One of the best aspects of this anime is the story. Each episode is a parable about the darker side of human nature, especially when it comes to being heartless and ignorant. These parables are based on scenarios that could actually exist in the real world and make the viewer think about their personal ethics as well as the ethics of others. Yet, despite the hard truths, there is an element of hope that comes from the anime's main character, Kino.
Kino has become my number one favorite female protagonist in anime. As I progressed with the series, I found myself admiring how swiftly she could defend herself with a gun, how considerate she was of others, and how resilient and wise she was for her age. She teaches the anime's ultimate lesson, which is that if you are conscious of your identity, actions, and the world around you, then you can survive any bad stuff life throws at you and maybe make a positive difference in someone's life.
When it comes to the art, it is good, but nothing too special. The art has its moments of beauty, like when Kino stares up at the night sky or is in a field of flowers. Other than that, it doesn't play a significant role on the impact of the anime. Meanwhile, the sound provides a meditative atmosphere for the viewer to chew on certain events, thoughts, and morals.
Overall, this was a fantastic anime that shows how poignant the medium can be. If you want an anime that makes think about what you are watching, then I recommend this. However, due to the strong violence in this anime, I would not let children watch this.
