Review of Bakemonogatari

*Non-spoiler review* Take the most notoriously bad anime genres (ecchi, harem, etc.), animate it in the most unconventional way possible, then add genius level writing, and you get Bakemonogatari. I'm not lying when I say that this show is more or less 5% action, 5% fan service, and 90% dialogue. I'm also not lying when I tell you that it is somehow perfectly balanced. Simply because the dynamic between the characters, especially Araragi and Senjougahara, is so entertaining to listen to. Well, read technically, but you get what I mean. Even though the banter is the main focus of the majority of scenes, the animation quality is topnotch. Studio Shaft have their own way of doing things, which in this case works really well with the style of the narrative.

When watching this anime, you're going to experience a wide range of emotions including, confusion, laughter, satisfaction, and that weird feeling that you get when something has been foreshadowed, but you have no idea what it is. Just a word of advice here, pay attention to the wording of certain dialogue very carefully. This series likes to use wordplay that only those familiar with the Japanese language are going to get, but it's still discernible if you rack your brain enough to connect the dots.

In summary, you should watch this anime if you want to enjoy some of the most 'natural' banter between characters that you'll probably ever see. And if the dialogue bores you, which I highly doubt it will, then you can stay for the fan service (or maybe some, Tsundere service *wink* *wink*)! We're all men of culture here, so I don't blame you.

Also, beware of tilting necks. Because they will tilt, and just keep on tilting...