Alternative TitlesSynonyms: Ghostory, Monstory Japanese: 化物語
Information
Type: TV
Episodes: 15
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jul 3, 2009 to Jun 25, 2010
Duration:
24 min. per episode Rating:
R - 17+ (violence & profanity)
L represents licensing company
StatisticsScore: 8.531 (scored by 22710 users)
Ranked: #652
Popularity: #58
Members: 46,588
Favorites: 2,075 1 indicates a weighted score
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SynopsisThe story centers on Koyomi Araragi, a third year high school student who has recently survived a vampire attack, and finds himself mixed up with all kinds of apparitions: gods, ghosts, myths, and spirits.
(Source: Wikipedia) |
Related AnimeAdaptation: Bakemonogatari
Summary: Bakemonogatari Recap Special
Prequel: Kizumonogatari
Characters & Voice Actors
Staff
Reviews
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8th_Sin
86 of 137 people found this review helpful
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15 of 15 episodes seen
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| Overall |
10 |
| Story |
9 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
"To be blunt, I just enjoy talking to you... so I want to talk with you more."
"If our opinions clash, let's talk it over." (Dialogs from episode 5)
'Bakemonogatari', cleverly translated as 'Ghostory' or 'Monstory', is about five not-so-normal girls that Araragi Koyomi, a vampire himself, encounters and attempt to save them from abnormalities that's been troubling them.
Character: 10/10
The main characters of 'Bakemonogatari' are among the most unique and complex I have yet to encounter.
Heroine Senjougahara Hitagi is a tsundere like half of all modern heroines in anime, but she is also 「ドS」, a sadist to an extreme degree, which is more common for side characters and rare for heroines. Our protagonist, as expected, is rather on the masochist side who takes on constant verbal abuse from Senjougahara.
What makes the couple extraordinary, is that Senjougahara is often boke while Araragi is tsukkomi. Traditional Japanese stand-up comedy consists of a duo: One takes the 'boke' role who says something stupid while the 'tsukommi' role points out how boke is ridiculous, often with a violent slap in the head.
Yes, that's right. Boke is masochist by nature and often not very intelligent, while tsukommi is sadist by nature and often more observant.
The leading couple in this series, on the other hand, take turns with roles. It is particularly interesting when the sadist and intelligent Senjougahara purposefully take on boke role and overwhelms the tsukkomi. Such as making insulting statements that sound flawed, but when Araragi tries to make a comeback, he realizes what she said was true. Or Senjougahara makes a blatantly flawed statement just to hurt Araragi, and his comeback fall into deaf ears. And of course, plenty of intentional boke or tease spoken with so much authority that Araragi just gives up and let it slide.
The unlikely toggling of comedy roles were executed extremely well, and this back and forth interaction between the leading couple is a key part of this show's appeal.
The remaining four main characters are not as complex as the leading couple, but they all have their own unique issues that drives the story, and each with their distinct personalities that made them memorable.
There are 6 main characters in this series, and total of only 5 side/peripheral characters (Meme, Shinobu, Sisters, and Senjougahara's father) in the whole series. The limited character headcount made thorough character development possible despite being an arc-based series.
Story: 9/10
Simply put, half the show is about the romantic relationship between the Senjougahara and Araragi.
The other half is about a constant argument between two values: The rational vs the idealistic, with Araragi as Mr. Nice Guy seeking happy end for everyone. Solution of supernatural abnormalities as the topic of the argument.
Hachikuji, Kanbaru, and Hanekawa's arcs develop the relationship of leading couple while offering a new topic to the story.
The only flaw in the story IMO, is that Sengoku's arc was pretty much by itself, and contributed very little to the whole series other than loli and moe fan service, which I'm not really into.
Each arc is an incident focused on a different girl, but the five arcs combine to show a whole picture of Araragi and Senjougahara closing their personal distances.
"Bakemonogatari" is a verbal performance with visual support. Story is driven by back and forth debate on various issues.
Sound: 10/10
With verbal performance playing such a big role in this show, voice acting is done on a whole new level in this series.
Every characters' voices fit perfectly, and not only that, distinct tones and nuance of speech establishes the personal image for every single character. I don't think it's an exaggeration to describe voice acting in this series as epic.
Music scores in 'Bakemonogatari' have generally consistent ambient feel to it, and has a nice flow. Other than intense music for action scenes, they don't particularly set the mood or enhance drama as what I usually consider to be strong BGM for anime, BUT the usually upbeat sound in the background sets the quick pace for dialogs, and makes the conversations all the more engaging, which worked very well for a series like this.
OP song "Staple Stable" was possibly the best anime opening theme song by a seiyuu, ever. Really memorable tune accompanied by great vocal and lyric by meg rock was simply amazing.
The other four OPs sang by seiyuu of each arc heroines were nowhere as impressive as "Staple Stable", but offers refreshment value to the OPs, and fits the character perfectly.
ED song's lyric made little sense at first, but its meaning was unveiled in a conversation between the leading couple in a certain episode, and it turned out to match the series perfectly. The two Senjougahara theme songs were amazing.
Animation: 9/10
Animation in 'Bakemonogatari' mainly serve as a visual aid to the verbal performance, and it was done extremely well.
Visuals for the anime got somewhat of an "art house film" treatment.
There were many abstract and surreal scenes, unconventional cuts, and intriguing camera angles that made the viewing experience very pleasant.
Character design was attractive, the main characters showed a wide range of emotion that further portrays the character's state of mind.
The only complaint I have with the animation is the use of photographs/videos of real-life imagery. At the risk of sounding like a super-otaku, I would say 3D images do not belong in the world of 2D.
Enjoyability: 10/10
As a former fansubber, and having seen thousands of hours of fan and professionally translated works, I can tell you that at least 10% of the meaning is lost in translation, no matter how well translated. In conversation/narration driven series filled with wordplay and metaphors, at least 20% of the meaning, therefore enjoyability, will inevitably be lost to non-Japanese speakers.
Still, 'Bakemonogatari' is a true masterpiece with experimental production that actually worked. Attention was paid to the tiniest details, and a story well-told. Truly amazing direction by Shinbou Akiyuki left us with so many memorable scenes, and this will definitely be a series to be remembered.
The 8-month wait for the final three episodes were excruciating, but the ending was extremely satisfying that it almost made it worth the absurd wait. Given the commercial success 'Bakemonogatari' has achieved, I will be hoping for the remaining novels in the series to be animated. A 'Kizumonogatari' OVA/film and 'Nisemonogatari' as a sequel season.
To be blunt, I just enjoyed listening to them... so I want to listen to them more. read more
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Splendiferous
242 of 404 people found this review helpful
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13 of 15 episodes seen
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| Overall |
10 |
| Story |
8 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
Now with Bakemonogatari on a temporary airing hiatus due to airing times being bought in packets of 12, I will write a review for what I view as THE masterpiece of this season.
Summarized review: Bakemonogatari is hands down one of the most unique shows I have ever seen, not because of its story, but simply in the way it is presented. There are the flashing panels of text that many people pause the show just to read, there is the most self-aware tsundere character that everyone cannot help but adore, there is the unusual colour scheme that makes itself apparent in many a scene; the most memorable of that being the fight scene between Kanbaru and Araragi.
Bakemonogatari is also extremely dialogue heavy, making it even more unique, as most animes tend to express their storylines through action opposed to dialogue.
Complete review:
Story:
The only place where I see Bakemonogatari fall short of perfection.
The story is presented in several different arcs that deal with a different oddity each time,
1st arc - Weightless Senjougahara
2nd arc - Lost Cow/Snail Hachikuji
3rd arc - Monkey Paw Kanbaru
4th arc - Nadeko Snake
5th arc (incomplete) - Tsubasa Cat
Due to the nature of presenting a story (or several if you want to look at it that way) in arcs certain characters are often omitted for several episodes, read: Senjogahara, whom I feel should have played a more central role, however as there are 3 episodes remaining the show may have a chance to redeem itself on this front.
That being said if Bakemonogatari were not to be presented in this fashion I would not know how it would fare, as this method of presentation suits its unique aspect very well. All in all, it is not a downside, just something that could be improved on slightly.
8/10
Art:
Absolutely amazing, the characters are very attractively drawn, none of that overly sized bust sized female filler characters that are oh so prevalent in other animes.
The backgrounds are often presented in an abstract fashion and seem somewhat disjointed from the main focus, this being the characters; this works wonderfully though, as it gives that eerie feel to the atmosphere and suits the whole abstract style of presentation, i.e. flashing text, small parts omitted from certain scenes that are replaced with a black panel.
They are also moments where the art is extremely simplistic, i.e. when Araragi helps Kanbaru clean her room, yet at other times it becomes extremely well detailed, i.e. Nadeko Snake art, the backgrounds that surround the shrine are so amazing that I was actually in awe.
10/10
Sound:
First off, I am not usually an anime music fan, there will occasionally be the odd song that I find tolerable, or even catchy to listen to, but for the most part when I watch an anime I skip over the OP's and ED's without a second thought. (I am actually a metalhead)
However, Bakemonogatari's OP's, namely Staple Stable, are without a doubt, excellent. In addition Bakemonogatari presents different OP's with different arcs -
#01: "staple stable" by Chiwa Saito (eps 2, 6-7, 11-12)
#02: "Kaerimichi (帰り道)" by Emiri Katou (ep 4)
#03: "Ambivalent World" by Miyuki Sawashiro (ep 8)
#04: "Renai Circulation" by Kana Hanazawa (ep 10)
The 2nd one, for the Hachikuji arc was hilarious, and I found myself giggling at the pure ridiculous-ness of it.
Now the ED, it is... outstanding, it simply blew me away. It is one of the most beautiful songs I have EVER heard, in fact, there was a period of time (2 weeks) where I almost listened to it nonstop, it is THAT good.
In addition, it is also incorporated amazingly well into episode 12 that makes it all the more beautiful, both the episode and the ED.
The BGM is also very suitable, for some of the funner scenes i.e. Araragi cleaning Kanbaru's room it is quite upbeat. Fighting scenes, there is that creepy sort of music that increases in tempo and builds a great atmosphere.
For the 12th episode there is some very appropriate romantic music that is a very good buildup to the ED. All in all, the music fits in amazingly where it is needed and I cannot think of a single instance where it failed the show in any capacity.
10/10
Characters:
The characters in Bakemonogatari are for the most part, very unique.
There are only a few qualms I have with them, namely, Tsubasa Hanekawa (Class president), and Nadeko Sengoku (pretty much fan service for lolicons).
These two characters are quite the typical outfit, and tend to conform to anime stereotypes.
Hanekawa is your typical class president who is extremely knowledgeable and overtly nice, yet strict with the school rules. This is slightly amended by the fact that she does indeed have a dark past, and parent issues (spoiler, will not reveal further). All in all, not that big of a qualm.
Nadeko Sengoku on the other hand, whilst, yes she is the 'cutest thing ever'.
This does not save her from having a very, very typical personality, she has a pseudo-brother complex thing going on (Araragi isn't her brother by blood, but he essentially has been one to her is and is quite a fair bit older), in addition to being extremely shy, speaking with a voice to suit it (cutesy, reserved); and being extremely scared of talking with anyone else apart from her love interest. However, it is not such a big of a deal as her arc is only 2 episodes long and she is still on a tolerable level.
Qualms aside, Hitagi Senjougahara, best character ever, she is not just your classic tsundere such as Shana or Taiga, as she openly acknowledges her tsundere-ness (although Araragi calls her more of a 'tundra'). That aside, she is also extremely intelligent and her verbal bouts with Araragi are a pleasure to listen/watch. It is no surprise that she is a favourite of many a fan.
Araragi Koyomi - he is like Kyon in a way, the cynicism and all, yet he is truly a kind-hearted sort of guy who cannot ignore any oddity and feels obligated to help.
He also does not fall into the oblivious, idiotic, shallow, typical male harem lead that is sickeningly abundant. Despite his failing grades (with the exception of maths) he has a very sharp wit and can match the others in the numerous verbal spars throughout the show.
Overall, a very likable character.
Kanbaru Suruga - she is... unique to say the least, a sporty sort of girl with a dark secret. She is also somewhat of an exhibitionist and very interested in Araragi's fetishes. However, despite being humorous she is NOT simple comic relief, there is depth to her character, and viewer can empathize quite easily with her predicament. Another strong character.
Side Characters - Oshino Meme / Shinobu - Meme is quite the awesome fellow, suitably enigmatic, has the ability to burst onto the seem and just solve everything, quirky, in other words, he has all the traits of that enigmatic, eccentric guy who is amusing in his own way. I think he's bloody awesome.
His name (Meme) also appears to have some sort of moe connotation to go along with it, this is very misleading as he is a middle-aged man living in a construction site of sorts.
Shinobu is a very minor character yet she is notorious for being very 'cute'. There isn't much else to say about her apart from that she used to be a vampire.
10/10 (The qualms are small, and easily counteracted by the other amazing characters).
Enjoyment:
The unique presentation, amazing art, soundtrack, BGM, deep and amusing characters.
All go to towards making a delightful viewing experience, that will in one scene have the viewer part smiling to him/herself at the dialogue and in the next moment mouth agape at Senjougahara's daring rom(antics), the action scenes will have you on the edge of your seat in addition to thinking to yourself, 'That Araragi is so dead, so dead.'
10/10
Overall : 10/10
TL;DR
There is none, this show deserves better than that, read the full review; better yet, watch the show if you haven't already.
(Plus there is a summarized review at the top if you didn't notice, however, I still recommend you read the full review.)
read more
Recommendations
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same art and strange plot
Both main characters get caught up in very unusual circumstances, are voiced by the same actor, and think way to hard about everyone/thing.
On another note Shaft animated both series.
It is obvious that if you liked Bakemonogatari you should watch Arakawa Under the Bridge. The main character of the both series is voiced by the same actor, which gives the impression that we have to deal with the very similar story.
Another thing that is in common is the way the story is being told. It is almost the same. The key factor is the fact that Bakemonogatari was made by the studio that has also made the Arakawa Under the Bridge. Both series will rather not be liked by the most of the viewers because the storyline is made for more intelligent people.
The only difference is shown using the art style, which is rather similar to the standard anime shows in Arakawa Under the Bridge. But it should make it easier to watch for non otakus.
both main characters are similar in both animes...
Both are done by SHAFT, hence it's shafty. When, Bakemonogatari focuses on very little amount of characters and analysis them in depth using clever and witty dialogues, Arakawa under the Bridge raises the madness of the characters by far and the number of the cast is significantly larger with bother-line retarded and nonsensical conversations. Still, they are very similar in the fact that both focuses mainly on dialogues of individual characters. Oh, and eye rolling scenes too.
Thus, both looks great.
Main characters and art are similar in both animes.
Same animation, art and wacky dialogue
a pair of superb anime. with abe atsushi's super tsukkomi technique and the general air of "how can people really be this crazy?", there's really never a dull moment. just a tense build-up to every comedic apex.
Same feeling. Art style, plot, the way they talk...
both have cool ,demanding grilfriends ..
Arakawa Under The Bridge follows the legacy of Bakemonogatari with exactly the same style, same director, same elite main voice actors. However, this show is one or two notch(es) down from Bakemonogatari on romance, plot, and characters. Afterall, good learning material for funny Japanese chatter.
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Along with Maria+Holic both are a quintessence of SHAFT's craziness and their great ideas.
You can very much tell these two are made by the same studio - the same quick scene cuts, scenes broken up by written phrases, fast paced plot and similar use of color. If you're into the visual aesthetic of one you'll probably appreciate the other.
Both have similar style animation both are amazing and clever
Completely different genres ,but with similar style of presentation. The style of presentation was proven success when used with the comedy Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, in which style is in higher importance than substance. Whether this style suit the intense, dramatic, and story-centric Bakemonogatari or not, you will want to find out yourself.
And since both show have similar presentation and have SHAFT working on, those who liked visual in SZS should be satisfied with visual in Bakemonogatari too. However you are not guaranteed to like stories in both shows. Since they are in different genres. And as mentioned earlier, the presentation style suits SZS very well but may affect story-centric Bakemonogatari, negatively or positively.
the style is presented is very similar in both the story may be be different because their in different genres but while you watch it you automatically think of bakemonogatari or while watching bakemonogatari you automatically think pf sszs.
Both anime by SHAFT and almost voice actor are same as well :) They arent similar by genre but character designs same and this making me remind sayonara zetsubou sensei :)
A piece of good absurdal homour.
And the same voice actors, studio and graphic style
Both looks amazing. Although they have completely different story and art, I can see why they are similar. They both made from SHAFT. They both have long linguistic gags and puns. There are tons of typesets and monochromes. Both are really random (for example, showing totally irrelevant screen when story is going on) is a plus.
The same style, the same approach, the same author of drafts.
Besides the similar animation style;
-flashes of absurd text that no one can read without freeze frame
-a lot of close ups camera changes
Both series also references and pays homage to other anime whether by character conversion or artist depictions. You should be able to spot them quite easily.
Other than that, they completely different.
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Opening Theme#01: "staple stable" by Chiwa Saito (eps 2, 6-7, 11-12)
#02: "Kaerimichi (帰り道)" by Emiri Katou (ep 4)
#03: "ambivalent world" by Miyuki Sawashiro (ep 8)
#04: "Ren'ai Circulation (恋愛サーキュレーション)" by Kana Hanazawa (ep 10)
#05: "Sugar Sweet Nightmare" by Yui Horie (eps 14-15)
Ending Theme"Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari (君の知らない物語)" by supercell; performed by nagi (Gazelle)
Fansubbing Groups
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