Review of Monster

Monster is slow, really slow, but that’s exactly what makes it so engaging. It takes its time to build tension, flesh out its characters, and craft one of the smartest, most psychologically gripping stories in anime. The ending divides the community, but love it or hate it, it leaves a lasting impression. Animation: 8/10 The realistic art style hasn’t aged perfectly, but it still looks great for its time. You can tell the animators put real effort into every scene, especially the backgrounds and cityscapes, which are impressively detailed. Even the side characters feel alive and expressive. Sure, some of the older men look suspiciously similar, butthat’s a minor flaw. Overall, it’s not visually stunning by today’s standards, but it perfectly delivers what it intends to.

Sound: 9/10
I’m no sound expert, but the audio design in Monster really works. The music isn’t overused, the silence hits when it needs to, and the voice acting (Japanese version) fits every moment perfectly. The inclusion of a recognizable song was also a nice touch, subtle, but effective. The sound direction creates an atmosphere that constantly keeps you on edge.

Characters: 9/10
I really liked the duality between the “hero” and the “antagonist,” but at times I expected a bit more humanity from both sides. It’s hard to explain without spoilers, but sometimes the characters feel a little too black and white. The good are good, and the bad are bad, with not much gray in between. I know that it is the premise of the anime, but feels off.

That said, the character development is fantastic. Almost every major and side character has depth and purpose, and there are barely any loose ends. Each one grows in a believable way that makes the story feel alive and cohesive.
Monster does an excellent job exploring the psychological and moral aspects of its characters, their minds, motivations, and transformations. This focus on mental and emotional development is one of the anime’s greatest strengths and what makes the entire journey so memorable.

Story: 10/10
A masterpiece of storytelling. Every episode builds tension and meaning, slowly pulling you deeper into the mystery. It’s the kind of narrative that makes you crave the next episode, not because of cliffhangers, but because you need to understand what drives these people.
The only downside is the ending, which feels a bit vague, but it’s intentional. It leaves room for interpretation while still providing closure. The pacing is slow, but the payoff is worth every minute.

Enjoyment: 9/10
Yes, Monster drags in places. Some arcs could’ve been shorter, and there are moments where you just want to get back to the main plot. But even the slower side stories end up adding something valuable once you see the bigger picture and contribute to the main story.
Despite its pacing, the series never stops being interesting. It’s the kind of anime that demands patience, and rewards it with incredible payoff.

Overall: 9/10
Don’t watch Monster expecting hype battles or flashy moments. This is a slow-burn psychological thriller that focuses on human nature, morality, and the darkness within.
If you enjoy deep character drama, complex psychology, and a realistic, post-war European setting, this anime is absolutely worth your time. It’s not loud, not flashy, just pure, intelligent storytelling at its best.