Second season of Mushishi Zoku Shou.
Ghostly, primordial beings known as Mushi continue to cause mysterious changes in the lives of humans.
The travelling Mushishi, Ginko, persists in trying to set right the strange and unsettling situations
he encounters. Time loops, living shadows, and telepathy are among the overt effects of interference
from Mushi, but more subtle symptoms that take years to be noticed also rouse Ginko's concern as he
passes from village to village.
####~~~_“They seem strange and alien. Primitive and peculiar, they are unlike any flora or fauna known to us. From time immemorial, men have feared these misshapen entities which came to be known as 'mushi'.”_~~~ ~~~img490(https://i.postimg.cc/fb76QPKK/Eternal-Forest.jpg)~~~ Continuing on from Season One, the Second Season of Mushishi Zoku Shou gives us a further selection of weird and wonderful stories centering on the interactions between many different kinds of people, mushi and elements of the natural world which they make up. But just what exactly are ‘mushi’? Well to give you an idea, they are described as beings which are mostly invisible to the human eye, taking up a strange but captivating variety of forms, shapes and sizes. Their aim is simply to live. In doing so they can be seen as a symbol of life at its most basic element, a reminder that humans are not the only beings who are trying to survive in this world. Each episode within this series looks at the fascinating world of mushi through human eyes, documenting many people’s encounters and experiences with these creatures. More often than not, each of these stories is observed by our central protagonist Ginko, who plays less of a role to directly advance the plot but rather acts as an observer, a representation of the audience satisfying our curiosity to learn more about this weird spiritual-like world where things are never fully understood. ~~~img60%(https://i.postimg.cc/YSTT3H8s/Ginko-San.jpg)~~~ Despite acting primarily as a cohesive plot element, forming one of the few bits of structure present across the show by tying together all these tales with the encounters he has, Ginko is also an intriguing character in his own right. Cool, calm and collected, he has a natural ability to form intimate connections with the various strangers he meets across his endless travels in an attempt to study and understand the different kinds of mushi which live in their world. The “mushi-shi” Ginko has his own story too which gradually gets revealed as the series progresses, though there is no order to this development since it occurs in one-off episodes like that of the rest. The episodic nature of Mushishi is definitely a change of pace from what we are regularly used to in our watching experience, something which cannot just be consumed instantly but rather requires a bit of reflection on the subliminal moral and philosophical themes that are present. Although I found that this individualistic style of storytelling meant that certain episodes had a greater significance and emotional impact than others, the quality of the series as a whole was still maintained throughout. The ability to take a step back and appreciate each new episode as a unique experience in itself really stood out, with any fears over a lack of conclusion resolved after watching “Suzu no Shizuku”, which adapts the final manga arc following this part. ~~~img64%(https://i.postimg.cc/wTtZjM23/Calming-Scene.jpg)~~~ The Soundtrack is one of the more underrated aspects of this show, which it shouldn’t be because the music absolutely makes the overall atmosphere and impact of each story. Honestly what else can I say but brilliant – Masuda is nothing short of a magician, employing the use of gentle chimes and other simple, yet effective sounds to provide the gorgeous backdrop to this series and truly make it special. The tracks are just as good as the original, showcasing that talent is definitely permanent. Without any particularly standing out, I found that instead the best use of the music is to pull you into the show, putting you in a state of relaxation almost akin to meditation, where all worries drain away once the episode starts and Lucy Rose’s beautiful voice plays one of my all-time favourite Openings. What, to me, is especially great though would have to be the endings. You know that experience you get after finishing a truly great anime? The awe-struck staring at your screen as you watch the credits roll? Well this series has that, but for the ending of __every single episode__, more than in part due to the efforts of Masuda and his masterful symphonies. Please never skip the endings before going onto another episode, because they’re simply too good to miss out on!
"Mantidos como seres distantes, inferiores e anormais. Eram seres bem diferentes daquela fauna e flora da qual estávamos acostumados. Eram, de fato, um grupo de seres grotescos mais temíveis que vós, homens, desde os tempos de outrora. Despercebidamente, o senso comum o reconheceu como ‘mushi'”. Esse trecho pertencente a obra explica sobre os Mushis (que pode ser traduzido como 'inseto'), seres sobrenaturais que habitam o plano natural, embora só possam ser vistos por pessoas com habilidades especiais. Os Mushis são formas de vidas extremamente básica, podendo ser encontradas várias espécies, representando as forças da natureza, quase que míticas. Poucas são as pessoas que possuem capacidade para vê-los, aqueles quem as possui são chamados de Mushi-shi. img(https://i.imgur.com/ij9ZHYH.jpg) O papel do mushi-shi é fundamental pois as pessoas, geralmente, são ignorantes quanto à existência dos mushis, o que acaba as deixando vulneráveis. Essas criaturas não são, em essência, boas ou más, mas ao dividirem o espaço com humanos podem trazer consequências incríveis ou aterradoras, podendo viver como parasitas. O trabalho de um mushi-shi é atender e investigar acontecimentos anormais, protegendo as pessoas dos efeitos dos mushis. Cada um possui seu próprio estilo. Há os que consideram caçar e eliminar mushi a melhor solução, os que vivem em aldeias como médicos ou conselheiros, os que observam os mushi como naturalistas, não há regras predeterminadas. No anime acompanhamos diversos acontecimentos, em sua grande maioria muito tristes e trágicos. Dificilmente algum episódio termina de forma feliz, reforçando a ideia de um mundo real e sem misericórdia, onde tudo acontece de uma forma bem natural e crível. Os mushis são entidades que fazem parte da dia-a-dia dos humanos, e sua presença é fatal na maioria das vezes. img(https://imgur.com/QnuYt7H.jpg) Mas não se engane! Estes seres não são bons ou maus em sua essência. Tal qual a natureza não é boa ou má, antes, ela é simplesmente "natural". Por isso, ao sofrer grande influência das ações humanas, as retribui de igual modo. Assim são os Mushis, um mero reflexo das diferentes tragédias cotidianas: doenças, velhice, perda de pessoas queridas , contendas, guerras, vinganças, fome, pestes, amores impossíveis, casamentos falidos, famílias destruídas, desastres naturais, fracasso, frustração... Mushi-shi não é uma aventura repleta de ação, mas um convite a contemplação através da jornada do protagonista. Em caráter fantástico e melancólico, o enredo nos chama a percorrer os passos de Ginko por diferentes lugares. Sempre como um observador imparcial e racional, mas possuindo um forte senso de compaixão. A forma como Ginko enxerga o mundo, ajudando a quem precisar, seja animal, pessoa ou mushi, distoa bem o clima bucólico. img(https://imgur.com/zjJmUAp.jpg) Mushi-shi não é uma história simples de se acompanhar. Através de acontecimentos trágicos somos levados a reflexão através de pontos necessários ao crescimento humano. A melancolia fornecida por situações difíceis e duras, que fogem de nosso alcance, com a costante sensação de mãos atadas; A tristeza deixada pelas perdas, sofrimentos, fracassos, desastres, ao se ver "caminhando" para a própria "destruição"; E a aceitação ao vermos que existe uma ordem natural em cada ação, que existe um ciclo de reconstrução e a vida segue seu fluxo, onde uns perdem e outros ganham, mas, que existe beleza mas pequenas coisas, culminando na felicidade. Cada ser é igual por natureza mas diferente em sua essência. Entender a essência particular de todos em nossa volta é o que nos torna humanos. Mushi-shi não é o tipo de história para se maratonar. Deve ser apreciada, buscando sempre contemplar a reflexão deixada em cada episódio. " Aquilo considerado como estando além do nosso mundo são criaturas totalmente diferentes das ordinárias e grotescas que estamos acostumados a ver. Com o passar do tempo, as pessoas começaram a ter medo e respeito por essas criaturas, começaram a chamá-las de Mushi." img(https://i.imgur.com/uFJIlDo.jpg)
img1000(https://gonzonyan.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/8f55babba86eb36a0668720261c8f7da.jpg) There is a common saying that lightning never strikes twice at the same place. We can apply the same analogy to how a sequel of a classic never reaches its predecessor's quality. However, both statements are far from the truth; it’s just that we don’t often see both happen very often. But when we do see it, it's nothing short of magical. What transpires in the discussion of Mushishi Zoku Shou is how it can keep the spirit of the original series alive and well. When you get right down to it, there isn’t any need to try anything new or different to the sequel to make it seem fresher. This is how Mushishi structures into different story arcs centered on its mythological lore of Mushi. The arcs supply a deeper meaning to the characters as we learn about the different types of Mushi we come across. From this perspective, Mushishi doesn’t need to do anything other than give us more than what we bargained for; they sure as hell made another accomplishment for the ages. img1000(https://gonzonyan.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/mushishi-s2-05.jpg) From a stylistic perspective, Mushishi Zoku Shou follows the same atmospheric tone as before. It transcends itself into a breathtaking journey into what the world of Mushishi brings to the table. From my previous review of Mushishi, I criticized it for how the world didn’t feel like the actual world that it wanted it to be. It tried to go far, but at the same time, it didn’t go far enough. With Mushishi Zoku Shou, it is apparent that we are shown a closer look at the various mythical structures of its world. This is one aspect of the sequel that I think improves more than the prequel in many ways. Here, more meat is to be explored, and it's gratifying to experience the rich landscape and how the Mushi engulfs the world. As there are many plot arcs in each episode, there is the question of whether these new plot arcs hold a candle to the original series. While there were many great episodes of Mushishi that I can name, I could also name some that felt rather underwhelming compared to others. In many respects, Mushishi Zoku Shou offers more episodic stories that are stronger and more vibrant. From beginning to end, there was never an episode where I thought it was average, mediocre, or even decent; they are all merely good to magnificent. img1000(https://gonzonyan.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/2.jpg) What makes them more vital is how the characters that our hero, Ginko, comes across in his travels are more memorable to the viewing experience. Many of them garner praise because they manage to fit in in-depth characterization in only under 24 minutes. Like in previous episodic iterations, they all lead to a well-crafted conundrum that Ginko has to solve. This problem can vary in how they are approached in how the tone is settled. The mood is always the main focal point of Mushishi, ranging from mystical and transcendent to dark and unsettling. All are accomplished with high tenacity and wit that won’t fail to impress many who want a lucid experience in their anime viewing endeavors. Animation has evolved since 2004, and Mushishi had a minimalist methodology for its artistic aesthetics. Although it may not look like it has changed its vibrant colors and lighting, it indeed flows in its animation more fluidly. New designs of Mushi pop up that look stunning to the eyes. Characters now have more range in movement thanks to the higher budget. Amazingly, it still feels freshly new, although it doesn’t do anything too drastic to make it more “modernized” for modern anime fans to enjoy. img1000(https://gonzonyan.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/url.png) Music has never been a prominent hallmark for the Mushishi series regarding how repetitive it becomes after the fifth episode. Not that it is unlistenable by any means, it is good by its standards, but I would’ve appreciated it more had there been more variety. The noteworthy thing to mention is the new opening to Mushishi Zoku Shou, which is far more welcoming than in Season 1. The first one’s problem stems from the fact that the singer was trying to do a bad Bob Dylan impersonation throughout. Mushishi Zoku Shou’s opening, sung by Lucy Rose, feels more in line with the peaceful tone that defines Mushishi. In closing, I would call this a triumphant swan song for Mushishi to end on. Its efforts in bringing it back to show these remaining stories in animation form are admirable. The series continues to be considered a classic from the 2000s. Now it’s become a future classic in the 2010s. I can’t say I’ll be surprised by that assessment if it becomes a reality. Grade: A
~~~img410(https://imgs.search.brave.com/aSsM5ej5sfY3WJWmRECMCnAGyGiCLRpeKI48zzDigMI/rs:fit:860:0:0/g:ce/aHR0cHM6Ly93YWxs/cGFwZXJjYXZlLmNv/bS93cC82aVR0S05B/LmpwZw)~~~ img820(https://i.postimg.cc/cLvmPqRC/unnamed-1.png) ~~~ >"If you could see everything but couldn't change any of it, or if you could live in freedom in darkness. Which do you think is more fortunate? I think it might not be that bad living in the dark, remembering the light." - Amane ~~~ img820(https://i.postimg.cc/cLvmPqRC/unnamed-1.png) ~~~ Perhaps the best anime I've ever seen is "Mushishi." As cliché as it may sound, the first word that comes to mind when describing the second season's second half—and the entire franchise as a whole—is "masterpiece." But there's a catch: Mushishi is the sort of show that exemplifies the adage "not for everyone."~~~ img820(https://i.postimg.cc/cLvmPqRC/unnamed-1.png) ~~~youtube(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YoYbpBGaJM)~~~ img820(https://i.postimg.cc/cLvmPqRC/unnamed-1.png) ~~~First and foremost, you won't find anything in this that you typically associate with Japanese animation. Giant fighting robots, space travel, and scantily clad schoolgirls are not present in Mushishi, and if you expect or demand these things from your anime, Mushishi is not worth your time and will probably put you to sleep before the opening credits. You will likely be let down if you prefer intricately crafted plots, unexpected plot turns, and foreshadowing and hints that entice you to figure out the author's meaning. As you can see, it is simpler to tell someone NOT to watch this anime than it is to identify potential fans. When I watched Mushishi, I got the impression that what was slowly happening on the other side of the screen was starting to tug at my heartstrings, making me stop and think a lot about various topics. I plunge into a mysterious, nearly unfathomable world that is a fantasy realm superimposed on the real world, and it is simple to get lost in this world. There seems to be some dynamics in the story, but as you watch, the minutes fly by. Mushishi: A Fairy Tale or Not? I have no idea. It is both too fantastical and too real to be a fairy tale.~~~ img820(https://i.postimg.cc/cLvmPqRC/unnamed-1.png) ~~~youtube(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEw1fOtzCwM&list=PLvm_uCm30HrizvdYzCfkGWD2JiyhcG5RH&index=25)~~~ img820(https://i.postimg.cc/cLvmPqRC/unnamed-1.png) ~~~To be completely honest, I was initially very skeptical. The graphics in the trailers and screenshots bothered me, as did the fact that each episode had an "independent" plot. I had some reservations going into the first few episodes of the show. But after watching a few more episodes, I was shocked to discover that none of the shows had made me feel disgusted. I was astonished by the breathtaking landscapes that nearly brought tears to my eyes. Character design variations were fairly subtle as if the authors wanted to convey the idea that "this could happen to anyone," but each character also possessed some unique qualities. The music must be dealt with by each character in the context of their particular circumstances and predicament. As a result, a lot of viewers criticize Mushishi for using the same supporting cast. However, this is not a drawback but rather a "vice-versa" plus, almost as if the creators were trying to convey to us that while everyone is unique, they are also very similar to one another in many ways, as brilliantly illustrated by Mushishi. Every person is both "every" and "all." And these stories' designs are beautifully executed. Everything is drawn in soft pastels, with a very simple colour scheme reflecting the natural world and resembling watercolours, as opposed to the traditional anime route of using bright, eye-popping, multicoloured landscapes. It has a traditional Japanese ink painting feel to it. The series' central plot appears to be the artist who painted images of his native lands on the hard mountain's lining in the first season. Another element, Mushi, which is both different and the same, neither good nor evil, and which both feeds and kills, coexists with mountains, valleys, the sky, and the ocean. There is neither good nor bad; rather, there is only what the viewer feels during each episode, just like in history. Everyone merely goes about living their lives, however. There is neither good nor evil.~~~ img820(https://i.postimg.cc/cLvmPqRC/unnamed-1.png) ~~~youtube(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU7WK89Do3U&list=PLvm_uCm30HrizvdYzCfkGWD2JiyhcG5RH&index=29)~~~ img820(https://i.postimg.cc/cLvmPqRC/unnamed-1.png) ~~~When listening to Mushishi's music, you can see a picture of a lush, green forest on the screen while bells ring; if you close your eyes, the experience is the same. The audio and visual elements combine to create a "voice" of nature. I believe that without its incredible OST, anime would become soulless. It is simply impossible to cut the ending short at the end of each episode because it marks the logical transition from the visual image to the music. For anyone who has ever stopped to listen to the whisper of the forest, "Mushishi" will never be only a "passable" anime. The Japanese philosophy is very ambivalent and is unlikely to be truly understood by our audience. An outstanding anime is Mushishi. Just amazing. One of those anime series that is truly deserving of being at the top. ~~~ img820(https://i.postimg.cc/cLvmPqRC/unnamed-1.png) ~~~ This is the ideal anime for the evening. The amazing feeling of lightness and fleeting thoughts are left behind. And yet, it is infused with an all-consuming love for peace and neighbourliness that does not hurt the eyes.~~~ img820(https://i.postimg.cc/cLvmPqRC/unnamed-1.png) ~~~img480(https://e0.pxfuel.com/wallpapers/541/152/desktop-wallpaper-mushishi-21-1280-x-720.jpg)~~~ img820(https://i.postimg.cc/cLvmPqRC/unnamed-1.png)