Chi – Chikyuu no Undou ni Tsuite [Season 1 Episode 1 to 25]

“Chi: Chikyuu no Undou ni Tsuite” – A Gripping Dive into the Clash of Science and Faith

When I first stumbled upon Chi: Chikyuu no Undou ni Tsuite (or Orb: On the Movements of the Earth), I wasn’t sure what to expect. A historical anime set in 15th-century Poland, centered around a child prodigy named Rafal, who’s torn between theology and the forbidden allure of astronomy? It sounded like a niche premise, but after watching the first episode, I was hooked. And judging by the online buzz, I’m not alone.

A Story That Feels Like a Time Machine

The anime wastes no time plunging us into its richly detailed world. Rafal, a 12-year-old orphan with a brilliant mind, is expected to dedicate his life to theology—a safe path in an era where questioning the Church’s teachings could mean execution. But fate intervenes when he meets Hubert, a mysterious figure who introduces him to the radical idea that the Earth moves around the Sun.

Fans on MyAnimeList and Reddit have praised the show’s ability to balance historical tension with personal drama. One user noted, “Rafal’s expression when he hears about heliocentrism says it all—it’s like watching someone’s entire worldview shatter in real-time.” Another added, “The setting is brutal but fascinating. You can feel the weight of the Church’s power in every scene.”

Characters That Steal the Spotlight

Rafal isn’t your typical anime protagonist. He’s not a sword-wielding hero or a chosen one—he’s a kid caught between ambition and fear. His internal struggle resonates deeply, especially when contrasted with Hubert’s enigmatic presence. Fans have compared their dynamic to “a mentor-student relationship with life-or-death stakes.”

The supporting cast also shines. Hubert, in particular, has sparked theories about his true motives. Is he a heretic, a revolutionary, or something else entirely? One Reddit thread debated: “Hubert’s aura is so mysterious—I can’t tell if he’s a savior or a devil in disguise.”

Themes That Hit Hard

At its core, Chi is about the battle between dogma and discovery. The anime doesn’t shy away from showing the horrors of religious persecution, but it also avoids painting the Church as a one-dimensional villain. Instead, it explores how fear and power can corrupt even the most well-intentioned institutions.

A fan on MyAnimeList put it perfectly: “This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a reminder of how dangerous it is to silence curiosity.” Another pointed out the eerie relevance to modern debates: “Flat earthers may be a joke today, but back then, questioning the Earth’s place in the universe was a death sentence.”

Animation and Atmosphere

The visuals are stunning, with Madhouse (the studio behind classics like Death Note and Hunter x Hunter) delivering a polished product. The night skies, in particular, are breathtaking—almost like a character themselves. Some fans noted minor animation quirks (“Dr. Movie’s outsourcing is noticeable in a few scenes”), but most agreed that the direction and art style more than make up for it.

The soundtrack also adds to the tension. One viewer raved, “The music elevates every scene—it’s haunting and beautiful at the same time.”

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Thinkers

If you’re tired of isekai tropes and want something with depth, Chi: Chikyuu no Undou ni Tsuite is a breath of fresh air. It’s not just an anime; it’s a conversation starter. As one fan summed it up: “This might be the hidden gem of the season. Don’t sleep on it.”

So, grab your popcorn (and maybe a history textbook) and dive in. Just be prepared—this show will make you question everything you thought you knew about truth, faith, and the stars above.

Rating: 9/10 – A thought-provoking masterpiece in the making.

What did you think of the first episode? Drop your theories in the comments!