On a warm summer day, a boy heard the sound of bells ringing, as if in celebration, in the mountain near his home. Several years later in that same mountain, the mushishi Ginko encounters a strange girl with weeds growing out of her body. Soon after, Ginko coincidentally runs into the now grown-up boy Yoshiro on his way off the mountain. With Yoshiro's help, Ginko soon begins to uncover who this mysterious girl is and what happened to her.
An adaptation of the last arc in the manga, Mushishi Zoku Shou: Suzu no Shizuku follows Ginko's peculiar journey amidst the occult to unravel the mystery behind the enigmatic girl called Kaya and the mountain that has become her home.
THE ANIME CRITIC REVIEWS: MUSHISHI ZOKU SHOU: SUZU NO SHIZUKU
Prepare to immerse yourself in an otherworldly experience, for today we are diving into the world of the supernatural and spiritual with Mushishi Zoku Shou: Suzu no Shizuku. This is the film adaptation, and supposed finale, to the acclaimed Mushishi series, which has a cult fan following owing to its ethereal, atmospheric tone and episodic storytelling.
Our story centres around Ginko, a “Mushishi” or a “Mushi master”—a specialist in all things Mushi. In this universe, Mushi are the most basic of life forms, closer to the original source of life, and possessing supernatural abilities. They co-exist with humans, invisible to most, but form the core of an intricate ecosystem that affects the human world in myriad ways. Ginko’s work involves him interacting with these Mushi, mediating human-Mushi conflicts, and studying their peculiarities.
STORYLINE
Suzu no Shizuku, as the concluding arc of the enigmatic Mushishi Zoku Shou, offers closure in a fittingly abstract context. It presents a richly woven narrative that explores the nature of life, death, and the symbiosis that exists between every organism. The plot sends Ginko to a remote mountainous region where a girl named Kaya has an unusual connection with a particular kind of Mushi. What unfolds is a beautiful symphony of melancholy that echoes the series’ larger themes of harmony, co-existence, and the delicate balance of life.
The storytelling remains episodic, however, with an overarching emotional fluidity that seeps into the audience’s heart. Mushishi Zoku Shou: Suzu no Shizuku doesn’t scream its climaxes; instead, it lets the storyline unfold naturally and poetically. Fans of the series will appreciate this nuanced narrative style.
ANIMATION & MUSIC
Mushishi has always been admired for its beautiful yet simplistic animation and Suzu no Shizuku continues this legacy. The animation has a watercolour-like aesthetic that perfectly encapsulates the ethereal tone of Mushishi. The Mushi, in particular, are depicted as ghostly, luminescent organisms, which adds to their otherworldly aura.
The background music is minimal, mostly nature sounds mixed with soft instrumental pieces. This adds to the show’s enchanting ambiance, creating a seamless connection between the audience and the universe of Mushishi. The end result is an entirely immersive and visually stunning viewing experience.
VERDICT
Mushishi Zoku Shou: Suzu no Shizuku serves as a wonderful closure to a series that is as enigmatic as it is captivating. It continues the tradition of high-quality storytelling, poignant narratives, and a breathtakingly beautiful animation that the series is known for.
If you thoroughly enjoyed the Mushishi series or are generally a fan of folklore, mysteries, and supernatural stories, then this film will not disappoint. Whether you choose to rent, buy, or stream, this is an anime adventure you won’t want to miss!
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