Mushi-Shi: The Movie (2006)

A wandering mystical doctor passes through remote regions of Japan uncovering supernatural creatures called the Mushi and curing people of their effects.

Director:

Katsuhiro Ôtomo

Writers:

Yuki Urushibara (comic), Sadayuki Murai (screenplay)

Stars:

Joe Odagiri, Nao Ohmori, Yû Aoi

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Joe Odagiri	...	Ginko
Nao Ohmori	...	Nijirou (as Nao Ômori)
Yû Aoi	...	Tanyu
Lily	...	Inn owner
Makiko Kuno	...	Maho's mother
Reia Moriyama	...	Maho
Hideyuki Inada	...	Yoki
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Aaron Dismuke	...	Yoki / Young Ginko (voice)
Greg Dulcie	...	(voice)
Juli Erickson	...	Tama (voice)
Makiko Esumi	...	Nui
Todd Haberkorn	...	Inagu (voice)
Grant James	...	(voice)
Mike McFarland	...	Koro (voice)
Rô Naruse

Storyline

Ginko, a Mushi-shi has always been attuned to the Mushi, creatures close to life itself and able to affect and alter their surroundings. He cannot stay in one place for too long so he wanders, helping the inhabitants of rural Japan understand the Mushi around them and how to coexist peacefully.

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Plot Keywords:

live action remake of anime | doctor | healer | bugs | wanderer | 

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Genres:

Fantasy

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Director Katsuhiro Ôtomo describes the film as a fable: "The film doesn't have a real climax, it calmly moves toward its end. But that too is very much like our lives as human beings. If you look back at your life, maybe you can point to moments that you feel were a climax or a turning point, but when they actually happened you didn't experience them the same way. Life moves ahead quite calmly and gradually, and I wanted to bring that same feeling to Mushishi."

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Connections

Remake of Mushi-Shi: One-Eyed Fish (2006)

User Reviews

Bugmaster is worth the subtitles

I had the opportunity to view Bugmaster at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. In all honesty, this was not high on my list of movies to watch, but my husband dragged me to it. I am very glad he did. I found everything from the plot line to the animation to be intriguing. The story has been adapted from Yuki Urushibara's relatively recent manga, and is crafted in such a way as to make the viewer believe this is an ancient Japanese myth. The cinematography is spectacular with a terrific blend of animation, colors, textures, and scenery. Rather than cheapen the production, as I thought it would, the animation truly enriched the movie. I was in awe of the relatively flawless addition of the animation to the live action. I'm not sure an actual landslide could look any more real. The costumes with their mix of colors and designs, and the indoor sets were beautiful and a real treat for the eyes. While the movie may drag a tad in a couple of spots, for the most part it was well paced and edited earning a no fidget factor rating on my part. I don't know if the subtitles reflect all that is said, but they give a complete story and are well written. If the opportunity to see this movie should ever present itself, take it. You will not regret it.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Japan]

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

24 March 2007 (Japan)

Also Known As:

Mushi-Shi: The Movie

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$4,254,482

Company Credits

Production Co:

Tohokushinsha Film Corporation (TFC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

131 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color