Review of Bakemonogatari

Bakemonogatari is best summed up as a piece of modern visual art. Watching it, I was interested in what kind of story it would tell. Visually, it's freaking breathtaking, and very experimental, which some will either love or hate. It will go from anime to random shots of still life, to suddenly random words of kanji on the screen - which you don't even need to pause or read for, because they really don't even mean anything. The show's characters had their fun moments, but I felt like they were lacking something. While the show is separated into multiple-part short stories all in a small package,it's a nice, refreshing taste for the genre. But, as stated before, the show is very experimental. As an example, a very bloody and gory scene in an episode experiments visually by changing the color of the blood with each hit the character takes, the shot changing it from blue to green to purple.

Episodes also adhere to a strict color template. One could be mostly dark greens and blacks, one can be an all-white cement part with colored iron poles for children to play on, all in multiple quick cuts that can feel overwhelming to some. The best way to describe the whole show is like either the last two episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion, or the Third Impact in End of Evangelion. Very experimental, quick shots, handpicked colors, and scenes that will make you wonder what the hell is even going on.

All in all, it was a very fun and interesting anime to watch. If you like experimental modernism, definitely give it a try - especially if you like the supernatural.