Kino's Journey Vol. 4: Not Without Reservations 2003   ADV Films Official US Website Buy It Now Official Japanese Website

Kino and Hermes are about to reach the end of their journey, at least as far as the Kino's Journey series goes. Over the past three volumes we've seen the pair of travelers in some of the most unique and interesting locations in an anime drama that quickly proved from the start to be something a little more than what your average series would provide. "Not Without Reservations" marks the end of the line forth pair though, but with the usual amount of twists and turns in the story.

As I've mentioned before, more than anything, Kino's Journey is like a look at the human condition, but from a point of view that is on par with The Twilight Zone (the original series, not any of the newer versions.) One of the more outstanding episodes in my opinion finds Kino in a country that is a peace, but with a price. The two neighboring countries that found endlessly for over a century have found peace, but they still have moments of war. This isn't with each other as in the past, and none of the soldiers lose their lives, but instead they have made something of a competition out of slaughtering the nomadic settlers that are members of neither country. As the case has been with many of the episodes, this one is essentially a strong look at how real life politics and war have been played out at times in human history.

The final episode is a change from the others however as Kino ends up in a land where it seems that she actually might be happy in. Throughout much of the episode I was waiting for twist to come into the picture, but it's not until almost the very end that we see what's really going on with this humble and peaceful land. But, it seems that Kino and Hermes aren't quite finished with their journey and the series is left very open as far as what else could be done with it. In fact, we end with Kino mentioning that she's really not sure what she's going to do, but the fact is that she's not ready to settle down any time soon.

One thing however that is a little overlooked is Kino's background. Early on we learned that she had essentially taken over the role of traveler from a man who visited the country that she once lived in. In this volume, we get a little more of a taste of what Kino went through before setting out on her own. She had once met a woman known simply as "Master" who seems to have taught her how to use her Persuaders effectively, but that's more or less implied. Much of Kino's past remains shrouded in mystery and a follow-up series that highlights this would be embraced by fans I'm sure, although the enigmatic nature of Kino ads a good deal of mystique to the series and would in some ways be a shame to lose.

The extras that are included on the disc are rather spares, but that's really been the case with all of the volumes that have been released. The DVD contains clean version of the open and closing animations as well as production sketches from the final episodes. There's nothing more and nothing less.

I can't say that I'm completely pleased with the ending of the series, but it's satisfactory. The tease of possibly more adventures with Kino and Hermes is a good thing, but when that will actually come to pass is the real question here. But, like much of the series, Kino once again delivers moments of brooding emotion and reflection from time to time on the real state of affairs when it comes to society in general. It may have it's high points at times, but Kino's Journey instead shows us the possible ironic twists when man gives in to some of the more seedy emotions and thoughts that tend to creep in an take control. From start of finish though, Kino's Journey is a thought provoking anime that is definitely worth repeated viewings.

Episode 11 - Her Journey

As Kino and Hermes continue their adventure, they meet with other travelers that in many ways have very similar goals in mind, and yet their paths take them in drastically different direction. One thing remains constant for any adventurer however, and that is a very simple thing of not dying. Kino also meets with a wise man, but it seem that the title may be one that isn't quite what it should be.

Episode 12 - A Peaceful Land

Kino travels to the country of Veldelval, a land that once warred with its neighbor Relsumia, but after years of deaths, peace has come to the two countries. However, their version of peace has come at the cost of nomads in the area that now suffer annihilation in a mock war to maintain the peace.

Episode 13 - A Kind Land

Kino and Hermes travel to a country that is notorious for their rudeness with travelers. However, once they arrive, they find that the inhabitants are much different that the rumors told and instead are quite kind to the pair. Kino even has thoughts about staying longer than three days, but there's a terrible secret that the citizens are hiding.

-mike-