oddfacade
I gave this a 9/10 because there simply aren't enough episodes. There's certainly a proper amount according to most animes, but the stories contained in these episodes leave you begging for more! Each episode is so satisfying to watch, so magical to see, and they're wonderfully fantastical explanations of some real-world phenomena.My favorite episode is definitely "Strings from the Sky," which has more thematic elements than most full-length movies. Each episode is longer than it really is--the timing and pace keeps the viewer's attention, but it makes 22 minutes seem so much longer, without dulling the experience of watching. I almost cried at the end of the aforementioned episode, and I'm not the type of person to cry in -any- visual media production (but they would've been tears of amazement--not of sadness.).Again, the only reason why I gave this a 9 instead of a 10 was because I'd like to continue watching new episodes forever, and this one does have its last episode.It's a great time while you're watching, and this is actually one of the few animes which I'll gladly let the opening music/credits play. Everything about this anime is beautiful--the art style, the music, the ambient sounds, the stories, the characters, etc. The only bad thing I have to say about this anime is about what must inevitably happen to all animes (even Inu Yasha and Naruto): it must come to an end sometime.
noiseissound
I'm about three episodes into Yuki Urushibara's masterpiece, "Mushishi" and I must say, its incredible. The show itself does not have much of a main plot, but focuses on each episodes individual story- an episodic format much like that of hit-TV series, "Supernatural."The animation is completely stunning- its almost ethereal green colour pallet is captivating, and was what originally got my hooked. Packed with interesting characters, and a perfectly suited soundtrack that could lull anyone into a blissful sleep, Mushishi has proved itself to be very strong artistically.But Mushishi is more than just your typical pretty looking anime combined with a nostalgia inspiring soundtrack, it actually has some really interesting content, and a creative idea. Despite the episodic nature of the show, I still find myself compelled to keep watching the next episode.Mushishi has me hooked, even my girlfriend who is not exactly an anime fan, it thoroughly enjoying it. Its got a quirky style, but is pretty accessible to anyone, and I encourage anyone with Netflix to pick it up.For my full review and more, checkout my blog at velocithesaurusraptor.blogspot.com
atlantinn
describing the meaning of mushi-s without emerging some false ezoteric- extraterrestial blabla is almost impossible, probably thats why this masterpiece of anime remained quite unknown. each episode is a different hymn of life. amazingly visualized, breathtaking beauty of life, as it flows mysteriously and appear in different manifestation, like animals, plants, and mushis creating a wonderful and complex ecology. a scratch on the balance of lifeforms symbiosis results strange, unusual phenomenons, that can be cured by the Mushi-shi, a kind of para-doctor who is destined to smoke (thc) in order to keep mushis away from himself. and the atmosphere! it just picks you up from the world around for 23 minutes, and shows some real values using the average, common people to show the greatness of humans, and mushis, and above all: life. cheesy, cheesy, but if you watch, you wont have other options than agree:)
jess_davis
Mushishi is an episodic anime comprised of 26 parts. Each episode stands alone from the rest and often the only common denominators in the stories are the presence of Ginko, the main character, and occasional appearances of his friend, Adashino-sensei. Ginko is a Mushi-shi (or bug master, if you'd prefer a literal translation) who travels around the far reaches of Japan examining and documenting various species of mushi. At the same time he helps those who come into contact with these entities: it seems many types of mushi are parasitic in nature and there are unfavorable results when they cross paths with humans. Throughout the series we're shown many magnificent creatures as well as a few intriguing glimpses into Ginko's past.Mushishi is an extraordinary series. It was refreshing in that it was so serene to watch the art is beautiful, the atmosphere is peaceful, and yet the series was able to create excellent tension when it was called for. The stories within it are intriguing and one is left with a sense of wonderment when all is said and done.However, I was left yearning for more from the series. I found myself so interested in the characters that I wished for more plot perhaps an arc or two that consisted of multiple episodes. There were a few opportunities in the show where they could have done just that, but instead they chose to remain true to the manga. As a result, you have to be patient while watching the series and enjoy it for what it is; its pacing is so different from other animes that you might be more familiar with.This series has easily become one of my favorites, and I hope it receives more recognition outside of Japan recognition that it so plainly deserves.9/10