Reviews

Aug 15, 2023
Mixed Feelings
So, I just revisited the original anime adaptation of Fate/Stay night by studio DEEN, and let me tell you, it's quite the ride. I personally gave it a 6/10, and honestly, I don't think it deserves all the flak it gets. Let me break it down for you.

First things first, let's talk about the animation. Sure, compared to some of the slicker adaptations that came later, it might not be mind-blowing, but for its time, it's pretty darn impressive. Remember, we're talking about a show that came out a while ago. So, cut it some slack, people! While it might not reach the visual heights of some newer versions, it's still solid, and that should count for something.

Now, here's the deal: don't let anyone fool you into thinking you should just skip this adaptation. It might not be the grandest interpretation of the Fate/Stay night universe, but it's got its own charm. The core concept and writing that make the Fate series so intriguing are still present, and that's what matters. So, kudos to the writers for staying true to the essence.

Let's take a moment to appreciate the groundbreaking concept that the original Fate/Stay night brought to the table. When it first hit the scene, it was like a fresh gust of air in the anime world. The whole idea of summoning heroic spirits and having them fight in a brutal battle royale for the Holy Grail is seriously innovative. It's a cocktail of history, myth, and fantasy, shaken up into a story that's both intriguing and mind-bending.

But let's be real, there are some definite drawbacks. One glaring issue is the amount of time the characters spend doing absolutely nothing. I mean, come on, we're here for epic battles and intense drama, not endless tea parties and strolls through the park. And then there's our dear friend Shirou Emiya. Now, don't get me wrong, he's the main character and all, but good grief, his selfish monologues can become insufferable. It's like, dude, we get it, you have ideals, but could you please take a chill pill once in a while?

Oh boy, let's dive a bit deeper into the enigma that is Shirou Emiya. Look, I get it, he's got his ideals and he's determined to uphold them, but sometimes it's like he's got a one-track mind made of steel. I mean, dude, there's a whole world of complexities out there, and you're over here fixated on your righteous crusade. It's like he missed the memo on common sense, and that can be a real head-scratcher, especially when you're trying to root for the guy.

Now, let's talk about patience, my friend. You know, watching paint dry might be quicker than waiting for the plot to truly develop in this adaptation. It's like the story took its sweet time getting to the good stuff, and by the time it did, you're left wondering if you should've brewed a whole pot of coffee just to stay awake. Sure, a slow burn can be tantalizing, but there's a fine line between suspenseful buildup and downright dragging. So, buckle up for a journey that might test your endurance more than you anticipated.

Speaking of time-wasting, the filler content is real. It's like they were trying to stretch out a rubber band to its limits. And did we really need that much fluff? Not to mention, there's a conspicuous absence of those "WOW" moments that really make an anime unforgettable. I mean, when you're watching a show about mages and epic battles, you want to be on the edge of your seat at least a few times, right?

BEST EPISODE
Ah, let's take a moment to shine the spotlight on episode 14, shall we? In the sea of episodes that may have left you wanting a bit more, this one stands out like a diamond in the rough. It's like the creators decided to sprinkle a little extra magic into this particular installment. Now, don't get me wrong, it's not mind-blowingly epic, but in the context of this adaptation, it's a shining gem. So, what makes episode 14 the standout? Well, for starters, it's got a dose of action that finally breaks through the character-driven chatter. It's like the show woke up from a nap and remembered, "Hey, we're supposed to have epic battles and stuff, right?" There's a sense of urgency and stakes that make you lean in a bit closer, and that's a welcome change of pace.
Plus, it's in this episode that you start to see some of the threads coming together. The plot starts nudging forward, and you get a glimpse of what might be waiting around the corner. It's like that moment in a puzzle when you finally find a piece that fits just right, and suddenly the bigger picture starts to emerge.
Now, it's not the most jaw-dropping episode you'll ever see, but in the context of a series that sometimes feels like it's taking a leisurely stroll through a park, episode 14 is like a brisk jog that reminds you there's action and excitement to be had. So, while it might not make you shout "WOW" from the rooftops, it definitely deserves a nod of appreciation in a sea of episodes that might have left you wanting a bit more.

All in all, Fate/Stay night by studio DEEN isn't a masterpiece, but it's far from being a disaster. If you're a fan of the Fate universe, it's worth giving a shot. Just keep in mind that you might need to fast forward through some character chatter and Shirou's philosophical debates to get to the good stuff. Happy watching!
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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