Review of Bakemonogatari

Prior to the ‘Monogatari’ series, Studio Shaft’s best work, arguably, was the ef: A Tale of- series. Presently, Studio Shaft is best known for creative direction and quality over the anime worked on. How would a studio be able to adapt a light novel focused around so much character exposition surrounding an out-of-order mystery? This blueprint just does not look easy nor does it seem interesting in terms of anime. The director in charge of Bakemonogatari is the same man that directed a previous critically acclaimed parody show by Shaft called Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei. This man is Akiyuki Shinbou whom has made a name forhimself as a freelance director, but likes working with Studio Shaft due to the studio’s ability to allow their directors more freedom of expression and direction.

Bakemonogatari focuses around a high school senior in Araragi Koyomi. One day, a girl by the name of Hitagi falls into his arms (literally), but she is without any weight to her. After a standoff comical dialogue sequence with the threat of death, Araragi reveals he himself is a victim of the supernatural as well. He then takes Hitagi to a mysterious man familiar with “strange” things named Oshino Meme to cure her ailment. Over the 15 episodes, Araragi encounters different girls with different mysterious ailments, and in an arc format helps solve the issue at hand.

There are countless highlights to focus on in Bakemonogatari and even the Monogatari series as a whole since the series continues from ‘Bakemono.’ First is the fast-paced exposition with quick witted characters, banter, and yet engaging dialogue. Second, the show is very unique in both visual style and abstract colours. This ranges from simplistic backgrounds to each colour on screen matching characters and their emotional state. Third, the combination of writer Nishio Ishin from his constant wordplay and mind bending expositions, together with director Shinbo Akiyuki and his own visual style with constant imagery and visual interpretations blends better than water colour art on a canvas.

Continuing visually, everything about the show is simplistic and minimalistic. Yet, the quality is breathtaking and romantic adding a sense of sublimity to the environment. Characters match so well with the atmosphere and arcs represented in. When an arc changes, the show also adapts to the new feeling that must go with it. Dialogue adjusts to each new character’s wit or sarcasm or romance and more. This speaks volumes to the writing. Nothing ever gets old, but rather more enticing such as scenes with Hitagi and Araragi where hardly any dialogue may be spoken between the two, but the audience knows what emotions are coming across the screen.

Development is yet another compelling element to the show. There are five arcs that are eventually linked together. Each time a character is on screen, the viewer is also involved, but the past characters off screen never truly leave. For example, Hitagi has arcs where she is not present and yet based on how she, herself, has impacted Araragi such as what she has previously said to him, her presence never truly goes away. This can be said for all of the characters. Sticking with Hitagi as an example, she starts out as a cold and quite angry young girl, but based on trials and experiences with others in the show she slowly develops into a more caring and loving person, and her sarcastic wit remains intact.

Does the show not have its flaws? Well, arcs do end rather underwhelming and the show does not end with a ‘final resolution’ much at all. The show tends to hit the parody mark a bit too much on some characters which can be a bit irritating to some. Typographic cuts cause way too much pausing in the show with a fear the viewer might miss some inner dialogue that is important as opposed to having it on screen with the characters.

Bakemonogatari is in fact one of the greatest and most unique story-telling shows in more than a decade since Monster. Character development is among the best in anime without characters changing into mindless trope and character arch-types. A show focused around narrative and constant exposition, be it angled cameras or close up on a single eye, it is undoubtedly captivating. This show is a must watch and should be marked as true excellence in story and direction.