Theres some debate about whether or not Bakemonogatari pr. bahkehmohnogahtahre is an ecchiharem. A mere six seconds into the first episode one of the female leads is introduced with a panty shot and several shots of panties boobs and butts are dispersed throughout the series. Aside from two other characters that appear in a few episodes the main character Araragi is the only male and hes usually surrounded by females whove developed a fondness for him after he helped them in some way. Is it an ecchi? Most likely. Is it a harem? Probably. Regardless what distinguishes this series from other ecchi and harem anime is that this one could still be entertaining without the ecchi and harem elements. Its not an ecchi with some story but a story with some ecchi. 800https://i.ur.com/xFpxkhE.png Bakemonogatari the first adaptation of Isin Nisios Monogatari novel series can be summed up as an allegory of how problems grow beyond our control when we dont tend to them. In this story unsolved problems transform into apparitions that can handicap possess and even attack people. This premise was likely inspired by the Buddhist sav concept which is defined as an influence or mental bias that binds people to their desires and attachments. In this story various types of mental biases are illustrated through the lives and interactions of the characters. This series was headed by veteran director and animator Akiyuki Shinbou whose style has become synonymous with the Shaft animation studio. His distinctive use of lines shadows and offcentered shot compositions are in full effect here. There are some scenes that are likely just meant to look cool but generally the visuals have purpose and avoid garishness. The visuals are specific and help to establish tension isolation and other tones. 800https://i.ur.com/BZStlek.png The true highlight of Bakemonogatari is the Tarantinoesque dialog written by Isin Nisio. When the characters converse theyre not simply saying things thatll move the plot forward. Theyre having indepth conversations free of restraints that seamlessly transition between topics as conversations do in real life. However thats not to imply that the characters take themselves seriously. Its quite the contrary. The characters often tease and challenge each other and sometimes break through the fourth wall to make the viewer a part of an exchange. The Monogatari Series would be appreciated by most anime fans who enjoy sleek art witty dialog the supernatural and dont mind some fanservice. If you decide to pick it up I suggest watching it in the order that it was adapted: Bakemonogatari Nisemonogatari Nekomonogatari: Kuro Monogatari Series: Second Season Hanamonogatari Tsukimonogatari Owarimonogatari Kizumonogatari Zoku Owarimonogatari. 800https://i.ur.com/xJR55Zs.png