Aru Tabibito no Nikki

'Slow-paced vignettes of a dream'
*

It was a random surreal-looking animated series (very short) that I added to my watchlist one day. I think I didn't expect yet it will be such a memorable adventure.

We follow a man named Tortov Roddle on his mysterious journey through many surreal places. Sometimes excerpts from his diary illustrate a journey as an additional commentary. We don't know why he embarked on this journey but it doesn't matter.

Visuals are beautiful and the toned colors are perfect for a dreamlike mood of this story. The dreamlike qualities aren't only reflected in the appearance of all characters and their surroundings but also ... in the events shown here. It's like in each short episode Tortov experiences some little bizarre piece of life. They can be melancholic, full of awe, a bit anxious, romantic; funny moments are also here.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for unknown gems of animation (especially Japanese) and anyone who likes surreal stories with the quality of dreams.

Aru Tabibito no Nikki ( the story of Tartov Roddle ) is 6 short episodes, a 16-minute masterpiece. A travelers journey set in 6 short experiences. // not for everyone, this show is something you will either love or not really care for //

on to the review -

Story: 8/10

The story is the one place where people typically say it flakes, there is no overall story but after seeing each scene you can get a sense of his life. A lone man and his long-legged pig travel, you are watching the various things he experiences.

Art: 10/10

I am a sucker for the artsy-fartsy ... stuff. This chalky and mellow feeling you can get from this style and the colors is enough for you to try watching it alone, it is entertaining to watch if you simply look and focus on the art. When I was watching the art as the show unfolds it feels like this is how Tartov sees the world, his emotions depicting the soothing colors.

Sound: 10/10

I rarely come across a show with such a peaceful and beautiful soundtrack, the music is engaging and fun to listen to. It fits each scene and I would honestly listen to it when I am reading manga or playing video games. It is at times melancholy and dreary and at times upbeat and fun.

Character: 9/10

There is no dialogue in this show but I still felt that I could see what type of person Tartov is from how he reacts and what he does. Which I found quite enjoyable.

Enjoyment: 9.5/10

Overall: 9.5 / 10

The only thing I think this show could have done to make it a perfect 10/10 would be if there was more of a resolution, I was happy with the final episode or scene but I felt it could have been more of a conclusion.

Aru Tabibito no Nikki follows Tortov Roddle as he explores an esoteric dreamscape, providing a short and mysterious adventure. The anime showcases remarkable creativity, with unique visuals that immerse viewers in its surreal world. The music accompanying the scenes complements the creativity, enhancing the overall experience. However, some viewers may find its avant-garde approach pretentious, as it delves into abstract themes and imagery. Yet, for those who appreciate its artistic merits, the series offers a captivating exploration of unconventional style and thematic elements. Despite its concise nature, it remains a compelling choice for enthusiasts of experimental animation and introspective storytelling.