CAA: Christian Anime Alliance

Konichiwa~

Has anyone seen this anime?

It is, quite possibly, the most spiritual anime ever made. I am in love with it. I've never seen any show like it, and it has to be one of my all time favorites. What is everyone's take on it?

One of the great things about this show is the feeling you get after it. It's almost a sublime altruism. I feel like going and hugging the world. *hugs the world*

^_^

Any other fans, share your feelings or news about the show.

I saw your avatar/username and considered making a comment but decided to merely look for a thread such as this. Therefore this post.

Currently I have seen something to the effect of 14 episodes of Mushishi and enjoyed them overall. I like the relaxed tone and the fact that the supernatural elements are never overbearing. But the reason I haven't finished it yet is that I'm not fond of the format as a series of unrelated events. Sure, there is some character development, but overall nothing really ties together the series.

You may disagree with me, but I think that while the simplicity of the series is a strong point, it cuts both ways. The individual stories are interesting, but not tremendously so. I would like more in the way of deeper themes and an overarching message.

But I don't mean to be too negative. Mushishi is a well-crafted series that I wish more anime fans were familiar with.

You weren't negative at all! I understand where your coming from. I guess it was my wish to find an anime unlike the overdone and cliche mainstream anime that plagued the scene for a while.

I have to concede that the series-of-unrelate-events is somewhat odd for first time viewers...or just some in particular, such as yourself. I am in love with it, though it can be tedious at times.

have you seen the episode where it reveals Genkou's upbringing, though? And the episodes nearing twenty continue to mount with emotion; Though they are all different, you will find great struggles with a hint of interconnectedness (If that is even a word...haha), such as the episode "The sound of Rust" and the episodes surrounding it:

They all make a point that one of the characters from the episode's story must sacrifice a great deal in order to save/preserve his/her loved ones.

But you have to admit: What Mushishi lacks in plot or storyline, it makes up for in sheer emotion- it can move you in every episode. I have yet to see another anime with such serious stories of passion and, ultimately, love. It's enough to say the anime is almost spiritual, albeit bordering on the sacreligious to some.
(Though if you know of another anime with serious emotional undertones, let me know! I love those kinds)

Though anime like Naruto and Bleach have their moments, one isn't very moved at the end of the episodes. You might think it's incredibly Sugoi, but your not genuinely moved like Mushishi can move you. That's why I love Mushishi. It's the first anime that I know of to break the barriers of traditional comedy/action/romance storylines and go with a serious story of individual people and their circumstances and provide serious spiritual and moral undertones with it.

i've heard of the manga. one of the best. however, the story of this manga doesn't seem to spark a fire for me.

I have episodes on my computer, but I haven't started watching them.

Mushishi wrote:I have to concede that the series-of-unrelate-events is somewhat odd for first time viewers...or just some in particular, such as yourself.

It also might be that the first two episodes misled me to believe that the series was building to something. I liked the subtle things like the way the smoke was actually a mushi (there hasn't been much else along those lines since). Then when the crow appeared and the strange mushis fled, I assumed it was symbolic of something that would be explained later. So part of the problem was my expectations.

Mushishi wrote:have you seen the episode where it reveals Genkou's upbringing, though?

Yes. Those, along with the occasional recurring character such as the collector, are all that keeps the series from being completely separate. But I haven't seen the later episodes, no.

Mushishi wrote:But you have to admit: What Mushishi lacks in plot or storyline, it makes up for in sheer emotion- it can move you in every episode.

Perhaps that lies at the heart of our differing impressions of the anime. For me, likely due to my temperament, I have been completely unmoved by everything I have seen so far. I find myself detached while watching, more so than even Bleach or Naruto (though those don't move me either).

Mushishi wrote:It's the first anime that I know of to break the barriers of traditional comedy/action/romance storylines

That is one of the reasons I have enjoyed it as I did. Though I do enjoy action, I have been unimpressed with most comedy or romance in anime. Also, I tend not to like comedy when thrown in without need. The fact that Mushishi doesn't overhype the circumstances and takes things seriously and slowly is very refreshing. I also like how problems are solved by knowledge, as opposed to yelling or angst.

I remember seeing some blurbs about this show, but avoided it because of its label as horror. I hate Japanese horror movies, but after this thread, I'm interested.

Anyone tell me why it's horror?

I think that is a very poorly chosen label. Nothing in the episodes I have viewed approaches scary (bizarre and otherworldly might be better descriptors) and they seem very different from what little Japanese horror I have viewed. The tone of the episodes is rather relaxed as opposed to horror in general, and the situations are almost never life-threatening.

If I had to guess, I would say it was called horror in an effort to get more people interested in it. It is difficult to sell a unique, interesting premise like Mushishi, but lots of people enjoy campy bloodbaths.

Haven't heard of this before, but is sounds interesting. What exactly is it about?

uc pseudonym wrote:Perhaps that lies at the heart of our differing impressions of the anime. For me, likely due to my temperament, I have been completely unmoved by everything I have seen so far. I find myself detached while watching, more so than even Bleach or Naruto (though those don't move me either).

M...M'lord! Alas, it is most moving to myself...but I completely understand what your saying. I can see how it can easily turn from a moving, emotional series to a bland, plotless one. Though you must not waver, sire! The series only gets better and better.

uc pseudonym wrote:That is one of the reasons I have enjoyed it as I did. Though I do enjoy action, I have been unimpressed with most comedy or romance in anime. Also, I tend not to like comedy when thrown in without need. The fact that Mushishi doesn't overhype the circumstances and takes things seriously and slowly is very refreshing. I also like how problems are solved by knowledge, as opposed to yelling or angst.

Huzzah! You have the right of it, here. The slow and serious approach of Mushishi is why I adore it so.

All in all, it would be a darned shame if you stop watching now. The series [shockingly] will gradually develop a plot, albeit in fragments of individual stories.

^_^

Also...MYOOOTIIIII!!!! A newcomer to Mushishi!

I am so enamored by this show I can hardly explain it. In truth, there is little to explain. There are beings that are neither living nor dead, but the essence of "everything" itself. I forgot how the show explained it, but these beings- Mushi, as they are called- are constantly throughout the world, only seen by some. Though they are neither living nor dead, they move about and sustain themselves, whether that be beneficial (rarely) or harmful (the harmful mushi are seen the most in the series). It's a very hard to explain thing, these mushi, though they are incredibly interesting. It's almost spiritual how the show describes Mushi.

Genko, a Mushishi (Who cures diseases/dilemmas set off by Mushi) Travels Japan in search of anyone who needs help. What the series is, essentially, is the story of each person he helps. Each episode, a different dilemma.

I absolutely love the individual stories. As UC can remember, the Rainbow episode, the story of Genko's upbringing, and the "sound of rust" episodes are incredible. All of them are, in my opinion. Watch the first episode. From there, you shall either hate it or love it. It's not like your average anime ^.^

By the way, part of the allure of this show to me is the wondrous setting of it all. It's a beautiful depiction of rural japan in a non-specific medieval time period. Sugoi.

Hm, I might just have to check this out sometime, then. o.o\

I've seen some of the show as well. I like the animation style, the characters, and even the music..lol... The Sore Feet Song, that makes me giggle.

Anyway, I haven't gotten to deep into the series yet but it seems pretty good. however I'm still debating wether or not I like the fact that every episode is a new story... I guess I don't really know where it's going.. but I'm still drawn to watch more of it

Can you give any more info without spoilers or no? It sounds interesting but I'd like to know a little more about it.

I'm certain that between those of us who can see it we can definitely give more information. Also, there can't really be spoilers because almost every episode stands alone. Even if you revealed the protagonist's past, it would really only ruin those two episodes.

So what, more specifically, would you like to know?

I would just like a more in depth review of it. Or is the summery that was posted earlier about the most detailed you can get?

Basically. There aren't that many more details to give, really. In terms of offensive content there is next to none.

uc pseudonym wrote:Basically. There aren't that many more details to give, really. In terms of offensive content there is next to none.

are you SERIOUS?!?! i'm definitely checking this anime out now.

OK...That's cool...I'll probably check it out sometime but it doesn't sound like it'd be at the top of my list.

I was randomly looking through the "top 10 anime" due to popularity on ANN, and this was on both the anime AND manga lists... it DOES look amusing and I know I shouldn't start a new series... but I think I might once I finish some others v_v I'm bad, I know^^ Shouldn't start more series than I can handle^^