[Categories: Anime Reviews]
Mushishi episode 23: The Sound of Rust
The idea that individuals can suffer immeasurably through a combination of human ignorance and the harsh laws of nature is one that is recurrent in Mushishi. For this reason The Sound of Rust is quite formulaic by this series’ standards but is no less moving and dramatically powerful.
A girl named Shige is an outcast in her village because she is blamed for a terrible affliction that has struck the inhabitants: they lose the ability to move normally and their skin is covered in a rusty substance that only Shige can see. Fate has dealt Shige a bad deal as her parents live in fear of being driven away and Shige herself cannot bring herself to speak to anyone.
Ginko reveals that Shige has been unkowingly drawing a mushi towards her fellow villagers, and that it is not through any fault of hers; sadly the villagers, who have been suffering from the illness for years, are not as understanding. Ginko also realises that it is her voice that causes the problem but the problem can be solved - this could save the health of the villagers but what about Shige and her family?
The setup is typical Mushishi but the ending is surprising and uplifting enough to make it equally as recommended as earlier instalments. Furthermore Shige’s selfless acts of withdrawal from the village, not to mention her humility and the inspirational kindess that is shown by her friend Tetsu, make this a piece of human drama of the highest order. Because of this Mushishi is still the most impressive release on the fansub circuit right now.
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