Kizumonogatari - Part 2: Hot Blood (2016)

[傷物語〈II 熱血篇〉]

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

Synopsis:
As part of his deal with Kiss-shot to restore his humanity, Araragi must defeat the three vampire hunters pursuing her and recover her stolen limbs.

Impressions:
One of the main themes in this entry is Araragi becoming more accustomed to his new vampiric abilities with each duel with the vampire hunters. It's like night and day between the first fight with Dramaturgy and the final bout with Guillotine-Cutter. Shaft and its partner studios really show off their budget for this one. Also, I found myself noticing the soundtrack more here than in Tekketsu-hen, so that's something. On the character side, there's plenty of buildup for Araragi and Hanekawa's relationship, to the point that I couldn't imagine what it'd be like watching these movies first and then starting in on Bakemonogatari. Anyway, this one is a worthy continuation of the story and something you'll want to see.

Rating:
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