During Koyomi Araragi's second year at Naoetsu Private High School, he has a chance encounter with Tsubasa Hanekawa, the top honor student in his class. When they strike up a conversation, Hanekawa mentions a shocking rumor: a vampire with beautiful blonde hair and freezing cold eyes has been seen lurking around town.
Happy to have made a new friend, Araragi writes off the rumor and goes about the rest of his evening in a carefree manner. However, on his way home, he stumbles across splatters of blood leading down the stairs to the subway. His curiosity pushes him to investigate further, so he follows the gruesome pools into the depths of the station.
When he arrives at the source of the blood, he is terrified by what he sees—the rumored blonde vampire herself, completely dismembered. After she calls for his help, Araragi must make a decision, one which carries the potential to change his life forever.
Synopsis
‘Kizumonogatari I: Tekketsu-hen’, part one of a three-part movie series, is a journey back to the genesis of the Monogatari franchise’s oddly spellbinding world. For those uninitiated, this movie encapsulates the infamous Spring Break in the life of Koyomi Araragi, a second-year high school student still coming to terms with his human nature.
The tale commences when Araragi, who witnessed a vampire on spring break, gets tangled in her circumstances and ends up sharing her vampire traits. His life spirals outwards from normalcy into a realm where apparitions and reality overlap. Interacting with the eccentric cast of characters and dealing with his personal dilemmas forms the crux of the narrative.
Art and Animation
To say that the animation in ‘Tekketsu-hen’ is stunning would be an understatement. The animation, reflecting Studio SHAFT’s manifestation, is a spectacle in its own right. Character models are razor-sharp, color palettes are astoundingly vibrant and the overall aesthetic is a visual feast for any anime aficionado.
Sound and Music
The stunning sound effects in ‘Tekketsu-hen’ are noteworthy, adding a palpable layer to the scene’s atmosphere. Each audible detail, from the echoing footsteps to the unnerving silences, renders an immersive audible experience. The music score, conducted by Satoru Kousaki, is an auditory masterpiece that resonates perfectly with the narrative’s eclectic charm.
Story and Characters
‘Tekketsu-hen’ delicately crafts its unique narrative, combining typical elements like humor, philosophy, and horror but with such masterful control that it feels fresh and invigorating. Characters are meticulously created, each one distinctive, evolving steadily throughout the narrative, unraveling layers that make them feel alive.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Kizumonogatari I: Tekketsu-hen is a part of a larger narrative, which should ideally be viewed in tandem with its succeeding parts. However, as a standalone movie, it packs enough punch in terms of humor, action, and mystery to keep the viewer engaged.
For hardcore Monogatari series fans, this movie is an indispensable part of their fandom, while newcomers might find it a tad confusing as it throws you straight into the middle of the action. Still, with its high-action pace, visually appealing animation, and a fantastic sound score, it’s a spectacle not to be missed!
Regardless of whether you’re streaming, buying, or renting, ‘Kizumonogatari I: Tekketsu-hen’ promises to deliver an anime experience worth your time and money.
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