"Toward the Terra" defies the mold. It's a surprisingly sensitive sci-fi that focuses on the human factor. I'd classify it as an adventure drama. It deals with discrimination and genocide, defying a "big brother system," and ethics in war. And I HIGHLY enjoyed it. I've added it to my top 5 favorites.
It's hard to say what series I can compare this to, because it has such a unique feel to it. Perhaps it's most similar to Star Trek in its tone. I was so drawn into the story and events, I was tempted to watch the series straight through all at once. I had to limit myself to one DVD disk a day, because I knew I wanted to savor it over a longer time. And it was sure worth it. (I just finished watching it this evening, and I want to watch it through again starting tomorrow!)
Synopsis:
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Humanity was forced to flee earth due to over-pollution, and now lives on various distant planets. To regulate human society, a great computer system manages every aspect of life. Even children's experiences are tailored to form them into meek and unquestioning citizens ("tailored" as in "deleting socially undesirable memories"). However, some are able to resist the deletions. These are called "Mu" (mutants); those born with telepathic abilities and other superpowers. Since resisting the system is undesirable, there is a campaign underway to wipe out all Mu. Those who manage to escape and survive have banded together in a spaceship, with the hope of a life of peace, and a dream to travel through the stars, and return to earth.
For the most part, the story follows Jomy, who seems like a normal kid. But during his adult examination (when memory deletion mostly occurs), his dormant mu powers awaken, and his journey begins.
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As I said, this is mostly a drama. And that's why I liked it. We get to know characters, and solve some mysteries along the way. Characters have to make decisions: Will they unquestioningly follow the autocratic computer system? How far will people bury their humanity in order to obey it? Are Mu really monsters deserving extermination? Should the Mu push on to earth to fulfill the dreams of their forefathers, or begin a new life on a nearby planet of promise? Who should make decisions: the elders, or the younger generation? Does war justify every kind of violence?
And despite there being few space battles, there is a noticeable amount of violence. Mostly it's from close-quarters combat (shootings, stabbings). Many instances are bloody (with blood spattering around); one character is killed when half his body is blown away. But most wounds are not shown in too explicit detail. There are also psychologically and mentally painful procedures inflicted on people.
I will warn you, that there is quite a bit of tragedy. I was surprised at just how much death there was. Even I got some tears yanked out of me on more than one occasion. But this is not meant to be just a feel-good show. At times it's more like a war drama. Loss is part of the equation. Despite the Mus' superpowers, they have many vulnerabilities. And some of these sad moments were done very beautifully, and were made that much more powerful.
Although the art and animation doesn't blow me away, it's still very good quality, and very well done. The music is more unusual. I'm no music expert, but it doesn't sound like normal anime music. It's more...cinematic. Actually, if I ever have the chance to get my hands on this soundtrack, I will jump at it.
And oddly...this goes with a comment from before, but there were several sound effects that sounded like they were ripped right out of Star Trek...
Yes, there are some flaws. That's why I gave it a 9 instead of 10 (though it was a close call). There are a few moments that I thought came across as a bit cheesy, but I forgave them in light of the whole.
This anime is NOT for action-lovers. Or for people who hate drama and tragedy. But for everyone else, I think you might enjoy this.
*****
Final note:
So far as I know, this anime has NOT been dubbed into English, so you may have to make do with subtitles.
*****
