Kino's Journey (2003)

i found kino's journey late at night looking for an anime to start on my friend's jellyfin server. four episodes later, mind completely blown, new favorite media thing ever. it's my new hyperfixation and no one can take it from me.

kino's journey is a short yet thought provoking anime. what takes some getting used to is understanding that the protagonist is not a hero, they're a neutral force not trying to get too involved. the first couple episodes introduce their philosophy very well in a way the reboot never really touches on. but it got me to rethink the entire ideal of heroism in the first place.

every episode is a new land, a new story, a new dilemma. the pacing is quiet and slow, in a somber yet peaceful way. it feels very down to earth. the formula is similar to star trek, but less space policey, less focus on solving the issue, more just posing philosophical questions, and occasionally letting kino be a total badass with their persuader.

also good androgynous/agender representation in anime, if that's your thing. it's more spelled out in the first ova "in order to do something - life goes on."