Type Moon is famous for its dark themes, supernatural settings and plot twists.
The Tsukihime novel was the the second creation of Type Moon, so you can say it's the predeccesor and inspiration for the anime fate/stay night.
The story revolves around the main character Shiki, who lost his memory, after a supposed car accident. The anime begins with Shiki as a little boy, as an effect of the accident he starts seeing "lines" and by touching those "lines" he can break things from their inner core.
He mysteriously encounters a young woman who introduces herself as being a witch. She gives Shiki a special pair of glasses that make him not see those lines, adding that he should use that power only when he really needs to protect a precious person to him.
He is then taken in by his relatives,the Arimas.After his father deceased, he returnes after 8 yers to his sister side,Akiha,now the head of the family. He founds the house of the Tohnos giving of a hostile,uncomfortable feeling,wondering if that house is really his. One day he sees a mysterious foreign woman,and as if in a trance procedees to cut her into pieces.Thinking it was only a dream, he finds himself that the woman is alive and well, saying he owns her,and that's how all starts...
Tsukihime the anime is more of an apperitive before the novel, making you eager for a real treat. If you think watching the 12 episodes anime will satisfy your hunger, than you are terribly mistaken.
The Moon Type universe is far more complex, the anime is only a tiny glimpse of into the “nasuverse”.
In anime format is disappointingly mundane, the pace is slow, and it rarely breaks from its shackles, the action is used with the chinese drop. I do admire the ideas and inspiration for the story, however the execution leaves much to be desired. The original novel being more complex and entertaining. If compared to Kara no Kyoukai movies, this anime pales in comparison, like a human dried out of blood (no pun intented).
Story: 3
The year 2003 represented an important year in the anime industry, anime series such as Chrono Crusade, Full Metal, Peacemaker Kurogane, which determined how the new generation of anime looked, animes with which most of us grew up. The art in that year showed the evolution of the industry on a whole other level. However, the art in Tsukihime isn't perfect, being more of a prototype for the art in fate/stay night, it's not as detailed, showing that the animation staff didn't give their all, or weren't paid sufficently.The good thing about the art though, is the design by the original creators, Type Moon.
Art: 6
Some viewers may have found interesting and innovative the almost constant piano and violin music overlapping the action, but I personally found it quite irritating.
It slows the action and deviates into mundane. I prefer the music to be played in the moments of climax, that way it makes the music more meaningful, more precious, hearing it almost constantly takes from the impact.
The opening theme entitled "The Sacred Moon" performed by Toshiyuki Oomori,is for me one of the highlights of the series. It holds a lot of power in its message, it truly mesmerises you, making you feel as if you were diving into an ocean of mystery and sadness. The constant playing of the background music drags down the score.
Sound: 7
The portrayal of the characters in this anime doesn't do them justice. The development of the characters is easily decreased in comparison with the novel, or doesn't even exist. The sole purpose for characters such as Arihiko Inui and Satsuki Yumizuka is to let the viewerknow that there are also humans in the world of Tsukihime, not only vampires,magicians, demon hunters and people with supernatural abilities.
Satsuki Yumizuka isn't even taken in consideration as a possible lover interest.In contrast to animes such as fate/stay night and Kara no Kyoukai,the majority of the main characters personalities are not likeable.
Shiki indulges himself in a ignorant lifestyle, preferring to avoid taking responsability for his actions.
I was waiting for him to become cooler like in the novel, but it didn't happened, it disappointed me immensely.
Akiha is the stereotype of "ojou-sama" (young lady from a rich family), she finds the most interesting subjects for a conversation the types of expensive tea such as "Earl Grey" and "Darjeeling" and takes a variety of classes such as violion,ballet etc. , the usual attitude of a snob.
She is also the stereotype of a sister who has a brother complex. Ciel has a non-existing personality, being only interesting when she tries to be mysterious, laughing inside about Shiki's cluelessness and teasing him. The twins Kohaku and Hisui are also the stereotype of weird twins, since Japanese people regard twins as being quite an abnormal existence, they also represent the stereotype of the faithful maid, that will serve you even if you don't give her money.
The only interesting character for me is Alcueid, that even though she is a vampire, doen't fit the stereotype, been able to enjoy the sunlight and food like any other normal human. She has an energetic,playful personality which I find very enjoyable. She has an innocent, sincere aura about her, which makes her likeable. As an vampire, she also has a mysterious past, and that is a bonus. The character of Alcueid raised up the bar a little higher.
Characters: 3
My enjoyment was similar to a ghost, you can perceive it from time to time, but most of the time remains hidden. The lack of dedication of the staff, the poor execution of the adaptation, the stereotypical characters made this anime for me quite painful to watch, now I really need to go back to read the manga, thanks God for that.
Enjoyment: 3
Overall: 4
