Hauntingly beautiful. Directed by Hiroshi Nagahama for Artland studios, this 26 episode series adapts the award-winning manga series of the same name by Yuki Urushibara. The story revolves around the ubiquitous spiritual creatures known as Mushi, whose supernatural abilities often flow over and affect the world of man. Most people of incapable of perceiving these natural spirits as they go about their daily existences, but there are a few who can.
One such man is the enigmatic Ginko, a travelling mushi-shi or Mushi master, wandering from place to place in order to research Mushi and aid people suffering from problems caused by them.
The series is essentially a monster of the day variety show, with each episode introducing a specific type of mushi which has caused some sort of harm in the real world. It is up to Ginko to uncover, identify and resolve, though this is not always possible, resulting in a show that is hauntingly beautiful and melancholic, sometimes with peaceful endings and sometimes not. It plods along at a fairly slow pace but is heartfelt and beautifully told with each and every passing episode.
The beautiful visuals set mostly in rural Japan are a marvel to behold and every little detail exudes natural beauty, from the toned down palette to the eerie spirits and often breathtaking backdrops. Similarly, the musical soundtrack enforces this sense of wonder and eerie beauty, making for a hauntingly stunning package.
In summary, this is a worthy watch, especially if you are not looking for something too action packed. It is beautiful to behold and really manages to pull you emotionally into almost every episode. Well worth catching in other words.
(Incomplete viewing)
Related Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mushishi