One of my favorite forms of media is the anthology series. An anthology series is a television show or movie that is comprised of a collection of short stories usually centered around a specific theme or idea. For example, there's the television classic, The Twilight Zone, where each and every episode is an entirely new story, but they all center around vital aspects of the human condition. Also, there are films such as Wild Tales and Creepshow. The former is a collection of short movies with stories about revenge, and the later is a feature-length homage to horror comics of the 1950s like Tales from the Crypt and The Vault of Horror. Today's subject, Kino's Journey, is an anime fantasy anthology with striking visuals and profound stories. Many of which serves as an allegory for things like religion, love, and perception. If Rod Serling were to produce an anime series, I think it would have been a lot like this.
Taking place in a fantasy world, the story follows a young woman named Kino, and her companion, Hermes, the talking Motorcycle (yes, you read that correctly). Together, they travel to various medieval-style cities, referred to as Countries in the show. Kino only spends three days in any given location before packing up and heading to the next Country. While there, she will explore the place and learn of their unique culture. Each country Kino visits represents a different aspect of the human condition. Acting as a commentary on any given element of humanity and our very nature. Again, not unlike The Twilight Zone, as mentioned earlier. The only significant difference being the setting and tone, as well as featuring the same protagonist.
As an example, let me summarize part of an episode (minor spoilers). One Country that Kino travels to is under the impression that their existence will soon come to an end. As it was written in their book of prophecy. The writing is vague and poetic, but it has been interpreted by their Chief Priest, and everyone is convinced his interpretation is accurate. Then, the fateful moment arrives, and nothing happens. Except, rather than admit that the prophecy is likely invalid, they return to the book and begin coming up with different interpretations of how their world is going to end. I will not spoil the twist about what the writing actually is, but I will say that it is absolutely ingenious.
As characters, Kino and Hermes are rather fascinating, because they're less like characters and more audience proxies. Usually, this would bother me, because the vast majority of stories using audience proxies tend to be boring and bland. However, because of the way it is handled in this show, I find it acceptable for a few reasons. For one, Kino and Hermes are good characters, in that they are decent people with relatable personalities. Also, their back and forth dialogue when commentating on any given situation is, at the very least, engaging enough to contemplate. In that way, they remind me of Calvin & Hobbes, though maybe not as funny but just as insightful. In any case, given that the show is mainly about the various Countries and their own allegorical stories, it makes sense that Kino and Hermes serve as characters with just enough texture. Mostly because they're not the focus of the show.
Upon your first glance of the animation style, which I would describe as elegantly simplistic, you might be forgiven for assuming it was intended for kids. As the general aesthetic is, at times, reminiscent of children's anime such as Pokemon or Night on the Galactic Railroad. Make no mistake: this is not, I repeat, not intended for children. While the show never becomes excessively explicit with its mature content (most of the time), it is still made for older audiences nonetheless. It has a level of taste and creative restraint rarely seen in other media. Even when an episode dives into a dark subject matter, and there are a few of those here, it does a fantastic job of utilizing the power of implication rather than graphic display. It is made for genuine adults and not teenagers pretending to be adults.
Speaking of the animation, while I stand by my earlier assessment of it being elegantly simplistic, there are occasional artistic choices that sometimes baffle me. On the BluRay disc in my personal collection, the video is layered with thin lines all throughout the image. They are not so apparent as to be distracting, nor does it negatively affect the overall image quality. It's merely baffling as I cannot figure out what purpose it serves, if any. Maybe it was a less-than-ideal video transfer, or perhaps a deliberate artistic choice. In any case, while mysterious, it does not detract from the quality of the show as a whole.
Kino's Journey is a great watch. A delightful reminder of how life is not about the destination, but of the trip itself. It's smart, beautiful, insightful, well presented, and has a great deal of charm. If you're looking for a new series to pass the time, give this one a shot.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you all for reading.
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