The anime has a nice flow to it, filled with anticipating, but not too infuriating cliffhangers. The story is told from a first, second, and third person style that I find quite unique among other animes. Being an unconventional individual, the characters have personalities unlike anything I've seen that have quite some relativity, to those who also think themselves alike.
Most of the story consists of basic conversations that normal everyday individuals would have, but with a great abundance of satire, flashback, personification, and point of view (Among other things). These literary tools, gave me a good feel of what the characters were experiencing. It's comedy/sincerity is very well-balanced without being too overabundant. With it's consistent slapstick, running gags, and joke layering, it gives a pleasant experience to the viewer. From beginning to conclusion there were no loose ends be left undone.
The visuals were outstanding to say the least. To those who are unaware it was co-produced by SHAFT, which is quite famous for it's art, and transitions. It used a great deal of unconventional colors, and art sequences in its various openings throughout. For an anime is was quite realistic giving a refreshing feel to advent anime viewers, such as myself. It was exquisitely well done, due to its various camera angles, close up frames, and camera speeds. This in my opinion, allowed one to see every inch of the characters creating a detailed anatomy of the protagonists and antagonists.
Voices for each of the characters were quite fitting.For example: Araragi Koyomi's voice fit his calm to overly dramatic tendencies.
As an add-on to character types Araragi Koyomi's personality in quite hypocritical and contradicting or may come on to others as honest. This also gives me a bit of realism due to the fact individuals contradict themselves on various occasions.
In conclusion, Bakemonogatari is unique piece of work that will have its viewers on-edge in anticipation, while entertaining with its mind-blowing art, animation, comedy, and relationships. Unconventionality is a nice aspect when I consider rating anime, and Bakemonogatari definitely has it. I would recommend this anime to those who would like a break the mold.
