Review of Mushi-shi: The Shadow that Devours the Sun
A special masterpiece. A special episode of a masterpiece. Almost a decade after the last episode of Mushishi season 1 back in 2006, this special episode relieved the thirst of Mushishi's fans. Luckily for me, I didn't have to wait long for this special episode, because I just finished binge watching Mushishi season 1 yesterday. What makes this special episode special is the appearance of supporting characters from the season 1. Besides Ginko, Adashino, and Tenyuu, all supporting characters from almost each episode made brief appearance during the solar eclipse. Yes, this story is taking place during solar eclipse. I assume this special episode happened few years afterseason 1. Although I'm not sure, but it seems like a brief moment had passed from the hint of the supporting characters.
Hihami, a mushi that appears during solar eclipse phenomenon. Solar eclipse itself can trigger the mushi activity. Therefore, in this special episode Ginko, with the help of Tanyuu's prediction, trying to prevent any unwanted tragedy caused by Hihami. Ginko told Adashino about the possibility mushi incident that happened during the solar eclipse, while Ginko was visiting certain village where Hihami might appear.
As Tanyuu predicted, the Hihami appeared on the village that Ginko visited. But the main focus of the special episode is actually about twin sisters and their father. Hinata and Hiyori, twins that were born with different appearances caused by Tsukihami, mushi that appeared during lunar eclipse.
Due to Tsukihami, Hiyori was affected by the Hihami as well. While Ginko was trying to find a way to solve the Hihami, the family of three had to struggle with the side effect Hihami made on their family. They had to help Ginko with Hihami, before they might lose a family member forever.
The moral value from this movie is "don't take anything for granted". Because some thing can be taken away from you without prior notice. Some thing or some one that you think might be there forever, could be disappear whenever.
Thinking back of Mushishi season 1, I thought this anime could never get any better.. But alas, even a masterpiece can get even better. The story, the art, the sound, the character, and the enjoyment--it's 10 out of 10.
In my opinion, this movie can be stand alone or even prequel of season 1. It doesn't effecting or related to season 1 in certain way, except the hint of supporting characters during the solar eclipse, which makes me want to watch season 1 all over again.