Mar 17, 2018
Bakemonogatari is a masterpiece in terms of anime and media itself. Telling the story of what seemed to me a typical lead character in Harem anime, one whom goes about helping various girls due to his "kindness and purity"; however, rest assured that is the only part of the anime that can be called even remotely generic.
When I first began watching the series annoyance clouded my mind. I felt as though the story was purposefully being overly pretentious, the art seemed like a jumbled mess, and from what I had read before it was supposed to look like the animation studio decided to take
...
LSD. Despite my inherent displeasure I continued watching, not because I had nothing else do, but because (subconsciously) I fell in love with the essence of what Bakemonogatari is. If you did not enjoy the first few episodes I implore you to give this anime 6 episodes of your time to change your opinion of it.
Story 10/10: Following our "hero" throughout his quest to save a bunch of exclusively female characters from things called oddities. We begin the story with an inherent dislike for the character that our knight is saving; the classic tsundere character of anime provides us with the stereotypical opening of a harem-based anime that many viewers probably expect. That is where the typical tropes of an anime end, and an almost new type of story is born. Bakemonogatari is so dialogue-based that arguably 90% of screen time is filled with characters speaking to each other. Now that might raise a red flag to many people, but the storytelling aspect is so important to what makes this anime unique, that one might begin thinking why no one else has tried this before. You soon become integrated in the story and begin understanding the nuances of the walls of text that at first appeared annoying and even redundant. A light-novel anime in the most literal sense. The adventure that begins ensures you will never feel as though your time has been wasted whilst watching Bakemonogatari.
Art 10/10: The animation creates a unique feel that surpasses most (if not all) modern anime in terms of presentation. Every bit of color that is given to the viewer is meant to invoke a certain reaction, a purpose. At first I found it hard to deal with and even became annoyed at the color schemes and walls of text. Why are there these random camera angles viewing the characters feet and backs? Why are you showing me a wall instead of the characters face as they are speaking? The art is done so as to give the viewer a perspective like no other, and cause one to think; instead of blindly staring at the screen and being given the answers. Truly one of the most beautiful anime I have ever watched. Bakemonogatari's visually aesthetic fluidity is magic to behold
Sound 10/10: So many anime have tried and failed to master the subtle; yet vital, use of sound to accompany the images being displayed. The sound dictates the mood, and thus dictates what needs to be felt during a certain scene, or to instantaneously change the mood faster than can be done with animation. The abrupt sound changes throughout the series are perfectly placed to create the desired effect upon the viewer. The at first seemingly random sounds created during walls of text show a transition, and based upon the mood change required, play a sound corresponding to an association of feeling in the human brain. Beethoven mastered music, Bakemonogatari mastered sound.
Characters 8/10: Now you may be wondering why an 8 was deemed appropriate for an anime that has only received praise so far. Senjougahara Hatagari is your typical tsundere love interest at first, and does herself no favors with her sharp demeaning dialogue directed towards the Kiyomi (main). Despite this unfavorable initial position she blossoms into a character that one may sympathize with and even begin to love. Hanekawa is the on the opposite side of the anime-girl spectrum; a shy and caring girl (with glasses and large breasts because obviously) who is very attached to Kiyomi, and constantly goes out of her way to help him. Her character development during the final arc gives her the opportunity to flourish. Much like a flower the complexity of her character is only revealed once the facade of perfection falls away, leaving a less-than-perfect vibrant fruit. All of the female leads in this series focus on a trope typical in the harem genre, but with additional complexities that make them all extremely likable. All of the female leads are likable, but not the only male lead. Initially, Kiyomi is also portrayed as the stereotypical "i'm kind, caring, and will save everyone" main character. One would expect him to develop into someone who's flaws are shown to create a more complex personality than is initially established. NOPE. I didn't even like Kiyomi at the start, and by the end his stupidity, carelessness, indecisiveness, and lack of complexity serve to create a pile of sh*t used merely to dispose of the waste in the well-oiled machine that is Bakamonogatari. Now don't misunderstand, he has to be there for the story to develop. I merely wish that he had become a flushed-out character like the rest. Oh well, there's the 8.
Enjoyment 9/10: Despite Kiyomi's blandness, this is a highly enjoyable anime that works to create a unique anime environment that is essential to its identity. All of the aspects of the story work to continuously support one another, and create an anime that can only be described as a masterpiece. The only qualm would be that the story starts off rather slowly, but once it picks up pace, it is impossible to stop.
Overall 9/10: Kiyomi and the slow start are the only things keeping this anime from being perfect. From the art and sound, to the leading and supporting characters, to the highly engaging story. Bakamonogatari comes highly recommended for anyone looking for a show just short of a creative masterpiece.
P.S. This is my first review, and I was thinking that I was going to hate this anime after the first episode. So after finishing it I felt I owed it an apology in the form of a review. Thanks to all who read this far, and enjoy the show!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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