[Categories: Anime Reviews]
Mushishi episode 18: Clothes to Embrace the Mountain
Packing slightly less of an emotional punch than recent offerings but compensating in a more inventive narrative, Clothes to Embrace the Mountain is a touching tale of a tortured artist who loses what matters to him but tries to overcome adversity to seek redemption. He leaves his village and family behind to learn the trade of a professional painter at a distant town; he eventually learns that everything he once held dear has been irretrievably lost and he must work hard to bring some good out of the misfortunate that he finds upon his return.
This episode jumps around in time a bit and the mushi itself hardly appears at all. Even Ginko is something of a background character as the journey of the artist Kai becomes the focus of the story. Ginko’s craftier and shrewd side is more in evidence too as he haggles for the coat that introduces us to Kai’s tale. Long-term viewers may also spot another appearance of Ginko’s old acquaintance Adashino, who is as mushi-obsessed as ever.
As is so often the case, the story is a bittersweet one and in the space of only twenty-five minutes we are shown over a decade of one man’s life and the troubles he must face. Once again it is laden with subtle symbolism and gorgeous rural visuals; the backgrounds and landscapes look every bit as captivating and spectacular as one of Kai’s paintings.
It is possibly the first time we see a mushi that is benign rather than troublesome, which adds to the altered story structure to make this quite an unusual episode. Although it lacks the tragedy of some other episodes this instalment is still a great portrayal of loss, regret and the strength of the human spirit.
Posted on September 20th, 2008 @ 6:23 pm
Oh I just love this show but I have yet to be able to watch much of it. Nice posting with all the information for each episode you really do a great job. Keep it up! Can’t wait to read more!
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