Because this is a prequel, the overall story of this show is told a dark and violent tragedy with fight scenes used only as spectacle to further emphasize the fact that the characters are fighting in a never-ending war that is as pointless as it is cruel. With the unique setup of this show, legendary heroes and a battle royal over the Holy Grail, the plot takes an intriguing turn and pits the ideology of each master and servant against each other.
The point made earlier about this being a tragedy is made evident by the story when the viewer realizes that all the characters have nothing to gain in this war that they have pinned their hopes on. With the exception of the main antagonists (Tohsaka, Gilgamesh, Caster, and Kirei Kotomine), the majority of participating masters and servants view the Grail as a means to their goal and one that can be achieved by hard work alone. The one thing that turns the show from being a “dark” show, into a tragedy is the fact that the necessary sacrifice for the Grail makes it obsolete. This sequentially gives the message that, dreams and goals can’t be fulfilled by the means of an object or a miracle. The other blatant message, given the dark themes of the show is that: the ones who care less are the ones who have less to lose. The prime example of this in the show involves the primary antagonists,(Kirei Kotomine, and Gilgamesh)and how they are in the war just for the sake of participating/collecting the Holy Grail. This lack of motivation and risk give them a sense of security in which, they don’t have to risk everything for the Grail, because they have no interest in it.
To contrast the aforementioned characters, Kiritsugu Emiya and Saber are the characters who have the most to lose. Kiritsugu is fighting in the Grail war for a kinder and gentler world, while Saber is trying to save her people and stop the collapse and death of her beloved kingdom. The message that is displayed as the most prominent internal conflict is that of “At what cost?” This question reminds us all that there is no greater gift than the gift of life, and that there is no worth in sacrificing a loved one for any cause, when that cause is against inevitable when concerning any society or community of humans.
Overall, the plot is a psychological masterpiece involving the legendary heroes of past, and the ideals and psyche of each of those characters. The one major flaw that holds the story form being an addicting story is the singular fact that, Fate Zero was a prequel. Most of the tension and suspense is dialed down because of the fact that, if the viewer has already seen the sequel, than the ending should already be known. Despite this, the third-person point of view presents the show in a way that doesn’t rehash stated facts from the sequel and adds on unique interactions that we don’t usually see in anime.
Characters: 9.78/10
On the subject of characters, Fate Zero easily has one of the biggest casts in all of anime, but one that isn’t generic and brings unique interactions to the show. A unique point can be made that there is no blatant attempt at a “Main” character as the show presents itself from a perspective of an outsider, and deals with the internal struggles in a way that gives the viewer every perspective when gazing into the psyche of each individual Master or Servant.
Saber is one of the more beloved characters within the anime community within the last 10 years, and is well deserving of that position. At times while watching her, viewers often feel humbled in her presence because of the general formality and manner that she puts on as a Servant, and as the King of Knights. Saber’s motivation for being in the war is mainly driven by her eternal dream of saving her kingdom from ruin. This is a really thought provoking motivation in its oven way, because of how the viewer grows to wonder, how would one go as to achieving this goal. Unlike the methods of Caster, Kirei, and Gilgamesh, the methods in which Saber uses to achieve her goal, have a restraint that helps to make the battles a waging of strategy and ideals instead one of brute force and power.
Art/Animation: 9.98/10
The unique combination of lighting, animation, gorgeous background visuals, and attention to small details and effects help to glorify this show as the crowning jewel of Ufotable. The unique visual appeal that raises Fate Zero above all other anime is the breathtaking lighting that put major emphasis on the “Glory” side of the struggle for the Holy Grail. The lighting that they use on the background visuals make you feel insignificant and minuscule, and wonder how much of the Type-Moon world is in the “unknown”. As with all of Ufotable’s works the animation is a guaranteed factor that is often overlooked and taken for granted because of how Ufotable’s reputation speaks for itself with other works, namely (Fate Stay Night Unlimited Blade Works). The former two works slightly out-shadow Fate Zero in terms of sheer animation, but are held back by the fact that the background lighting doesn’t match the tone of the show at times. With Fate Zero, the golden and dark themes of the show help to glorify the Holy Grail, while the crimson and grey themes that are present in Unlimited Blade Works, slow down the tone and pacing of the story. Small visual effects like the invisible air on Saber’s sword are fine details that animation studios never pay any attention to, because of the extravagant budget that it would take to produce such a work. Luckily, Ufotable has been one of the better funded studios as of late and has had the luxury of working for the writer, Gen Urobuchi and his masterpieces of idealistic deconstructions, with Fate Zero and Puella Magi Madoka Magica.
Sound: 9.39/10
Back to the original 2006 Studio Dean Adaptation, the main problem with the soundtrack by Kenji Kawai was the lack of “Epic” and “Breathtaking” soundtracks. With the composer as Yuki Kajiura, this soundtrack is as beautiful and elegant as it is noble and grand-scale. This sort of music is associated with royalty and spectacular battles.
As far as criticisms go, the only one I have is that the soundtracks “Excalibur” and the instrumental version of “Manten” weren’t in the Fate Zero Official Soundtrack. The “Excalibur” soundtrack has one of the greatest vocal performances by a choir and has the tone of a soundtrack that blows away listeners while they are enveloped by the majestic tone of the song. With Manten, the vocal version is already amazing in its own respect, but the piano version brings a sense of elegancy and beauty to the song that can only personified by the dignity and manner in which royalty act.
Other themes, such as “Let the Stars Fall Down” display and put the spotlight on the fast paced action and spectacle that the viewer is experiencing. While the aforementioned soundtrack is glorious in its own way, “This Day and Never Again” is a great example of a amazing soundtrack that puts the emphasis on the cruel aspects of this show. The soundtrack is a vocal representation of what the characters have to gain and how it is insignificant in comparison with what they have put out as a gamble.
Enjoyment: 9.24/10
As far as pure enjoyment goes, this was one that was a pleasure to watch, and one that will be memorable as being in my top 7 anime of all time. This show felt like a masterpiece to me, and will forever be a classic example of action that doesn’t have to follow the generic Shounen action formulas present in the majority of anime.
Overall: 9.47/10
If the thought process going into this show is that of a Popcorn/pure action series, this doesn’t fit the bill, but for viewers who like to indulge and sit back after a long day of work. Although, this is great anime to drift off into, a certain level of attention has to be given to this series to enjoy it thoroughly. If you are a fan of thought provoking action and suspenseful plot, this will be a masterpiece that you will enjoy and remember for years to come.
