Review of Land of the Lustrous

I am forever going to be reminded of this anime every time I hear a wind-chime. The element that draws one into this anime is the sound. The opening itself is so breezy and etheral. This tinkling sound style is consistent throughout the anime. All movements and emotions have the sound of chimes behind them. Never has a fight sequence been so beautifully and musically depicted. If the sound wasn't enough to make you watch this, it is topped by the art. The art of Houseki no kuni is an array of pastels, shine and translucent glitters that is contrasted by the opaque summer shades ofthe environment.

Personally, I have never had an instance of when I was so enraptured by the art and the sound. As someone who skips almost all anime openings (Apologies to the entire anime community), I have not skipped one single OP of Houseki no kuni. I have in fact even listened to it multiple times on repeat when I am not watching it.

'The road to hell is paved with good intentions.'

This is the phrase that comes to mind when you initially start watching Houseki no kuni. Phosphophyllite is a young, happy-go-lucky gem who wants to be of use to their gem siblings to fight off enemies from the Moon called Lunarians. However, the harder they try, the faster they fail and end up putting their siblings' existence in danger. Phos is a brittle gem with a Mohs Value of 3.5 (Chalk has a Mohs value of 3). Phos shatters easily and repeatedly - a metaphor for their mental strength and character. A series of events leads Phos to be one of the best warriors with a level of flexibility unmatched by any of their siblings (again a reference to the growth of their character).

The art and sound aesthetics is unparalleled. Add to that a mix of a decent story and some good characters and you have Houseki no kuni.

This is an anime I would go to for when I want to watch something soothing yet deep.