DESCRIPTION

CAST

OVA DramaZoku Owarimonogatari
ANIME ComedyTsukimonogatari
NOVEL DramaOwarimonogatari

REVIEWS

• 

  CaninnTurtle

  100/100
  Monogatari shines in it final act, bringing with it a brilliant conclusion to a brilliant series.

  (Note: This is more for the series as a whole than solely Owari season 2, but I do touch on some points)

  I've been making my way through the Monogatari series for a couple of months now and I've finally reached the end. At least, the end until Zoku Owarimonogatari comes out. When Bakemonogatari unexpectedly blew me away, I strapped myself in and prepared for the wild ride that I felt I was fully prepared for. There were moments that tested my faith, like both Nekomonogataris and Tsubasa Tiger, but I held strong and kept on watching. With each moment that tested my resolve in the series, there were so many other moments that blew me away, like the Kizumonogatari movies, the rest of Monogatari SS, and Ougi Oshino and her story. Maybe Monogatari won't leave me as my #1 anime of all time, but it definitely ranks in the top 3, if not concluding as my favorite series of all time.

  Owarimonogatari S2, however, contains the brilliant conclusion to a fascinating series and set of characters. In a sort of irony that only Monogatari could pull off, the series comes full circle to conclude. It's impossible to describe how perfectly the ending was pulled off without spoilers, but suffice it to say that the story of Koyomi Araragi ends, as it began, with him going above and beyond for someone incredibly dear for him, a situation that he found himself in time and time again throughout the series. It's hard to say that Owarimonogatari S2 is something of an adrenaline pumping experience but that, I think, is what makes this series so special. It shrugs off adrenaline pumping action and achieves it instead with words, interactions, and aesthetics. Sure, it may drag at times, but usually you find yourself having an epiphany over that seemingly irrelevant conversation or some random symbolism in design, gaining insight into who Koyomi Araragi, or the latest girl he's helping out, is on the inside. It's incredible how deep and developed every single character is by the end of the series, despite many of the 'side characters' not having exorbitant amounts of screen time. The dialogue simply builds their personalities so effectively that more episodes with them aren't necessary, no matter how much we wish there was more Kanbaru.

  I would recommend the Monogatari series to anyone, but especially anyone with an interest in character-driven stories, interaction-driven exposition, and unique aesthetics and stylistic designs. It is a unique anime experience to be sure. I had no idea how much I would come to love this series, but I sure am glad that I started. In fact, I'm already planning to re-watch it in the future, with a different order. So what are you waiting for? It's time to watch Bakemonogatari already!

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• 

  tomservo

  100/100
  One of the best endings to any series I have ever seen. A satisfying conclusion that sticks with you.

  Spoilers ahead.

  This review is for the entirety of Owarimonogatari, not just the second half.

  The beginning of the end and the end of the beginning. Owari starts and finishes the process of wrapping every single loose end from the first two seasons up in a neat package, and it does so wonderfully. Not only this, but it finally resolves one of the most important, gnawing question that has pervaded the entire series: who or what is Ougi Oshino?

  Owari starts off with a different approach compared to the previous seasons. Instead of coming up with some concept or ideal that Koyomi must challenge or come to terms with like in earlier portions or focusing on a singular heroine for an arc, Ougi Formula focuses on Araragi himself. The exploration into that repressed past helps us understand where everything started to go wrong for the main character. It also sets up the subsequent arcs: Sodachi Lost and Sodachi Riddle. Compared to previous arcs, these two stick out in stark contrast. There is no supernatural mystery, only a very real case of a horrible, depressing home life, a missed opportunity, and a ruined, sour relationship. It makes the reasoning behind Araragi's current behavior crystal clear by the end of it all, helping the viewer empathize with what was previously a bizarre, inexplicable desire to help anyone in need. Sodachi herself is interesting enough, save for the admittedly stereotypical conclusion to the mystery surrounding her. She manages to carry the arc almost on her own with her fantastic performance as such a deranged, emotionally devastated young girl.

  However, the real heavy hitters of Owarimonogatari begin with the midpoint: Shinobu Mail. This arc is nearly better than, if not as good as, Otorimonogatari and Koimonogatari. The final step for Shinobu’s character arc is finally reached, leaving her as easily the best-written, consistently fantastic heroine within the entire series. Suruga has a few fantastic scenes and interactions with Shinobu as well, giving her straight-forward mindset much more depth and clarity than ever before. Koyomi is given a minor spotlight for his reciprocation of love for Shinobu, despite their rocky past. It’s set in stone by this point in the series that the two have gone from what was basically a pair of reluctant, bitter partners to what is nearly a couple.

  Mayoi Hell takes a minor dip by making its contents revolve solely around explaining some prior events that may have been unclear or otherwise confusing. However, more interaction between Koyomi and Mayoi is never a bad thing. It may lack depth or importance some of the time, but it always manages to be more than entertaining. Hitagi Rendezvous, despite being little more than a date, is one of the best arcs in the series. The depth and passion that both Koyomi and Hitagi handle their blossoming relationship with goes to show just how seriously they’re taking it underneath the banter and jokes. The opening shows just how Koyomi views Hitagi, who once used to do little else besides insult and threaten him. Over the whole story Hitagi has softened up considerably, going from a prickly, almost sickeningly tsundere girl to a very feminine, intelligent and assertive, young lady. Her place as Araragi’s girlfriend was shaky at the beginning due to the presence of Hanekawa, but, by the end of it all, she is undoubtedly the woman for him.

  At last, Ougi Dark. The penultimate arc lasts only three episodes, but the final two are incredible. Every character’s story, if left unfinished, is given a proper, satisfying ending within this final arc. The fully restored Kiss-Shot is offered exactly what she desires, Mayoi is given a place among the world of the living once more, Tsukihi defines what kind of person she sees herself as, Nadeko finds her way in life with the help of her friend, and, of course, Koyomi closes out his adolescence by confronting the enigmatic Ougi. The feeling of finality and completeness delivered by Ougi Dark is perfect in every sense. Koyomi finally ends his seasons-long character arc that began all the way back in Kizu, or even further back with his traumatic experience in high school. His incessant, selfless struggles come full circle, this final predicament teaching him to treat himself with the same care and respect as every one of his friends he rescued in the past. In the end, though, he reminds the viewer that Koyomi Araragi is Koyomi Araragi, even despite his newfound self-respect. Kiss-Shot's words from Kizumonogatari remain true despite everything that has happened to him, whether good or bad.

  With this, the Monogatari series is, without a doubt, complete. Nothing more needs to be said or done. Nearly everyone within this diverse, incredible cast has been fleshed out wholly. Nisio Isin has more than proven himself as nothing less than an incredible writer in every sense. Monogatari never left me feeling bored or unimpressed. This talent for such rich, dense verbal interactions is something that I have rarely seen. Not only that, but the accompanying visuals, story, and characters keep the viewer captivated by just about everything that's happening on the screen. Monogatari will hold its spot as one of the most unique stories with an absolutely amazing, well-developed cast. I truly doubt any other series could hope to rise up to match such a captivating, character-driven ride through Koyomi's fantastical, yet difficult, third year.

  However, I still look forwards to what Nisio has written for the later arcs. For now, though, I am content with every aspect of this incredible journey through Koyomi's tumultuous, fascinating teenage life.

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• 

  YourAssIsMine

  100/100
  Really good and super satisfying conclusion to the two main characters prevalent in the last arc

  There will be light spoilers for Owari S2 and the rest of Monogatari, read at your own risk:
  Owarimonogatari season 2 conists of three long episodes: Mayoi Hell, Hitagi Rendezvous and Ougi Dark. The Mayoi Hell arc focuses on everything that has happened so far and bringing Araragi (and Mayoi) back from hell. We reunite with an old aquaintance as well in this arc. It's a fun little arc that sets up Gaen's plan.
  Next up is Hitagi rendezvous which is basically just one big date. A fairly light hearted fun date between Hitagi and Koyomi where we get to see their relationship evolve a bit more as well. We also get an important and very good scene at the end of the arc with Ougi.
  And last is Ougi dark. This arc is basically perfect. A final showdown between Ougi and Araragi, and Araragi's decision. It's a perfect conclusion to Arargi's character which has been slowly built up over the entire series with parts of his character showing through each arc. It also is a perfect conclusion in the sense of delivering this entire series themes and message: Only you can save yourself.
  Each character also gets their own mini conclusion in this arc such as Shinobu and Hachikuji. The banter and the dialogue is still some of the best you can find in all of anime and manga. The focus on Araragi's character throughout this season and especially Ougi dark really helps him stand out among the quirky and eccentric personalities in the Monogatari series, though he was always a very fun protagonist. His development and decision really helps elevate him and in my opinion, make him the best character in the Monogatari series.
  Pros:
  Perfect character conclusion
  Great Final Say/Message
  Great dialogue as usual
  Satisfying conclusion and wrap up for everyone in the cast that hadn't had one already
  A near perfect antagonist
  Cons:
  Slightly disjointed arcs? (Not really, they're all still connected and I didn't feel a disconnect if I'm being honest. I'm just trying to nitpick here to find some fault with it)

  To put it simply, this is probably the most impactful work I've seen, and so seeing it go out with a perfect conclusion, while leaving a bit of a hole in my heart, is very satisfying and makes me happy. Overall, the Mayoi hell arc and Hitagi Rendezvous are middle of the pack Monogatari arcs. However, the Ougi dark arc in my opinion, is the best arc in Monogatari. Yes it's above both Hitagi end and Koyomi Vamp in my opinion. Not to mention that Ougi is one of my favourite antagonists in all of fiction and is a super interesting character in her own right as well. There's not much else that I can say, even with it's short runtime, I believe that this is the best season of Monogatari we have seen. It has basically everything you'd want from it. A 10/10 season with a 10/10 arc, making the Monogatari series a 10/10. A perfect season and a one of a kind anime that everyone should have the pleasure of experiencing at least once.

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