In the mysterious future, crystalline organisms called Gems inhabit a world that has been destroyed by six meteors. Each Gem is assigned a role in order to fight against the Lunarians, a species who attacks them in order to shatter their bodies and use them as decorations.
Phosphophyllite, also known as Phos, is a young and fragile Gem who dreams of helping their friends in the war effort. Instead, they are told to compile an encyclopedia because of their delicate condition. After begrudgingly embarking on this task, Phos meets Cinnabar, an intelligent gem who has been relegated to patrolling the isolated island at night because of the corrosive poison their body creates. After seeing how unhappy Cinnabar is, Phos decides to find a role that both of the rejected Gems can enjoy. Houseki no Kuni follows Phos' efforts to be useful and protect their fellow Gems.
Synopsis – An Quest of Self-Discovery in a Dazzling World
Houseki no Kuni, also known as Land of the Lustrous, is a unique tale set in a distant future where Earth is inhabited by anthropomorphic gems that shimmer in the sunlight. The spectacular anime delves deep into a world of fascinating crystal creatures who embody the physical properties of the gem their body is made of. But, the peace of their land is threatened by the mysterious Lunarians, who descend from the moon to shatter the gems and take them away. Each gem has a specific role to play in combating these attacks and defending their home.
The heart of Houseki no Kuni’s narrative is the unlikely protagonist, Phosphophyllite (Phos) — a frail gem with a rating of hardness 3.5 who is tasked with compiling an encyclopedia due to his unsuitability for combat. Over the course of the series, Phos embarks on a mission to become stronger, and their journey of self-discovery, growth, and loss forms the crux of the storyline.
Land of the Lustrous — A Riveting Anime Experience
If there’s one word to describe Houseki no Kuni, it’s mesmerizing. From dazzling visuals to its depths of story-telling, this anime is a crown jewel in its genre. While the idea of sentient gems might feel bizarre initially, the brilliant character development and complex layers of the narrative make the gems as relatable as any human characters.
Impeccable CGI Animation
While many fans were skeptical initially, Houseki no Kuni deserves much applause for its skillful utilization of 3D CGI animation. The sharp and gleaming character designs of the gems, along with the fluid animations, create an ethereal experience that enhances the pleasure of watching this anime. The studio, Orange, astoundingly brought the manga’s exquisite art into life on screen and their daring and unique approach to animation is indeed a game-changer in the industry.
Poignant Character development
The complex characterization forms an integral part of Houseki no Kuni’s charm. The journey of Phos, our young, naive, and energetic gem is characterized by change. Battling despair and fighting against all odds, Phos’s growth and evolution are genuinely gripping, and it’s their struggle that makes them a compelling protagonist.
Intriguing Soundtracks
What adds more edge to this anime series is its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. The ethereal notes perfectly compliment the dazzling visuals and somber themes. Tracks like “Sunspot” and “Ice Floes” take you down a beautiful yet melancholic journey, adding further depth to the narrative.
To Rent, Buy, or Stream?
Personally, the anime is a fantastical journey that warrants multiple re-watches to fully appreciate its depth and subtleties. Therefore, buying or streaming would be the best options. However, for those skeptical or new to the series, renting seems like the optimum and risk-free way to experience this dazzling world of anthropomorphic gems.
Final Thoughts
“Houseki no Kuni” stands out as a magnificent spectacle, a fine blend of artistry, and compelling storytelling. It throws light on personal growth, self-discovery, the haunting reality of change, and the painful beauty of existence. Its diverse themes and skilled depiction of an unearthly world make it a gem of a show, truly deserving of its title — Land of the Lustrous.
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