BAKEMONOGATARI

DESCRIPTION

CAST

ANIME DramaNekomonogatari (Kuro)
ANIME ComedyNisemonogatari
NOVEL ActionBakemonogatari
ONA ComedyKoyomimonogatari
ONA ComedyNisekoimonogatari
NOVEL ComedyBakemonogatari Anime Complete Guidebook
MANGA ActionBakemonogatari
SPECIAL MysteryBakemonogatari PV

REVIEWS

• 

  aikaflip

  90/100
  A sharp dialogue-driven harem brimming with style and humour.

  There’s some debate about whether or not Bakemonogatari (pr. bah-keh-moh-no-gah-tah-re) is an ecchi-harem. A mere six seconds into the first episode, one of the female leads is introduced with a panty shot; and several shots of panties, boobs, and butts are dispersed throughout the series. Aside from two other characters that appear in a few episodes, the main character, Araragi, is the only male, and he’s usually surrounded by females who've developed a fondness for him after he helped them in some way.

  Is it an ecchi? Most likely. Is it a harem? Probably. Regardless, what distinguishes this series from other ecchi and harem anime is that this one could still be entertaining without the ecchi and harem elements. It’s not an ecchi with some story, but a story with some ecchi.

  

  Bakemonogatari, the first adaptation of Isin Nisio's Monogatari novel series, can be summed up as an allegory of how problems grow beyond our control when we don't tend to them. In this story, unsolved problems transform into apparitions that can handicap, possess, and even attack people. This premise was likely inspired by the Buddhist "āsavā" concept, which is defined as an influence or mental bias that binds people to their desires and attachments. In this story, various types of mental biases are illustrated through the lives and interactions of the characters.

  This series was headed by veteran director and animator Akiyuki Shinbou, whose style has become synonymous with the Shaft animation studio. His distinctive use of lines, shadows, and off-centered shot compositions are in full effect here. There are some scenes that are likely just meant to look cool, but, generally, the visuals have purpose and avoid garishness. The visuals are specific, and help to establish tension, isolation, and other tones.

  

  The true highlight of Bakemonogatari is the Tarantino-esque dialog written by Isin Nisio. When the characters converse, they’re not simply saying things that’ll move the plot forward. They’re having in-depth conversations, free of restraints, that seamlessly transition between topics as conversations do in real life. However, that’s not to imply that the characters take themselves seriously. It’s quite the contrary. The characters often tease and challenge each other, and sometimes break through the fourth wall to make the viewer a part of an exchange.

  The Monogatari Series would be appreciated by most anime fans who enjoy sleek art, witty dialog, the supernatural, and don't mind some fanservice. If you decide to pick it up, I suggest watching it in the order that it was adapted: Bakemonogatari, Nisemonogatari, Nekomonogatari: Kuro, Monogatari Series: Second Season, Hanamonogatari, Tsukimonogatari, Owarimonogatari, Kizumonogatari, Zoku Owarimonogatari.

  
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• 

  duckfun

  100/100
  [Spoiler-Free] Words can't begin to describe how brilliant Bakemonogatari is.

  Words can't begin to describe how brilliant Bakemonogatari is. The writing is fantastic and thought-provoking, and the combination of cinematography, sound design, art design, animation... basically all the components of anime are utilized to their fullest to create a compelling experience that is a joy to revisit.

  Bakemonogatari is driven by mysteries and witty dialogue between its colorful and beautifully written (and performed) cast of characters, who discuss innocent topics which end up revealing volumes about the people speaking. The themes they explore are very relatable for young adults and the way these characters act, while ludicrous in other ways, make them feel so real. Their exchanges are philosophical, but not in a pretentious or preachy way, and the superb writing and direction give rise to a signature cleverness and charm that make Bakemonogatari endlessly entertaining.

  The cinematography, animation, and art design are one of a kind, with a style of bizarre imagery and scene transitions that is rare in anime outside of the Monogatari series. Despite how ridiculous the imagery can seem at times, it’s never meaningless. Instead, it plays an extremely effective role in accentuating the mood and feel of scenes, and is able to convey the emotions and inner thoughts of the characters without the need for words. This all combines with the dialogue to create a pensive tone that puts the onus on the audience to be able to piece together the stories and motivations of the characters through their different perspectives. This perplexing nature of Bakemonogatari is what keeps drawing me back to rewatch it, and each time I do, I feel like I understand or notice something new.

  All in all, Bakemonogatari is an absolute masterpiece that oozes personality. It’s brilliant in so many ways and I can’t think of another anime that executes its unique ideas in such a signature way. The reason why I did not include any examples in this review is because I strongly believe that Bakemonogatari should be watched with as little previous knowledge as possible, and that excessive details or spoilers would ruin the experience. It’s a must-watch and I would strongly suggest revisiting this series after your first viewing. 

  I would recommend watching the other entries within the Monogatari series as well, as they also share the wonderful writing and style of Bakemonogatari (With the exception of Kizumonogatari, which has a different style due to its chief director being different. As such, I would recommend reading the light novel in addition to watching the Kizumonogatari movies.). 

  P.S. Some might be put off by the imagery at times, as some scenes can be considered rather ecchi, but it’s important to note that these scenes develop the characters and help us learn about them through their reactions to such situations. The subtext is often as important as the scene playing out before you.

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• 

  pixeldesu

  100/100
  An enjoyable ride throughout!

  Before watching, I felt like I already knew what was coming, but there is quite more to it and it has been an enjoyable ride throughout.

  Bakemonogatari centers around Koyomi Araragi, a high school student, who first comes of as a generally lazy and lackluster type of person, and his journey of helping others that are plagued by aberrations, spirits that influence the life of those that they have bonded with.

  The story and pacing of Bakemonogatari is just right, every character gets their own arc, composed of 2 to 5 episodes, focusing on them, their backstory, their struggle and the way to the solution. While this might sound like the perfect setup for a scheme all arcs follow through, it doesn't, each of them is handling a unique problem and you might just get hit with an element of suprise, learning about their personality and deeper reasoning behind actions.

  The cast of Bakemonogatari are a lovable bunch, where each of them comes with their own personality, complementing each other. While some might seem plain and predictable at first, over the course of the series not just they, but their relationships, develop and unexpected traits might uncover. One element showing this are the interactions between the characters, which range from serious and philosophical to snarky and humourous, not being limited to a certain pair, but being reflected by all of them, while of course some relationships are mainly focused on one of those types.

  The dialogue between characters is captivating, aside of the traits of characters where some situations might radiate danger and others bliss, it's always believable in this otherwise otherwordly scenario. An interesting element are characters repetetive dialogues and answers, which might seem like a negative thing, but is quite the opposite, as the situations are quite funny and memorizable, especially when your greeting consists of stuttering the name of the person you are greeting. Also, while it is just slipped in a few times, some characters also break meta with referencing certain things at times, unexpectedly considering some of the topics handled.

  Visually, Bakemonogatari has it's own unique style, bold lines and a use of color in a way that displays the feeling and focus of the series, using combinations of monochrome and bold colors. In some situations, Bakemonogatari completely switches the artstyle drastically, conveying the current emotion and feeling of a character in a bold way. The representation is accompanied with a set of text-only frames, used for Araragis thoughts, monologue and sometimes even dialogue. Usually rather quick, but that's how the mind works, floating from one thought to another.

  On terms of sound, there isn't much to say aside of it being fantastic. The music, just like so many other elements of the show, gets feelings and situations across and complements them perfectly, not being out of place or jarring. The different themes of the series, which are sung by the voice actresses of the main cast, accompanying their respective arcs are a nice addition and great detail as well.

  Overall, Bakemonogatari is a great anime and something I can definitely recommend anyone to at least give a try!

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