Land of the Lustrous

Land of the Lustrous is a gem of a series – and not just because its main characters are living, genderless gemstones. Broadcasted in 2017 by Anime Strike, this 12-episode anime comes under the genres of action, fantasy, and drama but differentiates itself from others with its unique concept and story-telling approach. The plot revolves around gemstones banding together to fight and protect themselves – a societal construct where sentient gems find meaning and purpose in collective survival.

At first glance, the idea might sound bizarre, but Land of the Lustrous manages to adapt this intriguing premise with poise and sophistication into a visually compelling universe. The story begins in a world where human existence has evolved into 28 different gemstones, each of which has its own individual characteristics, emotional spectrum, hardness, and shine, hence the show's name.

Land of the Lustrous focuses primarily on a character named Phos - short for Phosphophyllite, who is one of the youngest and most fragile gems. With a hardness of just 3.5, Phos is considered unsuited for combat against their mysterious aggressors, the Lunarians, who invade their land to shatter the gems and use them as decorations. Despite this vulnerability, Phos craves more than anything to be helpful and contribute to the safety and wellbeing of their species. The series follows Phos' heartfelt attempts to redefine themselves and find a meaningful role in their shared society.

Intertwining in its premise are overarching themes of identity, purpose, change, and memory. The anime explores these themes using a blend of humor, action, and poignant, quiet moments of contemplation. As Phos undergoes physical and psychological transformations throughout the series, they challenge our understanding of identity and personal growth. Binding these themes together is a story that highlights strength in vulnerability, the value of personal growth, and the influence of memory.

One striking feature of Land of the Lustrous is its animation style. Instead entirely of traditional 2D animation, the series utilizes a 3D CGI technique that beautifully complements its gemstone theme. The animation manifests the shine, sparkle, and translucence of the gem characters, making the visual experience as captivating as the narrative. This use of CGI is particularly effective during combat sequences, lending them fluid and dynamic motion details that only add to the overall engagement of the series.

Despite the gems' glittering appearances, the series delves into the raw emotional aspect of their lives, exploring their yearnings, fear, and courage. Land of the Lustrous isn't afraid to grapple with harsh realities and existential questions, even if its characters are otherworldly gemstones. The supernatural premise never takes away from the relatability of the story. Instead, it enhances its ability to connect with viewers on a fundamental human level, eliciting emotions that are all too familiar.

Adding further weight to this emotional aspect is the series' atmospheric sound design and music. The ambient soundscape evokes a sense of dreaminess and blends seamlessly with its visual aesthetics. The voice acting is also commendable, each voice capturing the essence of its character with nuance and effectiveness.

The pacing of the show is executed deftly, being neither too hasty nor too slow. This well-balanced pace allows the viewers to immerse themselves completely in the evolution of both the characters and the overarching narrative. Every episode ties seamlessly into the next, maintaining a consistent flow while slowly unraveling the larger story.

Land of the Lustrous stands as a distinctly imaginative addition to the realm of anime, breathing life into mineral entities and transforming them into characters that are relatable and empathetic. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to take a seemingly unrealistic concept and turn it into a series that resonates profoundly with its viewers. Its gripping narrative, coupled with its remarkable visuals and sound design, make this series more than just an exploration of a world inhabited by living gemstones. It is a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and finding one's place in an unfathomable world.