**Orb: On the Movements of the Earth** (Chi.: Chikyuu no Undou ni Tsuite) is a TV anime adaptation of the manga by Uoto, serialized in Big Comic Spirits.
Set in 15th century Europe, where geocentrism (the belief that Earth is the center of the universe) is considered absolute truth, and challenging it means risking death as a heretic.
Yet despite this, the story follows those who stake their lives to prove that "the Earth moves." The Japanese title "Chi." carries four meanings: heliocentrism (地動説), Earth (地球), blood (血), and knowledge (知).
Animated by Madhouse in Fall 2024, this masterpiece captivated anime fans worldwide with its overwhelming visual beauty and philosophical depth 🌍
✨ Highlights
🧑 👥 Main Characters
❓ FAQ
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01① The Ultimate Theme: Pursuing Truth at the Cost of Life
The greatest highlight of this work is how it depicts humanity's fundamental desire to "know the truth."
Advocating heliocentrism means facing inquisition, torture, and execution. Yet those who believe "the Earth moves" continue their research at the cost of their lives.
"Why pursue truth to such extremes?" — this question deeply shakes every viewer's heart 🔥
A story brimming with intellectual excitement, depicting the clash between science and faith, reason and power!
02② Madhouse's Overwhelming Visual Beauty
Production is handled by Madhouse (Death Note, One Punch Man Season 1, etc.), and the visual quality is nothing short of breathtaking.
The majestic streets of 15th century Europe, the stars shining in the night sky, the beautiful scenes depicting celestial movements — everything is stunningly gorgeous.
The direction in moments when characters look up at the starry sky and touch upon cosmic truths is absolutely spine-tingling ✨
You'll be amazed at how beautifully anime can depict a starry sky!
03③ The Baton of "Will" Passed Across Generations
The narrative structure of this story is truly remarkable. Rather than a single protagonist from start to finish, the will to "prove heliocentrism" is passed down across generations.
Some fall before completing their mission, and the next generation inherits their research and dreams. This "relay of will" is impossible to watch without tears 😭
Even if one person cannot accomplish it alone, as long as the will is passed on — this message of hope strikes deep into your heart!
04④ The Terror and Tension of the Inquisition
The presence of the inquisitors in the story creates tremendous tension throughout.
Simply uttering "the Earth moves" leads to capture and torture. If research notes are found, immediate execution follows. The scholars pursuing truth amid this terror are truly awe-inspiring.
Those who try to suppress truth through power and violence versus those who resist regardless — this confrontational structure is suspenseful and gripping 🔥
The reality of "a world where simply speaking the truth gets you killed" is overwhelming!
05⑤ The World of Astronomy That Stimulates Intellectual Curiosity
One of the wonderful aspects of this work is that you can learn the history of astronomy just by watching the anime.
Why was geocentrism believed? How was heliocentrism proven? What is retrograde motion of planets? — Complex topics are depicted in an accessible yet dramatic way.
There are countless moments where you'll think "Ah, so that's how it works!" 📚
A first-class work both as entertainment and as education!
06① The Awakening of the Genius Boy Rafal
The story begins with Rafal, a genius boy admitted to university at the age of 12.
Rafal, who was supposed to pursue theology, awakens to the beauty of heliocentrism through an encounter with a certain man. Planetary movements that geocentrism cannot explain are beautifully explained by heliocentrism — this "revelation" completely changes Rafal's life.
The sight of a boy who has learned "the true form of the world" beginning to walk the path of truth despite knowing the dangers is deeply moving 🌟
07② The Fateful Encounter with Badeni
Badeni, who appears in the middle of the story, is a monk who secretly continues research on heliocentrism.
Outwardly maintaining the facade of a devout believer, he secretly continues astronomical observations and calculations at the risk of his life. This duality makes him an extremely compelling character.
The encounter with Badeni becomes a major turning point in the story. He embodies what it means to "live for truth" ⚡
08③ Jolenta's Thirst for Knowledge
Jolenta's story — a woman denied the path of scholarship simply because of her gender — resonates with themes relevant even today.
In an era where women are told "learning is unnecessary," Jolenta's determination to continue seeking knowledge gives viewers deep empathy and emotion.
A brilliant episode that depicts the preciousness of the pure desire to "learn," transcending gender and era 📖
09④ The Friendship and Choices of Oczy and Novak
Oczy and Novak are two young men who become drawn into the research of heliocentrism.
Their struggle between faith and truth poses the ultimate question: "When you learn the truth, how should you act?"
The drama of two friends whose friendship and convictions are put to the test is among the most memorable episodes in the story 😭
10⑤ The Confrontation with Inquisitor Hubert
Inquisitor Hubert is a terrifying presence who mercilessly hunts down those who advocate heliocentrism.
Yet he is no simple villain — he has his own beliefs and sense of justice. Hubert, who acts "to protect order," versus the scholars who fight "for truth." Which side is right? The story poses questions with no easy answers.
This confrontation makes the story all the deeper and more profound ⚔️
Rafal
The protagonist of the story's early chapters, a genius boy admitted to university at age 12. Originally meant to study theology, he becomes captivated by the beauty of heliocentrism and chooses the path of astronomy despite the danger. His pure desire to "share this wonder with someone" is where everything begins 🌟
Badeni
A monk who secretly continues heliocentrism research. While outwardly appearing as a devout believer, he secretly collects vast astronomical data. Behind his easygoing personality lies a burning passion for truth — a truly captivating character 🔭
Jolenta
A person of outstanding intellect whose path to scholarship is closed off simply because she is a woman. Yet unable to abandon her thirst for knowledge, she secretly becomes involved in research. Her determination to seek knowledge while resisting the injustices of her era resonates deeply with viewers 📖
Oczy
A deeply faithful young man who becomes involved in heliocentrism research. He struggles intensely between faith in God and scientific truth. His willingness to face the question "What if everything I believed was wrong?" head-on is deeply impressive 🙏
Novak
Oczy's friend, a young man who is drawn into heliocentrism research alongside him. With a pragmatic personality, he agonizes between ideals and reality. Friendship or survival — which to choose? His inner conflict grips viewers' hearts 💔
Hubert
An inquisitor who hunts down those who advocate heliocentrism. Though appearing ruthless, he acts based on his own sense of justice and conviction. His willingness to use merciless means "to protect order" makes him a character of profound depth that cannot be described in simple terms of good and evil ⚔️
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