Beautiful Bones is not an anime to watch casually. It doesn't try to be loud or trendy - instead, it's subtle, unconventional, and thoughtfully composed. This series respects the viewer's intelligence and gently challenges us to rethink death and beauty. And i think this is beautiful.
This being said, the rating is way to low. Maybe the anime wasn't promoted well. Maybe the wrong audience expected the wrong.
The series definitely sets its focus on Sakurako Kujo, and she carries the show with a rare presence. Razor-sharp, deeply intelligent, and unwavering in her focus - she doesn't bend to anything, except perhaps to Shotaro, whose quiet companionship grounds her. Sakurako is eccentric, even macabre in her love for bones - but she demands acceptance, not just sympathy. And she earns it - through the consistency of her character and the dignity she embodies.
What's refreshing: she isnt sexualized. Her allure lies in her essence, not in her appearance. That Shotaro, as a teenager, is quietly drawn to her - who wouldn't be at that age? It's not a cliché; it's simply typical for a teenager.
This series thrives on atmosphere, philosophy, and subtle emotion. If you're looking for action, romance, or conventional crime drama, you may be disappointed. But if you're willing to slow down and engage with its themes, Beautiful Bones rewards you with many mature topics to think about.
Unfortunately the show is quite short. I guess there'd have been much more potential. The drama hasn't even started properly but it has already ended.
But: It is a hidden gem - for those who know how to read between the lines.