Orb: A Celestial Anime That Transcends the Ordinary

It’s a given, a cornerstone of our understanding: Earth is a planet in our solar system, orbiting the sun. This truth, painstakingly pieced together by generations of astronomers, is so deeply ingrained that questioning it seems absurd. Yet, what if challenging this fundamental principle could lead to imprisonment, torture, or even death? This is the premise that fuels Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, a captivating historical anime series that masterfully blends thrilling mystery, political intrigue, and rich character development. Available in its entirety on Netflix, Orb is not merely an anime; it’s a profound exploration of knowledge, faith, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of truth.

Animated by the renowned Madhouse studio, Orb transports viewers to a Europe steeped in the dogma of geocentrism. The prevailing belief, championed by the Church, places Earth at the center of the universe, a testament to humanity’s perceived importance. Anyone daring to suggest otherwise is branded a heretic, subjected to brutal interrogation by the Inquisition, and, if unrepentant, condemned to the flames.

The story begins with Rafal, a bright young man adept at navigating the intellectual and social currents of his time. He possesses the intelligence to excel academically and the shrewdness to parrot the accepted geocentric views, ensuring his place within the established order. However, a chance encounter with a disgraced scholar, a secret believer in heliocentrism, shatters Rafal’s comfortable world. He finds himself drawn into the heretical theory that we now accept as fact, setting in motion a perilous, multi-generational struggle between the Church and those who dare to question its authority.

Orb avoids the pitfalls of simplistic narratives, opting instead for a complex tapestry of motivations and beliefs. It echoes the suspenseful mystery of The Da Vinci Code, the intricate political maneuvering of Attack on Titan, and the deep character resonance of Vinland Saga, while forging its own unique identity. The anime extends beyond Rafal’s initial conversion, introducing a series of compelling protagonists who contribute to the development and dissemination of the heliocentric model.

Among these figures are an unlikely duo consisting of a monk and a street fighter, an underappreciated female scientist from the 15th century, a charismatic revolutionary, and a young Romani girl, each possessing a unique genius and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. While their motivations may vary – some seeking personal gain or recognition – they are united by a shared commitment to advancing heliocentrism, even at the cost of their own lives. Under constant threat of persecution, they revise, refine, and disseminate their theories, passing the torch of knowledge to succeeding generations.

One of the series’ greatest strengths lies in its refusal to portray the conflict as a simple clash between good and evil. The anime delves into the underlying reasons why both sides are willing to risk everything for their beliefs. The drama transcends superficial debates, avoiding the pitfalls of simplistic arguments often seen in online discourse.

The Inquisition’s unwavering commitment to geocentrism stems from the belief that it reflects the divine order, with Earth as the centerpiece of God’s perfect creation. To them, heliocentrism is an affront to this order, a suggestion that there could be something more perfect than a universe centered on Heaven and Earth. Conversely, Rafal and his fellow heliocentrists are driven by a desire to understand the true perfection of God’s universe, revealed through the complex science and harmonious patterns of heliocentrism. The Church’s insistence on geocentrism is portrayed as an attempt to force an ill-fitting solution onto the puzzle of the cosmos.

Adding another layer of complexity, the series introduces Nowak, a chilling antagonist who embodies the cold, calculating nature of the Inquisition. Portrayed with unsettling brilliance by Kenjiro Tsuda, Nowak is not driven by ideological fervor but by a chilling detachment. He is simply an instrument of the Inquisition, transitioning seamlessly from a carefree demeanor to acts of extreme cruelty, even exceeding the brutality of the most zealous inquisitors.

Action is deliberately sparse in Orb, serving as a dramatic punctuation mark to the intense verbal sparring, betrayals, and political machinations that drive the narrative. The anime’s ability to create well-developed characters across multiple time periods, place them in compelling situations, and explore their conflicting ideologies is far more captivating than any action sequence. Orb possesses the power to resonate deeply, stirring the soul as effortlessly as the sun draws planets into its orbit.

While Orb‘s narrative is rich and complex, its strength lies in its ability to ground itself as a compelling character study. Even with dense, dialogue-heavy episodes, the anime excels by celebrating the beauty of collective knowledge persevering through generations of persecution. All but one of the protagonists strive to demonstrate the perfection of the universe. This show is truly worth watching.