Review of Land of the Lustrous

Houseki no Kuni begins as a visual masterpiece with lush illustrations and vibrant characters dashed with an intrigue. With a hook established in the forefront of the narrative in a world of symbolism reminiscent of Buddhism, there appears to be disclarity in the direction of the anime. Houseki no Kuni tempts the audience into an intriguing mystery in regards to the battle of the gems and lunarians with a more micro focused side-plot of protagonist's Phos' endeavor to establish an emotional rectification of the lonesome and distrustful Cinnabar, yet fails to deliver on both fronts. With comedic meandering within dialogue, and somewhat exciting action scenes, Housekino Kuni continues to delay the primary focus of the fore mentioned hooks with no satisfying conclusion. Although character progression is evident within Phos' transformation throughout the series, it appears abrupt and contrived, causing the metaphor of change and reincarnation to lose its impactfullness. This 12 episode series, only manages to establish the basis of Phos' search for the truth regarding her master and the Lunarians. Its long winded and comprehensive building of both character and worlds is meaninglessly padded with seemingly inconsequential events leading me to have great disinterest in the series only worsened by a dissatisfying ending with little closure.

Perhaps I have not watched or analysed the series in the appropriate symbolic lense to truly appreciate this series. I found myself beginning to dread watching the series in hope for a it to improve. Yet ultimately I found myself at the conclusion of the series dissapointed and disinterested in the world and mystery which had only captured my interest intitially.