Jun 20, 2023
Bakemonogatari (Anime) edit
Recommended
There is good and there is bad with Bakemonogatari. duh. Let's get into it. It's not for everybody. But I think the positives outweigh the negatives and wholeheartedly recommend it.
Let's start with the issues:
Issue #1: The sexualization of minors. Monogatari could have been one of the most popular series of all time if not for the COMPLETELY unnecessary lolicon moments. Bunny Girl Senpai ripped off Monogatari in many departments and it's one of the most popular anime in the world, deservedly so, because of Bakemonogatari's bullshit inability to NOT fondle little girls.

Issue #2: Plot. The plot isn't really here in Bakemonogatari. "bro it's a series with multiple seasons" Yes I know but rating this season alone purely, the story AS A WHOLE is not too interesting until the final two episodes, which made it a little bit boring.
Now on to the good points.

Positives:
#1 Art/animation: I find it so hard to believe that this show is from 2009, the animation is fluid and told in a way that is done by NO other anime. Slides with inner dialogues from the light novel are quickly flashed across the screen, which very much enhances the story. The warped shading and coloring of the surrounding environment sets a sort of ambiance that creates a tone for the story. The openings and endings are masterfully crafted although very very sexually suggestive at times, but the animation and art is so creative.
#2: Soundtrack- for me, this is one of, if not the best soundtracks in anime. There are multiple openings, each one extremely catchy and well animated, and they even have a sense of connection between the story arc and lyricism. The soundtracks are unique and creative, well-timed, and overall something I listen to outside of the anime. (my Spotify has a playlist if you check my profile).
#3: Voice acting- Genuine, passionate, and pays careful attention to detail. For example, in episode 12, one verbal exchange is repeated in the episode but in a completely different context and purpose from the first one, and you can tell alone through the slight nuances in the voice acting, it truly does embody the characters. Each of the voices fit the characters, from Chiwa Saitou's cocky arrogance and relentless verbal assaults as Senjougahara, Yui Horie's kind but uneasy nature as Hanakawa, Kana Hanazawa's timid/shy but happiness as Nadeko, every single voice actor nails their job, delivering a 10/10 performance.
#4: Characters/Dialogue - It might be hit or miss here, but I loved how complex each character was and how they interacting with each other. The backstories were dark but characters reacted to them and acted in a way that was, in my opinion, realistic for what happened. For example, Senjougahara and Hanekawa and their backstories which you will see. While she isn't the entire show, she is a great example: Hitagi Senjougahara. Her dialogue is absolutely masterful. She speaks in a way that often has double meanings, what might seem as an insult are often her ways of showing affection and care in a playful way, and Araragi knows this and plays along, all while nothing is explicitly said between the two of them. She also speaks in a kind and endearing way which contrasts very heavily with her cold character, which made me appreciate the nuance of her character. It also helps that Saitou Chiwa does a FANTASTIC job as her voice actor, no seriously, you need to listen to Senjougahara.

In conclusion, I think the positives outweigh the negatives, although the negatives are certainly a dealbreaker, as it should be. Theres no need to lewd lolis for no fucking reason, but outside of that, it really is a brilliant show, even if it is slow and dialogue-heavy. There are also a few fight-scenes and action scenes mixed in. Comedy is also there, both stupid comedy and sophisticated. I wish that it delved more into the romance, but thats what the rest of the series will do presumably. However I must hold that, it's slight-lack of character development due to volume of characters introduced, and hinderance of plot progressions against the series as I am rating Bakemonogatari solely, not the series as a whole. If you aren't into long dialogues or aren't a fan of the characters or humor, and if the fanservice of minors or just in general is a deal-breaker, I get it, it makes sense after all you don't want to see the lewding of lolis, even if it isn't constantly happening. I would still recommend you to try the first two episodes (Senjougahara arc) and then decide to continue or drop it, but the fanservice gets bad specifically in the Hachikuji and Nadeko arcs (episodes 3,4,5, 9, 10). Personally, I loved the characters, dialogue, art, animation, soundtrack, and voice acting which leads me to a score of 9/10. Thanks for reading