Enough here have mentioned the (quite literally) killer storyline and similarities to certain cult classics, so please, if you will, allow me to focus on the animation.
This entire show is a visual poem and a graphical ode to beauty in its many forms: from the light to the very very dark. Every single scene and shot of every episode is steeped in it; each is carved out like a woodblock print in meticulous detail with loving care and attention and rendered frame by frame for our viewing pleasure.
I've lived in Japan the better part of my life as an immigrant and a long time ago, as a youngster, I would eagerly take part in all those traditional things that young foreigners enjoy... shodo, kendo, kyudo, sado, kado etc. Etc...
And have watched many Kabuki and Noh but one of the most remarkable things I have ever watched since coming to Japan was Bunraku, the puppet shows. The puppets seem to take on a surreal life of their own and someway through the show, you cease to even see the men in black that manipulate the characters and the master puppeteer himself merges into the background, despite often remaining entirely visible the whole time he manipulates the protagonist.
All that remains is the puppets, living their lives that feel as real as yours and mine. Amazingly they managed to express that remarkable transition from wooden object to living being via the medium of animation in such a convincing way that I found myself moved to tears at a few points in this incredible episode.
This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful pieces of animation I have had the pleasure of watching.
Outstanding.