Kizumonogatari - Part 1: Iron Blood (2016)

[傷物語〈I 鉄血篇〉]

Director: Akiyuki Shinbo, Tastuya Oishi
Starring: Hiroshi Kamiya, Maaya Sakamoto, Yui Horie

Synopsis:
A high school student is turned into a vampire and must face three vampire hunters in a bid to restore his humanity.

Impressions:
At about an hour in length, this is a little on the short side for a feature-length film, but I suppose it's not so uncommon for theatrical anime. Length aside, this is the first entry in a trilogy recounting the events of the fateful spring break prior to the events of Bakemonogatari. There's definitely an animation bump compared to the TV series and some striking visuals. We still have familiar hallmarks of the series such as the art shifts and cuts to cards of text. While the TV series never shied away from blood, the violence, blood and gore are more extreme here, so be prepared for that. Also, there's a lot of disturbing sights and sounds that will stick with you, like the first time Araragi encounters Kiss-shot. Character designs are a little different as well, which may or may not appeal to you. In isolation, I don't know how this film can be taken, but as part of the larger whole of the Monogatari Series, it's definitely worth watching.

Rating:
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