The main premise is that a traveler named Kino journeys from country to country with her talking motorcycle Hermes, learning about the culture of each country she visits. She makes a point of only staying in a country for three days, to avoid settling down. What's nice about the show is that its premise means that each episode tends to be its own self-contained story rather than part of an overarching plot. Like I said, I only wish there were more episodes. While this means that there isn't much character development of Kino, it tends to be a very relaxing series to watch. I remember feeling stressed out and depressed during the time I watched this, and I was always eager to watch this show as a way to de-stress after school.
Now, while the show is for the most part very relaxing to watch, there tends to be a huge mood shift between episodes. One episode for instance, has Kino having to fight to the death in a coliseum, while in the next episode, Kino helps a girl build an airplane. Some episodes are light-hearted but most tend to be somewhat violent or disturbing. The countries Kino visits tend to have a dark side to them but at the same time, Kino also encounters people who remind her that the world isn't such a bad place. A phrase frequently repeated throughout the series is, "The world is not beautiful, therefore it is".
Don't be put off when I say it tends to be disturbing, it doesn't really lessen its mood, and tends to make you think. The setting has a great fairy-tale like feel to it, and each of the countries Kino visits tends to be really interesting, with some bordering on science fiction, and others feeling like the 19th century. The soundtrack for this series is also very beautiful and helps to enhance the relaxed feel of the show. So all in all, if you're in the mood to watch something relaxing, I would definitely recommend this show.
Sounds like an interesting enough series, but I'm not all to surprised that it did not return for a second season because because it did not have an overarching plot. Also it seems like a series I'd watch simply because I have don't have another one.
ReplyDeleteI think this series sounds interesting, especially since it has a general theme of learning about different cultures. It's too bad it didn't come back for another season, that means she only got to visit, what, 13 cultures in the 13 episodes it aired? Sad.
ReplyDeleteI hate it when shows you love are canceled. But you did point out there was a disconnect between the episodes, which might have discouraged viewers. However, too much plot can lead to a choppy show, like Glee.
ReplyDeleteThis seems like a pretty good series! I'm assuming it's Japanese, judging by the art style and the character names? But, Akshay, in regard to the fact that there wasn't an overarching plot, a lot of cartoon series have run for much longer on less. Take Family Guy, for instance. I love the show and find it hilarious, but every episode is a self-contained story and just an amalgamation of nonsensical jokes.
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