No longer truly human, Koyomi Araragi decides to retrieve Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade's severed body parts that were stolen by three powerful vampire hunters. Awaiting him are Dramaturgie, a vampire hunter who is a vampire himself; Episode, a half-vampire with the ability to transform into mist; and Guillotinecutter, a human priest who is the most dangerous of them all.
Unbeknownst to Araragi, each minute he spends trying to retrieve Kiss-shot's limbs makes him less of a human and more of a vampire. Will he be able to keep his wish of becoming human once again by the end of his battles?
Anime Review: Kizumonogatari II: Nekketsu-hen
The Story
Kizumonogatari II: Nekketsu-hen is the thrilling and beautifully orchestrated second act in the three-part Kizumonogatari film series. The title translates to ‘Wound Tale: Passionate Blood’, an aptly suggestive indicator of the intense roller-coaster ride our protagonist, Koyomi Araragi, finds himself in. The anime is based on the third light novel in the Monogatari series by Nisio Isin, and takes a darker, more evocative path as it delves deeper into the tale of fear, courage, friendship, and self-discovery.
When we last left Koyomi in Tekketsu-hen, he had just been transformed into a vampire by the exceptionally glamorous Heart-Under-Blade. In Nekketsu-hen, Koyomi, with the guidance of the mysterious ‘expert of the aberrations’ Meme Oshino, is tasked with retrieving the limbs of the mutilated vampire that had once belonged to Heart-Under-Blade, but are now in the possession of three powerful vampire hunters. His success means his survival and possible return to human form.
Review
Oh, boy! Where do I even start with this piece of art? Kizumonogatari II: Nekketsu-hen is an anime film that leaves you sitting at the edge of your seat, mouth open in awe at the spectacular blend of breathtaking animation, power-packed story, and skillful direction.
Firstly, let’s talk about the animation. Like a prodigiously gifted maestro, SHAFT, once again, weaves magic with its unique brand of visual storytelling. It’s avant-garde and spellbinding, tastefully melding the macabre reality of Koyomi’s predicament with an atmospheric dreamscape that’s as mystifying as it is stunning. And the action scenes? They’re a fiery fusion of fluid movements and visceral intensity that make you feel as if you’re right in the thick of the battle.
Where Nekketsu-hen truly soars though, is its narrative. This film sees Koyomi battling not just the avaricious vampire hunters, but also his own internal demons as he grapples with the enormity of his transformation. It raises thought-provoking questions about humanity, morality, and identity, wrapping them up in a package of dark, eerie fantasy that hits just the right chord. And let’s not forget the dialogues – razor-sharp and seeped with wit, they’re a treat to the ears.
One can’t discuss Nekketsu-hen without giving a hat-tip to the captivating soundtrack. It sways between haunting and adrenaline-pumping, acting as the perfect backdrop for Koyomi’s haunted world. Combined with the voice-acting ensemble’s stellar performances, this anime does a commendable job of creating a gripping cinematic experience.
The Verdict
In conclusion, Kizumonogatari II: Nekketsu-hen is more than just an anime, it’s a full-blown sensory saga. It’s like a hauntingly beautiful painting that unfolds frame by frame, demanding your attention, provoking thoughts and emotions, leaving you begging for more. So should you stream, rent, or buy? The Anime Critic says: Do all three. Because this is much more than a one-time-watch anime. This is an experience you want to immerse yourself in again, and explore its layers of depth each time.
A must-watch for any anime lover, Kizumonogatari II: Nekketsu-hen transcends the conventional bounds of its genre and skyrockets into the realm of extraordinary. So buckle up, my dear otakus, because this is a ride worth taking!
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
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