Kyuujitsu no Warumono-san
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Noteworthy adaptation, rightfully compared to The Twilight Zone

/anime/37046/kino-no-tabi-the-beautiful-world
Review of Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World
by Rivka
Posted on August 24th, 2019
Positive 7
Overall Rating
 
+

Rather than do a summary, I'd like to point readers to the previously posted review - I think it's fairly solid. I just want to emphasize a few things that I valued in Kino 2003 (not to be mistaken with the more recent remake) that might help viewers decide whether they want to watch:

1) Although the English subtitles come down on the side of female, and there's no denying that Kino was AFAB, the narrative in the original Japanese is more tolerant of the idea that Kino in the present day is nonbinary or some other form of trans identity. Kino, when asked, describes themself as simply Kino, or as a traveller, and rejects their former identity. It's a name they acquired from another traveler, and it's all they need. This anime has rightly been embraced by the trans community for this reason.

2) I agree with those who compared this to the classic show "The Twilight Zone". It's got a poignant eerieness to it, especially in the more philosophical episodes, and there's the touch of sci-fi (Hermes the talking motorbike is the most omnipresent example) and horror (about half the episodes are either implying something has gone terribly wrong in the society of one of the cities Kino is visiting, or straight-up showcasing the wrongness) that "The Twilight Zone" used to such great effect. And of course, most episodes are really about the nature of humanity, and who we are when we are free from modernity.

3) I've heard bad things about the remake, and even the source material is not as highly recommended as this version of Kino's story. Just a warning, so that you're aware the two anime are not interchangeable in quality.

Rivka
My reviewing system for films and shows that are NOT anime:
1-5: I hated it. I also don't think it has redeeming qualities, so you shouldn't watch it either.
6: I didn't like it. It's not my thing, I didn't like the execution, I don't want to see it again. However, I don't think it is a BAD film or show - it has qualities that will recommend it to those who like that kind of thing.
7: It was fine. I didn't love it, and I don't need to see it again. I won't be sad if I never see it again.
8: I liked it. I didn't love it, and while I'd like to see it again, I wouldn't want to see it often.
9: I loved it. I would be sad if I never saw it again. I might want to see it every few years.
10: I loved it beyond description. I wouldn't mind re-watching it every year.

*********************************
Clarifying my Anime rating system:
My number key below is an attempt to parse the small differences between 5 and 6, 7 and 8, & 9 and 10. When I rate, I consider my own enjoyment, the characterization and the plot, the appearance of the animation, and occasionally the soundtrack - in roughly that order. An anime will lose at least 1 point for presence of deal-breaker tropes (for example, comedic pedophilia), and more if the trope(s) ruined my enjoyment. On the other hand, it will gain at least 1 point for artistry in animation or sound. I don't expect to rate anything 1-4, as I would probably never finish watching something in this range of rating.

Cautious Recommending:
5: In this case, it started out with a higher score and slipped over time... because I normally don't watch anything that I would score below 6, except for movies (small time commitment).
6: I may or may not have watched the whole show, but I recognize deal-breaker issues in it, and I'm unlikely to rewatch. It just wasn't enjoyable enough for me to forgive its flaws. There would be huge caveats to any recommendation.

Likely to Recommend:
7: There's two types of 7s (ideally I could rank the second one 7.5). For the first, I didn't like it enough to think I would rewatch it, but also didn't see huge problems in the plot, characterizations, etc. and thought it was worth finishing. I might suggest it to someone if I know they like the specific sub-genre or other work by the studio. For the second, I recognize shows/movies that have high quality but just aren't my cup of tea. Not my thing, but usually I at least respect the work.
8: I had a good time watching it, but it didn't move me the way a 9 or a 10 does; it's possible that over time I would upgrade it if I liked it more on reflection. I would be willing to rewatch it if a friend wanted to watch it with me. I may or may not buy the DVDs (I'm more likely if there's something unique about it). I'd recommend it with the occasional caveat.

Highly Recommend:
9: I enjoyed it very much. It may have had one or two issues, but not enough to diminish enjoyment. It's possible that over time I would downgrade it to an 8 (changing tastes) or upgrade to a 10 (realize it's never left my mind). I'm likely to rewatch, and likely to buy the DVDs. I'd recommend it to most audiences.
10: Virtually flawless. I'd definitely rewatch, and definitely want to buy DVDs. I would shill this to anyone.

EDIT: for years when I'm participating in the MAL Anime Challenge, any anime in the Completed section with a * in the note was watched for the challenge. Similarly, if I'm participating in the MDL Drama Challenge, any drama with a * in the notes was watched for the challenge. Previous years' challenges will have their * removed.
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