Bakemonogatari
a review by MiNiSoTaN
a review by MiNiSoTaN
The plot of Bakemonogatari follows our protagonist, Kyomi Araragi across five different arcs each revolving around news characters he meets. Each character has some sort of supernatural phenomenon which is plaguing their daily life. Whether it be a tattooed snake slowly killing a child, or a cursed crab which makes you weigh only five pounds, Bakemonogatari immediately lets viewers know that these strange occurrences are as normal as it gets for Araragi.
The most dividing aspect of the series is the style in which the story is told. You can expect most episodes to comprise of tongue and cheek quips and conversations between Kyomi and his friends. Rarely do you ever see more that two characters on the screen at a time because the conversations are so long. I don't mean it as an insult or a distaste of the series. Never before have I been so enthralled with discussions between people in any entertainment medium. Bakemonogatari does something so unique with its dialogue which captures you, wanting it to never end. The entire story of Monogatari is told through the perspective of Araragi which separates itself from any other anime within this genre. There are no background characters, only the people he talks to. The stylistic choice of this is something I highly commemorate. The series pushes the envelope in so many different areas but this aspect is one of my favorites.
The Hitagi Crab arc was a wonderful introduction to the series subtly explaining to us the characters of both Araragi, and Senjougahara. The series only continues on its path of storytelling excellence with its sequel arcs. Each new character bring forth new trials and tribulations that unfold. Narratives of familial abuse, neglect, greed, loneliness, and more are all present within Bakemonogatari.
You feel real emotion delivered through the excellent and talented voice actors. The peak of each arc highlights to thematic elements it trys to convey. Each tale told within the encompassing plot of Monogatari is trying to channel a message. Whether you relate to the struggles or not is indifferent, the messages are always pure and poetic. No arc feels repetitive and no topic feels unwarranted. The struggles shown through each character in the series although portrayed in a fictional medium, are very much real which is what makes the story of Bakemonogatari that much more impressive, its powerful directive is deserving of so much praise.
Bakemonogatari's delivery of how it conveys its plot is so unique there isn't a single anime that even resembles it. Sure there are other shows that mimic its genre or plot, but none can come close to its elegant presentation. There is a particular reason why such a popular show such as Bakemonogatari hasn't been dubbed into English, it wouldn't work. The wordplay used within the Japanese lexicon is so advanced people reading the subtitles aren't even getting the true treatment of what Bakemonogatari has to offer.
For as much as I praise the dialogue I must also commemorate its incredible actions sequences which look incredible. For how rare they are, they certainly do a great job at entertaining giving a nice break from the dialogue. This anime also is surprisingly violent for how it conveys itself from its genesis. Whole libs are torn off, gallons of blood are spewed across the canvas and a plethora of other gruesome acts are committed. Don't let Renai Circulation fool you, this is not a kids anime.
Kyomi Araragi Everyone's favorite Ahoge MC, Kyomi Araragi goes through a great deal of change throughout the season. Starting off as a monologist loner, Araragi's growth in meeting new characters and helping them solve their problems allows him to mature and thrive as he continues his adolescence. Senjougahara has a big catalyst in helping him change for the better. Finding someone to break him out of his shell increased his self confidence and empathy. I really enjoyed looking at the world through his eyes. The banter he has with characters is something I greatly look forward to. There could be an entire character study done on just Araragi because his innerworking are so complex. He (in my eyes) feels like one of the most relatable anime protagonists I've ever watched. Never thought I would say that about a half-vampire monster hunter, but I really enjoyed his personality throughout the season.
Hitagi Senjougahara One of the most unique anime characters of all time Senjougahara cannot be boxed into any single "dere" category. Oozing with confidence yet also conforming to a sick and twisted mentality due to her tragic past, she foils Araragi in almost every single way. Where he is shut in, she is bold, where he is indecisive, she takes things head on. Senjogahara was my favorite character to watch throughout the season. Her conversations with Araragi were so much fun to watch. Her entire personality was a breath of fresh air compared to the typical anime girl.
Mayoi Hachikuji Scientists have been trying to answer the question of how can she carry that backpack all day for years and still don't have an answer. It really is a mystery. I found Hachikuji's backstory to be one of the most tragic of the season. Getting killed at such a young age to wonder the earth trying to find your home for all eternity sounds awful. This arc is probably where I really started to fall in love with the series. Her conversations with Araragi were my favorite as well. They bounced off each other so well, I always managed to laugh or smile when they were both on screen. A highlight of the supporting cast for sure.
Suruga Kanbaru Kanbaru's Rainy Devil design was super cool. My jaw dropped when I first witnessed the power of it and how brutally it beat up Araragi. This was easily the most action packed arc of the season which has some incredible animation. Kanbaru's design was unique to the series as well. Similar to the confidence of Senjougahara, yet with a more forward approach, she doesn't beat around the bush asking for dates and lewd acts with Araragi who had a girlfriend. Her athletic tone and upbeat personality makes her a great side character to compliment the maincast.
Nadeko Sengoku The Renai Circulation girl herself, Nadeko Sengoku had a very dark arc in this season. Her personality is timid and shy but was always great to see on screen. Although she fits into the "kuundere" mold, that doesn't mean she has a predictable personality. She goes through intense sacrifice to rid herself of the snakes curse which is more than admirable. Her courageous actions were awesome to watch on screen.
Tsubasa Hanekawa Hanekawa always has the intrest of Araragi in mind. Being his only friend at the beginning of the series, she is seen working with him in school. With an impossible to hate personality and an even more lewd alternative "Hanekawa Black" one, she is one of the fan favorites ad candidates for "best girl". More good reason too, she has assets in both body and mind. I enjoyed the finalarc of the show which featured her very much, she gets a lot more screen time in the prequel and sequel stories as well. Hanekawa is easily shown to be a greatly written chracter.
The art and animation of Bakemonogatari will be immediately noticed upon your first watch through. As I mentioned before, the Monogatari series separates itself from the masses in several ways, it's art style is the most prominent. Constantly during dialogue or while walking down the street the screen will cut to text panels or images of the empty city/skyline. Along with that main art style changes from these professional looking faces to cartoony/chibi looking ones to depict what is happening in their minds. This compliments the dialogue humor that is ever so prominent within the anime very well. This was one of the biggest turn offs for people watching this, but I fully embraced it.
Bakemonogatari completely changed the way stories are presented through it's one of a kind art style. Shaft did an incredible job animating thing story. I'm a huge fan of the red outlines used to draw characters and other background images similar to how it is in No Game No Life. I could go on about how cool the art style and animation is, but it is much easier to watch than for me to explain.
Bakemonogatari has a flawless soundtrack. It's mixture of jazz and ambient tunes fits in perfectly with a dialogue centered story. Of course the famous "Renai Circulation" got its prominence from this show as well. Each OP and ED is unique not only in song message, but animation to the story as well. That's a theme that stays consistent with all Monogatari seasons. It isn't just one story, it's a collections of all of them and the music reflects that as well. The OST for Bakemonogatari in particular is amazing. Soft pianos are prominent in almost every track giving it this cozy and contemporary feel.
Although it may not sounds as poppy or upbeat compared to its colleagues, Bakemonogatari can stand toe to toe with that of other great anime OSTs. The music works perfectly setting the mood for each scene. The stylistic choices are complimented by the soft discourse and mellow imagery. The music in this anime can only put you into a calm and happy mood.
Bakemonogatari is a once in a lifetime type of anime. Rarely do you see a series do things so different, yet it works out so well. This is a very niche type of entertainment however, not everyone will like its abnormality which is totally fine, but I want to appreciate it and give praise for this season. Never would I have thought that such a stylistically engrossed anime would impress me so much. Everything about this show fits together so perfectly it is almost impossible to think it is a reality. I can give nothing but top marks for Bakemonogatari and Shaft Studio for its perfect adaptation of the Light Novels. One of my favorites of all time and I believe to be one of the greatest as well.
Favorite Episodes
Episode 1: "Hitagi Crab, Part One"
Episode 2: "Hitagi Crab, Part Two"
Episode 3: "Mayoi Snail, Part One"
Episode 4: "Mayoi Snail, Part Two"
Episode 5: "Mayoi Snail, Part Three"
Episode 6: "Suruga Monkey, Part One"
Episode 8: "Suruga Monkey, Part Three"
Episode 9: "Nadeko Snake, Part One"
Episode 10: "Nadeko Snake, Part Two"
Episode 11: "Tsubasa Cat, Part One"
Episode 14: "Tsubasa Cat, Part Four"
Episode 15: "Tsubasa Cat, Part Five"
Official Scores
Story: (10/10)
Characters: (10/10)
Art: (10/10)
Music: (10/10)
Personal Enjoyment: (10/10)
@MiNiSoTaN
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