Mushi-shi is so far the only anime, to get a full score (10) in my eyes, for it's the only one I have found that is perfect. Truly admire, a production of the highest quality. A rarity for sure.
The quality of the product, such as the utterly simple, yet amazingly strong story overpowers the very few weaknesses.
Animation - 09/10
A very fitting style to the story. An eerie, slow (but not in a dull way) and relaxed atmosphere, very few mistakes (inconsistencies) is the foundation of this masterpiece. When needed anything is nicely detailed, has a matching background color or shadow, the human anatomy and movement is drawn with precision. The coloring is magnificent.
Sound - 09/10
A stronghold of Mushi-shi is that the vocals, the music and the ambient sound is quite fitting. Perhaps it is because the series has a slow pace and a simple structure. Nonetheless, aside from some background noises of nature, nothing is missing. There is no annoying or unneeded sounds or echos. It lends a good hand to the animation.
Characters - 10/10
The only main character has strong, interesting and calm personality, which is very fitting with the atmosphere of the anime (or rather the anime is constructed to fit this character). He isn't being "introduced" and the viewer eventually gets to know him and explore his past due time. He's not a "hero", he's not the best, and he's not special. He's just a human, he makes mistakes and learns from them, he has feelings, and he gets angry sometimes. In short, he is rather real, and so, easy to understand and associate with. Other characters are easily distinguishable, despite the fact that they mostly look alike (without all having the same boring and repeating character), specially by being in different environments. By this I mean the characters don't have absurd hair colors or flamboyant clothes.
Story - 10/10
The story is practically free of inconsistencies, something that defines the whole quality of a work (and something that is hard to see in anime). It has no contradictions within, like a deep blue color, it fills the viewer with a light feeling. The world that is being described here is fairly realistic, despite the fact that it a complete fabrication and purely imaginary. Most Mushi have rather natural-like existence, which makes them feel rather familiar, but still the element of surprise, which is used smoothly, gives it all a special color.
There are sufficient numbers of different type of Mushi that differ in shape, color, power and function. This makes it impossible to get bored with them. The viewers never know what is waiting for them and what makes this even more enjoyable, is that the same applies to Ginko (the main character), in other words he's on the same ground as the viewers (which increases the bond between the viewer and the story). There are no secrets, no magic and no coincidences. Everything is seen the way they really are.
Enjoyment -10/10
Since this series is not made for kids, it is not filled with cheap means of enjoyment i.e. some wild action, some out-of-the-blue events, a trivial love story or the so called fan service, yet it is a great pleasure to watch the series. All the elements that make up the work combine in a pleasant manner and an incredible balance.
Overall, it is indeed a masterpiece.
