xxxHOLiC Shunmuki

The xxxHolic Series is an excellent series about modern folklore, discussing a wide range of thought-provoking topics. The OVA does not disappoint either. Story: Watanuki and Dōmeki enjoy meal and drinks with the fortune teller, where Kohane is staying. There, it's explained that everyone changes with every meeting they experience with others, and that all four there, and even Yūko, have changed from meeting Watanuki. Later on, Haruka and Watanuki meet in a dream, in which Haruka asks Watanuki to look for something in the temple's storeroom. However, as they look around, they might step into the realm within the books by accident... Also, Watanuki acts like he appreciates Dōmeki for once. In the 2nd part Watanuki and Dōmeki continue to search for the four items that Haruka requested. Watanuki unlocks a fifth item that leads to an encounter with someone close to him. Later, Watanuki vows to grant Yūko her wish Art: Everything you could expect from the xxxHolic series is here and thank goodness there was still lots of WatanukixDomekixHimawari. Sound: The Score is very important for a filim in the super natural realm and captures the reflective mood of the protagonists amicably. Character: Yuko was the central character and with Watanuki his "rival" Domeki and his love interest Himawari the movie represents a glimpse at their life. Enjoyment: The OVA although short at only 2 eps leads us to the dream of sorts but is the weakest part of xxxHolic to be honest, but that’s mostly because the others were simply that good. Mostly building up for future OVAs. All in all it is still an awesome mystery-drama that even though it has nothing to do with the continuity, stands out with really imaginative visuals and very naturally evolves and lets the viewer guess what the heck is going on.

There is a problem with Shunmuki, and it’s that it lacks both start and an end. I know, it’s sure to sound silly at first to complain that something that’s both a sequel and a prequel to other parts of an adaptation doesn’t have start and end, but here me out. What I mean is that usually even separate seasons and OVAs/specials have their own smaller arcs, even when part of a larger storyline. The start is clearly intended as a start, and the end finishes at least some plot thread. Shinmuki however fells more like a clip compilation than an anime by itself. The strength of xxxHolic is that it’s a compilation of interconnected stories and that it’s better than the stories would be by themselves if judged on their own. Unfortunately, the selection here lacks the impact of interconnection, it’s just bunch of seemingly unrelated scenes (other than sharing the characters). There is just a lack of direction that would tie it together instead of being bunch of scenes that should have been incorporated into the main series. The only important and interesting part are the last 6 minutes of the 2nd episode, which isn’t exactly great ratio. Well, there is one more important story scene to be fair, but it’s for a whole different anime altogether. Which sure, some might thing is an interesting thing to do, but still… Not unique to this OVA, but I still have to mention the animation. CLAMP manga has a certain style to it, and it works out in manga form. However, for anime adaptation they should have really toned down the infamous two meters tall noodle people. The visual look fine until the camera pans out into a full body shot of a male character, then it’s so jarring and weird and goofy, looking more like an animation error than stylization. Overall, if you’re a fan of the franchise or of CLAMP works of general, surely you’ll enjoy this. But I just can’t call this good for above mentioned reasons.

WELL, xxxHOLiC Shunmuki is one of the best examples of how a deep and big story can be told in just a couple of episodes. In only two parts it weaves together fate, gratitude, sacrifice, and the heavy threads connecting to Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, while pushing Watanuki’s arc forward in profound ways. The vibes are intensely sad and melancholic—quiet longing, inevitable loss, the weight of choices—but that exact atmosphere is what makes it so great and unforgettable. It’s meditative, poetic, and refuses cheap catharsis, letting the sorrow sit and breathe. And already here you feel the seeds of the enormous love between Watanuki and Yuuko: his fierce devotion to her world, his quiet resolve to protect what she built. Production I.G delivers stunning, dreamlike visuals that match the mood perfectly. Shunmuki isn’t just filler—it’s essential, heartbreaking, and elevated by its restraint. 9/10 – melancholic perfection that hurts beautifully.