Mushi-Shi DVD Volume 1

Mushi-Shi DVD Volume 1


Directed by: Hiroshi Nagahama
Reviewed by: gothiclolitamaiden, 15
Rating: Really liked it


In Mushi-shi, Ginko is a mushi-shi, or mushi master. The mushi are beings that are not quite animal or plant but influence the human world with varied results. The plot, so far, is episodic, which may annoy some people, though I didn't mind at all. Each episode tells a different story, and therefore the only character featured in every episode is Ginko, who is an interesting character. Ginko is different from other male manga heroes. He is not loud, brave, or brash. Instead he is quiet, thoughtful, and compassionate. The fifth episode referred to events from previous episodes, suggesting that continuity may eventually be established.

The series left me with a melancholy feeling. Ginko was sometimes successful in healing people with mushi-related problems, but sometimes he was not. The series doesn't give the viewer much time to become acquainted or attached to the secondary characters, but the sense of loss is still there.

The character designs of Mushi-shi are reminiscent of Miyazaki, simple and realistic in comparison to most other anime. The backgrounds are gorgeous, lush, and breath-takingly detailed. The dub and sub are equal for the most part. Some of the secondary characters' voices on the English track are just a little irritating. The background music was mostly soft and relaxed, except for at tense or exciting moments. The guitar and vocal opening and the piano ending blend in with the rest of the music in the series, so that the viewer barely notices the transition. The music makes a great addition to the series, but nothing I'd add to my playlist.


Recommended to: Anyone who wants an intelligent, original, supernatural anime, I agree with TV-14 rating for some gore.