Chi. Chikyuu no Undou ni Tsuite

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth

Characters

Nowak

MAIN

Draka

MAIN

Schmitt

MAIN

Oczy

MAIN

Badeni

MAIN

Rafau0142

MAIN

Kolbe

SUPPORTING

Gras

SUPPORTING

Antoni

SUPPORTING

Potocki

SUPPORTING

Shuudouinchou

SUPPORTING

Piast

SUPPORTING

Itansha

SUPPORTING

Lev

SUPPORTING

Lewandlowski

SUPPORTING

Grabowski

SUPPORTING

Simon

SUPPORTING

Albert Brudzewski

SUPPORTING

Kochau0144ski

SUPPORTING

Jolenta

SUPPORTING

Damien

SUPPORTING

Hubert

SUPPORTING

Kamil

SUPPORTING

Jozef

SUPPORTING

Narrator

BACKGROUND

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth – Season 1: A Cerebral Odyssey Through Science, Sacrifice, and Subversion

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth (also known as Chi: Chikyū no Undō ni Tsuite), a 25-episode anime adaptation of Uoto’s award-winning manga, is a tour de force that defies conventional anime storytelling. Released from October 2024 to March 2025 on NHK General TV and Netflix, this Madhouse-produced series is a historical drama set in 15th-century Europe, where the pursuit of heliocentric truth clashes with the iron grip of religious dogma. Season 1 is a riveting exploration of intellectual courage, human sacrifice, and the timeless battle between knowledge and suppression, making it one of the most thought-provoking anime of recent years. Below is a detailed, unique, and informative review of this remarkable series, diving into its narrative, themes, production, and cultural impact, while avoiding spoilers where possible to preserve the experience for new viewers.

A Narrative That Passes the Torch of Truth

Set in a fictionalized 15th-century Poland, Orb follows a rotating cast of characters—most notably Rafal, a child prodigy with a passion for astronomy, and his mentor Hubert, a heretic scholar—as they risk their lives to research and preserve the heliocentric theory, the idea that the Earth orbits the Sun. This concept, heretical in the eyes of the Church, sets the stage for a narrative that is less about a single protagonist and more about a collective struggle to protect dangerous ideas. The series’ unique structure, which shifts protagonists periodically, mirrors the cyclical nature of knowledge itself, passed from one generation to the next, often at great personal cost. This approach, reminiscent of Vinland Saga or Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure in its willingness to evolve its cast, keeps the story unpredictable and emotionally resonant.

Each episode builds a world where the Church’s control over information is absolute, and dissent is punishable by death. The tension lies not in flashy battles but in the quiet, cerebral defiance of scholars who dare to question the geocentric model. The narrative weaves together historical fiction with philosophical musings, exploring how truth can be both a burden and a beacon. Unlike many anime that glorify heroism, Orb presents knowledge as a heavy responsibility, demanding sacrifices that are as emotional as they are physical. The season’s finale, in particular, raises profound questions about doubt, conviction, and the cost of pursuing truth in a world that fears it.

Themes: Knowledge as a Dangerous Weapon

At its core, Orb is about the pursuit of knowledge in the face of oppression, a theme that resonates deeply in our era of misinformation and curated narratives. The series draws parallels between the 15th-century Church’s suppression of heliocentrism and modern-day battles over scientific truth, from climate change to artificial intelligence. As one review notes, “The suppression of knowledge is a living, breathing force, not some relic of the past,” and Orb captures this by showing how power structures adapt to control information.

The show also explores the duality of intelligence and violence, a concept articulated by the manga’s creator, Uoto, who was only 26 when he wrote the series. Violence here is not just physical (the Inquisition’s pyres loom large) but intellectual, as characters sacrifice relationships, safety, and even their lives for their research. Uoto’s stated theme—“A life where you have something to risk your life for is a happy one”—infuses the series with a bittersweet optimism, suggesting that the pursuit of truth, though perilous, is inherently meaningful.

Religion is portrayed with nuance, initially appearing as an antagonistic force but later revealing its own internal conflicts and human complexities. Characters like priests and inquisitors are not one-dimensional villains but individuals grappling with their own beliefs, making the series a meditation on how ideologies shape human behavior. This layered portrayal avoids simplistic “religion bad” tropes, offering instead a balanced exploration of faith, reason, and the human condition.

Production: A Visual and Auditory Triumph

Madhouse’s animation is a standout feature, bringing 15th-century Europe to life with meticulous detail. The night skies, a recurring motif symbolizing the characters’ quest for cosmic truth, are rendered with breathtaking clarity, their warm colors contrasting the cold brutality of the Inquisition. Character designs by Masanori Shino are expressive yet grounded, capturing the weight of each scholar’s resolve. The animation avoids spectacle for spectacle’s sake, instead using visual storytelling to underscore the narrative’s emotional and intellectual depth.

The soundtrack, composed by Kensuke Ushio (A Silent Voice, Chainsaw Man), is a subtle yet powerful force, amplifying the series’ emotional peaks without overpowering its quieter moments. The opening theme, “Kaijū” by Sakanaction, sets a haunting tone, while the ending themes, “Aporia” and “Hebi” by Yorushika, evoke the series’ themes of doubt and perseverance. These musical choices enhance the anime’s atmosphere, making it as much a sensory experience as an intellectual one.

Historical Context and Creative Liberties

While Orb is a work of fiction, it draws inspiration from the historical struggles of astronomers like Copernicus, who challenged the geocentric model in the 16th century. The series takes creative liberties, dramatizing the Church’s opposition to heliocentrism and condensing historical events into a tighter timeline. Some critiques note that this portrayal is “highly dramatized and not fully historically accurate,” but these liberties serve to heighten the story’s tension and atmosphere. The show’s fictionalized setting allows it to explore universal themes without being bound by historical precision, making it accessible to viewers unfamiliar with the period.

One point of contention is the English subtitles, which occasionally oversimplify the Japanese dialogue. The word “chi” (meaning “Earth” or “knowledge” in context) is sometimes translated as “truth,” which dilutes the nuance of the original script. This localization issue, while minor, can affect the viewer’s understanding of the show’s philosophical depth.

Cultural Impact and Reception

Orb has garnered critical acclaim, with its manga winning the Grand Prize at the 26th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2022 and ranking high on lists like Kono Manga ga Sugoi! and the Manga Taishō. The anime has been praised for its bold storytelling and emotional depth, with reviewers comparing it to Vinland Saga and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End for its mature, character-driven narrative. Its niche appeal—described as “not for everyone”—hasn’t prevented it from finding a dedicated audience, particularly among fans of historical dramas and intellectual anime.

The series’ relevance to contemporary issues, such as the weaponization of information and the courage required to challenge entrenched beliefs, has made it a topic of discussion beyond anime circles. Its exploration of knowledge as both a liberating and dangerous force feels especially timely in an age of disinformation and polarized debates.

Why You Should Watch

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth Season 1 is a must-watch for those who crave anime that challenges the mind as much as it tugs at the heart. Its unique protagonist-shifting structure, combined with its rich historical setting and philosophical depth, sets it apart from mainstream offerings. While it lacks the action-packed thrills of shounen or the lighthearted charm of romantic comedies, it offers something rarer: a story that celebrates the resilience of human curiosity and the sacrifices made to illuminate the unknown.

For fans of Vinland Saga, Frieren, or Serial Experiments Lain, Orb delivers a similar blend of emotional weight and intellectual intrigue. Its 25 episodes are a complete adaptation of the manga, though the finale hints at potential original stories for a second season, fueled by fan speculation and a Tokyo science exhibit tiedto the series. Whether you’re drawn to its stunning visuals, haunting music, or profound themes, Orb is a testament to the power of ideas and the human spirit’s unyielding quest for truth.

Final Verdict: 4.5/5
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth Season 1 is a masterful blend of historical drama, philosophical inquiry, and emotional storytelling. It’s a rare anime that dares to prioritize ideas over action, making it a standout in the 2024-2025 anime season. Stream it on Netflix and prepare to be challenged, inspired, and moved.

*Note: If you enjoyed this review and want to explore similar anime or have specific questions about *Orb, let me know, and I can tailor recommendations or dive deeper into specific aspects!