Mermaid Forest

Of course, I didn't expect such mermaids, but I was happy anyway.
The story is jumping, it was a bit difficult for me to follow.
At first, the first couple of episodes were completely impossible. Paused the viewing.
But then, when I was in the mood, I watched with pleasure when I got into the tempo, let's say.

I was pleased with the finale.

The story itself is very interesting and deep. Makes you think.

I can't say that the anime is on the "must watch" Or "I'll review" list.
But I don't regret the time I've spent.

On the one hand, the concept of a road movie is quite simple about immortals (in the literal sense, and not just because they don't die) for a man who has lived for 500 years and a girl who was raised by mermaids. But on the other hand, it's a very thoughtful story about the price of immortality.
I haven't seen many anime on similar subjects (to be honest, I can only remember Mnemosyne's Daughter), but this title did a better job with her. It shows not so much people who have become pretentious immortals, who speak grandiloquently and laugh at those who are stuck in a mortal body, as victims of this transformation.
For example, the main character is aware of the loneliness that awaits him if he does not find a way to regain his mortality. We also meet a girl who was made immortal just to feed the mermaids. We are also shown a woman who could have died of an illness, but is forced to live with a mutilated body, locked in four walls and see her twin living a normal life, which leads her to insanity. Or a mother who, in order to protect her child, almost condemns her to life as a monster and then almost repeats her mistake with her grandson.
And these are just the stories of those who suffered by eating mermaid meat.
The opening song performed by Ishikawa Chiaki is a balm to the soul - a very beautiful song. I immediately spammed it and added it to my playlist. (She also sang the song for the opening of the anime.)
Animation. It's good in places, but weak in places, but within the framework of 2003 it looks digestible.
Drawing. The studio has very diligently transferred and tried to modernize the style of the original a little. It looks like an old anime at the same time, but at the same time it is clear that they came out in the same year as the first season of Steel Alarm.
I want to make a small rebuke towards the narrative. It's very uneven. The beginning clearly takes place somewhere in the early 80s, they roll through a couple of flashbacks and eventually lead somewhere closer to modern times. I didn't have enough fluidity and coherence in this regard, but in general it didn't bother me.

@vk507653: Thank you for such a comment! They voiced very clearly what was on the tip of my tongue and in my thoughts!

She's so beautiful *-*
The sad story

Bottom line: Anime is by no means perfect. It's not normal, and it's certainly not bad, I'd rather call it a solid four. I'm not sure that many people will appreciate it, but those who do will definitely not regret their time.