Review of Fate/Zero

Quick review. Fate Zero is a fantastic original story that really pulls you into the depth of what one would sacrifice to be a Master for the sake of the Holy Grail War and the cost to one's soul and far one would go...and ultimately ask the question, was it really worth it? I always admired the art for the Fate/Stay series but the story felt so convoluted that I couldn't stay interested. It may be because of the fact it's based on a PC game with multiple arcs and possibilities, but the OVAs and preceding shows feels to me that it doesn't want to committo one storyline and backstory for Emiya Shirou and gang. Fate Zero does an amazing job of really getting the viewer intrigued by the characters; you know Kiritsugu is not a good guy because of what he does, but as a protagonist, you want to be connected to him and though it takes a chunk of the series to understand why, when you get to that part of the journey it really hits the emotional chord and makes the viewer able to sympathize with him. And since the show assumes you know Saber, it doesn't waste too much time delving into her character or revolving the show around her, rather it spends more time with the other Masters. By the end of the show, you really understand most of the major masters and servants and the show asks you to emotionally invest in each one.
The only really glaring flaw for this show is the dragging pace it starts off with. It doesn't pick up until a couple episodes in and it could've taken more effort to draw in the audience with a gripping first two episodes rather than using exposition to set up the story and slow moving scenes.
I would highly recommend this show even, especially if you haven't seen the Fate/Stay series (or don't even plan on watching it). It's a great standalone show though with not a lot of feel-good moments. Yet it sets up an intriguing story with beautiful art and backdrops that doesn't rely on many gimmicks or merchandising.