It's the type of anime you need to watch multiple times to gain somewhat of an understanding of all its deep unlaying concepts.
It's nothing like a traditional anime and tells its story through a non-linear lens, which seems designed to confuse, disorientate and scare the viewer purposely.
As a result, the cuts, the music and even the artistic scenes look like they were made terribly on purpose; however, this is far from the truth, as Boogiepop Phantom is a masterpiece in its medium, a "Dementia Anime."
Words alone can't describe the experience that is Boogiepop Phantom; it's better seen. Still, if I were to attempt to summarize, it's an anime about our perspectives of ourselves, which often leads us down to existential dread.
This anime focuses very heavily on what it means to be alive and our purpose in a world without purpose.
It tackles the question of what it means to be and finding our purpose despite being an illusion.
Questions like this are brought up:
Do we simply consume without a second thought?
Should we sacrifice ourselves for others and get lost on the path to doing so?
Is it okay to remove the memories of those who suffer to ensure they feel better?
If you had the power to change the lives of others, would you do it?
Does the world need to be understood, and do we exist or are we just holograms created by light fragments?
See what I mean?
Many of these questions require a lot of interpretation, and the anime will not give you the answers you seek but will nudge you towards thinking about them yourself because that's the point.
But here's the problem. Many watchers will be turned off by such complex thoughts, as most individuals watch anime to escape overthinking, while Boogiepop Phantom tells them to think and not distract themselves. Due to this, my anime score, which is already high, has been dropped to an 8/10.
I'd only suggest individuals who are okay with being uncomfortable or into philosophy watch this anime.
If you are looking for a good time, avoid this anime because it won't be a fun ride!
This anime is the type of anime that watches you as you watch it, if you get what I mean ;)
