Anime 35247 Owarimonogatari 2nd Season Reviews

Owarimonogatari season 2 is the conclusion, final chapter, to the main storyline presented since Bakemonogatari in 2009. And to say that it was a long time coming would be an understatement. It has been nearly a decade since I fell in love with this anime. While it has had its ups and downs it never became intolerable. For anyone who kept watching this series for this long or joined the train, enjoy the finale.

Mayoi Hell and Hitagi Rendevous are arcs with essential information that is needed to be build up before reaching the final boss. The final boss known as Ougi has been foreshadowed ... for some time now. Who is she? Where did she come from? We will have the answers to all our questions in this arc. All the pieces that have been lingering will finally connect.

Mayoi Hell consists of Ararargi going to hell after being intentionally killed by Gaen. If you haven't watched Koyominonogatari by now you should go back because it is very necessary. As well as obviously watching the rest of the series that has aired beforehand. Visually it is an extremely fun episode and seeing Ararargi and Mayoi banter after all these years is great. We saw them send each other off in the Second Season in a touching moment and in the Final Season, we see the wonderful reunion. The music that accompanies the touching moment towards the end pulls at your heartstrings. Can you call it manipulative? Sure but it sure has hell worked well. The comedic timing can be abrasive and I say this in a positive way. It's an onslaught of comedy smacking in your face with animation shifting from cartoony back to on model. With sprinkles of deep dialogue, we get a traditional Monogatari script. The most important element of the arc is Ararargi showing his attitude towards life changing but his heart remains the same. He will always want to save people even if he went back and did things again. However, he still shows some regret in the approach he took and how he could have improved on it. Anyone who has been interested in Ararararararagi's character development will be satisfied seeing him converse with Mayoi. In the second half of the arc, we are met with a character that was first introduced in Tsukimonogatari. To not get spoilers they converse about why Ararargi had to die and come back to life. This arc truly benefitted from the TV Special format because they were a ton of different settings being presented as Mayoi and Ararargi take a journey to meet the man who will bring him back to life. The animation quality was astonishing far better than what we saw in Owarimonogatari season 1.

Hitagi Rendevouz isn't just a filler date between our main cast and heroine. While Hitagi takes a large chunk of her self-proclaimed arc, Ougi Oshino interrupts to speak about the important implications that were presented in Mayoi Hell. Ougi's near threatening dialogue and the sound design gives me chills down my spine when hearing her speak to Ararargi. Without having any knowledge of the next arc, Ougi Dark, you feel anxiety throughout. But wait wait wait let's get back to the date between our main girl and main boy. Hitagi probably looks the most beautiful here than in any other series. While this is obviously a personal feeling I had to put it in the ethersphere. But being beautiful isn't just about the character design, shaft really kept up with the animation and kept her on model almost throughout. With the obvious exception of comedic animation shifts. The backgrounds are rich and full of life as Hitagi, with her new driving license, takes out Ararargi on a date. The date itself was very charming. The most befitting to a 6 months relationship. To the viewers, it has been 8 years.

Ougi Oshino is Ougi Oshino

What makes this arc very different than most arcs is that it is a bit mature, not as mature as Hanamonogatari was but close. We don't see much fan service and we see a lot of reflection of the past. Its a somber ending. I am glad we are at the conclusion. But do not fret there are more novels to be adapted which will be. While they might not hit as hard as these arcs in this season it will still be a joy to watch.

Thank you for the best 8 years of my life Nisio and SHAFT.

Before the review this is my personal opinion: I am so glad that this series didn’t disappoint me at all and I had such a great time watching it . Monogatari will always be one of the best anime I saw and I genuinely love it with all my heart starting with the great characters and ending with the lessons told from each series.

This is the final puzzle piece from the Monogatari series. In this series every little detail from the other series that were left unexplained was revealed to its audience. Another worth praising writing style from the author who knows damn ... well how to leave intentionally plot holes who are gonna be filled later in his future works. This is why the flaws are what makes Monogatari a great piece from the storytelling medium.

Once again Shaft managed to use the visuals in perfect harmony with the current action of the characters and dialogue lines to emphasis the message for its audience. As an example I will mention the fantastic and beautiful association of each character from monogatari with a star constellation during Ougi’s explications .The dialogue is well used for the characterization and plot helping with the progression of the story.

As we all know the minor characters from Monogatari are so well used for the plot and characterization of the main characters and in this series doesn’t disappoint us at all . Who taught that Tadatsuru a minor character from Tsukimonogatari would had such a impact across the story in Owari 2. Let’s not forget Oshino Meme disappearance after Bake which had a purpose after all and finally Gaen who is the shining star from Owari 2 using again her brilliant mind to solve a problem. Fantastic!

Owari 2 also manages to give screen time to the two main characters from Bake Senjougahara and Araragi. It’s always a pleasure to see Senjougahara verbal abusing Araragi but caring for him deep down in her heart proving once again why her actions are unpredictable and her personality unique. What I am trying to say is that in this series we finally see the choices that those decided to take as a couple for their future after their long fight with their own problems.

One of the main themes that needs to be mentioned is about change, portrayed through the actions and choices Araragi goes through . As for each part from Owari 2 they each have a different plot and message but they are all connected to the main story from Owari 2.Mayoi Hell is the preparation stage for Ougi Dark and Hitagi Rendevouz is the bridge that connects them . In Ougi Dark everything comes together giving a conclusion to the Monogatari series and presenting how the actions and choices the characters made influenced their lives .

Trust me you will not regret any moment by watching Owari 2 , you will experience a lot of emotions through each arc and the conclusion will leave you in tears of joy and sadness.
This series managed to give a conclusion to all of the other series from Monogatari and answer all the left questions.

"Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.'

This review does not contain spoilers. This review is not made by a blind fanatic or a hater who has nothing better to do, this review is made by a person who saw this series for more than 8 years of his life.

I'll be honest and I'll go straight to the point. I will not speak with fanaticism in my words, I will write just the truth about these episodes, my truth, nothing more and nothing less. I have no sweet words to these episodes, so if you can't digest a different opinion ... than yours I ask you to not continue reading my review.

I want to clarify this before I start, I'm a fan of this series since the day it was released in 2009 and the second season is in my top ten favorite anime of all the time, so you wonder why I did not like this part? and the answer is very simple, I do not like this part because it concentrates everything that is wrong with the last works of the Monogatari series by the acclaimed Japanese animation studio shaft and directed by Akiyuki Shinbou, oh wait a moment is not even him who directed these episodes, that makes so much sense and at the same time so little, Shinbou why do you disappear when the fans of the old times need you more than ever? oh, I see you're a captain who does not sink with the ship, intelligent move on your part, traidor.

One of the clearest problems is the speed with which the story advances, being so fast does not create a sense of importance in the events that occur in the story, at one point we are with a scene that pretends to be emotional and full of stress and the next moment the protagonist is making jokes about the underwear of a minor and you can tell me that that always happened with the Monogatari series but this time it is in a more clumsy, notorious and completely out of place way.

It is really depressing and insulting for a lifelong fan to see that the mistakes of the past have not been corrected and not only that, but that the problem has been aggravated in such a stupid way that you can not do anything more than pretend that you did not see anything. I was the best accomplice of this series and I did not give importance in the past but I got bored of the same grotesque joke again and again, which leads us to the following problem with these episodes, which is the repetition of the same old material, these episodes only repeats the same jokes and ideas that in previous seasons, these episodes did not innovate at all and you know what is worse than that? is that the people behind this work does not even try or care about the fact that they are just recycling the old stuff over and over again, they are hitting your head over and over again with the same old ideas and jokes until you say enough and I'm a fan who got tired of this deal, it is no longer funny, it is not innovative anymore, it is not even artistically pleasing as it was before. It's just an endless number of memes that died a long time ago. They pretend to be funny when it's just a lot of trash that they're recycling to not create anything new. Why strive to create something new if the old is accepted as something with some value.

These episodes suffer from not giving much explanation to some important events that occur in the life of the characters, how convenient is to not explain anything and just move forward as if this were a race but the production team can take the time to do the same joke again and again, so it is not a problem of time, they simply do not care in the desire of the fans, "give us your money and go away". Also includes many characters that are only present for a brief and insignificant moment, this is an insult to the characters themselves and fans of these characters, an absolute disgrace. In other occasions the characters act as if they were a stereotype of some very obvious program and they make clear what are their intentions although the series wants to generate an atmosphere of mystery, but is not a mystery if you are telling me everything directly or at least is not a good mystery.

These episodes are the clear sign that studio shaft loves to play safe and just want the easy money of the fans who are hungry for more material, for more empty dialogues and characters pretending to be talking about something deep when it's just about the panties of a little girl. The fans are many, they will eat whatever it is, they must create something that many will like, easy to eat and bring it to their tables as fast as possible and the result is a hamburger. this is a hamburger that instead of having interesting dialogues full of new ideas is full of the greed of the people who are in the production studio, instead of having witty and provocative comedy has jokes about the tits of a little girl and instead of taking the time to develop the characters and be careful with their emotions has recycled material fresh from the trash.

I firmly refuse to accept this insult to my loyalty for this franchise, I refuse with all my love to accept this mistreatment of my patience and I refuse with all my passion to remain silent, these episodes were the worst I saw in the whole series and it's sad that everything has ended in this mediocre way. Each movement of the characters was predictable, each word was said in the past and every joke was repeated so many times that it is no longer funny.

Sweet dreams my beautiful monogatari series, you are no longer what you once knew to be. I have admired you for over 8 years, I laughed with your first jokes and I identify with some of your characters but after more than 68 episodes, 3 movies, 2 ovas, you're not longer what you used to be.

I do not need buzzword like say "masterpiece" every 4 words to describe my feelings, I just let the heart speak and this review was made with heart and passion so I hope you understand that I do not hate this series at all, I just wish everything was better... Every moment, every word, every plot change in the story did not live up to expectation and the name of these series.

Rest in peace.

From a real fan who was waiting for this moment for more than 8 years.

[9.0/10]
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Owarimonogatari was ultimately the end of the first, and most likely the main story of the series. These last three arcs provided a good conclusion and I wouldn't be upset if that's the final Monogatari-related product adapted by SHAFT. Although I doubt it, since there are tens of side-stories, epilogues, prologues and everything in-between left to adapt. This, however, felt like a proper conclusion. Even if it wasn't what I wanted, I can't help but feel happy about the ending regardless.

Monogatari, ever since I began watching it, always left me with an air of ambivalence. If you go venture forth to the past and ... dig through to find one of my earliest reviews on this website, one of Bakemonogatari, you'd see exactly that. Me struggling endlessly with coming to terms with my feelings about the series. It left me feeling sleazy and gross, but compelled and intrigued. I initially described it as the guiltiest possible pleasure and while my opinions may have changed with my tastes, I think that outlines the overall complexity of emotions I felt towards the product. On one hand the presentation is outstanding and unique, hearkening back and taking from the French New Wave, but what its presenting is often perverse and over-indulgent. The main narrative is fractured and presented in a spectacularly interesting fashion with the unreliable narrator quirk, but is often sidelined for pandering sexuality. The characters are multi-faceted and endlessly dynamic, but aren't often presented as such. It is an enigma, truly.

While my opinions have changed and my appreciation for this series continuously grows, due to the amount of inspiration it has given me as a creative, this idea of conflicting feelings still remains the same. Even throughout this end-story. I get a conclusion, and the conclusion is quite good with just about every story wrapping up in a feel-good bundle of catharsis. It is still something that I wasn't expecting nor really wanting from this show. I was expecting something darker, something more somber, something with pain and eventual sacrifice and I was expecting the specialists to play significantly bigger role in the story after their buildup through Owarimonogatari's first season as well as the awe-inspiring conclusion to Koyomimonogatari.

Maybe my expectations weren't deserved and built completely upon my own desires for the series, but that feels redundant to say as that's pretty much defining expectations for anything. Owarimonogatari's second season and conclusion does have problems, however, it is packaged and delivered so well that they don't feel like problems as much as they feel like additions that I may disagree with. Maybe that's why i'm so happy to accept this conclusion even if it harshly isn't what I wanted or expected, that's my mea culpa.

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[Presentation]

Before we delve deep into the semi-spoiler conversation, I think it is safe to say that this series is the best presented television anime. While it may not be as beautifully animated as something from Kyoto Animation or as viciously energetic as a Trigger production, it is a SHAFT product through and through. Harsh yet understated, with pronounced colors and a focus on bringing the most from dialogue heavy scenes.

The coloring in these episodes is as good as ever, with beautiful shot-composition mixed in with spectacular changes in art-style in the first arc of this series. The other two were equally beautiful, with harsh changes of color and space, presenting even the goofiest character moments as if it is high-art strung up in a gallery.

The violent, stinging violins in the climactic soundtrack continuously impress. While most people may point to the admittedly catchy opening themes of this series as examples of its musical prowess, I can't help but point to what I find more impressive. The memorable backing tracks to the shows most climactic moments. From the badass theme at the end of Nisemonogatari, where specialist Kagenui flexes her muscles in a scene so brutally cathartic that it is one of my all-time favorite anime moments. To the plucking strings and winding synths of the shows most surprising scenes, when Gaen reveals her vampire-slaying sword and chops our protagonist into a thousand pieces. The music here is as wonderful as ever.

Monogatari has never been the most animated series, and for good reason. Much like most TV-anime it is a rushed product on a deadline. However, SHAFT make even the most still scenes feel alive and vibrant with the setting and shot composition, and as always the direction here is astounding.

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[Story and Resolution]


Presented in three arcs, the final moments with these characters and their eventual graduation feel spur-of-the-moment. The show, for the first time ever, feels as though it has a distinct narrative purpose. Since it has one goal, to end its main story, it never decides to linger on moments that are otherwise unimportant to the series narrative. Even the second episode, the extended date between Senjougahara and Araragi feels as though it plays a direct part in the climax, Araragi's waning adolescence, Ougi's mysterious plot, and the growth between these two from a relationship standpoint.

However, before we delve into that, we have the first story. Between Araragi, Hachikuji, and the involved Tadatsuru, which delivers something visually astounding and narratively intriguing, yet creates a few worries that may find themselves wriggling into the shows core climax.

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[Mayoi Hell]

Obvious spoilers. Hachikuji is back and she's in hell. Some pretty funny reasoning is provided for that. More importantly, SHAFT gets to flex its visual style to the fullest here, providing one of the most visually impressive arcs since the gorgeous Tsukimonogatari. As Araragi ventures through hell, and to a certain extent, his past, he discovers how to return and what the reasoning behind his murder was. An elaborate plan by Gaen to return his humanity.

Good stuff. Even if Hachikuji's return wasn't all that interesting to me. Especially since we have already said our goodbyes to that character and coming back after a pretty good send-off feels as though i'm holding in a sneeze. Unrewarding and kind of painful. I like Hachikuji, she's quirky and engaging with a pretty great catchphrase that gets probably the best payoff of any joke in the series. However, I couldn't help but feel disappointed in her return as an establishment of norms and the lack of consequences. It robbed the series of some weight. More on her later.

They meet with Tadatsuru and in beloved Monogatari fashion we get a gloriously long exposition sequence full of fascinating insights by this really intriguing character, as well as a quick look at the network of specialists that Gaen has established as being the backbone for oddity-hunting. Tadatsuru's powers are great and paint a understandable picture of Ononoki's creation, even if we lack the insight of her "big sister", Kagenui, more on her later.

Araragi is sent off with Hachikuji captured in his legs and brings her into the real world. Initially I had even more of an objection to this, as it totally undermined her exit even further. If it is so easy to leave hell, what is even the point of it? However, that gets amended further on in the series. The introductory arc here really set the tone for the show. It was lean-mean, and without filler, which was great.

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[Hitagi Rendezvous]

Before I even talk about the date, I want to express how deeply upsetting it was to see Kagenui's character and her potentially incredible importance to the series being brushed off. It undermined the entirety of her disappearance in Koyomimonogatari as well as never quite explaining how Ougi got anyone to leave. It felt like an underhanded and obnoxiously pandering way to just keep Ononoki around the harem, which honestly doesn't fucking matter to me. Ononoki is pretty much useless right now, she is literally a doll and since Kagenui isn't around, has virtually no power. She is there to provide a few sparring dialogue driven moments and her inclusion in this arc felt completely unnecessary as she virtually did nothing.

If they kept Kagenui relevant to the story and didn't chuck her to the side for literally no convincing reason, Ononoki and Kagenui could've been back to actually matter and provide some interesting insight to spar with Gaen's own bias arguments against Ougi. Yet nothing like that happened. She's gone, and the reasoning given was that she was practicing "Martial arts" at what was later revealed to be the North Pole. Why? Why would she be doing that? Isn't she an immortal oddity specialist? Isn't her goal and job to exterminate immortal oddities? Isn't Shinobu back in her full-form? Isn't that Ougi? Kagenui expressed no fear in fighting Shinobu with her powers back in Nise, so it makes no sense for her to leave now. Way to completely under-utilize a dynamic and potentially interesting character. What a farce. This was probably the most upsetting moment about this three-parter and probably the only reason I had to take a point off.

Especially since the date between Araragi and Senjougahara was wonderful. I always felt as though their relationship was a bit tepid. They said they damn-near love each other yet Araragi runs around fucking with plenty of other girls. It really doesn't make any sense and makes the entire relationship feel phony, especially since Senjougahara got almost no screen-time recently. Her return is welcome. She is the most dynamic and fascinating of the harem-girls and definitely proved that here. Her character growth since the first arc in Bakemonogatari is palpable and honestly very endearing. Her various little idiosyncrasies really paint an engaging portrait of her character.

The resolution to their date is endlessly lovable and actually helps create a more believable relationship between the two, even if I still object to Araragi's lascivious and scummy behavior otherwise. I really enjoyed this, and I didn't find that it meandered or lacked any meaning. It was well-placed in the middle of these other two, more serious arcs.

What i'd be remiss not to discuss is the dream sequence with Ougi, which is not only a spectacular insight on her character but also plays as a wonderful hint at who she really is. Everything from her saying being a riff on Gaen and Hanekawa to her knowledge of the star-systems being Araragi's own knowledge, the pieces of the puzzle were finally falling into place and this fractured narrative was finally become clear. At this point, in my eyes, it was clear with who Ougi was, even if I wasn't sure what role she exactly played.

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[Ougi Dark]

To refer back to my initial thesis, this arc's progress and climax wasn't something I was expecting or wanting, but a great part about growing up is being able to look at something as a whole and really determining whether that is a bad thing. I think the more I look back on this arc the more I'll come to enjoy and appreciate that it did something that I wasn't expecting nor wanting, but still managed to be entertaining and pretty damn impressive, narratively.

My fear that the specialists would ultimately play a small role in the climax was unfortunately confirmed, as Gaen dumped some exposition and moved on. This and Shinobu's ultimate uselessness in her hyper-powerful form needs to be accepted as a narrative loop rather than a flaw, in my opinion. Because of course Araragi will ultimately have to face this issue on his own. It is, after all, always been his issue and no one else's. The narrative here had me hurdling through various flaming hoops of acceptance while also trying to follow along to the somewhat complicated explanations for everything. Needless to say, it was a gripping experience none-the-less.

What particularly impressed me apart from Ougi's true reveal was the use for Hachikuji who's inclusion I have previously expressed my distaste with. Gaen's proposed solution was actually quite clever and made sense within the grand scheme of the story and provided the best use of Hachikuji's signature 'I stuttered" catchphrase. It was great. I went from disliking her inclusion to totally buying it, which speaks volumes to how well this entire aspect of the narrative was delivered.

Onward to Ougi's true reveal. I say "true" because her being Araragi's oddity didn't come as much of a surprise, of course she was. Especially the opening to this final arc solidifying that. What was more interesting a reveal was her role as Araragi's oddity, manifesting as adolescence. This actually paints a unique picture of Araragi's character and growth throughout the series.

I'm no stranger to criticizing our boy Koyomi here, since I think he's kind of a scumbag, however, the portrait of his adolescence was poignant none-the-less. This somewhat esoteric conclusion helped me understand the rest of this series' motivations as well as his character progression overall. What could've been myopic ended up being quite engaging, even Araragi's rejection of his own change to saving Ougi, which I was initially against but over the course of the past few hours warmed up to. Because of course he'd save her, he's Araragi.

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[The Moral of the Story]


And now for the epilogue, or rather, the punchline. What Monogatari does so well is provide an experience unlike anything else in anime. An industry and medium that indulges in pulpy entertainment has this series which indulges in the idea of indulging. Consuming everything that is inherently right or wrong with the industry and presenting it as if it is high-art. Taking ideas from the most influential, yet also the most cherry-picked movement in cinema, the French New Wave, and crafting a narrative that not only doesn't treat its audience like children, but goes out of its way to be esoteric and challenging. Very much in line with the New Wave, Monogatari has a kind of style and essence to it that separates it from anything else in the medium. Especially since at its core it has these sleazy elements to it.

Relating back to the initial point of contention, my dissonance with this series manifesting as a love and appreciation for it. These last three arcs, ones which lack the fanservice that some of the other parts of the series indulge in, are some of the most solid parts of the series, up there with the flawless masterpiece which is Hitagi End, my favorite thing I've ever seen from this televised medium. It proves to me that this show could've been better without its over-indulgent obsession with childish sexuality and pandering which often took up big parts of other episodes in other arcs, however, is that really true? I undoubtedly didn't, and don't, enjoy those elements, yet they are inherent in Monogatari being Monogatari. Without them this wouldn't be Monogatari, and the lack of them in these final arcs proves to me how big of contrast there is, which helped elevate the stakes and create tension which otherwise wouldn't have been escalated if the entire series was devoid of these elements.

I feel like I always wanted Monogatari to be more mature than it was, however, once again, maybe that was wishful thinking. Much like Araragi says as the final line in these arcs, he is himself, and this series is itself. And expecting it to be something different when it so well-established exactly what it is makes no sense, logistically. Because much like Araragi, Monogatari experienced an odd kind of growth as well, where the maturity may not have increased but a realization did happen. The self-awareness here is palpable and as with any product that has displayed a knack for multi-faceted storytelling, I don't think it is out-of-line to analyze this series so extensively.

During Ougi Dark, there is a scene where the characters dissect Ougi's formation as a cake. Each character representing a slice. Which honestly feels like this show being self-aware about its own indulgence, both having the cake and eating it to, which is an element I've been bringing up in reviews since their conception. The cake here being Araragi's division and eventual realization of purpose, while also doubling as context for this shows harem elements. Which I wouldn't say is as much of an excuse as it is a justification, and a good one at that.

Its harem elements were never the strongest parts of the series, and being myself I'd go so far as to say they were the weakest parts. However, they, in the end, felt necessary to this show having the conclusion it did. For me, the strongest parts were always the main narrative and the specialists, who were characters that were infinitely more fascinating than the main group and harbored more interesting traits and purposes, but as I've already said, it wasn't their story and I shouldn't have been expecting them to play a huge role here. My own, negative idiosyncrasy.

In the end, this series which still confuses me emotionally provided an exceptional conclusion to its first and most likely main story, as it wrapped up its final arcs in an acceptable and thoroughly understandable way. At its most basic, the story of adolescence and accepting that adolescence permeates through the entirety of this series. Because if we were to fully strip it down, the punchline is that there is no need to let go of that. Much like Araragi isn't willing to let go of his own, even while saying that his adolescence has left him he acknowledges that he isn't fully an adult to Hanekawa. And I don't think that is really the point of this experience. It isn't much of a coming of age story. At the climax, he doesn't let go of the oddity manifesting as his own adolescence and that's the final realization. But I don't know.

But who knows, really? A series like this is so esoteric that even its most well-defined moments can be read into as something else and that's exactly what I appreciate about it. It proves itself worthy of being analyzed, as any great piece of art should. As I said in my very first venture into Monogatari, I only know what I know.

***This is a spoiler free review***

While I am filled with the most absolute joy towards this series than any other long-running series that I am currently aware of, there is also a feeling of melancholy as I watch this beautifully crafted mini-series end what has been such an amazing journey. The highs and the lows of the Monogatari series are coming to a conclusion (for now?)...and it is glorious.

Story: 9/10

While it might not be fair to hold what I am about to say against Owarimonogatari second season, it is an absolute fact; the mini-series just needs to bring lose ends to an end. Yes ... regardless of how Owarimonogatari second season ends it is not the final piece of Monogatari content (see the Hanamonogatari anime adaptation and any other possible volumes that haven't been adapted) but it is the end of this story line with Araragi as the main focus (I think?).

With that out of the way, Owarimonogatari absolutely concludes the series gracefully and beautifully. The first part is masterfully paced and does an amazing job at hinting at what is to come later on in the mini-series. The pacing is aided heavily by the soundtrack (more about that in the sound section) but it's also the dialogue and visual direction (more about that in the art/animation section). Without going into spoilers, it just needs to be said that this season is an absolutely amazing conclusion to the main story line of Monogatari.

Art/Animation: 10/10

Every time you watch something from SHAFT you think that “well this is SHAFT” not knowing that the next piece of media from them changes/evolves their “style”. While the Monogatari films have their own look, the tv series has been evolving this super clean animation and art style since the first season. It is safe to say that this is Monogatari at its best tv season wise. There are also a lot of very stylized frames of animation within this season. The first part has a lot of moments where the show looks completely different than the rest of the series yet it fits in and feels like Monogatari. The colors used scream visual keys as well as just plain appealing design. Characters look great, and the detailed scenes have very good architecture.

This is simply the best I've seen SHAFT do in a tv series.

Sound: 10/10

All of the Monogatari parts (including the films) have amazing soundtracks. Some of them are good because they stay out of the way and aid in the conversations only a tiny bit (a lot of Bakemonogatari and some of Nisemonogatari) while the soundtracks can completely take control and dictate pacing (Tsukimonogatari). Owarimonogatari takes the Tsuki route and just takes you for a ride with its beautiful music. It dictates not only the pacing but also the mood very well. The music used towards the end of Araragi's first journey in the first part of the season is so masterfully done.

The idea that music should not drive the movie/show (yes this is an idea circulating Hollywood currently) just doesn't make sense to me. Ever since Monogatari Second Season, the series as a whole has allowed the music to completely drive the show. I recently saw the film Dunkirk and the music was the main reason why the film felt so complete. You don't want the soundtrack/score to beat your head in with emotion but if you can nail that fine line of direction without being overbearing, you will enhance all emotions tenfold. Owarimonogatari second season absolutely nails this.

The last part of this is of course the voice acting. Just...perfect is all I can really say. The second part that showcased Araragi and Senjougahara literally gave me goosebumps.

Characters: 10/10

Yup. This is it. This is the characters at their absolute best. The characters that make an appearance in this season do so with absolute style and class. Aided by on-point dialogue, visual direction, and a perfectly fitting soundtrack, they shine, fall, and exist with perfection. Since this season is the finale of this main story line, the characters have a spotlight pointed directly at them. Luckily, none of them choked. The performances were on-point and dramatic (when needed). Simply perfect.

Overall: 9.8/10

I'm really trying to not fanboy here but it's just impossible to not see the perfection in front of my eyes. The season did it's job AND SOME. It not only concluded what needed to be concluded but also somehow added in more character development where I thought wasn't possible. Thank you SHAFT for gracing us with this marvelous series. I can now safely say that the Monogatari series my most favorite long-running series. Say what you want about the fanservice whether it is needed or not, the series is a fine example of great storytelling.

Enjoyment: ∞/10

Thanks for reading my review! If you liked my writing style, would like to see some other reviews, or just want to talk, please stop by my page!

Sincerely,
Awesome Drummer

If you are one of the three people that have been reading my Monogatari reviews you might have noticed that each one of them more or less reflected my impressions about them, thus Bakemono’s was a setup for what was coming next, Nisemono’s was very short and without much content, while Neko: Kuro and Second Season got a much more detailed one to explain everything I thought about them. Meanwhile Hana and Tsuki got one closer to the one of the second series, and I bashed Koyomi as it rightfully deserves.

So, in true Monogatari fashion, let me go back to something I wrote right at ... the beginning of my Kizumonogatari review:

“Ah, fucking finally, the one entry that chronologically starts it all, and it focuses a lot on Araragi and Kiss-Shot Acerola-Orion Heart-Under-Blade, who so far remained mostly a good hearted pedophile with some serious incestuous tendencies, and a tryhard moe donut eater with a seemingly interesting backdrop that was only teased throughout the previous seasons.”

As you can tell by this paragraph, I did the mistake of skipping the first season of Owarimonogatari and going straight to that horrible Koyomimonogatari and the one I truly wanted to watch, Kizumonogatari, since I figured I would watch every entry before the two that finish everything together. Well, by doing that I wrote something which although it isn’t entirely inaccurate, it also omits how the two characters were more fleshed out during that particular series.

At the same time, in that review I wrote that it was good that Kizumonogatari’s release was delayed as much as it did because:

“If it came out after Bakemonogatari, it would feel like information about the characters was missing. By 2016, Koyomi, Hanekawa and Kiss-Shot were more or less explored or had their backgrounds revealed, especially Tsubasa, so it doesn’t feel like the movie trilogy it’s incomplete. Whatever it covers brings a proper closure of the past of the main cast just fine.”

Which would have made someone think that I did watch Owarimonogatari before because that paragraph is even more accurate after watching it. By the point that movie trilogy came out, along with what was shown here and the previous season, the characters felt all around complete.

Now, on to the present and the actual review

The first season of Owarimonogatari shares aspects with some previous series, it is split and needs another entry to feel complete like Neko: Kuro, and it only has two arcs like Nisemono, yet unlike the first, at the end of the day it still feels like its own thing with a beginning and an ending, and unlike the second, things move forward with an appropriate pacing, without making the important characters of a story to feel secondary and irrelevant despite being the focus of the plot.

The first arc shows the chronological first apparition of Ougi, sometime before the Nadeko arc of Second Season, and as soon as (she?) appears (she?) messes with Koyomi, making him face the past that he kept avoiding in what was written with the intention to represent suppression of painful memories, yet unfortunately at times felt more like the main character having an extremely bad memory for the sake of the plot.

Despite that, fleshing him out beyond his comical and archetypical role of a harem lead is definitely a good move and something that he really needed. It explains how he became a bleak and antisocial loner, which complements well with his development of that phase in Kizumonogatari into his personality of the rest of the franchise.

I mean, his backdrop story comes down to a kid that can’t accept that reality is not what he pictured it to be, so his actions come off as somewhat petty, but reminding myself that his whole world view more or less crumbled when he was very young and naïve definitely helped in making everything more acceptable. Showing this after the character already developed in the future events shown on the previous seasons or the exact next entries was also a good choice.

Besides him there’s also a little more screen time for Ougi, built up as the true antagonist of the whole franchise, and her different interactions with Araragi and the rest of the cast are pretty enjoyable and intense at times, allowing the protagonist to be more expressive without as many internal monologues, while everyone else is skeptical of (her?) intentions and actions, and even try to stop them.

There’s a newly introduced girl, Oikura, and what a messed up character with the most fucked up backdrop story by far. Much like Koyomi’s, her past in the school feels even pettier and her personality very exaggerated. As soon as her circumstances are shown, fortunately without an edgy approach, she becomes far easier to understand and tolerate.

The series makes a contrast between Araragi and Oikura while exploring them. His worldview crumbled and yet thanks to his circumstances, meeting the right people, and his own attitude, he powered through it and became a better person, when he is not acting like a degenerate. On the other hand, she didn’t have any of that, and went through much more serious stuff, so she pretty much became a mess and delved in self-pity and resolved to blame everyone else, much like Nadeko would do on a later arc that was shown in Second Season.

Having Hanekawa alongside Koyomi and being the one to confront her was a good move writing wise, because of both her personality and own character arc. Also, this one does a good job in setting up her actions in Hitagi End.

With all that said, I have to question the messages the arc sends, I doubt saying that is good to have someone to blame and hate for one’s own struggles for the sake of one’s own happiness, but at least the series itself turns against it at the end by having Oikura realize that she was the one on the wrong while hanging on a very thin line between sanity and insanity.

The other one is the usual of the franchise that you are the only one that can really help and save yourself and make your own happiness, which sounds really good on paper but just like Paranoia Agent, feels simplistic and not very empathetic, considering the circumstances of the characters, which in the case of Oikura become worse and worse.

The finale feels like a non-ending, as the girl gets a catharsis that even the series itself admits it’s quite anticlimactic, and it also doesn’t feel completely supported by the narrative. Despite having she realizing that she was wrong and that she has to stop blaming everyone else and make things better for herself, without a follow up to actually see that, it feels like something is missing.

And yet, somehow, it just…fits. The arc was quite distinctive for the usual pattern of the Monogatari series. Araragi can’t use his powers, he can’t rely on them to solve everything, there are no aberrations involved, it’s all about the mentality of the characters, the girl doesn’t want to be helped by Araragi, she doesn’t end joining his harem, she doesn’t try to solve her problems, nor self reflects enough nor gains a proper resolve and resolution at the end…and it fits, because she didn’t try that. If the arc somehow ended with everything being resolved and with a happy ending, it would make everything that led to it to feel superficial and the issues to be nowhere near as heavy as they were made out to be throughout the whole season at that point. So, it’s one of the saddest yet most fitting conclusions, based on the actions of the main girl.

Another thing I want to point out about this arc is the proper tone. Even though there are some comical moments they are mostly subtle and do not clash with the overall serious mood, some even feel like the characters have passive-aggressive interactions so they don’t end up fighting among themselves, AND THERE IS NO FANSERVICE IN IT, which was something extremely welcomed by me.

In terms of aesthetics, the arc goes back to what was done in Tsukimonogatari, which translates to good artwork and backgrounds, equally very little motions, and at times a bit too bright special effects, but overall a more polished version of that season in this regard.

The audio department, much like that series, has an electronic first opening and a typical jpop ending, in this case both with lyrics about two people being apart despite also being close, opening doors and trespassing borders, which fits what happens in it and the character Ougi (herself?). For some reason there are other two intros with Oikura as the main character instead of just one, and they are both among the best ones in the whole franchise in both music and visuals, and with lyrics that properly explores her mentality just like all the rest of them.

As for the soundtrack, just like in Tsukimonogatari, it is much more intense and suspenseful than the previous shows, and since this arc is far more serious, it is also a more fitting and improved version of it. Even the comical passive-aggressive interactions among characters give a high sense of tension thanks to it. Sound effects and voice acting are as good as ever, with the exceptional performance of Marina Inoue in what has to be her best and most distinctive one, properly managing different changes in tone and volume for Oikura.

As a whole it is an intense arc properly handled in terms of aesthetics, tone, pacing, character dynamics and resolution, although not as good in terms of how the messages are tied with the narrative, and the beginning isn’t on the same level that it ends up having as a whole.

The second arc is centered on Shinobu and it is essentially a resolution for her as Kiss-Shot Acerola-Orion Heart-Under-Blade. Chronologically it takes place after Shinobu Time and around the same time as Tsubasa Tiger, from Second Season, so its ending leads directly to that arc.

Aesthetically it doesn’t have the bright special effects of the previous arc, so it’s an improvement. It combines the presentation of the inner thoughts and passages of the light novel of the characters from Tsukimonogatari and the Oikura story, much shorter, slower and easier for the eye to catch them than the earlier seasons. It also has its fair share of well animated action and CGI for a samurai armor and its powers that are well rendered. It also uses the style of Kiss-Shot’s past in Second Season for a moment.

Since unfortunately the arc begins with a very silly tone, the background music is inferior in the beginning but gets to the same level of quality at a midpoint when it takes itself seriously, and the opening is Mein Schatz, easily the best theme in the franchise.

The beginning of the arc is not good as it is very silly and has a lot of comedy and meandering, and even some fanservice, affecting the pacing and going a step back in terms of quality. Once it gets serious however, it explains the setting in a way that was not done before in the franchise, directly tying it with practically every past action of the characters, thus making them face their responsibility for what they have unwillingly done and retroactively making the weird happenings to the cast to make a bit more sense in-story, although it still doesn’t explain why everyone else in the town is clueless about what happens.

It has someone from Shinobu’s past as Kiss-Shot reappearing again and thus her having to stop running away from that character and face him, as Kanbaru tells her, in a scene that makes her seem more like the next protagonist of the franchise way more and way better than all of Hanamonogatari.

So, it reinforces the same message of the rest of the franchise of the characters being the only ones that can solve their problems, thus they have to face them. Like with the previous arc in the season, it’s a bit lost in the narrative since at the end it’s Koyomi who solves the conflict with dirty tricks, but it is an alright message as usual.

I also want to point out as a positive that Koyomi is put in a situation where he can’t be in three places at the same time solving the problems of everyone else, something that he is told throughout the franchise, thus he takes care of one situation, while trusting the others to someone else, as it was shown in Second Season.

And also, it ends with the message that oneself is the only one that can assure their own happiness, by beginning to actively search for it, something that changer Koyomi a little and a later point in time has a direct influence in the first arc of this particular season.

The conclusion is overall good for the season in terms of messages, themes, characterization, and as a closure for the second arc, but thanks to Koyomimonogatari, there’s still more stuff to cover, which is what the second entry is focused on.

Said second entry begins right after the ending of Koyomimonogatari and despite being divided in three mini arcs, they take place one after the other in order, and the content on each of them is very simple, so I find no point in breaking them down as I did with the previous two. The beginning isn’t very promising, as it goes back to the aggressively stupid meandering, comedy and a little bit of pedophile humor and fanservice, while it also takes away the importance of death in the franchise even more and a bittersweet ending of a previous arc. Oh, an also, the backgrounds are at times very bright.

Thankfully, as it happens with most arcs and series in the franchise, it becomes a bit more serious and overall better later as it goes on, but still, despite being the overall conclusion of everything, it never feels like there is much gravity and adequate seriousness in it, partly because the outcome is already known thanks to Hanamonogatari. You thought I would forget to mention it and blame it for the lack of tension? I never will.

The importance of the first mini arc comes to down to explaining the setting even more, through dialogues, because either the author or the studio clearly isn’t very good at showing instead of telling, and a certain way of doing things that take away a little of proactive initiative of some characters, but it also retroactively justifies what seemed to be scripted actions of some others, who have actually been preparing the outcome they wanted, instead of a predetermined one fabricated by someone else, while it also explores a very secondary character a little more.

Afterwards, the plot progress and it doesn’t at the same time, as pacing stays somewhat in a rare middle, with several character interactions that range from the normal to even the kind of metaphysical, that serve as a progression for the romantic aspect of the franchise, and as a setup for the conclusion of it as a whole, at least as far as the anime goes.

The conclusion still continues to explain the setting, in the same manner, and still keeps retroactively justifying actions of the characters and setting up the plan for the outcome and the conclusion, while it also gives an answer for the mystery behind everything, which is very simple and previously suspected by most people that have been following the franchise. It doesn’t surprise anyone, but it fits with the whole and the future, meaning, Hanamonogatari.

What’s good about it is that it explains what every important character has been doing out of screen for the outcome to happen the way it does, and what the secondary ones kept doing with their lives, the bad thing is that the anime still doesn’t know how to show those things, so instead chooses to tell them.

The best aspect of the resolution and the season as a whole is how everything ends up being a product of the doings and the mentality of the main character. When I came to know about it I thought it would be very far-fetched and out there to be convincing, but thanks to all the previous build up from earlier entries, I find it to be fine. Also, as a message and closure for Araragi, it is nice that he finally does something for and by himself, and accepts his dark side, in a similar character arc of the one that Hanekawa had.

The bad thing is how it still happens through big conveniences and last minute apparitions and saves, as the series itself admits by calling them even miracles. The characters manage to fulfill a certain outcome and fool it at the same time, similarly to the ending of Jigokuraku, but they do it by making everything seem very easily solvable, ending everything in a fitting albeit a bit underwhelming way. Basically, the finale was a bit meh in terms of plot, but good as far as characterization, which is basically how the Monogatari franchise is as a whole, so it fits.

Visually, after it gets rid of that super bright background, the season is among the best in that regard, if not the best, as it combines every visual trick used earlier, except for the art style used during Kiss-Shot’s past, even integrating the one that up until now was reserved only for the endings, and with a more…relaxed, and nowhere near as bombastic directing, making everything a bit…friendlier and easier for the eye to keep track, as well as read the light novel lines in between. The only issue is that, as usual, the motions aren’t very good.

As the tone is much more lighthearted than it was in the previous season, the music takes a step back in quality as well. There is one ending that is the same as most of the earlier ones, and three openings, one akin to those of Hachikuji, which means I skipped it after the first time, another one similar to those of Hitagi, which means I didn’t find it special in any way but I still somewhat enjoyed for its retro aesthetics, this time in the music which gave me a very City Pop feeling, and a third one which I didn’t care about and felt like a very inferior version of the one Ougi had before.

As a whole, the resolution felt…appropriate, as it fits with what was previously done, and what was assured to happen next, while it also reveals what every character is up to or going to do next, as a form of catharsis, albeit it does it with not the best presentation and without making much sense thanks to the conveniences in the writing, while nothing feels very serious because of the very lighthearted tone. Basically, the franchise in a nutshell. I rate the first season with something between 6 and 7 out of ten, and the second barely with a 6.

I wasn’t planning on giving my thoughts about the whole franchise in this review, since I still have one more entry left, but from what I read it’s just another filler season of mini stories like Koyomimonogatari, that takes place between this one and Hanamonogatari. I can’t imagine myself having much to say about something like that, let alone something positive, so I prefer this one to be my SECOND to last review of the whole series.

From a critical stand point, the writing is cleverly done for the dialogues but nonsensical in terms of plot and logic for the most part, even if there are some explanations for the setting and the weird events at the end, and the progression is very slow thanks to a lot of meandering, hit or miss comedy that abuses of being referential, creepy fanservice, and some entries that could be reduced by a lot or skipped almost entirely. It is also just good enough in sound, despite the very good voice acting, and although the visuals are overall extremely good, a lot of the weird imagery doesn’t feel justified by the narrative and is there just because. It’s not the plot you watch this franchise for though, but rather the messages which are good albeit not very well delivered, and most of all the characters, which are among the most memorable and fleshed out casts in the medium, and far better than what anyone would expect from a harem, unless that someone consumes the genre specifically for the perverted situations and the fetishized archetypes that pose as characters.

As far as I know, there is still more stuff to be adapted, as the novels kept going (and keep going, I think?), but seeing how this entry had a fitting ending with no loose ends, I don’t think that seeing more is really necessary, and I’m not the only one it seems, seeing that nothing else of it was released for five years now.

As a whole, I think Bakemonogatari and Nekomonogatari: Kuro are a watchable setup, with Second Season, Kizumonogatari and Owarimonogatari as worth watching follow ups or prequels and the highlights of the franchise, that makes a decent whole, but the rest is either filler or way inferior and could have been shortened by a lot. That is why I personally prefer the manga version, which I’m close to finish, for being far faster and in my opinion more focused, even though it lacks a lot of the highlights of this one. If I go by numbers for all the seasons together, Monogatari ends up being barely a 5/10 as a whole, but if I rate everything as one big series, it goes up to something like a 6.5/10. I’m not satisfied with any option to be honest, as I find the first to be too low, and the second too high, so I settle for something in between. Meaning, I find it to be just barely something like a 6/10, nowhere near among the best in the medium by any stretch of the imagination, but not plainly a waste of time either.

Now for my personal rankings of:

Songs that I cared about

Mein Schatz
White Lies
Mathemagics
Yuudachi Houteishiki
Sugar Sweet Nightmares
Marshmallow Justice
Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari
Perfect Slumbers
Kieru Daydream
Decent Black

Characters

Kaiki
Hanekawa
Senjougahara
Kiss-Shot/Shinobu
Oshino
Gaen
Kagenui
Ougi
Nadeko
Koyomi
Kanbaru
Oikura
Ononoki
Rouka
Tsukihi
Karen
Hachikuji

Entries in the franchise

Second Season
Kizumonogatari as a whole
Owarimonogatari as a whole
Bakemonogatari
Nekomonogatari: Kuro
Tsukimonogatari
Hanamonogatari
Nisemonogatari
Koyomimonogatari


Recommended stuff

-The Tatami Galaxy for similar aesthetics, directing, voice acting, internal monologues and main character arc.
-Kami Nomi zo Shiru Sekai: Megami-hen (only worth watching and unfortunately last entry in a horrible franchise) and Ouran Koukou Host Club for harem series that bother to flesh out their characters.
-Mononoke and Boogiepop wa Warawanai for more serious anime about people mentally hunted by supernatural entities.
-Ghost Hound and Paranoia Agent for interconnected plots about interconnected characters being mentally affected by supernatural stuff and their own lives.
-Katanagatari, another series from the same author with a similar style of writing.

(Before reading the review, or planning on watching this anime. Please do realize that this arc marked the end of the journey of Araragi's confrontations of the supernatural, amidst his occupation as a high schooler, before being graduated from being a high schooler to a college student. That being said, it's unwise and rather illogical to not watch this at the very end of the timeline, which can be discerned here (http://imgur.com/UjlhSyS). But that being said, you must watch all aired series of monogatari, excluding hanamonogatari ofc, since it's entirely irrelevant to the main story or the main attention of the plot of Koyomi, the ... MC. Though, be sure to watch koyomimonogatari ep 12 last before heading toward the second season of Owarimonogatari)


As the monogatari series had made itself known to me, in the beginning of time, my first impression of this series wasn't bright, I had to, almost as if, coerced myself to continue watching it given the exudes of its sense of pretense and sophistry; which I had decided to assume about the series first that I have no great first impression off, since it's only natural to doubt a philosophically deep dialogue from an anime right? That being said, that's only when my mind and thinking process are struck in the subjective sense, due to sentimentality and all of the other factor that made up subjective view. After I've mature abit more, I started to look at things more objectively, whilst discarding the subjective ground of thinking like appealing more to sentimentality or enforcing few parts of the show I hate about to irrationally hate the show itself , listening to others to build my own ideas, trying to pander myself to the social constructed common thinking, and such. This is when I became a hardcore monogatari fan, rewatching the show like 9 times already for the past years.

Then it had become my no.1 anime of all time.

Digression aside, mayoi hell, hitagi renvendous and such, marked the end of the tale of Koyomi, the main lead of the story, in this great adventure of learning about the oblivion, entering into the realm of the supernatural, and adapting himself, using his own irrationality and resignation of not knowing obscured truth, to saves all the presented girls in the story. But this simply marked an end to Araragi's adolescence life, as he did in fact graduated and became, quasi, a new person entirely with the enlightened knowledge bestow by other characters, whom to which held great and unique wisdom given their differences in characters and perspectives that builds Araragi's character. Araragi started off as a pain the ass character, it changes though, and this is the quintessential growth, to that of a strong and greatly developed character through a person's adolescence, though from the perspective of an especial or an exceptional one.

This arc could be named the "Magnum Opus" of all the monogatari series combined, I would even go as far as to say that it's prolly one of the finest, and incredibly well executed, wrapped up of all arc of the life of Koyomi before his graduation and the foreboding tales, entailing the yet to come experiences, that had yet to be known to the anime watchers (that's a different story if you are a light novel reader of the monogatari series). Incidentally, the life of those that held a great relevance to Araragi's adolescence, all of them have grown as well. The rather monotonous speech pattern, and the ever so repetitious, static personality had been abolish almost credulously; this signifies the their growth, namely, Nadeko, Senjougahara, Hanekawa and some of the character in the show (aka, Ougi).

Whilst some people maybe confused about the scene that had been replayed in Kizumonogatari in a much different setting from the movie; this second season remained true to its primal source material. Meanwhile, the movie version of kizumonogatari greatly differs from the light novel given the extensive hyperbolic visuals, differing setting, metaphors and of the lack of a more deep and plenty dialogues; though that doesn't dwindled the credibility of how Araragi and kiss shot was built, honed, or came to be.

Another confusion in the this anime as well, would be the fact that in the monogatari universe, all supernatural entities that are straying from its own role, pretending to be a human/other deity or oddity, or if the observer see them doing so or realizes it (this can effect the darkness if you've seen ep 3 of Owari second season, and back in time with kiss shot and her first minion) or acknowledge them, they get swallowed up by the darkness as its existence lives solely to rectifies abnormality.


As I've fleetingly digress, let's talk about this arc of the monogatari in particular shall we? Or let me just change that to I instead if we were to think about it logically. But, we finally got to learn about Ougi's actual identity in this second season of Owari. It had been hinted directly and even indirectly like the exuding air of her ominous aura or appearances , but it literally flew past by our heads given that we had already, instinctively even, enclosed the possibility of that to be true. The very great thing about this though, the show manages to creates this brim of articulate connections, from the facts that are not known, or left to be obscured to us but is slightly told throughout the series (like Kiss-shot's past from 400 years ago when she became a new god there), and the very obvious ones consisting of Araragi's interactions with all characters, basically, his entire adolescence as a whole.

Since spoiling here is imminent and almost inevitable if I were to lay out bare the great level of intricacy structure of the display of the connections, I'll just left some part of the show's revelation left untouched, lest you're already spoiled by some reviewers here, in which I will not be doing.

All in all, the greatness of the music production and its great segue for each scene never made me questioned the inappropriateness of the director's selections, the extraneous scenes and playful background movement amidst the dialogue always makes it alot more bearable, but in this case, very entertaining to both appreciating the dialogue, the voice acting, and the visuals. Never had I got bored watching the intensive hour of the first episode, Mayoi Hell, the second episode, Hitagi rendezvous, the third episode, Ougi Dark; all thanks to the great production of music and such, that the director and the staffs gave in each episodes. The revelation, or the main plot that builds itself since and of the entire monogatari series, had ended with a very good and meaningful plot twist (a plot twist for you if you're not Gaen Izuko lmao) that left me with a feeling of awe, an elated one. It's very rare for an anime, or even a story, that had solely rely its dialogue, to move the plot forward to be this fun to watch. The simplicity of a fighting show, harem show or any other story hold no chance against this piece of work that we called, the monogatari series. That maybe an exaggeration, but I have yet to see any show that wrapped the entirety of its show as good as this.

The disturbing scenes that encroached the norms of our century, the pedophilia like interactions or thoughts, the incest, the first ever scene of someone getting aroused from having their teeth being brushed by another person, the perversion, all of it are not a complete representation of what the show has to offers. As far as it stands, it don't negates the intellectualism that the dialogues has which includes many of the fundamental core message or purpose of a life lessons, the wisdom, the perspective, idealism or convictions crashing with another person's, and so forth. And ofc, not all dialogue from this show are that serious all the time, most of the time though, they are relevant to honing Araragi's character and of the other ones (like Kaiki for instance).
That being said, this anime is prolly one of the best anime out there yet, and the most unique amongst all, and it's a must watch if you haven't finish watching the show yet.

It's my first 10/10 for the Monogatari series, and I've got to say--this season really deserves it. I'm not sure if it's the fact that everything comes to a head in this season or the fact that everything was so concise and neat, but I loved everything about the second season of Owarimonogatari. The easiest thing to talk about is the balance of this season, which was amazing--the story didn't lean too heavily on the dramatic because of the few episodes that occurred in the middle (no spoilers), and that, I feel, is a big improvement on a few of the earlier installments of the ... Monogatari series. Pacing is super important to me as a viewer, so I was happy to see that everything was balanced nicely this season.

Character development and relationship developments are the two things most people care about when it comes to the Monogatari series, and I also feel like this season improved on previous installments a lot in that regard. That's where the neatness of this season made a difference to me; there isn't a lot of room for inferences anymore--clear statements are being made about Araragi and few others this season that I really enjoyed after having collected little puzzle pieces along the way while watching the Monogatari series. I guess the simplest way to say that is: this season did a very good job of summing up the Monogatari series thus far and bringing it to a close, especially when it came to Araragi who, by and large, hasn't been an obvious focus of this series all that much.

Surprisingly, I thought the story itself--which, for all intents and purposes, always takes a backseat to everything else about Monogatari--was well done, as well. There were a couple points near the end that I felt unnecessarily complicated things, but then again, that's just how Monogatari is. Overall, I'm actually quite impressed with how the second season of Owarimonogatari was able to reel me in this much. Yes, it was because the "true story," if you will, behind all of Araragi's experiences made the series much better, but it's also because this season felt like the payoff for having spent time with these characters until now. This season alone made me extremely glad to have seen the rest of the Monogatari series.

I'm not gonna cover the whole monogatari series or anything here, I just want to complain about how much I didn't like the ending somewhere. And the reasons why I didn't like the ending aren't even limited to owarimonogatari, but even issues throughout the whole show.

Ok so I think a lot of people come to this show for its unique form of direction and storytelling, which I quite enjoy, but holy fuck is it flawed. This show heard the "show don't tell" rule, and tried to ignore it as much as it possibly can. It's SO TIRESOME, even if the content is interesting. I don't ... wanna hear these characters talk about shit, I wanna see them DOING something, which does happen, but not anywhere near as much as it should. Like they'll talk for 2 or more episodes straight and use a fuck ton of words that are long to make themselves sound smarter than they actually are, but it's actually just a bunch of bullshit with SOME relevant stuff in there that loosely relates to the characters. This results in either just confusion, or giving up and not caring, because there is so much useless information it's insane. And even if it's not all useless, it's MULTIPLE straight episodes of pure exposition and explanation. Speaking of distribution of information, this show has an odd amount of characters that know a ridiculous amount of information they have no reason to know, that just so happens to be the perfect far fetched explanation that's constantly required for this show. There is literally a character where her whole existence in the show is just to give the characters the information they need, with all the storytelling shit I hate about the show I listed earlier. And it'll be super private information about a character's life too, that only the character in question should know, but I guess she knows everything so it's excusable. It's fucking terrible. And again, even with all this free information, it still manages to feel really loosely connected. All these problems combined for me in the end to just leave me confused, unsure of what happened, and not wanting to bother at all to figure it out. I understand part of shows like this is figuring it out, I get that. But the show actively discourages it in my opinion with all the problems I listed earlier. It's such a turn off to actually want to look into the show, it sucks. And another thing about the ending, it felt just like the end to any other arc in the show. I know they mentioned something about a reason no more apparitions will come back, but when it's in SEVEN STRAIGHT EPISODES OF DIALOGUE with a LOT of bullshit info and fluff to make them sound smarter, It's just such a waste of my time to go looking for it and I have better shit to do then make up for the shit storytelling with my own efforts. I do wanna clarify there is so much I really like about this show, but that's not why I'm writing this. I do like the show, but the storytelling is absolutely god awful.

(This review has been adapted from my blog/reddit thread. Spoilers ahead!)

I’m not much of a driver myself.

I have a license, and I know how to drive, but I much prefer using my own two legs for some nice exercise or Uber for a new-age taxi. As such, whether my destination is the grocery store or the nearby local mall, a car rarely enters the equation for me.

Sooner or later, self-driving cars will take over the road, and I will not have to even think about driving whatsoever (since the vehicle will do everything anyway). Owarimonogatari 2nd Season also drives itself, too. Neither towards groceries nor ... knickknacks but rather towards storied anime success.

STORY

The first Owarimonogatari season stands as one of the best entries in the entire series, what with its higher emphasis on a spooky new character, its symmetrical leanings, and its strong themes. So, with the sequel now upon the masses, how does the continuation carry the torch?

To get everything aflame, the anime moves forward with its usual approach of distinct arcs within a single run. Three in total create this sprint: Mayoi Hell (two episodes), Hitagi Rendezvous (two episodes), and Ougi Dark (three episodes). Mayoi Hell finds Araragi literally dead and alongside Hachikuji once again. Hitagi Rendezvous is less formal than the wording suggests insofar as Araragi meets up with Senjougahara for a much-needed date. Ougi Dark brings Gaen and the gang together to talk about the mysterious Ougi Oshino herself.

Where the latest-released installment before this one (Koyomimonogatari) took a brief pitstop for an extra dosage of fun, these next few arcs get back on the plot track. Not to say that they ditch the silliness outright, though. For example, Mayoi Hell serves the narrative purpose of stripping Araragi of a key feature of his but also gives the audience one of the best Hachikuji “I fwubbed!” performances ever. Hitagi Rendezvous progresses the relationship between the crab and the pervert one more step while also providing the saucy quips from Senjougahara that have been absent for far too long. And Ougi Dark reveals the actual identity of Ougi and makes Ononoki succumb to the lighthearted-yet-unfortunate end of Tsukihi’s and Shinobu’s handling.

In other words, Owarimonogatari 2nd Season remains just as similar to the rest of its family in its structure and direction. The same applies for its thematic roots, too. This time, the anime discusses what it means to do the right thing versus the right thing.

It pops up in each arc with Araragi in some manner. He helps Hachikuji when he possibly shouldn’t. He competes with Senjougahara in a romantic rivalry. He goes above and beyond for Ougi. Moreover, the show challenges the concept of “right” itself, forcing Araragi to think about this word given who he is, what he is doing, and why he is worrying about it in the first place. While not the most profound setup imaginable, this theme still allows for that thoughtful edge that the series keeps tucked away behind the mystery and the comedy it regularly touts.

Not everything goes right, though. Truth be told, the actual events and plot in general do not have as much weight or as much engagement when compared to the past. A particularly built-up moment involving a certain someone comes to mind when it comes and goes without a whole lot of fanfare befitting the moment.

Nevertheless, Owarimonogatari 2nd Season remains a solid “conclusion” to this series. Witty wordplay, cultural knowledge, cool ideologies, interesting twists. That is to say, it’s tough to hate on such a robust story.

ART & ANIMATION

Not much else can be said about the visuals within Owarimonogatari 2nd Season that hasn’t been said already.

This far into the series, the show has its visual direction and signature flair basically down to a science. Tons of different styles, colors, shapes, perspectives, and cuts. Fun and personality-filled character designs of both an old and new nature. Quick scenes of high-quality animation. Head tilts. It’s all there once again to stare at and appreciate in all its splendor.

Some shout-outs are still in order, though. The callbacks to the “scraggly” style of the opening and ending tracks as Araragi traverses the underworld with Hachikuji were a nice touch.

Plus, the fact that Ougi delivers a bunch of metaphors within Araragi’s dream by using the known constellations as a replacement for the planetarium he and Senjougahara slept through made for a neat moment, too.

And showcasing a game of cricket (with cake and tea time to boot) to keep stimuli high during a long-winded explanation also deserves recognition for, as always, refusing to let the conversations stagnate on a cinematic level.

In short, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

CHARACTERS

This series has almost always been home to a wide range of characters. Some seasons will contain a large handful to choose from, and some seasons will instead keep the focus on just one person in particular. For Owarimonogatari 2nd Season, it goes mostly with the latter, giving nearly all the attention to Araragi.

Not to dismiss them outright, the supporting cast do have their opportunities throughout this specific season, too. Hachikuji earns herself a much more fitting, much more deified position despite her stature and her snail-driven background. Senjougahara gets “put in her place” per se as she learns to lose like a champ. And Ougi becomes humanized after his ending goes down a different route than even he could have predicted (and, in the process, revealing his official gender if the previous pronouns have not done so already).

Yet Owarimonogatari 2nd Season, much like the first season which predates it, puts Araragi in that limelight. For a show which prioritizes (for the most part) everybody else but him, this infrequent look into the main protagonist turns into a special occasion of sorts.

Araragi has pretty much been a man of questionable morals yet an honorable guy who cares deeply for the people close to him. However, he brings up several of the significant events which have affected him over the course of this myriad set of tales, signaling how he understands that this bizarre journey of his has impacted his life in ways unforeseen. The audience thinks about his progress in turn. What has improved for him, how his failures have shaped his course.

He’s clearly been through a lot, and this season adds to this fact. His conversations with Hachikuji have him reflect on the choices he has made up to this point and whether he would perform the same ones again if given the chance. His date with Senjougahara has him growing closer to her with “vows” the two share together. And his final talk with Ougi has him looking inwards at himself about who he really happens to be.

These moments, combined with his imminent graduation from high school into college and therefore pre-adulthood, find Araragi overcoming his adolescence. He had naturally been moving towards maturity as he became studious once again in school and thought about others before himself these past several months. But, here in Owarimonogatari 2nd Season, a last solid push pushes him onto that side with nary a trouble.

This season has also reaffirms an idea arguably much more important and much more intriguing: that not everything about Araragi (or anyone for that matter) must be fixed or changed or redone.

In real life, mundane issues or traumatic happenings can drastically morph people, but this situation is not always the case. Just because someone comes upon a new perspective does not mean that his or her entire personality flips or that he or she undergoes a physical transformation. Often, they remain mostly the same yet gain a newfound idea, outlook, or lesson that will be carried with them indefinitely.

The same applies for characters in anime, and Araragi here in this season of the franchise represents a prime example. His maturity does not equate to him ditching his old self. Rather, he realizes that he can still be who he has always been – a vampire who cannot help but help others – while simultaneously increasing his position in life by absorbing the experiences he faces.

So, yes, Araragi does not “develop” writing-wise to any grand extent. But, because of his dedication to maintain both his past and his future, he finishes up this season as a strong contender for the fact that a character does not need to necessarily change to have a meaningful purpose in the story told.

MUSIC & SOUND

(Note: The second OP for Owarimonogatari 2nd Season, “dreamy date drive”, did not air as part of the televised broadcast. Because this review analyzes that version and not the BD version, said song will not be included in this deliberation. However, personally speaking, I do like the dreamy vibe and the POV visuals of the track. It’s a fitting piece for the romantic bond between Senjougahara and Araragi.)

Much like its artistic brethren, the audio decisions within Owarimonogatari 2nd Season can speak and play for themselves. Impressive voice-acting performances which make the characters feel alive. The same strong, ambient original soundtrack. A multitude of sound-design elements for added flair. What’s tried-and-true remains so in this season without a doubt.

The only major differences are (perhaps obviously) the new opening tracks and the new ending track.

The first OP, titled “terminal terminal”, channels Hachikuji’s cuteness in song form. It blends together many instruments – piano keys, castanets, bells, trumpets, acoustic guitar, chimes – for a happy, fun foundation, and her vocals throughout (especially on the timing of the distinct triplet of notes at certain points) give it the adorable charm which follows the lovable snail around. Its tone somewhat contrasts with the story arc which it precedes, but that provides it even more staying power when watching the show.

The second OP, titled “dark cherry mystery”, combines hip-hop beats and string segments to get at a mellow-yet-charged track to helm the way for the finale of the season. The snapping and clapping in the background give the song a smoother feel, and the perceived repetition in the vocal delivery has a hypnotizing effect to it while listening. Both sides complement the harsher sounds of the record scratching, the drowned-out instruments, and the fluttering sound-effects. It isn’t as nuanced of a song as the other OP, and it isn’t as interesting either, but it still has a nice place within Owarimonogatari 2nd Season.

As for the ED, titled “SHIORI”, its piano melodies, grander sound, and multiple vocalists create an airy, heartfelt closing for this iteration of the anime. It’s a pretty song, so it has a feelgood vibe, but it doesn’t quite leave as much of an impression as its counterparts.

Altogether, this season hardly falters in terms of its audio, and its OP-ED offerings, while not the most memorable, still stand as strong additions to the already huge number of specialized tracks available from this long-standing franchise.

ENJOYMENT

Once again, this project reels me in and has me liking most of what it dishes out.

It was extremely nice to have Senjougahara back into the fold, and so her whole arc ended up being the most fun for me. The teasing. The reactions. The silliness. The kindness. The romance. It was a pure treat to hear her and see her have some deserved focus once again.

Hachikuji, Tsukihi, and Ononoki were hilarious per usual as well, and seeing Shinobu in her adult form made for quite the spectacle. Ougi’s asides kept me captivated, too, which is often the point. And I even appreciated Hanekawa’s small appearance near the last several minutes since she is one of my favorites from the anime overall.

Compared to the first season, key differences stir up my personal attachment. The lack of any new characters was unfortunate, but Ougi finally losing per se provided some satisfying comeuppance. Gaen still gets on my nerves, but she wasn’t as annoying this time around. And each arc did not reach the same level of critical analysis to indulge in, but they came off as consistently entertaining rather than rising and falling throughout. So, like last time, while I cannot say I adore this sequel, it has its merits for sure.

I will have a bone to pick with the series sooner rather than later, should it choose not to conclusively end (after all, this season is translated literally as “End Story”). But that’ll be a discussion for another day. For now, the series stamps in yet another positive experience in its record books.

Owarimonogatari 2nd Season makes for a super-swell follow-up within this famous franchise. The artistry and the music keep the same signature structure (and rightfully so), leading to refined production values. The story content also remains familiar and thematic even if the plot itself is not quite as engaging as usual. And the returned focus on Araragi, with the smattering of supporting cast members here and there, leads to a neat finish for his arc. The total package isn’t the best that the series has to offer, but it certainly drives home the fact that its juggernaut status is just as deserved as always.

SUMMARY

Story: Good, despite the passable narrative moments, themes on doing the right thing take hold as the mystery, the comedy, and the dialogue within each worthwhile arc keep a similar stance as others in the family

Art & Animation: Great, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”

Characters: Good, Araragi demonstrates that a character does not require “development” to be meaningful

Music & Sound: Good, the same impressive audio design is welcomed back, and the new OP-ED offerings, while not too memorable, have their place

Enjoyment: Good, consistently entertaining even if not the most stellar entry in the series

Final Score: 8/10

Amazing.

They did it.

Nisio and Shaft managed to give a proper ending to a series in which one misstep could bring forth its doom.

As I wasn't particularly a fan of Tsuki (in this case, just some aspects of it, as I enjoyed it overall) Koyomi and the first part of Owarimonogatari, I was genuinely mindful that this could end as a screw up, even if I had all my hopes up for it.

The recurring problem with the Monogatari series, in my view, comes precisely from its
strength. The obvious enemy of a good series that focuses on delivering its story by a lot of dialogue ... is the lack of something worthwhile to say. Many times, it relied way too much on repetitive overexpository dialogue of things the viewer had already understood like they were retarded or something, way too much uninteresting idle chatter (this can come off as subjective, but the casual plot unrelated chit chat of the series kinda died for me after Second Season) and, yes, stupid fan service.

I don't think it is the case that Shaft's producers noticed that. Even though it's still a frequent complaint by (western, at least) fans of the series, the general acclaim each new season usually receives implies that they are still doing something right.

However, maybe it's the fact that this season lacked virtually all of the flaws I listed before that made it so special and and ending fitting of the sprawling story of Monogatari, together with the excellent plot.

Instead of spending overtime with meaningless froth and silly fan service, they focused on interesting conversations concerning the story, its character and the development of both, which this series conveyed in a way that, honestly, is only comparable with Season Season, and even then I couldn't say which of them had the most interesting and important character developments of the series. All episodes and all moments were importants before finally leading to the conclusion of the first Monogatari "mega arc" comprising all the tales told until that moment, and how Araragi's future was and would be affected by it.

My inspiration to write this has just extinguished right now, but I am just glad that, in the end, this series didn't disappoint me. It's way to easy to end predictively or coarsely whenever a story sprawls to the point when some of its parts may be better if forsaken from the whole, but at the same time refreshing when a series prove your worries wrong and lets you out of it with a smile on your face.

I could not ask for a better sense of closure.

It was all worth it. Thank you.

It has been 5 years since I watched gigguk's review on bake/nisemonogatari which ultimately got me into the monogatari series. I liked this series a lot when I first watched it as a newcomer to anime. Now, after rewatching the entire series, I have come to love it. These 3 final arcs are truly the end to the end, the "owari" to the "owari" to a beautifully written "monogatari".

I am proud to say that all mysteries are uncovered, no holes are left unfilled and they wrap up the franchise perfectly with a little bow. It gives that uplifting feeling that everything is over, all ... the struggles and conflicts the watcher (myself) faced with Araragi and co in his final year of high school is all over. Yet, I feel like I will miss the feeling, the moments, and memories because not all was bad in Araragi's trek to "ending his adolescence". For example, he met, probably, the BEST HAREM IN ALL OF ANIME, with him sitting on top of the throne. Along with it comes highlights of memes/fanservice that is hilariously entertaining and creates moments that I will forever search back on youtube.

**RAMBLING START**

In the end, from saving other people he has learned to save himself. Araragi (my boy), Oshino Meme (my dude), Hanekawa (i loved how multidimensional her character was [in more ways than one ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)]), Senjougahara (Undisputed best girl), Mayoi (i need this loli in my life), Nadeko (despite the hate, her story was probably the most interesting), Kanbaru (where can i buy a kouhai like her), Karen and tsukihi (i loved every moment they were on screen), Ononoki (yeah peace peace!), Sodachi (I wish you had more screen time), and OF COURSE MY FAVOURITE CHARACTER IN ALL OF MONOGATARI:

SHINOBU OSHINO aka Kiss-shot-acerola-orion-heart-under-blade-chan.
I love you so much, everything you have been through to get to where you are this point, I give the utmost respect you fucking 500 year old loli.

**RAMBLING END**

Thank you so much Monogatari, thank you so much Nisio Isin, thank you so much ANIME.

I may have rambled and stuttered (kamimashita!) but it wasn't on purpose because I'm literally in tears as I see the credits roll down. This was a hell of a ride and I'm truly glad I gave this series a chance!

-------------------- Owarimonogatari Second Season --------------------

Well, it has beeen 2 years since the last monogatari series, and boy! let me tell you that the wait was worth it! absolutely worth it. First I have to say that the Monogatari Series is my favorite anime of all time, and this season proved why.

[ART & ANIMATION]

Shaft did a pretty good job with the art style and animation, it doesnt have a lot of details but it fits great with the anime. It is also consistent with the other series and it has an interesting way of desing, that has been seen since the first season aired. ... The desing of the background that is simple and also using no background characters was a thing I only saw with shaft and their works. Something that I really like is the way that by giving background to the viewer with the cards that appeare now and then in each episode (and the whole series as well). We also get to se the art work of Gekidan INU Curry for a part in Mayoi Hell and the ending as well, which is pretty nice art style and uncommon to see in anime (the other anime that, I know of, of having that art style is madoka with their witches). Personally I prefer the art style of the anime more than the movies. Also the animation is smooth to the eye and isn't that heavy to the eye so is easy to watch. The only thing is that if you want to read the cards, you need to be pretty fast to actually post the video so you can read it. 10/10

[SOUND]

The sound had good quality and I personally enjoy it. I love the music of the openings and ending of the series, sang by the voice actor of Mayoi Hachikuji (Emiri Katou) and Ougi Oshino (Kaori Mizuhashi). The soundtrack its pretty well done and gives the ambient of the story the feeling of being alive. The voice actors did a pretty good job with their characters, they portrayed it well and they are consistent with their works on this series. I enjoy every work of the voice actos and the way they said the lines fit perfect for me with those compared to the book. The diaologue its fast and serious with sometimes hitting the comical absurd. 10/10

[STORY]

I dont want to spoil anyone, so this part is going to be pretty quick. This story takes place after the events that happened in Koyomimonogatari. Its the parts of Mayoi Hell, Hitagi Rendezvous and Ougi Dark. The characters have the same personality and the dialogu exchange is quick and stupidly confussing. They do a lot of word play with the kanji of different things, like the word play with Senjougahara's driving license. It also gives background of the story with the different cards that appeared throught the episodes. The story is pretty good and get your tissues ready, because you are going to need a lot and I dont mean it because of the fan service (honestly now that I think about it, it doesn't have any fan service at all compared to the other seasons). Even though the season was sort of 2 hours long, Shaft did a good job on narriating the parts with great detail on them. The story is pretty easy to understand and to catch all the things from the beggining, that lead to the ending of the story. Story 10/10

[CONCLUSION]

The Owarimonogatari s2 brought to me a lot of nostalgia and feelings, because of a huge fan I am. Honestly, if the world ends tomorrow, I would die happily knowing that I could watch this season. Owarimonogatari s2 was the best part of monogatari so far, and I highly recommend to watch it (only if you have seen the other series). If you love monogatari as same as me, then I will assure you thhat you are going to like this one as well. My Overall rating 10/10

Owarimonogatari 2nd Season was perfectly created, I hardly can point out problems with this season and adaption. Nearly every scenes creates a tense atmosphere making the viewers iterate their thoughts what will the characters do, what Araragi will do. Apart from assaulting Hachijuki.

Story:
I personally thought the story was well made, it has mix of emotions teach parts of the story which constantly manages to keep the viewers interested. The further you go through the episodes, more the excitement grows. We all want to know who Ougi is, we all want to see what Araragi wants or does. That's why the story is perfection.

Art:
I can't ... really say much about the art, through out the Monogatari Series all the arts and designs are interesting and well created. The scenes are hilarious and made well creating plenty of humour and awe for the viewers.

Sound:
One of the best thing Monogatari Series can have pride on is their soundtracks and OST. How they blend with the story perfectly. The OST is placed perfectly without interfering the story rather enhancing it instead. You can never get enough of Mayoi's stutters. The OP created were amazing as usual as well as the ENDING by ClariS; the versatile duo. Shiroi (Ending) was a suitable choice as it's really beautiful to hear.

Character:
I kinda do miss Ononoki's old phrases, she's funny as usual alongside Mayoi. They really were hilarious during the serious talks, but that's what makes the series interesting, where the characters do something humorous. Furthermore, we got saw different emotions especially how Ougi feels about the situation and Araragi's thought thoughts through out the show, his characteristics in important scenes really shows he is one of the best characters in the anime history. But what really made me full of joy was seeing old characters return throughout the story including mentions and arrivals.

Enjoyment:
There was plenty of enjoyment seeing old characters, hilarious sub scenes and plenty of emotional scenes. I wouldn't really call it a rollercoaster of emotions but it has the usual Monogatari Series enjoyment but the finisher to this adaption was perfect.

Overall, I would recommend people to start watching already since this special is well developed. I am sure Arararagi-kun will be proud of you. I meant Bararagi-kun. Sorry I stuttered.

Look, if youv'e gotten this far in the series, you're not gonna be reading reviews to check if you should finish. This review is for people who are wondering if this is a series that will be worth investing in, or for those who just finished the first one or two series and are thinking "...is this worth it?"

This is a review of Monogatari. The great, sleazy, sprawling empire of Monogatari. With much love and in keeping with the style of the show itself, I'll make sure it's a disorganized disaster area.

It's been a while since I wrote a review, but MONOGATARI IS OVER and ... the sentimental poeticism of that fact spurred me to fill out these heinous numerical scores once more. Of course, Monogatari isn't really over. We'll no doubt soon be facing down Owariszokumudamonogatari or whatever 354,653th side story/spinoff pops up to fill the void left in many a loyal fan's heart. However, the main story is done, there's no doubting that, and that's good enough for me. I'm out. I can't take any more. I managed to make it to the end of this season pretty much just by riding the rocketship of nostalgia. Good god, how many sloppy cgi slideshows must we endure? For this loyal fan, the magic is over.

Which, I suppose, means the series worked.

I mean seriously, when I first started watching this behemoth epic many moons ago I was just a dumb college freshman (or something close) and I fell in, hook line and sinker. The convoluted problems of Araragi and his friends ranged from life-changing to so cryptic that I was forced to fall back on that most shameful of actions, looking up essays written by other more experienced critics in order to understand what the f**k I had just watched. I was mesmerized by Hitagi (heh) and her callous glamor, Hanekawa and her poisonous external perfectionism, Nadeko and her disturbing emptiness, and of course Araragi and his flaky, self-deprecating, morally-questionable, creepy, dense thought process. The show was magic. Broken, messy, and inexplicably relatable, Monogatari was an emotionally-poignant series of truths I wouldv'e had trouble coming to alone. It felt like a respite from a mad world of superficiality, a beacon of integrity that actually tried to be real. Sure, it was often gross and off-topic, but that only served to make it feel more legitimate. I remember my youthful head-over-heels fanboy self writing that "Monogatari, unlike any other work of fiction, understands the tumultuous chaos of daily living. This show's true apparition is life itself."

Look, I know half of you hate this franchise. I've heard it been denounced as pandering bilge, try-hard philosophy for middle-schoolers, cash-grab pornography, and self-indulgent holier-than-though psychology more dated than Freud. And I'm not really gonna defend it: it's got all of those elements in it. The Monogatari Franchise is one massive experiment in everything, and as is charachteristic of experiments, things often go horribly awry. But, somehow, after wading through all of the literal human feces (*cough*cough* Tsukimonogatari) we've reached the conclusion to that experiment, and have found ourselves with a truly excessive coming-of-age story or something. And, it turns out, what made the franchise work or not wasn't any of its own merits: it was what the viewer brought to the table. "I am imperfect" is a fact I acknowledge readily. "I want to do better" is another. "I can recognize some of my most detrimental flaws, but even then I have difficulty figuring out how to address them, and these are such difficult and personal concerns that I don't really know how to foist them onto someone else" is one as well. When I started this series, I was looking for answers. Answers about my own habits and traits, answers about how other people's minds might work, answers regarding that slow-burning yet indestructible anxiety that perpetually lives in the back of my mind. Monogatari was willing to listen, to offer advice, to never try to hand anything ut on a platter: its coded images and style and writing made me work to figure out what it was trying to tell me, and through that allowed me to figure out for myself the thoughts I was missing. And that was magical.

And now we've reached the end.

Now it's just a story. It's not the embodiment of life or a tried-and-true philosophical 5-course meal. It's an often-frustrating story about a bunch of great characters with sometimes-brilliant, sometimes-infuriating presentation. That was was struck me most watching this final season: everything I fell in love with was still there, but I had grown past it. That doesn't mean it wasn't satisfying as all hell to watch all these long-struggling plot threads reach something resembling a resolutions, or that I wasn't secretly praying that they'd play the world-renowned masterpiece Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari just ONE MORE TIME (even though the whole point is that we've grown way past that song's message). By all metrics (asides from, perhaps, visual creativity) this season was just as good as any of the previous ones and more. It's just... well... Monogatari finally caught up to itself.

It doesn't feel confusing or convoluted anymore.

I no longer begrudge its antagonists or condemn its flawed characters.

I no longer feel as though its winding labyrinth is something I can get lost in.

So I guess...

SHOULD YOU WATCH THIS BIG, HORRIBLE THING KNOWN AS MONOGATARI?

Here I sit, many years after beginning the epic franchise, and I am aware, even now, that though I may not often reminisce upon the passion this winding saga once drew from me, that is merely because I have channeled that passion into other places. But, more importantly, the reason I have become the person I am today (aka a functioning, employed, yet dreaming and ambitious member of society) is in part thanks to this series. Is that enough for you? It depends on who you are, and who you want to be.

Are you imperfect?

Do you want to better?

Are you humble enough to put a little bit of faith into one of those trashy anime things?

Monogatari is a mess, but it also genuinely cares about you. If you want to condemn it, it's easy. It's got a bunch of issues. That's why I'm not even discussing all that animation/plot/sound nonsense. We're past that. As sappy as it sounds, if you open your heart to it it will open its heart to you. It will challenge you and laugh with you and care with you. It will pull out your passion and give it to you to hold. "Do with this what you wish" it will say, expecting no loyalty in return. And, as its final gift, it will bring you to the finale with a knowing smile on your face, knowing that you care about all these lovable idiot characters, but most of all that you care about yourself.

Or maybe it wont. Maybe you'll just think it's dumb.

Only one way to find out.

Owarimonogatari (End Story) Season 2 is an anime adaptation based on the novel based on the light novel "Owarimonogatari Volume 3" and I just have to say finally! We have finally have made it to the conclusion of the Monogatari Series (unless Zokuowarimonogatari is going to be adapted) and this conclusion is the most satisfying and deserves to be one of the best Monogatari Series arc I have ever watched.

Story: 9

The Monogatari stories are pretty much one of the best out there in the light novel area, and the story gets even better.
The story consists of three arcs in each of the three episodes. Episode ... one covers up the "Mayoi Hell" arc, the Second episode covers "Hitagi Rendezvous", and the third/final episode covers the "Ougi Dark"arc.
For "Mayoi Hell" this arc has memorable nostalgia. Other than nostalgia, it gives the main character questions what if he didn't do all of these things and just focus on himself or what the main character actions are doing good.
For "Hitagi Rendezvous" we get an in-close relationship arc of both Senjougahara and the Main character Araragi. The date is not like in your average anime. Nothing crazy at all. We get to see two of our characters experiencing heartwarming and developing relationships and see what it leads to.
For "Ougi Dark" we reached to the climax where we see characters expressing their thoughts on what they are going to do in the future and the climatic showdown between Araragi and the antagonist.

These 3 arcs also answers most of our questions were answered from Koyomimonogatari. Thank god the director decided to not leave important details out. The pacing is pretty good too.
Overall the story got me emotional, thinking, laughing, happy, and I praise Nisio Isin for his great writing. Also, keep in mind with the life lessons, too.


Art: 10

Shaft really knows what to do when animating this light novel. They have been doing this for the past 10 adaptations in three seasons and they still got it.
-Polished visuals and colors
-Good Lighting
-Colors and artstyle in backgrounds, animation, and character fits specific scenes.
Lets not forget about the filming technique that they used which is the "French New Wave" and it works perfectly in the Monogatari Series especially in this adaptation


Sound: 9

Like the animation, the sound can adapt to the setting and the tone. Each arc gets a different soundtrack and its very good if I must say. Of course many people would forget about the music being played in the Monogatari Series, but I suggest don't. When its a happy scene, there's happy music, when there are funny scenes: there are pleasant and relaxing music, when the scene gets serious: there are eerie and mid silent music, and when its sad: there's emotional music. The composer deserves praise for this.


Character: 8
For those who are Monogatari fans (including me), we can admit that we wanted these characters to come back. Boy, we missed these characters. Of course, a character is developed through conversations, some which leads to life lessons and morals. Also, characters, that I thought were going to be average harem troops, instead that their own complexity and uniqueness and that still remains in Owarimonogatari 2nd Season. Araragi also receives some good character development. But I do want to point out Teori who I think the character is boring and not as interesting, but his back story raised my interest a little bit. Therefore, it deserves an 8.


Enjoyment: 9
Its been 8 years since Bakemonogatari first aired, and then 8 years later we would finally reach towards the conclusion to this fantastically written stories of aberrations and Asian folktale which good character development and personality, and depth of story. Of course, I watched the whole series on repeat from first to third/final and I can do the same to Owarimonogatari 2nd Season watching from first to thrid/final.

Owarimonogatari’s Second Season is essentially the climax of the series, or at least one of them. We finally get to see others take care of Araragi in the same manner he takes care of others. Owarimonogatari II features and resolves Araragi’s Ghost Stories in a similar fashion it has featured and resolved every other character’s.

Having said that, from a purely execution perspective, it is about as average as it gets. It looks, feels, sounds, and is, essentially, simply another arc. It does not try to do or be more than Araragi’s resolution. From a plot perspective, it ties everything together so elegantly it’ll leave ... you thunderstruck. Owarimonogatari II brings just about everything that’s ever happened in all of Monogatari together with unwavering purpose. It is simultaneously shocking and wholesome how related things are in the series that seemed completely unrelated. Owarimonogatari II is a storytelling spectacle.

Owarimonogatari II is so good it almost warrants a rewatch of the entire series solely to pick up on more of the nuances that it strives on. I only half remembered some things referenced in Owarimonogatari II. I had many, “oh, that’s why that happened” moments.

One last thing I’d like to point out about the plot is that even though there are technically three different arcs in Owarimonogatari II, it certainly feels like just one. To me, it’s a stretch to say that there is a snail arc, a crab arc, and a darkness arc in Owarimonogatari II. I would call it borderline ludicrous to say there’s a snail arc. We learn absolutely nothing new about Hachikuji, she serves solely as a plot device in Owarimonogatari II. To me, all of Owarimonogatari II is a vampire arc.

Owarimonogatari II is probably what most people watch the Monogatari series for. Owarimonogatari II is the amalgamation of themes and storylines in the Monogatari series, it is the end goal. Having said that, I still don’t think it’s in the top 3 arcs of the series. I’d probably put it somewhere between 4 and not the worst. Don’t get me wrong, Owarimonogatari II is good, but it’s no Kizumonogatari II, Nekomonogatari: Shiro, or Sodachi Arc. Again, I’d put it somewhere below those but not last.

Owarimonogatari II is THE must-watch arc of all Monogatari; however, you do need to watch everything before this to fully enjoy it. And I mean everything, Kizumonogatari, Koyomimonogatari, Nisemonogatari and all. Leave no stone left unturned if you’re planning on watching Owarimonogatari II.

(Note: This is more for the series as a whole than solely Owari season 2, but I do touch on some points)

I've been making my way through the Monogatari series for a couple of months now and I've finally reached the end. At least, the end until Zoku Owarimonogatari comes out. When Bakemonogatari unexpectedly blew me away, I strapped myself in and prepared for the wild ride that I felt I was fully prepared for. There were moments that tested my faith, like both Nekomonogataris and Tsubasa Tiger, but I held strong and kept on watching. With each moment that tested my resolve in the ... series, there were so many others that blew me away, like the Kizumonogatari movies, the rest of Monogatari SS, and Ougi Oshino and her story. Maybe Monogatari won't leave me as my #1 anime of all time, but it definitely ranks in the top 3, if not concluding as my favorite series of all time.

Owarimonogatari S2, however, contains the brilliant conclusion to a fascinating series and set of characters. In a sort of irony that only Monogatari could pull off, the series comes full circle to conclude. It's impossible to describe how perfectly the ending was pulled off without spoilers, but suffice it to say that the story of Koyomi Araragi ends, as it began, with him going above and beyond for someone incredibly dear for him, a situation that he found himself in time and time again throughout the series. It's hard to say that Owarimonogatari S2 is something of an adrenaline pumping experience but that, I think, is what makes this series so special. It shrugs off adrenaline pumping action and achieves it instead with words and interactions. Sure, it may drag at times, but usually you find yourself having an epiphany over that seemingly irrelevant conversation, gaining insight into who Koyomi Araragi, or the latest girl he's helping out, is on the inside. It's incredible how deep and developed every single character is by the end of the series, despite many of the 'side characters' not having exuberant amounts of screen time. The dialogue simply builds their personalities so well that more episodes with them aren't necessary, no matter how much we wish there was more Kanbaru.

I would recommend the Monogatari series to anyone, but especially anyone with an interest in character-driven stories and interaction-driven exposition. It is a unique anime experience to be sure. I had no idea how much I would come to enjoy the series, but I sure am glad that I started. In fact, I'm already planning to re-watch it in the future, with a different order. So what are you waiting for? It's time to watch Bakemonogatari already!

#3. Review for Owarimonogatari Second Season. It will contain spoilers which will be noted beforehand.
Episodes Seen: 7/7

Owarimonogatari S2 is the pure definition of what a masterpiece should have to give us the perfect conclusion to a perfect series.

Owarimonogatari S2, or by its translated name: “End Story”; is the ending of the Final Season of the Monogatari series, an adaptation of the third volume of the Owarimonogatari novel that finishes the main storyline, placed chronologically after the events of Koyomimonogatari.

If you are here, that means that you have already seen the whole series starting from Bakemonogatari, otherwise this review may ruin the experience as it ... will contain (for obvious reasons) a lot of spoilers.

Remember, Owarimonogatari Second Season is placed after Kizumonogatari and before Zoku Owarimonogatari when it comes to the aired watching order.

Story: 10/10

(HUGE SPOILERS HERE)

If you have watched any Monogatari anime, you should know that they’re mainly divided by short arcs presenting most of the times stories that aren’t placed chronologically or simply sometimes there’s no direct correlation to the arcs within the same anime adaptation.

Owarimonogatari S2 follows the story of our good guy Araragi Koyomi, who, after his death on the events of Koyomimonogatari wakes up in a strange but lovely place: hell. Here we see our lovely and cute Hachikuji Mayoi, who disappeared (or died) a long time ago, saving our main and giving him the right steps to get away from hell.

(END OF SPOILERS HERE)

I’m not going to get deep into the other arcs and the meaning behind and explanation and stuff due to many reviews here already said that and you should go check some of them and check the synopsis as well. What you should know about this anime’s story is that is perfectly well-written and Ougi Dark, the last arc of this season is a completely beasty-masterpiece in all ways you want to see it, and I didn’t really find a better way to finish an amazing series rather than this.

Art: 10/10

Well, SHAFT is particularly known for its surreal and kind of strange animation and art style, then, Owarimonogatari S2 doesn’t really provides us with anything new we haven’t already seen on the previous series (except for Kizumonogatari of course), the animation, art style and character’s design is awesome and perfectly executed as always has been. The best I can tell you here is to pay close attention to the art on Hitagi Rendezvous planetarium scene and Ougi Dark’s conclusion.

Sound: 9/10

Same stuff as the art, it keeps being awesome and beautiful, the openings and the ending keep being catchy and wonderful. Soundtrack is damn well-made (keep track of the Hitagi Rendezvous arc’s music) and it feels like SHAFT is always improving with each year they make a new Monogatari adaptation. Thumbs up in here.

Character: 10/10

(SPOILERS HERE)
It is really delightful how the Monogatari series makes a perfect character development through each single arc of every single anime. This is time for our loved Senjougahara Hitagi to show us how extremely cute she can be and how much she is into loving Araragi, and how she manages to gives us the most heartwarming scenes in the whole series. Then we also got Koyomi’s time to shine in what regards to character development together with Oshino Ougi in the final arc, as said before, I won’t be getting specific with every arc but it is really hard not to talk about one of the best episodes I’ve ever watched on an anime and that’s Ougi Dark arc.

Also we are presented with Ougi’s real being, and why she appears to be so strange and complex throughout the series, many questions answered in time and surely it won’t leave you indifferent.

(SPOILERS END HERE)

Enjoyment: 10/10

I’m going to give it a ten because there’s no greater rating to give, enjoyment might be sometimes subjective, and as a huge fan of the Monogatari series is hard to say this is not enjoyable, it will be as simple as giving a huge lie.

It is also great to see how an “extensive anime” (of about a hundred episodes or so) never get to bore us. What I’d expect since I was watching Hanamonogatari was “hey, this series is great, but surely in further adaptations it’ll be consumed by some gross fan service or rushed ideas to keep the anime alive”, thanks god I was wrong.

Overall: 10/10

An overall 10/10 for one of the best animes you can watch out there and one my personal favorites.

It has such an amazing way to tell, develop and finish an awesome story; perfect animation and background art combined with a subtle yet wonderful soundtrack; three main arcs that are really impressive and perfectly executed, with a huge and carefully written character development.
Owarimonogatari for me set a before and after in regards of enjoying anime.

My words may or may not go through you, but after watching this one, you surely won’t have any words to say about such an amazing masterpiece.

Have it ever happened to you that everyone seems to like, I don't know, something to eat, and then you try it but it tastes horrible but you kept wondering "why does people like it?", and then you try it again in a different moment and context and suddenly it is exquisite? Well, this pretty much happened to my with the Monogatari series. Yes, I am going to write here more about the franchise that about this particular season.

I am not going to talk about many of the virtues and the flaws that have been stated in the apparently irreconcilable fight between those that ... love this anime and those that hate it. I just wanna say, to those that want to enjoy a show and understand it's relevance in the anime community but seem kinda lost in the debate between fanboys and haters, that this show is practically for everyone but not for every moment or context. And it is an advice that can apply to any serie actually. I don't know what weird subconscious cognitive stuff is behind it, but if you watch the show (hopefully in the broadcasting order -starting with Bakemonogatari-) and don't like it at first, please don't force yourself! If you do you will end up hating it and complaining about the "weird fan service", the "cheap animation" or the "word porn" (to use some misleading terms I have read in many negative reviews). I mean, It may be cool to say "this is crap", and accuse anyone that likes te show to be a weirdo, but come on! I personally want to experience the same emotion and enjoyment that others seem to live. It's true, sometimes it is not possible because the anime is just bad (like who knows, Mars of Destruction), but this is not the case with many animes and it is definitely not the case with the Monogatari series.

So, if you want to enjoy this franchise, just prepare yourself for something different! I can promise you that if you approach this anime when you fill like it and being opened minded, you will discover a very interesting and intriguing story, a lot of characters with great developments and excellent interactions and in my opinion a masterpiece concerning art and music. In the end, a truly enjoyable experience...

Objectively, I would give to Owarimonogatari a 9... but because it represents the series that made me realize that my subconscious and other things may trick me sometimes and stop me from enjoying a truly wonderful show, well, here is the 10!

Hope this was useful!