For the longest time I thought I had this posted already.
Abstract Art or The Eyes of a Critique?
Alright so you may be thinking "And exactly what are those sad lines and curves?" They are actually a fun thing called plot development visualized (not sure if that word exists, if not, I patent it)! And now you might be thinking "Chandler... you... you are... a really bad artist." Thanks guys, your moral support is great. Looking past the lousy pictures we can see four basic types of plot development! Yay!... Ok I'll stop. Note: The size difference is just a fail by me, what's important is the proportions of the sketches.
Plot development is comparable to a roller coaster - as in it has a rise and fall; The climax cannot be abrupt or it will feel too sudden (category 2 plot) and seem as though the resolution wasn't well thought out - more of a quick fix type deal. Usually you'll see this in a movie/show meant for younger kids, because they aren't able to fully appreciate well thought out development and it's easy to make this type. The main character(s) in a predicament towards the end of the movie, and he/she/they are saved at the last minute by some unexplained/unrelated happenstance which had no roots earlier in the movie.
Examples of second category
About to be eaten by a shark, then aliens rescue you.
You're about to fall to your death, then you grow wings and fly away.
The family is about to go bankrupt, then suddenly they win a lottery they never participated in.
Da fuq?...
Of course it can make slightly more sense
It's a fantasy, and you're about to be eaten by a shark, but then you level up (which has never happened before) and you beat the hell out of the shark.
Say it's sci fi and you'll falling to your death, but you just remembered that you had some type of warp device prepared for this very event!
The writers become lazy and switch scenes before the outcome of an event so that they do not have to be creative and it depends on your imagination to say how the hero(es) escaped.
It's pretty frustrating. Many times we will encounter a story that falls into the 2nd or 3rd category: It magically or unrealistically resolves the issue; or the major issue is resolved without explaining much of what happens after/resolving minor issues. Examples of 3rd category
Horse rider trains whole movie to win a race for some reason. Wins at the end, goes to credits immediately.
Person with long history gets separated from spouse. Spouse returns to the doorstep at the end of the film, goes to credits immediately.
Character was introduced in the movie and was counting on the main character to accomplish something. After main character accomplishes whatever, the fate of the minor character is never mentioned.
The 4th category can be a bit ridiculous. After the story is completely resolved, it continues to address events after, and the atmosphere of 'perfect ending' (not too short/vague, not too long/superfluous) is lost. It continues to go on, almost to the point where it could break that end part off and make an OVA Slice of Life with it.
Story of a soldier in a war and the war finally ends in victory (cause why not) and the soldier goes home. The soldier gets everything back to normal, he gets to finally see his family again, and the country is safe. Then the movie keeps going and we watch him take out the trash, and trim the hedge, and order Chinese food, not relating to his family relations or anything. Then it ends when he falls asleep or something.
A business is going out of business (sounds ironic) and the protagonist dedicates himself to saving the business. The business is finally saved after a bunch of bad guys are thrown out of offer and risks are made. Then the show turns into The freaking Office, and he's just working, and pushing papers, and drinking water. Then it turns to credits when he walks into the elevator (probably after the door closes and sends him on his way and then someone else gets on).
Is there anything else to really say? If you understand this category you can probably already relate to stories that just kill the ending mood.
And finally, there's category 1. This one should be a bit obvious - good relating to the story climax, a fair amount of information relating to what happens after is given, and the story doesn't end abruptly or prolonged. I shouldn't have to give any examples of this and it's clearly the best of the four.
So, now that we all understand this four category system we can get a better understanding of stories and have further acumen of the placement of a story.
Don't make Mio cry. Support category 1 resolutions.
So I hope you will get any references I may make in the future, or you've just become smarter. Anyway, thanks for reading!! You can contact me atTreuCritique@yahoo.com
Monday, July 30, 2012
People seem to only think that "interesting," is the reason to watch something. I disagree. When something is "interesting," you can play around with it a little bit in your head, it'll keep you entertained for a short bit, then you throw it out. There are higher reasons to watch things. Feelings, lessons, values. I mean, just watching for interest seems to be a waste. You're missing so much more. That's like only focusing on 5-10%. Oh well. There are anime for "interesting," but, they are merely interesting.
Popotan✿ぽぽたん
Sorry guys, I just have to:Ai Ai Ai, Ai lovu you!Mai Mai Mai, Mai darling!Mii Mii Mii, Hel~pu Mii!
About
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Ecchi, Supernatural
Story: Three sisters, one maid, and a house that takes them through time, go on a journey in the search for.... While talking to flowers and and having your "almost" Slice of Life ぷにぷに day may not seem like much, Popotan is a profound anime that covers itself with humility.
Examine
So the first thing you may notice is the opener for Popotan (never judge an anime from it's opener). You may think it's a kid's anime - very very wrong! So so wrong, kadaba-dead wrong. Not a kids' anime. Not a kids' anime. Not a kids' anime. There was a lot of controversy on whether this show was for kids or not, but let's face it, it's the TV version of a Hentai VN.
Wait Koyomi!! Hear me out!
Now you might think "Hentai? I'm not going to watch this." Then you'd really be missing out. Popotan the anime is not a hentai but has almost as much fanservice as Strike Witches - and you know watching Strike Witches was the second best choice you ever made. What's the first best choice you ever made you ask? Reading my reviews of course. Haha!
I was kidding! I'm sorry!
Anyway, you may now be asking, Where did you even find this anime? Right, I had never seen anything about Popotan until I came across it. Basically I found some really old picture saved in the darkest depths of my computer with the title "Moetan." When I went to download the show, I saw someone comment something about a show called "Popotan." And I thought, a Popotan is probably as good as any old Moetan. Yes, I ditched the original target and went for Popotan, a wise decision now that I look back on it. (Moetan review next!?)
Ok, you're probably still not satisfied with what you've just read and you're wondering why you should watch something you've never even heard of. Well I'm here to explain that; though Popotan has almost no representation anywhere except by fans of it on isolated sites in the middle of noweb, I feel that it is greatly under appreciated.
You see shows every day that try to have an awesome story, or a unique story, or just some other story that ends up totally retarded; Popotan on the other hand is a pretty humble anime, yet really profound - though this probably isn't the reason it is under appreciated. I think that Popotan was only known by a small portion of the anime community and later forgotten. But then again, will everyone enjoy Popotan? Well, you have to be pretty astute to catch what is really going on - or else the story will be pretty simple and you might not recognize it for what it truly is.
Onward to reveal more in General Dicussion! But let me clear my mind with some calming, Japanese death metal first. Ah yes, nothing beats the soothing sound of a man screaming inaudible curses into a microphone shoved inside his mouth. Ahh, bliss.
General Discussion
Ok, to be honest, I can't tell whether it's a comedy with a story, or a drama with comedy. I'd like to go with the latter of the two since it has such great themes in it; however...
Where should I begin...
Nevertheless, this is an anime of exponential growth. You know you've heard that term somewhere... to refresh you, it's that the anime starts off similar to your humble anime, not slow, but actually setting up ideas and events for later use. And the further we move on, the more quickly it gets better. This anime has momentum.
And as I said before, you'll have to make some interpretations from this anime to actually appreciate how wonderful it is. This anime doesn't spoon feed you, and a lot is quite subtle. Too many times, people are looking for the most blunt exact answer from others, when they should be trying to interpret advice in the best suitable way for their position. Just remember, you know the answer to everything. Think, know. Reason, reflect. Change, evolve. Understand, be. Symbolism ✓
There's so much symbolism in this. There's a lot you can learn from this one simple episode.
(Note the lagging flower dancer at the end who happened to catch up but then fall behind again)
Themes
Friendship and Family are really big themes in Popotan. Throughout the story there are many friendships created and challenges the relationships between both family and friends face. Other Teachings ✓
This teaches us many things, but I only have a few that I had previously written down
You'll be friends with someone for life, no matter if you never see them again.
Don't make promises you can't fulfill.
Family is important.
Your only limit is your own mindset.
Learning from your mistakes.
Etc.Trust me, way more - don't forget your interpretations on it as well ;)
Profoundness
There is no one definite answer to all of this.
Ep 4: I like how it's so mysterious. Looks like something may be explained soon, but what? Maybe that's for us to find out on our own.
Ep 12: Wow. So they finally realized that there is no need to search, we always have the answer, we will always be friends, we're always with each other, family is important. So much.... So the prediction was right. There is no one definite answer to all of this. The answer is supposed to come from you. Your answer is the correct answer for yourself.
Recommendation
My score:
W: 4/5 T: 5/5 P: 4/5 (4+5+4)/1.5 = 8/10
F-F-E system: Fail: Unoriginal soundtrack/takes away from the mood. Fail: A collage of things everyone has already seen. Fair: Original soundtrack/it was appropriate to the mood. Fair: Basically the norm. Excellent: Unique Soundtrack/Builds strongly to the mood, definitely increasing its watching value. Excellent: Now that was a unique anime.
Action: 3.5/10 ❁❁❁❁ Surprise surprise.
For your benefit I won't add a picture; however, there are scenes where you may once again say, "Where's a good anime without the matrix?"
Characters: 7.5/10 ❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁ This was a bit difficult to rate. I started at 5/10 and thought of the pros. There are a lot of characters(click to see), none are too similar to each other, some are quite dynamic (in action), there is growth almost all.
Fanservice: 10/10 ❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁ As I said, almost as much as Strike Witches. And for those of you who haven't seen Strike Witches yet: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!? Read the review here!
Humor: Fair (❁❁_ ) Didn't go above and beyond, but it doesn't disappoint.
"U mad?"
Originality: 7.5/10 ❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁ I can't stand rating originality, but everyone is obsessed with it for some reason. I could probably write an essay on "Rating originality," with all its ups and downs. I won't expand on this because it would take too long, but they talk to Tanpo- er, I mean Popotan! Popotan!
Predictability/Kairos: 7.5/10 ❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁ Alright, just writing that it is an anime containing unexpected events makes it less surprising, but it's all in the name of reviewing, I guess ~.-
Soundtrack: Excellent (❁❁❁ ) A soundtrack that does its job properly! iei!
Values: 10/10 ❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁ To be honest, I really don't like using decimals when rating, so I'll try to round when I feel ambivalent about a score. Anypopotan, This one surpasses most others and actually satisfied me. I'd call that a 10/10
Who should watch Popotan: The clever viewer who likes to look deeper into an anime. The one who enjoys watching the humorous and heartwarming journey of three sisters. Those who just like Ecchi. People who want to get a broader view of anime. People who like to watch flowers xD.... I can't believe I just said that ;_;...
Who shouldn't watch Popotan: If you're the type of person who needs one solid answer for everyone, leave now. Seriously, pack your bags - and you can just forget about Friday night! If you're totally against any type of nudity and it's against your cult's teachings.
Who Shot the Sheriff? I don't really know. But since misery loves company, a relative of the Sheriff probably wrote the role for Unagi - who really got cheated out of screen time.
Yea, I'd be p*ssed too
To wrap this up, there are a lot of good animes out there. Seriously, and I seem to be reviews most of the ones I enjoyed. I found this anime which was made almost a decade ago (2003) and am very glad I did. But not only are there already buttloads to search through now, but people have decided it wasn't enough and anime is still being produced - lucky us, more available! And if something doesn't suit your taste, maybe you should give it a try anyway. I downloaded this and watched it without a single thought. There was no reason or recommendation for me to watch it, but then again there was no reason not to watch it. Open your mind to various things and learn to like many more. The more you like, the more is in your favor. :)
Alright it's time for one of my many beauty naps, because I'm worth it. So thanks for reading, would like to hear you enjoyed! In fact, I would appreciate just about any response, so bam~ link below - just for you ;)You can contact me atTreuCritique@yahoo.com
Extras:
OP *Headbangs* Popotan!!
They're not dandelions! They're Popotan!
ED
Sorry but the ending is a bit cut off :[
Here is a number of my afterthoughts, this is raw too. I don't usually mess with them after typing them, but sometimes I'll clean up the organization better. Oh goody, we're so special we get to see Chandler's unorganized crap. Hey guys, that's just cruel!
I've heard people say that the first 3 episodes were slow, but after you pull through them it gets better. I disagree. I enjoyed the first 3 episodes, and they seemed to help show us the personalities and a little bit of the situation of the main characters. It's not like episode 4 or 5 do a better job at revealing the plot.
So at episode 5 and 6 we can start to see more of what the story is about. Though we don't really know the goal, the journey is making more sense.
This anime reminds me of Pokemon.
Episode 7: Hoooooly Mooooooley, I did not expect that. o_O This anime is quite profound.
muri unreasonable; impossible; overdoing
nani mo nai nothing; empty
Episode 9: "I can't do that. I see myself in her." I guess this teaches a few things. First off, you'll be friends with someone for life, no matter if you never see them again. Also, don't make promises you can't fulfil. This episode had a little bit of everything in it. And actually my eyes got watery at the friendship finally being created part. I felt like I could relate so much. :I... Sometimes people will accept the call, other times they will not. This anime is borderline 7/10. It's still a 6, but almost a 7.
Episode 10: How the hell can it play that happy ED song after something like that!? Omg, don't underestimate Popotan. I underestimated the Popotan!! Ahhh this shizz - 7. learning from your mistakes...
What is Popotan? Funny (third place my ass) Scary (Picture with Mai's creepy smile) Ecchi (just pick one) heartwarming (hugging picture) and totally unexpected (black background white question mark)
Episode 11: friendship never dies Gaaaahhhh!! *scratches head in frustration*
Episode 12: Great ending!! That was awesome! This anime is like a 7.8-8.0. I can't decide! 7 or 8!? Ahhhhh - exponential growth anime!! The score says 8! Thou shall be done! W: 4/5 T: 5/5 P: 3.9/5 Wow. So they finally realized that there is no need to search, we always have the answer, we will always be friends, we're always with each other, family is important. So much.... So the prediction was right. There is no one definite answer to all of this. The answer is supposed to come from you. Your answer is the correct answer to yourself.
Don't underestimate Popotan; Lucky Star, Azumanga Daioh, and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya are more of a Kids anime
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Fate/Zero
Thank God Saber was in it to make things beautiful
Genres: Action, (Dark) Fantasy, Supernatural, Thriller. Yea I agree with all of that.
Now you might be wondering, "where are the action shot!" Just realize though, there's a lot of action in parts, but they're widely separated by a lot more set up, story building (this is a prequel after all), and odd screwed up scenes. Scenes such as:
Violent death, not limited to the affiliates of the Holy Grail War, but also innocent bystanders (mostly children). Trust me, the deaths are violent.
Twisted dialogue that explains the characters' dark and confused state of mind.
I guess you could call it, rituals, to become stronger. Especially with Caster and Kariya.
Weird obsession with tentacles...
A promising story. It played just about all its cards right. Unlike Fate/Stay Night, the participants in this war, are all ready. There are many events occurring simultaneously with many unseen plot twists and red herring. I really don't see anything wrong with the story (besides it being so dark!), and it was worthy to be placed as the prequel of F/SN.
Ironic that even though so gruesome, it was written so beautifully.
"Emiya Kiritsugu had never sought the truth nor answer to things. To him, only the ‘situation’ had ever been worthy of concern."
How well it was written: 4.5/5 It's one hell of a story Themes: This will be explained later in the review Personal Opinion: Ambivalent
The After Thoughts are VERY lengthy. You can skip it and I'll have a picture (of Saber of course) after it all indicating they're over. And yes, there are some things that may be considered spoilers in the After Thoughts. Though I mostly try to keep them out, sometimes I need to use them to expand on the analysis. Yes, this is actually more of an analysis rather than a review. But again, After Thoughts is the most remarkable feedback from a critique. Raw, spoiled goodness.
After Thoughts
SEASON 1
Episode 1:
Wow, that actually explained a few questions I had. And it's really nice to see that among these lunatics there is someone who sacrifices himself for the unconditional love for his niece.
So far it's not as dark and crazy as I though it would be - or currently my mind is still screwed up from Unlimited Blade Works.
Looks like it's being set up very well, thank you 47 minute episode.
Saber is epic as always.
Episode 2:
Well f*** , W,t-f. We now see why this is a horror. It was going good up until that crazy part too.
Saber of course, is still a bad ass.
It's cool to see more back story on Kiritsugu, and it's a little bit sad - not sure yet what will happen to Ilya's mom, but we know the fate of the dad. How horrible this war is.
Episode 3:
Alright, so we're presented with Tohosaka and Kirei's plan, which is quite thought through.
The way it shows previews is quite unique.
Looks like the battles will be from multiple perspectives this time, and I'm sure there will be even more intense action.
It seems like the masters of the 5th Holy Grail War were kind of people from here and there and hadn't really been at their strongest - kids, old preist, you know? As in this one we have masters who appear very prepared and ready to kill with strategic tactics and other interesting weaponry - guns! So now it's like we're promised with more action, more serious action, and different action.
My impression of this anime has changed quite a bit, in a very good way. Also as expected, the artwork has improved very much from F/SN. Unfortunately it's not as great as the movie quality, but it's still really good! And of course, Saber is epic.
Episode 4:
The intro really shows us a lot. The end is pretty interesting as well, shows us a little about the heroic spirits in their prime.
Filler!? It shouldn't have taken that long to show all that in my opinion.
Seems like this is dragging on, how unfortunate.
And people thought that Lancer's death was regrettable?
At this moment it would be glorious in my opinion. I'm rooting for Saber, bi-atches.
So it looks like the comic relief is a duo this time, with King Iksandar and the Harry Potter kid.
Glad to know King Iksandar doesn't have the personality I thought he would.
This comic relief duo seems to fit in better than F/SN's comic relief.
We see a resemblance to the first series where there was caster always spying on the participants of the war, while here we have the assassins doing this.
Looks like Saber fell into some crap, what exactly are Kiritsugu and Maiya doing?
Here we're have what may be an honest 1v1v1 for our first time in this show.
Oh and I won't forget to mention, Saber is raw.
Episode 5:
Interesting opening.
I mean, Iskandar doesn't seem like a bad guy.
Saber for some reason has that "Unforgivable!" Japanese attitude, though she's still a bad ass. And w/e with the lancer dude.
Wow, four masters, then five! Also there's assassin but that's doing nothing.
Just thinking that there are multiple assassins sounds kind of cheap, and it kind of annoys me. Sounds like they're going to be like grunts - not hard to kill, by my god there are loads of them.
I was thinking holy ****ing ****, when the beserker was delfecting the noble phantasms of Gilgamesh.Though it does seem like Gilgamesh isn't as powerful on this series as he was in F/SN - where with the snap of a finger, you too can be pierced through the torso!
Wow beserker is insane, and I don't like the computer animation.
Of course though, Saber will have to fight him, even after crippled from the fight earlier.
Oh! That's why people like him (Lancer)! Now I like him.
Oh **** that Blond haired Wesker wanna-be.
Well ****, why does Saber always seem to get screwed over like this?
Wow, Saber is a loyal badass, and that's one of the many reasons I love her.
****ing Rider, well, we'll see how this
plays out. Though at the same time Rider seems to be a quite wise and appreciative of who his master should be and is. At least he seems to be a good guy with fair intentions.
Oh God why; Caster is crazy as always, and he's obsessed with Saber.
Episode 6:
The car animation looks lame.
The transition from the last episode to this one is a bit odd.
Creepy appearance by Caster - I can only wonder what will happen.
I see it does an extra good job with the intro by showing many different settings.
That episode seemed really short.
A lot of dialogue that I wasn't too interested in to be honest.
This is kind of setting up something, I suppose... Well anyway, F/SN was slow to start up as well, I'll continue to give this a chance - it has potential. Though I still don't like the dark aspects and child murder of this.
But in the end I know we can all agree, Saber is mega awesome.
Episode 7:
What's with all the child murder?
Totally ridiculous. But I figured that Lancer would be the one to arrive, and of course save Saber, and this
is probably where he dies.
And um, didn't blondy also have traps in his hotel? Hypocrite.
Really? Force fields? Some of the cheapest and most unentertaining crap.
Ok, Kiritsugu's magic was pretty awesome.
Petty tricks? Coming from the guy with a force field?
Dang cliff hanger, a good one though, I'll give it that.
This episode was, kind of cheesy. It didn't seem to have that much in it.
Pretty much this episode gave it negative points. Not a good one.
Episode 8:
Yea... that did some explaining... but as much as I love the characters I'm rooting for getting their asses kicked, I'm not enjoying this.
This episode and the last better be preparation episodes, or episodes that set up some awesome that's going to happen.
I call bs on Kirei's steel claws of rage. That's just... not realistic tbh.
The animation of that spirit bird was lame, but I don't think the attack was lame.
Anyway, this anime is going to have to step it up if it wants me to even review it.
Episode 9:
I like how this motif plays back in with the masters being able to dream and see the servants past. Looks like we're being set up to better understand and therefore admire Lancer more. and of course he's a heroic spirit, so he's going to have an epic story - at least he better!
Looks like this crazy ass war is full of blood thirsty lunatics.
Ah, looks like Lancer is also a true knight. This is very respectable. I greatly admire loyalty.
Positive atmosphere from Rider as always. I'm starting to really like that guy.
It seems as though Waver is maturing/developing as well.
Wow, Rider is more badass then I expected.
See, now that's a good episode. Thank you Fate/Zero, getting back on track.
Also, good to know Tohsaka will be in the next one. "Rin's Adventure" sounds exciting.
Episode 10:
Gem magic, I actually think that's really cool.
Tohsaka is shown as really top notch in the visual novel and F/SN, so we can't call her some kind of lucky fake, she's actually
quite talented.
Looks like the crazy bug guy is nice, but it seems limited to his familiy.
I really enjoyed this episode. It filled in quite a bit.
And of course, as we all know, Rin is awesome.
Episode 11:
This episode is making me laugh. When we think about it, it's honestly ridiculous.
Three kings who are supposed to be enemies, just drinking wine in the garden of a
semi destroyed castle, sitting on the ground.
Wow, poor Saber, -20 points on her morality. Damn...
Both Saber and Rider made some good points. I actually agree more with Saber, but she makes it seem like she actually is a slave to her country.
Though I would really like to punch Rider in the face for saying what he did about Saber.
I just realized as well, that Saber just seems to have it really tough, from what she had
to go through in her life, but at the same time, with that attitude, she was probably putting
a lot of it on herself. However, Saber is really a beautiful person.
Episode 12: No comments of importance. I suppose this is just a setting up episode.
Epsiode 13:
I like how Shirou wasn't the only person to ever have that dream stuff involved. It's cool to see it happen in this prequel to multiple participants.
Funny and ironic how most of the little conversation Caster and his mater are having. It has truth in it yet it's hypocritical. Though there are lessons to learn from it. It seems like a satire. "God never punishes humans." right. "He simply toys with them" wrong. We can kind of call it symbolic as well. Ok whoa, this is just going way into things. I'm a bit impressed, though I wouldn't be surprised if it became twisted. "But he loves screams, blood and despair just as much!" Yup, called it.
I have a feeling that Rider will spend all the money. Oh yea! So he is Alexander the Great!? So yea that did make sense about the "Territory split into three" It's just his name here confused me.
So is this where Lancer dies!? Or is it seasons two and they're... just really.. fast...
Cool leap of faith.
Perhaps Saber being called Jean of Arc may be symbolic. And what the hell is up with the tentacles?
Also it doesn't seem like Saber's injured arm is much of a problem. Maybe that will be put into play a little sooner? But I don't like that it really didn't seem to do much except for that one episode, but still no.
Lmfao at how it ended. Of course I wasn't laughing that much, but the ridiculous of it was just so high. Happy that I know a little bit of these mythologies and tales already though.
SEASON 2
Episode 14:
When Fate/Zero gets serious, and there's no filler crap, it can really show us its true colors. Good episode. It redeemed itself. Of course the flying throne was a bit much, but hey, who doesn't love a good dog fight? *cough cough* Strike Witches!
There are a lot of characters that have introduced a good background and kept it up well. Now we can really feel that there are many events going on at once for many diverse reasons.
Also it looked like there was more symbolism in this.
It looks like the Matou family has a theme of being crazy.
Also Sakura and Rin at a few scenes are seen with similar hair colors.
Connection made! There's a count down after each episode. It continues from the last, but what does it count down to? I'm not sure, but I do know it's counting to "zero".
Episode 15: N/A
Episode 16:
Wow, these people really like to survive.
Oh man, I'm not the type who's into mass murder or unnecessary gore by any gores (just read my unrated UBW review)
but this is actually going somewhere. Finally!? Looks like the bitches are getting into so action, and freaks are getting owned.
Lancer's bossin' it up.
Fight's about to start: Well, Lancer's a goner. No matter how cool he is (because chivalry is cool), Saber's just too awesome.
Saber, you impress me yet.
KIRITSUGU!@#$%!@^$#
Holy ****! Allow me to rephrase that, Holy-what-the-****ing-hell-****!@#$%? DEMON EYES@$#%@#$ I'll never look at Lancer the same again! Gah!! I've lost respect for him after that curse.
Saw that coming by the way. An' evore-bodi die~ Getting a little too much like UBW
Good point Kiritsugu. Oh and Kiritsugu, humanity HAS infact recognized this truth, they just cherish and bask in it. That or, maybe those aren't to be considered humans?
Yes good point Saber. Hate begets hate. Kiritsugu is trying to save the world the wrong way.
You're wrong Kiritsugu! And that's why you failed!
Oh damn. This is getting... I'm not sure :/
I'd have to say how things are looking, this won't beat F/SN.
Episode 17:
It was to be expected. Explains what it's supposed to, during this informational prequel episode.
Episode 18:
****ing ****, zombies!
Well, there's horror for ya. This explains quite a bit about Kiritsugu's past. It's kind of... really strange...
Episode 19:
There's a lot of crap that has to do with fire huh? Both Shirou and his father's homes were destroyed that way.
No but seriously, that kind of scared me <--(doesn't like horror stories).
WTF! How many times can I say wtf in one day?
I used to be really interested in zombie shivic, though not as much now. Never to the point where I would talk about strategies of a zombie apocalypse though, I'd never want that.
Anyway, I can't argue that this wasn't written well, but the themes are inverted, and personally, it's kind of harsh.
I'm not very surprised that the woman smiled though. And of course, we can see that Kiritsugu, is a very, very troubled man.
Pain begets pain. Many people learning through suffering, and as Kiritsugu said in F/SN, he learned too late (or so he thought). However, it's never too late for anyone of us.
Episode 20:
Set up, a little informative.
Episode 21:
Where will your greed lead you?
Remember, when you don't see the guys face, then it can't be him.
yay for corruption!
Well it started off with Saber-badass action. Then went to ****ed up scenes. That's Fate/Zero for you?
This anime is really messed up. It's no wonder it's already ranked 8th on myanimelist.com.
Episode 22:
I'm just glad I didn't read the manga.
It'll be sad when Rider loses.
Looks like it's building up a lot of feelings now. With Waver, his pseudograndparents, Rider, Irisviel and Illyasviel, Kiritsugu and Kirei.
Just a lot getting ready for the crazy fight to the death. Should have seen this madness coming.
Well I guess I'm only really waiting for the end now. Got so far, I'm going to finish it. This'll probably be the best part too. Well it better be. The review for this isn't looking really good though.
Episode 23:
As I said before, these should be the best episodes. It's currently living up to that expectation. Let's see it have a good ending.
The action was very good. And I've found that there IS a theme in this, and an extremely important lesson to learn. Something that people may not understand, but that's ridiculous because it's spelt out. So this all came together and is falling together better than I thought it would have.
I can't can't can't can't CAN'T stand the darkness of the anime. I truly can't, and really don't like it for that reason. There are many parts of it that were way too prolix and could have been cut out to show this theme much simplier, but for most of the people today, this is the only way to get a chance for them to listen. I'm not referring to this episode (since it's now my favorite, as the second to last usually is for some reason), but throughout the entire anime. My opinion on this one is pretty much "IMPRESSIVE IMPRESSIVE! ASDFG#$^#%YAW$&%&IOAY*&_$%&*NQ%#*Q$%."
Shirou's voice at the end! I knew we'd see him at the final episode.
So I feel like occasionally I rate episodes. Some of these on Fate/Zero I really didn't like. I then thought of the rating for this one. Earlier today, before even watching this episode, I thought, "Fate/Zero is about an 8 in my personal category, why the hell is it so dark anyway." Well, after watching this episode, it's gone up to a 9 on personal rating! *party horn* This episode personally earned a 10 in my opinion. This will be the third anime to receive a 9 in my opinion. But then again, there's still the last episode. And no sorry, it can't go up to a 10.
And before someone talks about me liking the dark parts of this episode, don't even. There's a lesson from all this, and the point where this is at, it's unfortunately necessary. It's supposed to show the true colors and have you reflect. It's twisted and perverted. It's gold as a story to learn from for those with stone hearts.
The first half didn't follow exactly what I thought it would. As in it didn't have the similar ending fight to which we saw in F/SN which was a bit of a let down.
Everything was set properly in place at the end. It gave appropriate feedback in informing us what happened. However there's still a question it didn't answer. How did Shinji show up inthe Matou household?
Kariya died in peace. Sakura was, well a little creepy but that's to be expected. Also I can see why Rin ended up the way she did - so desiring to be perfect.
Saber's dream wasn't a poor one. She was not a bad ruler. It is the fault of others why they ended up the way they were.
Shirou's response to inherit the role of becoming a Hero from Kiritsugu was seen in a different perspective this time. And instead of a starting point, it was a conclusion. Kiritsugu died in peace.
A fairly happy ending for most. This episode did a very adequate job. I cannot really say it impressed me, but it certainly didn't screw up.
Kirei is so evil.
Uh oh, you messed with the wrong bad ass
ORIGINALITY
Alright so on my post with Fate/Stay Night I basically said it wasn't all that original. To be honest you can't really say it's anymore original than it was previously; However, the whole object and plot to this anime really does trump most other action&supernatural animes. Depending on how many animes you've already seen and which ones they were can really change your perspective or idea on how original it is. So take from this what you want. I'm here to point you in the right direction, but you have to do the rest yourself. I'm not going to TEACH you opinions, that makes as much sense as voting for Palin.
THEMES
Hhhhaaaaaa!
No really. The theme is based off of Heroism just like Fate/Stay Night. We learn a lesson by watching Kiritsugu and his idea of how to "save everyone." You see his path, his problems, and the outcome. Very valuable, especially for the people on today. You should try to take as much as you can from Episode 24.
Position, rank, title, class, also has its turn in this this anime. Actually, in does in more depth than Fate/Stay Night. Since the perspectives are from almost all the characters (and there are plenty) in this anime. Also choices, goals and ambitions.
There's a lot of symbolism in this anime as well. Especially when it comes to lighting. Maybe it's worth looking into. *hint hint nudge nudge*
Some good advice here. There's a bit more throughout the anime, but don't expect a lot.
Quit drooling over Saber and read the advice!
Besides that, everything else is more like small advice, or an infinite amount of monkeys bashing an infinite amount of type writers (yes, they will recreate all the literature man has ever written). A lot of the logic seems twisted but has its good points. After all, this anime is horribly dark.
FEELINGS
You might say "Where's the Motif's category!?" But do you really care?
This anime is dark and it builds up a lot of characters and gives some of the background; so you'll probably get attached to a few. Though if you're really into dark, you may have a rock covering over your heart, and laugh at pain rather than feeling sorry for it. That's why I try to just avoid this insanity. *cough cough* Unlimited Blade Works!
So if you come in thinking "There's going to be so much awesome action!" You're really missing the majority of it. That's why I'm not putting in action pictures and stressing the rest. Though the battles are more intense than F/SN because the people in this war, were prepared, had loads of tricky s***, and then some.
You can watch this anime you want with whatever mind set, but just try to at least learn something from it, and don't deepen yourself in unconsciousness by extolling over the blood.
In my opinion. Sakura was the most screwed over. But don't worry, you'll have loads of people to choose from, on who you think had the most dejecting or mind twisting experience.
Then you wonder, are their good feelings from this anime? Well, wait until the end and see. You should know by now that it's like a gigantic failure, and the people who have to compete in the next one, were all screwed thanks to this one.
Plot Development/Execution
*Says in best Irish accent* It did a fine job! A fine job indeed! Building up to what we learned through F/SN, creating new characters and identities. People seem to grow, or eventually reach their demise. As the plot progresses so does the intensity, until we're ultimately brought back to square one - F/SN.
Episode 24 (best imo) was basically the climax of the anime. A little before that, and after was able to complete everything that should have been. All was adequately performed with few questions left unanswered, Matou business.
^Anyone else thinking the same thing? o_o
There are two episodes that help give us even more insight, and that give an explanation to certain somethings and play a roll before and after those episodes. Odd huh?
In the end most characters were nicely created and some destroyed. Where it was leading was not rushed at all. Fate/Zero took its sweet old time as a prequel and went on elaborate with dialogue describing transitions and the further development of a few certain people.
Really I can't say much else besides it did a good job. If you don't believe me because there's not enough backup, then I ask you: Would you prefer I spoil the whole anime? Just watch it if you're interested and don't believe me. This shouldn't be the most important factor of watching it or not - you know how it's going to end.
RECOMMENDATION
I should actually say requirements firstly. WATCH FATE/STAY NIGHT BEFORE EVEN CONSIDERING THIS!!
Do you like Dark animes? (Masochist/Sadist!!)
Did you like Fate/Stay Night? <-- That's me!
Do you have a crazy obsession over Saber!? <-- That's me!
If you said yes to any of these, keep reading. To even watching this you should like at least one of those.
よし！ Here we go!
Fail: Unoriginal soundtrack/takes away from the mood. Fair: Original soundtrack/it was appropriate to the mood. Excellent: Unique Soundtrack/Builds strongly to the mood, definitely increasing its watching value. ---
Action: 10/10
Okay, don't assume it's just 10/10 like that. There are so many other factors that led it there. It also partially was excused for the times where its all talk and no fighting because it's a prequel. And don't worry, that crap's not filler.
As I said before, where's a good anime without the matrix?
Fanservice: N/A
I actually cannot remember any fanservice. And of course that shouldn't be your main priority. Otherwise you should just read the messed up manga - yes, there are p**** monsters. *barf* The closest to fanservice here, is like, oh god no. Forget I said that!
Originality: I've actually decided not to rate this one. Whatever you got from Fate/Stay Night, use that as a reference. You probably won't see this on the recommendations for a while after this post.
Soundtracks: Excellent
As much as I didn't like a few of them, they helped send shivers down your spine (I don't even know why you'd want that) and make the action scenes that much better.
Values: 2/10 Besides what you could get from certain characters and a little bit of their wisdom, it lacked much.
Predictability/Kairos: 7.5/10
C'mon! It's a prequel! It did really good for terms of a prequel, but I can't say it was crazy unpredictable because we knew how it was going to end. If it stood on its own, the score would be higher.
Prequel Resolution: N/A
What's to say? This was the build up.
War Resolution: 8/10
Basically how the war came to a close. Or, how it was finishing up.
Kiritsugu's Resolution: 10/10
Humor: 6/10
It's ranked so high, because you'll get more for what you asked, and it's actually incorporated correctly. This isn't the same scale as a Comedy though. If this were a comedy, the score would have been very low. Don't think it's ranked this way because you'll be laughing all the time. That's just horrible. Another thing to note is that the comic relief, appeared as a duo this time around, and actually did a better job incorporating the comedy (at the appropriate moments).
Ignore this picture when taking into account the dark aspects
This anime is very dark, and quite gruesome. Luckily it's not as horrid as Unlimited Blade Works *barfs* or the manga for Fate/Zero. So if you do not like dark anime, you'll be really hard pressed on the decision to watch this. Personally I felt that it could answer some questions I had from Fate/Stay Night. Seriously, I watched this and I'm the kind of guy who loves upbeat and bright anime, but don't think it didn't have its effects. Fate/Stay Night is one of my favorite animes. It's like tied for 2nd. And the reason I watched Fate/Stay Night in the first place was because I thought Saber was cute -t hough that's not why it's tied for 2nd ;P. So if your situation is similar to mine, you'll probably be quite ambivalent after watching it. So really think about what you like more. If you're fine with Dark, I don't really have much more to say. In fact, I've said just about everything I wanted to. THIS ANIME IS REALLY DARK!
Thanks for reading and look forward to more on Saber.
All comments and emails will be greatly appreciated!
Art Style: It did a very good job and was quite appealing. OP/ED: Second OP seemed really abstract and symbolic. I liked the music though to The first OP the best. Then the others weren't that great imo. Although the videos to them were pretty interesting. Personal Opinion: Well I watched it. I guess it was worth it, now that it's over and I have all this info. I'm going against the majority and giving this an 8 on my personal score. Saber = win The dark aspect really brought it down in my opinion.
.png)
.png)
.png)
