How deep can an adaption go? How much source material must be understood and internalized before setting foot in an unfamiliar universe? How true can a work be to it's source material before becoming trite? All these questions, and countless others besides, resound from the lips of the wary furiously as they vacillate with abject trepidation. The answers:
1) Should I watch the Anime beforehand?
Yes (unless you have played the visual novel, then the necessity is subjective)
2) Should I play the Visual Novel beforehand?
Yes. Actually, just play the VN regardless. Really. Stop what you are doing, and get it now.
Those
...
are the clear-cut answers to the most important issues. There are more dubious questions abounding however...
3) Why is this a movie instead of a series?
Because they damn well wanted to make it thus. It is quite useless and ignorant to claim that a series would allow to connect with the characters more, would make the plot immediately apparent, etc. Deal with the fact that it is a movie, and don't judge it as a series. And definitely don't compare the impact of the story and the characters to their equivalents in the visual novel. No amount of time will outdo Fate/stay night; it is that good.
4) Does the movie move too fast?
My play-through of UBW arc was 20 hours... not because I read slow, but because I read deep. So in a sense, the movie cannot help but move fast. Therefore, the question is stupid and infantile.
5) Are things exactly like the visual novel? Do they play the same music at the same times, and say the same things? They definitely don't change anything I liked, right?
There are good fans, and bad fans. You are a bad one. Think for a second before you whine and complain: if everything was just the same, wouldn't you hate the movie for not being as good as the VN? See, thinking helps sometimes. Well, not for you, for other people; let them think for you, don't hurt yourself.
And the questions that should be asked, but lack spokesmen as loud as the aforementioned whiners:
6) Should I be well-read before I watch this movie?
By God yes. Half of the depth of Fate/stay night is the accurate depictions of historical characters in their personalities and attributes. If you have no knowledge of myths stemming from multifarious origins, you will sadly be unable to appreciate Fate/stay night to its fullest. Topics to consider: Greek Mythology, Zoroastrianism, Medieval folklore... the list really isn't exhaustive. Learn something, and chances are you may be able to apply it.
7) Should I compare this movie to other aspects of Fate/stay night?
Probably not. Why would you want to? Comparing this movie to the anime would cheapen the character development of the former and the animation quality of the latter, for example. Go ahead if you want to, though. It won't ruin the movie for me, just you.
8) Should I watch this movie if my answers to these questions differ?
Yes. This movie is well animated with wonderful sound, an epic plot, memorable characters and a deeply introspective philosophic worldview. You can lose nothing by watching it... you just may not gain as much as you could otherwise.
What I got from this movie:
With the framework of the UBW arc fresh in mind the plot slipped into place, and the dynamism of the Fate universe was realized in stunning visual and aural fashion. The violence was more visceral, and the BGM more primordially stirring than anything previous incarnations of the series could offer. I actually applaud the musical variation from the soundtrack of the VN. The opening introduction's theme is amongst the most powerful symphonic works I have heard, and the lack of adaption makes 'Emiya' all the more powerful when it hits. The speed of combat finally matches my imagination, and heroic spirits finally feel, well, heroic. This movie stirred me down to the marrow. I was exhausted after watching it; never have I felt this good after watching a movie, then again, I was quite invested.
What I would change:
In all honesty, nothing. The pacing at the beginning was superb, and it came to a roaring conclusion. Even the extra after the credits rolled were wonderfully done. If I had to choose to change one thing though, it would be the entire anime series. Remake it in this vein. I will not mourn it's passing.
What a friend, who had never heard of Fate/stay night, got from this movie:
Everything I mentioned above, tempered with the newness of the experience. He mentioned incredible animation, stunning music, and depth he could feel, yet not always comprehend entirely.
What was lost by inadequate preparation:
Frankly, not much. Foreknowledge of the plot, and preconceptions concerning the characters.
In conclusion: Those who wish to watch a movie which will hit their primal drives and leaves a deep feeling of satisfaction should watch eagerly. Those who cannot rein in their expectancy should really quit complaining and play through the visual novel yet another time; truth be told, it is what you want to do anyhow.
Oct 5, 2010
How deep can an adaption go? How much source material must be understood and internalized before setting foot in an unfamiliar universe? How true can a work be to it's source material before becoming trite? All these questions, and countless others besides, resound from the lips of the wary furiously as they vacillate with abject trepidation. The answers:
1) Should I watch the Anime beforehand? Yes (unless you have played the visual novel, then the necessity is subjective) 2) Should I play the Visual Novel beforehand? Yes. Actually, just play the VN regardless. Really. Stop what you are doing, and get it now. Those ... |
