Preview

"Mushi" are "living" creatures between our plane of existence and a more ephemeral existence, and usually goes unseen by people, not interacting nor been seen. However, some problems in this world are caused by some particular "Mushi", and only those who can see (and usually attract) "Mushi", or "Mushishi", can solve this issues. Mushishi is a set of random stories by Ginko, one of such Mushishi, and his journey thru the world collecting, studying and watching Mushi, while helping people with problems related to them.

Pacing

Mushishi is a subtle collection of supernatural stories that, more than trying to pass on a message or a human theme, are just nice pleasant stories. Most stories have a sad undertone, often followed by some unfortunate closure that focus on how "Mushi" are not good or evil, but just go on with their lives and accidentally affect humans - for better or for worse. While Ginko will do everything he can to help people with issues related to Mushi, like a Mushi who "eats" sound and thus turn someone deaf, or a Mushi who use dead corpses as a their "home", more often than not Ginko can only do amends, but not totally heal or fix each and every issue, in the apparent director's effort to bring Mushishi as close as to something plausible as possible.

Ginko himself is the only recurring character, and though there are one or two episodes which touch his past and explain his situation, or how he came to be a Mushishi, most stories are loose and one can watch Mushishi at their own pace, not worrying with cliffhangers or action thrillers. Some episodes are very calming and pleasant even if they offer a sad plot, while others manage to be happy or even funny, while usually trying to imply a meaning behind the so called existence of "Mushi".

Conclusion

Mushishi is a nice slice of life title, where although Ginko and the Mushi are nothing but usual and nowadays occurrence, the stories each episode could, removed the Mushi, be about the guy next door. In the end, Ginko and Mushishi are as neutral as the Mushi they relate: it's not a good nor bad title, just a subtle title which goes on trying to pass it's own story. Amazingly enough, this "averageness" actually works for the best, and the title manages to usually bring a gentle smile to the viewer even when followed by tears - Mushishi is nice, is warming and is human, and most characters and their stories are touching and deep enough to make us ponder some "what ifs" now and there.

If nothing else, an exquisite work flowing away from the usual action packed thriller or the light titles trying to be cute. Mushishi is a unique title with unique plot and twists, and that alone make it worth it. The fact it's brilliantly directed and, in its simplicity, beautiful and warming, are just plus that make this any collector's shelf worth.