Monster

Monster is an anime that is widely regarded as one of the greatest psychological thrillers of all time. Based on the manga of the same name by Naoki Urasawa, Monster follows the story of Dr. Kenzō Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon who saves the life of a young boy named Johan Liebert, only to discover that Johan is a serial killer. The anime was produced by Madhouse Studios and aired from 2004 to 2005. In this review, I will discuss the pros and cons of the anime.

Pros:

1. Compelling Storyline: The storyline of Monster is incredibly engaging and keeps the viewers hooked from the very first episode. It explores complex themes such as morality, justice, and the human psyche. The plot is intricate and well-written, with several twists and turns that keep the viewers guessing.

2. Character Development: The character development in Monster is one of its greatest strengths. The anime does an excellent job of portraying the inner struggles and motivations of the characters, especially the protagonist, Dr. Tenma. The viewers get to see Dr. Tenma evolve from a naive and idealistic doctor to a tormented and conflicted individual who is forced to question his own values and morals.

3. Soundtrack: The soundtrack of Monster is haunting and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the mood and tone of the anime. The opening theme, "Grain" by Kuniaki Haishima, sets the tone for the entire series and is one of the most iconic anime openings of all time.

4. Animation: The animation in Monster is top-notch and is a testament to the quality of Madhouse Studios. The backgrounds and settings are detailed and realistic, and the character designs are unique and memorable.

Cons:

1. Slow Pace: The pacing of Monster can be quite slow at times, with some episodes feeling like they drag on for too long. This can be frustrating for viewers who are looking for a fast-paced and action-packed anime.

2. Lack of Action: Monster is not an anime that focuses on action or fight scenes. While this is not necessarily a negative point, some viewers may find it boring or uninteresting.

3. Heavy Themes: The anime explores some heavy and mature themes, such as murder, abuse, and mental illness. While this is one of the strengths of the anime, it may not be suitable for all viewers, especially younger audiences.

4. Limited Female Representation: The anime has a limited number of female characters, and most of them are not given much screen time or character development. This may be disappointing for viewers who are looking for strong female characters.

Conclusion:

Overall, Monster is an outstanding anime that is well worth watching. Its compelling storyline, character development, soundtrack, and animation make it a must-watch for fans of the psychological thriller genre. However, its slow pace, lack of action, heavy themes, and limited female representation may not be suitable for all viewers. Nonetheless, Monster is a classic anime that has stood the test of time and is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller.