Review of Bakemonogatari

"I don’t know everything, I just know what I know." This is probably my favorite line from this anime and it perfectly describes how I felt while watching it. I don't know the crap is going on, I dunno what happened before, I don't know what's the deal with certain characters. But at the end of the day, the one thing I do know is that this anime is a solid 10/10 and worthy of its praises STORY The storyline of Bakemonogatari has so much intrigue about and is truly unique compared to all the other Anime's I've ever watched. This show doesn't rely on major plot twistsor fanservice, the show follows a very reasonable plotline and never strays from it. The episodic nature of Bakemonogatari has its ups and downs, while it does bring new intrigue every segment, it can be a little disjointed. However, I feel as tho the disjointed nature of the show, ties is well with how the series was meant to be read. As a couple of unsettling disjointed stories. This also works well for character development because it allows you to clearly see the character growth throughout the show, so, all in all, it's a perfect framing device for Bakemonogatari

CHARACTER

The charisma behind the character's from Bakemonogatari surprises me each time. Each character is so uniquely developed. None of which fall into a singular anime trope. If Bakemonogatari was a 5-star salmon dish, the characters would be the garnish that makes this show so amazing. I'll only focus on the main characters, who are by far the best mains to exist.

Koyomi Araragi
Not only is his name so memorable, but his entire character also carries weight and substance in the plot. A word I would use to describe Araragi would be 'believable'. Araragi's character isn't based on one idea, for example, just being a pervert. Araragi's character holds depth. He's sub-par looking, nicely dressed, doesn't have a super eyecatching feature like fricking yellow hair. No, he's a normal Japanese kid who's studying for highschool (with the 1st and 7th ranked student, but that's beside the point) Araragi isn't an extroverted person, nor is he an introvert. He talks to his friends and more often waits for people to make the first move when he encounters them. He's perverted yes, but I can't imagine Araragi cheating on his partner, as all Harem main characters tend to do. Araragi's kind nature is what makes this anime NOT your typical harem styled anime. His nonchalant behavior, discrete perverted humor gives his character life and honestly makes him more charming.

Senjouhara

First off, Best FemalE Lead Name. Say that with me bro Sen-Jou-Hara. Pardon my German, but that Badass as Heck. Senjouhara has taken the seat as my favorite female lead, and for one reason only. Senjouhara isn't a trope. You can try long and hard but Senjouhara will never fit in a single dere category. Her character was obviously meant to be an imperfect perfectionist, which is a first in all the anime's I've ever watch. Yes Senjouhara is great in academics and athletics, but that's as far as her achievements go (Not to mention the athletics situation didn't last very long) She's socially inept and clearly, as Sadist based on the verbal abuse she throws in her partners face, but that doesn't take away from the fact that Senjouhara loves him. She's gone through her own traumas and her own pain, and her character growth is clearly apparent as the show goes on. Her flawed attitude and perfect appearance are what make her such a dynamic character.

ART

SHAFT is an amazing studio, their head tilts are iconic. But the most important part about Bakemonogatari is its visual appeal. Every visual moment is meant only to enhance the verbal speech from the characters. The fast-moving text symbolizing how their thoughts are rushing. The zoom in to their eye symbolizing how they feel the world closing in on them.

I honestly can't imagine Bakemonogatari without its visual intrigue and novel like moments

SOUND

Ever heard of voice acting? Unless you've watched Bakemonogatari you haven't heard TRUE voice acting. Every character's voice just FEELS correct for their character. The lack of silence between them, the little things like gasps and sharp inhale really bring the show to life.

And the sound design? Bakemonogatari is better than the one school bell you hear ringing in the background. The music score of the show creates true ambiance, while it's not noticeable while you're watching the show but small things like the wind through the leaves just set the mood for every stage of the anime.