The plot of Mush-shi is episodic and nothing short of extraordinary. If all the beauty in the world were to be moulded into a show, it would be Mushi-shi. Its roots dwell deep in ancient Japanese culture, it's heavily symbolic, but never obvious about it, and it's simply an amazing experience. The show seems to take place around the 1800s in Japan, but it is never confirmed, as much as all the Japanese culture in it would lead us to believe, as well as the fact that most characters in the show wear traditional Japanese clothing. It never loses an air of mystery, though, which does leave room for argument. The show always leaves you satisfied, and although it isn't one to watch in one sitting, it's a perfect show for before going to sleep.
The characters are another interesting aspect of Mush-shi. Aside from Ginko, characters only appear in one episode (with the exception of a close friend of his.) However, each episodic character is given enough back-story that you care for them. You want them to overcome their troubles and live a happy life. You feel the genuinely upset for these one episode characters when they have trouble overcoming these obstacles. It's truly amazing how this was pulled off, and I salute them for doing so. Ginko himself is a very interesting character and always a joy to have on screen. He's laid-back, sarcastic, but always willing to help others. He really loves his work, even if sometimes it doesn't seem like it. Details on his character are given out little by little as the series goes on, and by the time you get to the episode with his story, you'll find it rather hard not to get teary eyed. He's one of those characters who you have to love.
The art in this series is, you guessed it, beautiful. The character designs are simplistic but if they had been any more detailed, the show's tone may have been altered slightly. They're really better off simplistic. The characters dress in clothing typical for the setting, making it feel very natural. The colours and backgrounds are soft and inviting, adding to the lullaby effect of the show. The animation is rather minimal, but it doesn't need to do any more than it does. It's simple, but effective.
Everything is a high point in this show, and the music is no exception. It's extremely soothing and again, beautiful. There is a lot of piano in this score which is used to great effect. The animation in the opening is very minimal, but the opening song, which is in English, is a very relaxing song and captures the tone of the show well. The ending of the episode merges seamlessly into the ending theme, sending you to sleep with images of the world you just left.
This is one of the series where I refuse to watch it in a certain language. I absolutely will not watch Mushi-shi in Japanese. Odd, I know, considering everything about this show is Japanese, where as many other anime are heavily Americanised. Allow me to explain. Mushi-shi, as mentioned before, is much like a lullaby. I don't want to have to read when watching it. Honestly, I just want to relax and watch without having to worry about that. Your best off just watching in whichever language you know best. The acting in the Japanese is solid; I'm sure, as it always is. In English, Travis Willingham plays Ginko perfectly, as well. Not only that, but every single minor character is acted perfectly, without many miscasting.
Overall, Mushi-shi is a stunningly unique and beautiful series. It isn't one to be watched for hours on end, but rather to watch before going to sleep. Everything about this series is beautiful. If you ever had trouble believing that anime was art, watch this series, it will make you think twice. It isn't action packed, and who knows, some people may find it boring, but can I take away marks for that? I don't think so, since excitement isn't really what it set out to do in the first place. It set out to teach people about how Japanese culture was and still is partially, and to act as a lullaby, and it surely does that. I could recommend this series to anyone, including people who don't normally watch anime.
