as a person who unable to express feelings properly
This video and its message is so great and awesome. I loved this series presentation so much that Bocchi's own journey just flew over my head like she was a pretty common protag like those who can't really change even if they wished to. But the way you see her made me reflect, not only on her as a character, and not only on myself going through the same, but also on everybody out there who took this show at heart and are more willing to improve themselves, rather than trying to repair what seems broken through unconfident eyes. I see you Kyle, and I really loved your opinion. Your sensibilty to this character is truly a treat for the brain and the heart.
Amazing video as always. Will add that coming from an extravert with self confidence issues, I related to Kita a lot. I noticed that so much of Kita's interactions with people are similar to Bocchis, with the only difference being that when put in that fight or flight situation, Kita chooses to fight and Bocchi chooses flight. Edit: if you started a Patreon I'd definitely pay a buck a month to see you keep making content
You have analyzed the show so well! Every moment, and this stood out to me especially when you talked about your McDonald's story, you chose your words carefully. I love your video! You just taught me that introversion and self-confidence aren't linked! That's what's different between Ryo and Hitori! That's partly what describes me, and that's why it's so hard to describe some people as "classical introverts", because they really don't care about talking to a cashier, but also don't have that many friends. It's awesome how many sorts of people this show portrays, and with your explanation, I can see myself most in Ryo. Thanks! You are amazing!!
Your narative voice are really relaxing to listen to, and you put your words in a very clever way to express your point. I can't wait what I'm going to hear if you happen to watch "A place further than the universe" in your future video. Much love, have a subscribe!
This video was AMAZING. The editing, the script, the points you made were all so well done! This is an anime that I fairly resonate with as well, being definitely a fellow socially inept introvert. It's not super severe like Hitori's ofc, but it's definitely something I want to improve on, especially since I'm moving out + going to college soon, I want to hopefully make the best of it while I'm there. Thank you for making this video! It was such a pleasant watch, I wasnt expecting much when I clicked on it but you definitely blew it out of the park ^o^
Thank you so much for making this video! I've talked and thought about this anime so much since watching it and you've managed to sum up my thoughts perfectly. BTR hit me on a very personal level, it opened up a new perspective for me which made me realise that my social anxiety isn't a flaw and that it's ok to be anxious, and I love it dearly for it.
Just wanna say your videos are so well made, youre a man of many skills, making your own music, editing this and writing the scripts and its all in harmony together (hehe funny music pun). I hope your channel grows, few videos give you chills when theyre just talking about an anime.
oh my god. I thought i was already aware of the things you were talking about whether it was about the show, or my own personal traits. But it really slowly started to hit me. The imaginations of situations I was out going and extroverted. Expecting the gym to make me more confident. Wow it felt good when the realisation hit. How I was already starting to accept the way I am, not great with people, spending a lot of my free time alone and enjoying it. Thanks, for reaffirming these thoughts i was having I really did needed the "she was never really broken from the start" i got goosebumps.
I just did a kinda crappy video explaining why I bought a guitar due to the influence I received from Bocchi The Rock, I related to myself to another youtuber who did the same thing. But this video made me do a lot of thinking, I don't know what that means but I want to say that. At least I can now play guitar for the new school I am going to and be the 3rd guitarist. I'm not a introvert, I am known by others when I go to camps school whatever, but I got bullied as a kid with ADHD, I acted like a weirdo trying to hug everyone and being apologetic and always down to make a friend. But I was a walking germ. I later learned to hate younger me and hope those kids from the past don't bring the topic up ever again, I'll find out soon since schools about to start. RUclips and music is my passion now. Sorry for the heart throbbing sob story, your video, music, explanation, and voice got me in a deep thinking state. Thanks for this video.
Bocchi the rock is the prime example of understanding that adaptation is more than copying it. You are there to give the same emotions as the Original story through a different medium. When you copy paste a manga into anime, the emotions get diluted and that's why you want extra things. Bocchi the rock not only gave the same emotions with the same punch as the Manga, but also added so much personality in their animation. They cared for the story and put much attention to even the tiniest details. AND... they also go out of there with crazy experimental and creative stuff like they genuinely wanted the show to stand out. I did relate to Bocchi a lot and all. I stayed with the show for how good the show's plot and characters are. But the first thing I noticed and made me watch the show is these extremely creative animation choices
after watching a reading so much btr media, its so cool to see someone that appreciates and explores the nuances of btr. i always loved the portrayal of confidence, introversion/extroversion and the ideas around "just be yourself". btr feels the most authentic in the way these kinds of social stigmas are portrayed and it feels kinda comforting to watch even if bocchi goes through an awkward moment. as an ambivert myself i just find it really nice to see the way they talk about introversion and extroversion and how theres nothing wrong with being either. anyways, great video!
It'd been a crappy week and then I saw that you uploaded and now...now things feel a bit better. I've not seen it yet but look forward to it. I'm more than fine with hardly seeing any new videos as long it's always something you genuinely enjoy talking about.
Today is 18/7/2023, 6 months since I watched Bocchi the Rock and you know what, every moments and scenes in BTR still in my mind right now. This series was a masterpiece of the music anime genre, I'm sure that BTR will being remembered even 2 years more if CloverWorks release season 2
I got this video in my recommended a few hours ago, watched less than 2 minutes of your video, got curious, watched the whole anime, loved it, and now im back to finish.
I really love your videos and your way of narration it's clear yet deep im looking forward to seeing more of your work! Thank you for analyzing one of my favorite animes
Bocchi is my favourite show, and as an introvert myself, I always thought that being extrovert is the only way if I want to be able to survive in the world full of extroverts. I always have a hard time finding courage to talk to my classmates, and always waited for someone to talk to me, but never got one. Everytime I forced myself to become an extrovert, I always end up regretting what I did because it ends up being awkward or weird. Glad to hear your video and your essay about bocchi, it really hits right in the feels. It makes me wish this show existed years ago so I can be more confident of myself instead of trying to fix myself, seeing as if I am broken. But, I'm still glad that the show did air, I'm now more confident being myself, and take more courage to talk to more people as I realize that this is how I am, and if people don't like it, it's alright, we can always tolerate each other. That's what I learned from the past few years that help me slowly get over with my social anxiety tl;dr Great video! And thank you for making this, it makes me understand the show more and give more confidence to myself
Thank you very much Kyle, for yet another beautiful video. It made me smile for a good 20 minutes. I was also completely blown away by how much creativity and effort were poured into this show. It almost looks like every single person involved in the production, from the director and screenwriter, to the people in charge of music, animators, VAs, etc., all tried their best to turn this seemingly unremarkable story into something outstanding. And you can tell they probably had a lot of fun doing so. The only other anime that made a similar impression on me were probably Nichijou or Dragon-maid. The animation in these was jaw dropping, not because it had to be, but because the people at Kyoani were genuinely passionate about these stories and wanted to go the extra mile to make them stand out, even though they're just silly slice of life comedies.
Thanks for making this video, this video truly made me realize that I can be my dorky introverted self instead of trying to pretend I'm some extrovert that can speak with everyone and be outgoing and happy constantly, seriously, this video helped a lot. I watched bocchi and enjoyed it a lot but never saw this side of it, I thought like bocchi did, trying to change to be someone I'm not. Anyway, seriously appreciated this video, I think this might've also given me the confidence to write some music that I genuinely have feelings and passion for instead of trying to write someone else's music.
Bocchi the Rock has been living inside my brain ever since the show came out. It's became part of me and I am literally Bocchi the Rock
Peak “she’s just like me fr”
Show is just that good. I’m still obsessed half a year later.
I relate more to hiroi as a former alcoholic. The happiness spiral is one of the most real things I've seen in any show.
Right?
It's you! You were the Bocchi the Rock the whole time!
I love how you are always half a year late to whatever show you are talking about, but still manage to add something new to the discussion or have an interesting perspective.
I don’t know what you’re talking about, my videos are always ✨timely✨ and very topical (but in all seriousness, thank you!)
Things like this happen when author doesn't follow trends blindly
How about half a century?
The motivation to do this WHOLE adaptation of a 4-panel manga, is probably willingness to actually adapt the manga Shiori Expereince, but that would pretty much be permanently in copyight limbo for its expensive real-life music references. Cardinal West amkes a compelling argument that Disney did a similar thing with Fox and The hound, couldn't secure the license they wanted, so they made the same film on the premise of ANOTHER novel, that being Fox and the Hound.
The wild artistic trappings are following along the lines of early Studio Shaft and Pani Poni Dash, while possibly getting some sparks from Excel Saga and one sort of an early Vtuber anime called gdgd Fairies. Also notable are transgressive 2010's gag anime like Ai Mai Mii.
@golovkaanna8757 That may be true, but I think at least in this case this video and its release date can more so be attributed to the fact that Kyle (I have no idea if that's their actual name, but I'll just go with it) has other things going on besides RUclips and still puts so much effort into these videos, thus delaying their release. That's atleast what I am guessning, if you want an actuall answer you are going to have to ask the man himself.
He keeps the discussion alive.
Or at least revives it short term.
Thats in some ways more valuable than adding a bit of steam to the rolling bandwagon.
I also think it's important to distinguish introversion and social anxiety. Ryo is an introvert that has no problems with social interaction, she just wants to avoid them where unnecessary. Bocchi on the other hand isn't just an introvert, she has crippling social anxiety to the point where it significantly affects her ability to exist in society.
You can accept your being introverted but still have social anxiety being in the way of trying to make actual connections.
That’s a great point. I actually think dealing with social anxiety is the central theme of the show. It’s what actively holds Bocchi back and what she needs to overcome/cope with (even though she doesn’t consciously realize it). And it gets into a vicious loop where she feels social anxiety which keeps her from interacting with others, which hurts her self-esteem, which makes her socially anxious, etc. This part is so accurate to real life and I think that’s one of the reasons it’s ultra relatable.
To add to this of introversion≠social anxiety, and for the ones who haven't read the manga, not long after the point the anime ended at the character of Ohtsuki Yoyoko is introduced (she actually does appear in the anime but isn't properly introduced until later) who is an extrovert, at first appearing to be a polar opposite of Bocchi: imposing, loud, and thrives in the spotlight, but suffers from the same social anxiety and lack of confidence as her. Despite being extroverted and infinitely more outgoing than Bocchi, Yoyoko has even harder of a time forming connections and doing proper socializing.
For those who may want to see where she appeared in the anime:
ruclips.net/video/FvIVVYntWuU/видео.html
That seems to be very purposeful since Kita is an extrovert with Anxiety but Nijika is extrovert who is 100% comfotable in social interaction, giving us the full spectrum between these two traits ^^
Yep, she suffers from a mental illness and the show is about her trying to overcome it. It's like 3-gatsu but with social anxiety instead of depression. In both cases would be better if the MC just got some therapy but it's satisfiying af seeing them take the harder path.
Bocchi the Rock just kinda came out of nowhere and was an absolute banger. It just sits in my noggin for fun, stealing my brain cells.
It's an absolute masterpiece. After finishing it, I couldn't stop thinking about it, so I just watched it once again right after and wasn't bored once. And I was even going to watch it a third time immediately after, but I had to stop myself as to not get burned out
@@raven75257 same. I watched all the episodes twice when it was airing and watched it 2 more times after. 1 more time when I had to study for a stressful exam to sort of act as a background noise.
@@non_complete Not to mention that the entire album is solidly placed in about EVERY playlist i own.
@@raven75257 same bro
Introvert here. I want to be alone, but I don't want to be lonely. I value the time I spend in isolation, but I don't want to feel sick and uncomfortable around others and eventually ruin their mood, and I blame myself for being that way. That's why I relate with Bocchi.
A word for the show:
"Wow."
I started the show at 21.7.23.
Finished it at midnight on 22.7.23.
The following week, I suddenly was a person who played the guitar.
this is such a bocchi the rock experience 😂
Something the show did really well was start by having hitori state a clear goal. She decides she wants to change, and makes a three part plan. Get good at guitar, form a band, perform at the school festival. If she does that everyone will acknowledge her and her anxiety can go away.
Over the season we see that plan was magical thinking. Hitori accomplishes all three things but she’s still “the crazy rocker chick” to her classmates. Instead her moments of personal growth came from taking a hard look at herself and challenging her habits. From forcing herself to look a customer in the eye, to leading the band with a killer solo. Those were the real work of her growth.
The show ends with the line “time to get back to work.” Even though she met her three goals, she recognizes she still has room to change and there was no magical solution. It’s such a honest and sympathetic depiction of mental illness. I love this show.
Mental illness? I don't think either introversion and social anxiety is mental illness. They are just traits of one's personality. Mental illness is something like schizophrenia or whatever.
@@hieioni3354 introversion is a personality trait, but social anxiety is a classified disorder in the DSM-5.
@@zigzag8392 I don't think that info is accurate.
@@zigzag8392 Yes, and clearly Hitori suffers because of it and admits as such when her sister says that Hitori is a pain in her own A**. Hitori knows that she needs to be able to interact with people because the alternative means being a shut-in. She will always be an introvert, but if she can deal with her S.A. it will be a huge step forward for her.
@@hieioni3354 it is, look it up. things are considered a mental illness/disorder when it interferes significantly with your ability to function normally, or causes you great distress. Social anxiety does both to Bocchi. People can have mild social anxiety and not have a disorder, but in Bocchi’s case it definitely is one
This show is the best representation of social anxiety that I’ve ever seen. Though exaggerated for comedic effect, the situations and the mental gymnastics and absurd hyper-fixations that Bocchi goes through are very similar to my own experiences living with and trying to work on my own social anxiety.
Yea they really show disassociation (albeit in a comedic fashion) as well as getting really lost in your own thoughts
Same, that is one of the reasons I love this show, the lyrics especially are UNCANNY to my thought processes I go through
"She spends most of the time trying to be anything but herself,
because that's what you would do if you thought you were broken for being the way you are" ✍🔥🔥🔥
bro cooked so hard with this line and all the surrounding analysis.
It's genuinely so cool that you make your own music for these videos. Most people prob wouldn't notice that, but I think for me that's why these vids feel so special. Keep up the great work bro!
Thank you! I try my best to make these videos worth people’s time so I can’t skimp out on anything! (fan of your stuff too btw)
Holy shit I was so confused about how all the music synced perfectly to the dialogue and only seeing a single music link in the description.
wow that's so cool щ(゜ロ゜щ)
@@KyleRobesaw thanks the feeling’s mutual!
Would love to chat sometime if ur ever up to it 😊
@Ah_Lecks same here! My dms are always open
"There is a difference between thinking of change as improvement and thinking of it as repair" Right in the feels, holy shit.
Really love the points you made in this video, editing is fun, and the segment of you talking from personal experience really resonated with me. As a person with severe social anxiety and Hitori Bocchi levels of self-confidence, thank you!!! for binging up the idea of Hitori not being "broken" and "someone who needs to be fixed", but rather a fully-functioning complete person, let it be a little too anxious when met with social interations - this is something I still struggle with and hearing that makes me more optimistic about myself🙇♀️
Great video as always, keep up the good work!!
i will always remember this quote
It’s funny because every musician I’ve seen talk about this show has always commended it for the things it gets right about being in a band
I love just how this show is still gets talk a lot even after we passed two seasons of anime. It just shows how impressive the show is.
I just loved the chemistry of the characters, and how they just fit with each other so well
Bocchi is the Unconfident, and introverted one
While Ryo is the Confident and introverted one
Kita is the Extraverted but unconfident one
And Nijika is the Extraverted and confident one
All of them complete each other, and all of them fit together like a puzzle piece
Even if you don't relate to bocchi, I'm sure you'll relate to the other characters
This anime was phenomenal, and even though bocchi made me feel like I was getting hit by a semi truck because of how relatable she was, I would 100% go through that pain again, because this anime was amazing
"After years of practice, all she got was good at guitar" is a strangely hilarious line
13:04 "Bocchi started on this journey because she wanted to shine as the person she is, but she spends most of the time in her band trying to be anything but herself. And, of course she does. Cos that's what you would do if you thought you were broken for being the way you are."
That made me pause the video for a moment, hit me hard.
I don't know if you will ever see this, but I hope you are doing okay out there. You make some of the best video essays on the platform and an update from you would be great, much love
I totally agree with your last sentence
I finally got to watch Bocchi The Rock a few weeks ago, it's quickly become a new favorite of mine, especially with how much I relate to Hitori, I get so anxious about going places but I also want to be able to socialize with others as well and even fantasize about similar things she does like performing on stage, and after watching this anime it makes me want to try harder to find a good group of people who I can actually connect with while also being accepted the way I am. And I love how no one ridicules Hitori for being anxious, there are people out there who have a hard time understanding what someone with anxiety is going through so they can get a bit harsh. We need more people like Nijika, Kita and Ryo out there who try to make Bocchi comfortable with being social. Like when Bocchi was freaking out when Kita mentioned the idea of starting a personal social media account, Kita understands that she's not comfortable with the idea and tells her that she doesn't need to if she doesn't want to instead of peer pressuring her. Then when Nijika apologizes to her for dragging her into working with her at Starry without actually asking her first and wanted to make sure she was actually comfortable with it. These characters are so well done and lovable and it I look forward to seeing more of them.
Just want to say, two minutes in, I just felt chills. Maybe it's the song, but the music choice, mixing and editing just felt really good.
Oh ok, it's your own music. Holy shit.
This is by far the best Bocchi video essay I've ever seen. The video may have been late but it is by far the most insightful one. And the message by the end of the video hit me hard.
I genuinely love this video so much.
One of the most concise, summarized, clear, and meaningful video essays on the platform. Instead of just 30 minutes to 2 hrs of throwing around ideas, or going from topic to topic, leaving the viewer confused with no ending thesis. If there is no thesis or point to be made, then there is no reason to have an essay that long in the first place.
As someone that started learning how to play drums and other percussion instruments during my own middle school years, I can say from personal experience and observation of my peers around me, that the skills that the members of kessoku band develop during the time period presented in the story is actually not too far off for the people that are dedicated to the practice (at least in an area that heavily supports musicians). Bocchi's talent for the guitar is the product of multiple years of exclusive honing because of her shut-in life, so naturally she gets to show off more for it compared to the others. As individual players it's very realistic on that front for people that take music performance seriously at that age. Playing in an ensemble of any kind is different than playing alone, which is something that they also touched on briefly when they first got the gang (minus Kita, iirc) together. It definitely takes a different type of practice to get the handle on that, but if you're already a talented musician, adapting to an ensemble setting isn't all that difficult to do over the period of a month at most. I can agree that the fake audition was a little convenient, though I can see it in Seika's character to support Nijika and her friends where she can, so giving them that chance and the taste of a live performance was definitely needed. Also the nepotism thing is unfortunately a problem. I can attest to the feeling of wanting to get to that next performance after I did my first, so it's a great motivator, as you mentioned. The most unrealistic part about all of this is that the band needed a guitarist. Normally it's the drummer that people are looking for and sometimes you'll see one drummer take on gigs with multiple groups because of that. So for a bassist and a drummer to be in need of a guitarist, that's the most unrealistic part of the musician side of the story, since more likely the guitarist(s) and bassist are in need of a drummer.
I do agree that it's mostly focused on the emotions of the story more than anything but they still managed to nail an accurate depiction of early, dedicated musicianship.
The show just kind of hits me differently because her story is incredibly similar to my own life until I didn't join a rock band in high school I joined a variant of musical theater blended with percussion ensemble. Also my motivation wasn't to try and become sociable or popular it was to find some way to express myself emotionally and music became that medium, and it's helped me figure out how to express those emotions and ultimately come to the conclusion that I just need to do the best that I can do and not try to be the best at what I'm not. What I am is an introvert with an affinity for music, games, literature, and a few other artistic mediums. I bear a social anxiety that leans me into the direction of avoiding large gatherings but I can come out of my shell if I need to or if the environment around me (the people that openly accept me for who I am) lures me out of it. What I'm not is someone that goes to bars and parties and events with the goal of making connections and finding friends, or the person that seeks to be the center of attention. I don't have a desire or longing for extended discussions outside my interests or small talk with the stranger behind me in the line at the grocery store. There's nothing wrong with that and while I may not have found out where I want to go yet, I certainly know who I am and what I can do, hopefully the road forward makes itself apparent to me in some way soon.
In retrospect, past me would have LOVED to be part of starting a rock band in high school regardless of success, the issue was that the musical environment I was in was mostly other percussionists, which meant I knew a lot of drummers. I ran into a few bassists over those years but no guitarists... wait a second... maybe I was wrong about the idea of a drummer and a bassist needing a guitarist...
Ryo and Nijika were going to perform with Kita, but she ran away.
Honestly, as an amateur guitarist It seems that Bocci should be better than she is after the 6 hours a day/3 years of practice the show specifies. Also, Guitar, loneliness, and blue planet sounds downpicked to me on the rhythm, and Kita would not be able to play that fast using that technique with less than a year of practice, in my opinion.
TLDR bocci should be better and kita worse unless the show lied about how much they have practiced.
13:50 This specifically is something I feel a lot of people missed, or didn't know how to put to words when reviewing this show (including myself).
It always bothered me when people talked about Hitori picking up guitar as something of a quick-fix to getting popular. She was struggling with crippling anxiety which resulted in loneliness that made her feel worthless. Picking up guitar didn't just give her hope that she'd be able to gain friends, but she wanted to feel like she wasn't worthless.
Hence all the gags about her profusely apologizing for being an inconvenience crawling and not bringing up being Guitar Hero to her band mates, or anyone. It didn't "fix" her and she doesn't feel worthy of any of the attention/praise/company that she has.
Where did you go😢 we miss you😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢
It's a show full of good people. Some goofy, some awkward, some odd...but all of them kind. The kind of people I've never had the fortune to meet even once in my 30+ years of life. If I have a regret...it is missing out on that.
I love this show dearly. For its humor, for its creativity, and most of all, for its heart. I love it. And I always will.
Great video!
i like your analysis, but personally i think bocchi is a socially awkward extrovert who says she's an introvert because she conflates the two, which is an easy trap to fall into and one i had for years. becoming more confident made me realize that i need social interaction and hate doing stuff alone, that doesnt mean i need to be the center of attention but i do like talking to people and making new friends, bocchi seems the same way to me. being an extrovert doesnt mean you need to be like kita, i'd say kitas fatal flaw is she's over reliant on others approval and pushes herself to the extremes of extroversion to seek it. bocchi and kita almost feel like the same problem but mirrored, thats even what the lyrics to constellation make me think of
the manga gets into this more but kitas constantly thinking and saying that she wants to be more like hitori and that she envies her, and not just her talent
Bocchi is the most relatable character I have ever seen in fiction. That's the main reason why I love the show.
Bocci found in herself one talent that could actually save her from being a disaster. If not that, I guess it would be hard to like her for just literally anything. All her friends appeared because she had a guitar. Main point of this anime, if you ask me, that you have to have some trait people will like you for. Nobody likes silent people just because they exist, especially guys who struggle to communicate.
Amazing video, thank you so much for making this. Bocchi is great and emotional and cute and she's so wonderful. This video perfectly encapsulated that, it was very very well made. I am going to watch Bocchi again now. Thank you again!
All the band members are great and emotional and cute and wonderful. This is part of why having female representation in the people behind media production is so important, the end product can be a higher volume of authentically engaging female characters. Of course not to say male authors can’t write engaging female characters, but with someone like Hamaji Aki it’s more likely
You and me both. It's the reason I picked up the guitar again, after a major head injury. I used to be quite good, but it's much more difficult now... but if an anxious, messy person can do it... then I can, too.
It resides in my head, rent-free, always reminding me when I wander off the path.
Watching this vid, a phrase jumped into my mind. I don't know if anyone's said or thought it before, but that doesn't matter.
"If you look at the wrong assembly guide, you'll think so many parts are broken."
If you try to envision an extrovert with no mental health issues, infinite confidence, and all the social skills on earth, and then see all the introverted parts of yourself, as Bocchi did, you'll try to "fix" what can't be fixed; You looked at the wrong assembly guide.
There was something about BTR that hits different. How the show ended with Bocchi being the same unlike, what you have pointed, other shows where the protagonist becomes unrecognizable in the end. I really love your point about doing this and that to improve vs to "repair yourself" you've kinda made me understand a bit more why scenes of this anime keep playing in my head during my daily struggles irl. Well said, and well made. One thing's for sure, this anime may not impact many but to those that it does, deeply.
I will always stand for this show. It's easy to throw in loads of money and overwork your animators to make beautiful animation and art. But passion, I feel, is what pushes a good anime into something great.
From expanding the adaptation of a 4 panel manga, giving free creative reign to it's animators, to making an entire album. I felt every bit of love and care from all thestaff behind this, and wish to appreciate every nuance it gives. This show deserves every attention it gets and more
This show has been living rent free in my head ever since i watched it back in january, even got me start learning guitar. There is just something so special about it
This video is a masterpiece. The narration is great, the visuals are acurate to what is being said, the content is really well written and the music ties up everything. You should have 10 million views atleast.
Dude, I had never watched an entire anime in my life, at most I managed to watch like 2-3 dragon ball episodes when I was a kid, but bocchi is different, this anime hit so close home I can't stop thinking about it ever since I watched it about a week ago, like I got obsessed with something I never thought I could get obsessed with lol
Bro im so obbsessed with Bocchi the rock so much that i started to play songs from that anime on guitar and started to draw just because of the characters in that anime
I’m so glad that I watched this show as it was airing. As someone who’s very introverted most of the time I don’t think I’ve ever related so much to a show as much as I’ve related to Bocchi The Rock. It’s incredible how good this show is
damn that was a really fucking good video, been looking for a really good video essay on the show that heavily inspired me with music so thanks dude you rock
Your storytelling skill has to be one of the greatest. Not even a single minute i felt bored and the perspective you had got me thinking. Great work also the music was nice.
I already relate to bocchi on a spiritual level i didn't need to relate to some random youtuber I only just found out about who just so happens to have done pretty much the exact same things I did growing up
I feel like I just watched a documentary, great video and well deserving of more subs.
Usually I don't like these type of style of "essay/analysis" videos but I can't help but stay captivated by how you put these videos together. Especially with the music matching what you're covering, I still cant believe all of it is original music made by YOU! Every aspect of your videos down to the music is amazing, cant wait to see more projects from you!
Beautiful essay! You hit so many points that speak deeply to me, from a different perspective that the show itself conveyed, like how Bocchi thought her introversion was broken and by playing guitar it would help her break out of her shell. Even if I dont play instruments, I heavily related to Bocchi that she's essentially literally me.
I have a Crackhead theory for 2:25
A 3d Animator who was working on the Scene got bored and was basically screwing around with a separate file as the main one was done and had some rare free time.
The Animation Director passed by the Animator's desk and saw it saying "Keep that in"
Woah. Your review hit hella close to home.
As a guitarist and bassist; it isn’t hard to get good fast, and working in a band isn’t difficult as long as everyone understands even a tiny bit of music theory in regards to timing. Guitar, drums, and bass can take a long time if you only practice 30-60 mins a day, but if you put in 3-5 hours a day for a couple months, I’d say you could put out music that is somewhat stage-worthy.
Also, coming from a former bar-hopping band member, the musical talent needed to form a band is way lower than people think, many of the bands I played with and watched were complete amateurs, so if a band that is even mildly decent plays, they do stand out.
Glad to see people offering their views on a series so important to me
I've never thought of the show as deeply as it seems so many people did, but after watch it, I truly felt driven to try and change my life for the better
Afterall, if this little pink goofball can manage it, why not I?
"I can't stop thinking about Bocchi the Rock!"
same...
The more I watch videos about this show, the more I love it.
On December 24, after watching the last episode, this show was easy top 10 of all time for me.
But a few months after, with all the memes and analayses I've seen, it's become top 2, only behind Tensura which I know is inferior to everything else in my top 10, but is quite literally a big box of candies for me so I can't helpcbut give it the top spot. In terms of general quality, it makes Bocchi the peak of everything I've watched. (I hope season 2 is not gonna ruin that)
And after everything I've already seen about this show, you still managed to make me like it more than I already do. Congrats man, you made the Boccher resonate even more with me.
Incredibly articulated and detailed essay analysis of Bocchi the Rock! You're attention to characters and details through empathy and patience is remarkable. Please continue to make more! Would love to see you to be the next Gigguk or The Anime Man or [Inset well known anime critic]!
12:25 It could've been centered around cooking, but I don't think it can be centered around a sport. Cooking would also be difficult.
Someone can achieve a lot with music with just a guitar, but the beauty of music is that is shines when multiple instruments are involved as well as vocals. EDM can be done mostly alone, but rock almost requires more people. Bocchi could become an amazing guitarist by herself in her small closet, so it's great for an introvert. But to get on stage she would need to be in a band with other people. Cooking can be done alone, so there's not much incentive to get together as a group. Sports often require special facilities and special equipment which would make it impractical for an introvert who never leaves their room. Maybe e-sports could've been a setting, but this doesn't force someone to be the focal point of the event. People are watching the screen to see what they're doing, and they're not really looking at the people themselves.
In other words, I think music is most likely the only setting where this story could shine the way it did
This is a very well made essay video, thank you for your efforts. Bocchi the Rock! has been one of my favorite animes and I can't stop thinking about it too
Don't really know how to describe it but these analysis vids feel so comfy. Your voice and composition fit perfectly, thanks for another banger Kyle!
Prodigious bands happen; this group is believably good.
In here you have a very good bassist, a very good drummer, a brilliant but erratic guitarist and a talented singer and hard working rhythm guitarist who are creating alchemy, a gestalt greater than its parts. Sort of like the Beatles. Ringo was good, John was a great singer and songwriter but not the greatest guitarist who ever lived, George was competent but deeply insecure, and Paul was a terrific musician whose vision of the band was wrapped up in his justifiable ego, But, against the odds given their out-of-joint natures, they kicked the world's ass as a band.
That's what I think we have here.
This exactly what I call a good video. Not a amazing editing, no screaming, no exageration
Just a good script and amazing music choices. You really put your personality in this video 🔥
I watched it and really2 enjoyed the comedy spirit & animation (super creative and unique in anime medium) style.
But, the thing about introvert you said/explained kinda got glossed over.
noticed it. but, didnt put too much attention on it until watched you video.
thank you.
as an introvert myself, prety much like bocchi (struggling to be infront of audiences, albeit not extreme like her).
it's kind of relatable.
thank you!
A good analysis, interresting take into bocchi's development, and introversion personality
I'm still regularly listening to Kessoku band
I feel you and Bocchi with all that stuff. I'm also the person who is going to ask stuff for help as a last resort.
It’s never too late to talk about Bocchi. The show is timeless. Instant classic.
the seasonal anime that keeps on giving after almost a year of it's broadcast. I too think about bocchi from time to time and i don't really know why
Fantastic video! I love the choice of music in the background. "A Place Further than the Universe" is a show I think you might enjoy. Thanks for making this!
Edit: I just realized you made the music yourself :0
Thank you so much for making this video. For whatever reason the algorithm recommended it to me and like less than 5 minutes in i decided to go watch it and just finished binging the whole show... Like goddamn was it good. I resonated so fucking hard with Hitori, obviously the show exagerates but she is like literally my spirit animal, a truer-than-I-would-feel-comfortable-admitting-to-most-people representation of my inner monologue/ego. And the plot!! Seriously terrifyingly accurate to so much of my middle school/high school experience.
I changed school districts the year before middle school, i was already introverted and suddenly flung in to a new school at that age was so hard, made very very few friends. In middle school i started learning to play the bass because i thought it might help me be cool. Second semester of my freshman year of highschol i brought my bass to school because i wanted to practice during lunch but really because i thought it would make me look cool (oh god the cringe of some of those memories even now that im 34 is so real) one of the kids in my math class saw me with it and it turned out he was a drummer in a metal band and their bassist had left, he had seen me wearing like Lamb of God and Slipknot t-shirts and when he saw me with a bass he asked if i wanted to join their band. A couple days later i ended up at his place and they asked me to show them what i could do, in a panic i played the first riff that popped in my head which happened to be Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry lol, they bust out laghing and said doesnt matter if that's all i know how to play I'm in. And man what an incredible experience it lead to. The drummer, lead guitarist and i just had such good musical chemistry, we would spend hours after school just jamming and riffing off each other, it was how we wrote all of our songs. Our very first show was like 2 months later, it was a battle of the bands held at one of the pubs in our town, of the 6 bands playing we were one of two that was all highschoolers, we played 3 original songs, all pretty heavy metal and ended up coming in 2nd behind a local punk band that had been around for like 3-4 years. We started landing regular gigs as like opening act every couple weeks at this one rock club in a city about an hour away. We tried out for our schools wnd of the year talent show and got rejected because we were too "heavy metal". Our guitarist and drummer were very outgoing fuck the rules kind of people and we ended up setting up and playing out front of the auditorium just before the talent show which was right after school got out. Most nerve wracking thing ever for me. By this point we had 6 original songs that gave us like a 15-16 minute set. We ended up drawing a pretty big crowed and even had a little moshpit going, it was incredible. That summer we saved up enough to pay for some like very indie underground studio time and recorded an ep and then got invited to play at a little indie metal festival one state over, and we rocked the fuck out of that show. We ended up breaking up in my junior year of highschool and sadly i was never really able to re-create the chemistry we had with anyone else, but those 3 years were just incredible and really influential in building up my confidence in myself. Sad to say that music isnt as big a part of my life any more, but those years were so important to who i am now, and man this show really brought me back. So again thanks for the video that sent me to watch this incredible anime that just reaonated so perfectly with my life, one of the few anime that has actually been able to make me cry lol.
I'm gonna be honest, I didn't think that far when I was watching and just enjoying the show. I do relate with multiple moments of Bocchi, though I'm nowhere near her level. You really gave me a new perspective on what the show is about.
About your Mcdonalds experience, I too have been in that situation, except I would just panic pick whatever, even if it was not what I wanted and said 'yes'. Nowdays, there's those self-ordering machines and you no longer have to speak to someone when ordering. Great for introverts like us.
That if I could be a constellation outro was really good, would love a video essay about that song.
I only just finished watching this show a few weeks back and I still think about it on a daily basis. I have since bought two of the Kessoku Band albums and now reading the manga to fill the lack of season 2 void.
I don't have such an extreme social anxiety like Bocchi does, but I can definitely relate to her struggles of wanting to make friends with others but constantly overthinking the worse possible outcomes of how people will view me in any scenario especially during high school.
I still do that now as a working adult, but just like Bocchi I'm making an effort to be better and I think I'm getting there. I find myself more like Ryo now in terms of just prefer to being alone most of the time. But I still try to make the effort to keep up with the few friends I do have. I'm not going to be changing the world with my actions, and that's okay. As long as my existence is remembered by even a few people that know me for who I truly am, I think that's more than enough.
Umm... you are right that they are a bunch of amateurs, but 3 out of 4 played somewhere else and Bocchi had a Channel on theTube with million of views, so they where not exactly inexpirienced amateurs. Well, that is the magic of anime, the main point is not their level of proficiency, but the story about Bocchi fulfilling their dream with the help of their very supportin friends. Music is the medium for her to overcome her shyness.
I am extremely extroverted and am fortunate enough to have never struggled with social anxiety or any form of anxiety at all really. Honestly I feel like I relate to Nijika the most out of the entire cast. Even then I still love the fuck out of this show and Bocchi. Absolute brilliant writing with brilliant musicians and animators.
There's a number of video essays on bocchi but this was by and large the absolute best one I've seen covering the show. The point you made felt so heartfelt and I'm glad you were able to put into words why it resonated with you so much. I had the same sort of feeling when watching it, but I could never really put into such words why it did hit me like it did, but you honestly described it way better than I could. And your idea about the character in a story not really needing to make any insane changes to themselves really resonated with me as well. I recently played through the game VA-11 Hall-A and had a similar sentiment come from it. By the end, the main character of that game is still the same girl she was at the start, but it's her introspection and way she came to terms with herself that made me so drawn to her after I already saw her as such a relatable mc on the surface from things like her demeanor. I'm glad bocchi is the same sort of character for a number of other people out there, because art like this really does hold a special place for a number of people, I can confirm that because I'm one of them haha. Great vid!
3:16 I find these takes so funny, the indie scene in my city is filled with a bunch of teens that play way too good
Just to defend my take a bit, the main thing is that I think they sound a bit too "polished" as an amateur band. It's not that I'm expecting them to sound bad, but there is a bit of roughness present in a lot of amateur bands that I think is missing. At the same time, the way they fall apart in that one song is more characteristic of completely inexperienced performers: it's kind of weird for the band to sound as good as they do at all other times but to still have issues like that.
But just to reiterate, I don't consider any of those to be flaws of the show. None of it really matters in the end
I shed some tears. Thank you for making this video! Looking forward for more
I completely relate to bochhi as an introvert the way they struggle is not a joke and being with so many people not a joke and the best thing is the friends around her are so supportive not judgmental i like this anime so much as a person who unable to express feelings properly
I cried during your video. Gotta say, It was awesome to see more about a show I loved and deal with emotions I have in my heart. Thank you
This is a really good video, It actually made me cry! Really good job!
This video and its message is so great and awesome.
I loved this series presentation so much that Bocchi's own journey just flew over my head like she was a pretty common protag like those who can't really change even if they wished to.
But the way you see her made me reflect, not only on her as a character, and not only on myself going through the same, but also on everybody out there who took this show at heart and are more willing to improve themselves, rather than trying to repair what seems broken through unconfident eyes.
I see you Kyle, and I really loved your opinion. Your sensibilty to this character is truly a treat for the brain and the heart.
Fanastic video! I love when creators choose to make videos on things they are passionate about rather than whats trendy. It really shows!
Amazing video as always. Will add that coming from an extravert with self confidence issues, I related to Kita a lot. I noticed that so much of Kita's interactions with people are similar to Bocchis, with the only difference being that when put in that fight or flight situation, Kita chooses to fight and Bocchi chooses flight.
Edit: if you started a Patreon I'd definitely pay a buck a month to see you keep making content
You have analyzed the show so well! Every moment, and this stood out to me especially when you talked about your McDonald's story, you chose your words carefully.
I love your video! You just taught me that introversion and self-confidence aren't linked! That's what's different between Ryo and Hitori! That's partly what describes me, and that's why it's so hard to describe some people as "classical introverts", because they really don't care about talking to a cashier, but also don't have that many friends.
It's awesome how many sorts of people this show portrays, and with your explanation, I can see myself most in Ryo.
Thanks! You are amazing!!
Fam this video was amazing. It almost made me cry.
Boccher is literallly me
Your narative voice are really relaxing to listen to, and you put your words in a very clever way to express your point. I can't wait what I'm going to hear if you happen to watch "A place further than the universe" in your future video. Much love, have a subscribe!
This video was AMAZING. The editing, the script, the points you made were all so well done! This is an anime that I fairly resonate with as well, being definitely a fellow socially inept introvert.
It's not super severe like Hitori's ofc, but it's definitely something I want to improve on, especially since I'm moving out + going to college soon, I want to hopefully make the best of it while I'm there.
Thank you for making this video! It was such a pleasant watch, I wasnt expecting much when I clicked on it but you definitely blew it out of the park ^o^
Thank you so much for making this video! I've talked and thought about this anime so much since watching it and you've managed to sum up my thoughts perfectly. BTR hit me on a very personal level, it opened up a new perspective for me which made me realise that my social anxiety isn't a flaw and that it's ok to be anxious, and I love it dearly for it.
I can't stop thinking about this video
I can't stop thinking about this video again
I can't stop thinking about Bocchi the Rock!
It hit you like a sack of wet mice
Just wanna say your videos are so well made, youre a man of many skills, making your own music, editing this and writing the scripts and its all in harmony together (hehe funny music pun). I hope your channel grows, few videos give you chills when theyre just talking about an anime.
You deserve subs,these videos are pretty good 👍
oh my god. I thought i was already aware of the things you were talking about whether it was about the show, or my own personal traits. But it really slowly started to hit me. The imaginations of situations I was out going and extroverted. Expecting the gym to make me more confident. Wow it felt good when the realisation hit. How I was already starting to accept the way I am, not great with people, spending a lot of my free time alone and enjoying it. Thanks, for reaffirming these thoughts i was having I really did needed the "she was never really broken from the start" i got goosebumps.
ugh fine... I'll rewatch the anime for the third time
I just did a kinda crappy video explaining why I bought a guitar due to the influence I received from Bocchi The Rock, I related to myself to another youtuber who did the same thing.
But this video made me do a lot of thinking, I don't know what that means but I want to say that. At least I can now play guitar for the new school I am going to and be the 3rd guitarist.
I'm not a introvert, I am known by others when I go to camps school whatever, but I got bullied as a kid with ADHD, I acted like a weirdo trying to hug everyone and being apologetic and always down to make a friend. But I was a walking germ. I later learned to hate younger me and hope those kids from the past don't bring the topic up ever again, I'll find out soon since schools about to start. RUclips and music is my passion now. Sorry for the heart throbbing sob story, your video, music, explanation, and voice got me in a deep thinking state. Thanks for this video.
Bocchi the rock is the prime example of understanding that adaptation is more than copying it. You are there to give the same emotions as the Original story through a different medium. When you copy paste a manga into anime, the emotions get diluted and that's why you want extra things.
Bocchi the rock not only gave the same emotions with the same punch as the Manga, but also added so much personality in their animation. They cared for the story and put much attention to even the tiniest details. AND... they also go out of there with crazy experimental and creative stuff like they genuinely wanted the show to stand out.
I did relate to Bocchi a lot and all. I stayed with the show for how good the show's plot and characters are. But the first thing I noticed and made me watch the show is these extremely creative animation choices
after watching a reading so much btr media, its so cool to see someone that appreciates and explores the nuances of btr. i always loved the portrayal of confidence, introversion/extroversion and the ideas around "just be yourself". btr feels the most authentic in the way these kinds of social stigmas are portrayed and it feels kinda comforting to watch even if bocchi goes through an awkward moment. as an ambivert myself i just find it really nice to see the way they talk about introversion and extroversion and how theres nothing wrong with being either.
anyways, great video!
I love finding videos that express my thoughts better than i ever will
It'd been a crappy week and then I saw that you uploaded and now...now things feel a bit better. I've not seen it yet but look forward to it.
I'm more than fine with hardly seeing any new videos as long it's always something you genuinely enjoy talking about.
Today is 18/7/2023, 6 months since I watched Bocchi the Rock and you know what, every moments and scenes in BTR still in my mind right now. This series was a masterpiece of the music anime genre, I'm sure that BTR will being remembered even 2 years more if CloverWorks release season 2
This video actually brought me to tears, thank you
I got this video in my recommended a few hours ago, watched less than 2 minutes of your video, got curious, watched the whole anime, loved it, and now im back to finish.
I really love your videos and your way of narration it's clear yet deep im looking forward to seeing more of your work! Thank you for analyzing one of my favorite animes
Bocchi is my favourite show, and as an introvert myself, I always thought that being extrovert is the only way if I want to be able to survive in the world full of extroverts. I always have a hard time finding courage to talk to my classmates, and always waited for someone to talk to me, but never got one. Everytime I forced myself to become an extrovert, I always end up regretting what I did because it ends up being awkward or weird.
Glad to hear your video and your essay about bocchi, it really hits right in the feels. It makes me wish this show existed years ago so I can be more confident of myself instead of trying to fix myself, seeing as if I am broken. But, I'm still glad that the show did air, I'm now more confident being myself, and take more courage to talk to more people as I realize that this is how I am, and if people don't like it, it's alright, we can always tolerate each other. That's what I learned from the past few years that help me slowly get over with my social anxiety
tl;dr Great video! And thank you for making this, it makes me understand the show more and give more confidence to myself
Thank you very much Kyle, for yet another beautiful video. It made me smile for a good 20 minutes.
I was also completely blown away by how much creativity and effort were poured into this show. It almost looks like every single person involved in the production, from the director and screenwriter, to the people in charge of music, animators, VAs, etc., all tried their best to turn this seemingly unremarkable story into something outstanding. And you can tell they probably had a lot of fun doing so.
The only other anime that made a similar impression on me were probably Nichijou or Dragon-maid. The animation in these was jaw dropping, not because it had to be, but because the people at Kyoani were genuinely passionate about these stories and wanted to go the extra mile to make them stand out, even though they're just silly slice of life comedies.
Thanks for making this video, this video truly made me realize that I can be my dorky introverted self instead of trying to pretend I'm some extrovert that can speak with everyone and be outgoing and happy constantly, seriously, this video helped a lot. I watched bocchi and enjoyed it a lot but never saw this side of it, I thought like bocchi did, trying to change to be someone I'm not. Anyway, seriously appreciated this video, I think this might've also given me the confidence to write some music that I genuinely have feelings and passion for instead of trying to write someone else's music.
Great editing and music.
Edit: wait you made the music. Sick
when you watch bocchi, you cant forget it