Sunday, August 01, 2010

Review: Mush shi anime series



Mush shi
Tv Series - 26 episodes
Plus available on dvd + blu-ray
Anime series and Live Action film

The story line concerns mystical creatures called Mushi which are described as beings in touch with the supernatural or having supernatural power. Most humans can't see Mushi and are oblivious to their existence, but there are a few who possess the ability to see and interact with Mushi.

In Mushi, one person who can see and interact with the Mushi is a person called Ginko and is the main character of the series. He employs himself as a Mushi master, traveling from place to place to research Mushi and aid people suffering from problems caused by them. The series is an episodic anthology in which the only common elements among episodes are Ginko and the various types of Mushi. There is no over-arching plotline. The movie however attempts to bring an arc to the story line so the references to the series plots have a distinct time line running through them, where the animated series often jumps to the past to explain the finer points of what Ginko is feeling or doing.

Through both the movie and the series we learn that Ginko has lost his memory of early childhood. In the movie this is explained early on where the series gives you bits and pieces to explain and expand on what is happening.

Mushi is quiet and introspective. The movie adds in a bit more drama but for the most part emulates the look and feel of the series. Each episode is often ended in a quiet voice over with melancholy music that gives the viewer a wistful feel that is sadly lost in the movie which is tried to capture in the last moments, but really doesn't work.

Both venues work well. You can watch the movie and find yourself enchanted by the slow pacing and quiet nature, where in the series you find those same qualities plus the episodic nature of the series as well as the closing thoughts and impressions of each episode.

In truth I would suggest watching the anime episodes first.

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