Review of Fate/Zero

Fate/Zero is the best battle royale anime by a long shot. The interesting world and its magic system, the tactical depth in its fights, the strategic approaches to its battle royale setup, the brutality of the war, the interesting and emotionally resonate characters, the amazing animation, and that trademark Ufotable moment that absolutely blows you away. Looking back on it, there is so much packed into this 24-episode series that it baffles me. This will encompass my perspective of both seasons btw. The depth of the world of Fate goes well beyond the confines of this show but still manages to avoid being overbearing in establishingitself without leaving anything necessary out of the picture. All of the special powers and magic used are interesting in how they work and often in how they are used. Kiritsugu’s Time alter spells are a good example. In his fight with El-Melloi he casts a reality marble (think of it like a barrier separating the outside world from Kiritsugu’s body) and accelerates the flow of time within it so that he can move faster. The reason why this works is the flow of time outside the barrier remains the same, so walking within the accelerated reality marble appears to be speed-walking outside the reality marble. It may be more complicated than some care for, but I certainly appreciated it. As for interesting uses, Kiritsugu can also slow time within the reality marble, which allowed him to slow his heartbeat and avoid detection from probes. Superspeed is cool, but the specific use here is much more interesting and showcases that magic can be used quite creatively.

I love the fights in this show. The animation in every one of them is amazing ... whether it be the CG effects for the supernatural powers or the 2D animation for character movements. And on top of that quality animation, a select few fights put lots of focus on the tactical decisions made by the combatants: Saber vs. Lancer, Kiritsugu vs. El-Melloi, and Kiritsugu vs. Kirei. The specific moments of tactical decision making that stand out the most to me are Saber’s choice to remove her armor for greater speed, Lancer’s clever concealment of his noble phantasm, and Kiritsugu’s awareness of the tactical advantage he possesses over El-Melloi. It's something I can appreciate so much considering that fights in anime typically devolve into just attack after attack with whoever is supposed to be stronger winning. Battles just feel like actual battles in Fate/Zero.

And then there is the element of strategy. Most of the participants do not just aimlessly target other participants. Some choose to target others in line with their ideals or motives and in a straight-forward fashion … while others are selective to varying degrees based on their own cost benefit analysis and take a more subversive approach. The secret alliance b/w Tohsaka, the Observer from the Church, and Kirei is a good example of meticulous strategy. However, one thing you’ll notice is that they somewhat put aside their goals in the Holy Grail War to deal with Caster. This was b/c of their moral obligations to eliminate him. Conversely, Kiritsugu, having a more open-ended but still strategic approach, chose to mostly ignore the call to eliminate Caster having felt no moral obligation to do so. The level of depth in tactics and strategy this show goes to and how it mixes with character ideals and motivations would make LoGH fans proud lol.

Motives and personalities are established for a majority of the characters with each of them having an alure: Irisveil’s charm and tragic fate, Archer’s absurd ego, Caster’s hilariously mad demeanor (yes, I found him funny to watch), Waver’s desire for recognition, Rider’s hearty ambition, Lancer’s desperation for loyalty of any kind, and Saber’s pure idealism. But the two standouts for me are obviously Kotomine Kirei and Emiya Kiritsugu.

Kirei is of interest initially because of his lack of drive and fulfillment. He follows the path set before him by others with no idea what path he should decide to pursue on his own. The reason why I think of him as a standout is because of the hidden desire brought out via his interactions with Archer. “Do exactly as you like. That is the true meaning of pleasure. Pleasure leads to joy. And joy will lead you to happiness. Your path is now clear Kirei. So clear, there can be no room left to doubt.” This desire in tandem with his primrose upbringing was the perfect way to setup a complicated character like Kirei, and Archer was the perfect way to break him down.

Kiritsugu is of interest because of the obvious contradiction between his goals and the means with which he seeks to achieve them. This contradiction culminates in a gruesome climax that lays bare the difference between two types of heroes: one filled with pride and the other devoid of it. The two-episode backstory that shows how Kiritsugu came to be more than justifies this extreme with some of the most intense and emotional moments in the show. “Kerry, what kind of person do want to be when you grow up?” It’s gut wrenching. And the cruelty forced upon Kiritsugu in the ending just tears your freaking stomach open.

The last thing I want to make note of is the end of episode 15, Golden Light. If you’ve seen episode 19 of Demon Slayer, you know Ufotable can craft the most amazing moments imaginable in anime. The Golden Light that Saber’s sword brought forth is one such moment. The lines from King Arthur’s legend; the beautiful and intensifying soundtrack; the growing glow around the sword; and all of it climaxing timed with Saber’s passionate battle cry. It brings tears to my eyes just to write about it. Moments like this don’t come often in anime, so if you somehow have not seen Fate/Zero… please go do so. It is amazing.