Review of Bakemonogatari

If you’ve ever read Shakespeare translated into another language, you’ll understand when I say that experiencing Bakemonogatari in English feels like something vital is lost in translation, something you simply can’t grasp. I should clarify that I haven’t finished the entire Monogatari Series anime nor read the novels. While I acknowledge the undeniable quality of this work, there are three main reasons why I’m hesitant to recommend it or continue with the series. I'll forgo my usual structure to focus on those: 1. Made for the Japanese Language As I mentioned, Bakemonogatari feels intricately tied to the Japanese language. While I’m not fluent, I have a basic understandingof Japanese and kanji, and it’s clear that the author constantly plays with language in ways that are integral to the narrative. The clever wordplay, especially when tied to the resolution of mysteries, is a mark of true genius.

The adaptation handles this aspect admirably, flashing key words on the screen to give attentive viewers a chance to appreciate some linguistic cleverness even in a more graphic medium. Still, something is inevitably lost in translation—something that those who read and understand Japanese would fully appreciate.

2. Double Entendre

Double entendres are central to the narrative, especially in romantic or sexually charged situations. However, in an adaptation, these nuances must be conveyed through sound, visuals, and pacing, which forces the medium to take a stand.

There are two ways this could be handled:

The adaptation could pick one direction and lose some layered meaning from the original. I suspect this happens, but without reading the novels, I can’t say for sure.

Alternatively, the adaptation can attempt to include elements of both meanings. This approach is often taken, but it results in scenes that feel disjointed, with conflicting tones that don't mesh well.

This becomes especially problematic in scenes dealing with romance or sexual tension, where subtlety is key, but the adaptation frequently ends up feeling either crude or insipid.

3. Why Adapt?

The avant-garde animation is intriguing and well-executed, but there are few scenes that truly take advantage of the medium. At times, it feels like a flashy audiobook, with stretches of two or even three episodes where nothing meaningful is visually conveyed. The reliance on dialogue-heavy scenes makes one question why Bakemonogatari was adapted into an anime in the first place.

Moreover, when the visuals do enhance the story, they often amplify the sexually charged moments, which become exaggerated and distasteful, detracting from the overall experience.

Conclusion

I believe Bakemonogatari is likely an incredibly clever and rewarding novel. For those with a strong grasp of Japanese and an interest in linguistic nuances, the novels might be by far the best way to experience this work.

It is hard for me to give an evaluation, as it truly is both good and not good, and I missed a lot of it by not knowing the intended language. My personal evaluation will be different, and I'll say here that I am sure it is AT LEAST good (7).