Watch Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit is an anime television series produced by Production I.G and directed by Kenji Kamiyama. The show first aired in Japan on April 7, 2007, on TV Tokyo, and was later broadcast by several other television networks, including BS11, AT-X, TV Osaka, and TV Setouchi. It is based on the award-winning novel series Moribito by Nahoko Uehashi and serves as a faithful adaptation of the first book titled "The Guardian of the Spirit."

The show and its plot revolve around the character Balsa Yonsa (voiced by Mabuki Ando), a skilled female warrior and bodyguard living in the kingdom of New Yogo. The kingdom is ruled by Emperor Chagum (voiced by Ryo Hirohashi), a young prince who becomes the target of assassination attempts due to the burden placed on him by his divine inheritance. Balsa is hired by the Emperor's mother, the Empress (voiced by Emi Shinohara), to protect her son and escape from the palace, as she believes that her son's life is in danger due to the curse of the Water Spirit.

The Water Spirit is a divine entity that manifests every hundred years and is said to devour the chosen prince of the kingdom unless the spirit is appeased by the prince's sacrifice. Chagum's father, the Emperor Mikado (voiced by Takko Ishimori), believes that his son will be the next sacrifice and orders his assassination to protect the kingdom from the Water Spirit's wrath. However, the Empress believes that there must be a way to save her son and turns to Balsa, who has a reputation as an excellent bodyguard, to help her.

Balsa, who has a troubled past and seeks redemption, agrees to protect the Emperor and takes him away from the palace, facing multiple challenges and conflicts along the way. Her journey to keep the young Emperor safe from assassins is fraught with danger and treachery, as she must maneuver through a thick political environment, encounter skilled warriors, and deal with the curse of the Water Spirit. Her journey leads her across the kingdom and eventually, to the source of the Water Spirit.

Throughout the show, the audience is also introduced to other key characters, including Torogai (voiced by Emi Shinohara), a mysterious old woman who provides Balsa with valuable insights and knowledge about the kingdom and its people, Tanda (voiced by Takayuki Sasada), a childhood friend of Balsa who joins her on her journey, and Shuga (voiced by Kohei Fukuhara), who is a scholar who helps Balsa learn more about the Water Spirit and its unpredictable ways.

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit is a slow-paced and intense action-adventure anime television series that explores the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and courage. While the show is primarily targeted towards teenage audiences, it appeals to adults as well due to its mature and complex narrative, layered and nuanced character development, and detailed world-building. The show's animation quality and cinematic beauty are also commendable, with vibrant colors, clean lines, and intricate details capturing the attention of any viewer.

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit was positively received by audiences and critics alike, earning praise for its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, stunning visuals, and animation quality. The show was a commercial success in Japan and internationally, inspiring a sequel series and spin-off novels. It is considered by many as one of the best examples of anime television series of recent times, and a must-watch for lovers of action, adventure, fantasy, and drama.