Anime: Mushishi Zoku Shou (2014) 2a541

probably the most overrated anime that caters only to specific demographic

I did try liking this anime, I watched it the first time, dropped halfway, then few years later I decided to pick it up again since a lot of people on the internet hyping this anime back then.
I dropped it again, this anime does not deserve the score it gets.

What constitute as a good anime to me personally is how the story is able to hook my attention since the first episode. What mushishi lacks to me, is the ability to grasp my attention as it deliberately slowing down the pace and inability to tell gripping story. What this anime sells to the audience is slow vibe, and building the lore surrounding the event, and that's all they have here. It doesn't have a strong/memorable main character, all the side character seems like a throw away character that is used per episode then be forgotten in the next episode as the main character goes on to his next case. As I watch, I don't know the main character background, motivation, and what makes him keep continue doing what he does. I watch tons of anime and as I write this review now in 2024, I never heard this anime being mentioned/referenced even once as a joke/satire in other anime, if this anime gets 9/10, surely most people have already known and talked a lot about this anime everywhere, but no, nobody talking about this anime because it is forgettable, it goes back to what I said, the story and main character aren't its strong suit, all about slow pace, and vibing.

There's a pattern that people in this website specifically condescending toward shonen, mecha genre which basically has more "impulse" / ionate/hot blooded characters and has more upbeat tempo, and more bias toward slow vibing, slice of life type of the story as by being this specific genre already gave made the anime with minimum 8 out of 10.

I heavily disagree and hopefully my review served as a behalf of silent majority from mainstream audience who found that this specific genre type of anime actually boring and slog to go through, but they are too busy with their life to give score or write review.

Art & Animation:
The art is well polished and drawn but sometimes can be inconsistent. The animation is overall solid and sometimes outstanding but can drop based on the episode.
Sound:
The sound is brilliant in conveying the tone of the anime and making you feel like the protagonist in a way I have never seen in an anime.
Story:
The story is fine but can feel overplayed in some areas overall is solid but needs more groundwork.
Character:
The characters are top-tier to okay depending on their use and overall involvement.
Value:
The value personally is very subjective and personal, I lost some value based on how it ends but it doesn't fully take away from the rest.
Enjoyment:
I enjoyed my experience with this anime and won't forget my time with it.

I have forgotten now how I came to watch Mushishi Zoku Shou. But whatever that reason is, I surely don't regret it.

It may be appalling at first how it may seem slow-paced or even stagnant. Looking closely, we'll realize that it is this stillness and calm that give Mushishi its distinction, making it worthy to be called a masterpiece.

After all the action and drama that anime can flaunt, Mushishi gives us a refreshing retreat, a break from the hustle and bustle of trite anime antics, and presents to us its own brand of action and drama enveloped in its unique and perhaps unpredictable storytelling.

We follow Ginko, the main character, in his travels across Japan where he meets people affected by mushi, strange, ethereal creatures that coexist silently with every other living being. Interacting with different mushi has its implications and Ginko, as a mushishi, offers his help to those troubled by mushi to the best of his ability. The setting itself offers a horizon of opportunities. It is a captivating feat that each episode can be the darkest of tales reminiscent of Edgar Allan Poe (Fragrant Darkness, Lingering Crimson) or even the most lighthearted of stories (Banquet at the Forest's Edge). The story fills out every edge of possibility and leaves room for even more.

The slow movement and breathtaking scenery are what absorb you and even more so when its superb musical arrangements come in to accompany it. Its masterful direction bring out the best of each scene - the deep-rooted characters, the intense emotions, the over-all mood (you'd have to take a closer look to see this). Mushishi couldn't ask for a better production.

The whole experience takes you to a time when man and nature treated each other with respect and lived together in peace and harmony. With each episode told in a way that closely resembles the fable of Aesop and the parables of Jesus coupled with its magnificent art direction, Mushishi gives us an experience evocative of the ways of Shinto and Zen embedded in classical Japanese culture.

And yet, Mushishi never tries to be grandiose and flamboyant in its ways. Its simplicity is its most favorable trait and it is in there that you will find its grandeur. "Mabaw nga kalipay" ("simple pleasure") is what we'd call it in Cebuano. It is not laden with complications and twists but that makes it all the more entertaining.

Among the anime series I'm watching this season, Mushishi Zoku Shou stands out the most and is easily one of my favorites in my limited repertoire. I would very much recommend the series to anyone and everyone, especially to those with an open mind.