Recommendation: Kara no Kyoukai
What kind of an anniversary would it be, without writing about my favourite series?!
After all, no character has fascinated me like one, Ryougi Shiki.
You are an ever unfolding mystery… What are you, Ryougi Shiki? If you add Nakata Jouji’s voice for emphasis here (who voiced Araya Souren’s role), I would be happy to give you a glimpse of the person in questions and the impact she leaves behind, even if she’s made of strife and opposing polarities. That’s right, I’m finally done with a recommendation post on my most favourite title ever.
From where should I even begin? Because I’m biased and too much of a fan of Kara no Kyoukai, which in itself, if explored properly, can actually blow your mind. No, I’m not kidding and there is a reason that I actively recommend these movies to EVERYONE who would listen. It was quite a fateful day that I happened across the trailer of the seventh movie and I have not looked back since. I’ve re-watched the movies thrice already and discovered many things that I missed during the first watch. It is that good. I started this post thinking to review the Epilogue because well, I did sign up for it but soon found out that there was no stopping to my writing. The more I wrote, the more thoughts came into my head so I finally decided to turn this into an Editorial instead, touching upon the background and some foreground rather than picking different chunks out of the storyline.
I might seriously review all the movies and epilogue but that is for a later date and I’m not telling you the ETA! Whatever the case maybe, I know for a fact that the Epilogue is as good as it gets for a fan because of that yummilicious Bluray box-set that has been released already and is being shipped by Amazon JP and Right Stuf. I haven’t ordered it yet but will own it one day in the near future for sure. Till then I can still enjoy the 720-1080p versions that I have on my HD. After watching the Epilogue, I was planning on writing a summary review and get it over with but I was so moved that I did my third marathon of KnK. SO GOOD that my mind and heart both were quite full. It never gets old, I swear!
So, you would ask, what is all the fuss about? Why do the Type-Moon/Nasu fans go gaga and fangirl like over-excited lolis whenever they hear something new being produced? Hear me scream: Fate/Zero anime produced by ufotable, while music by Yuki Kajiura…. *dies in bliss*. There’s a reason for people like us, who squee over the intricacies of plot details, character monologues, little hints hidden everywhere and Type-Moon’s mild (biased opinion) character recycling; as in actuality Emiya Shirou (fate/stay) was inspired by Enjou Tomoe (KnK), Emiya Kiritsugu (fate/stay) came from Akimi Daisuke (KnK), while Nanaya Shiki (Tsukihime VN) is the male counterpart of Ryougi Shiki. The Nasu-verse is big enough to house many alternate stories and a melee of characters that never get old. If you thought Fate/stay night anime was shit, I would agree with you because the real deal is SO MUCH BETTER. Go play the Visual Novel and you will know what I am talking about.
Oh right, some spoiler preamble. I tried my best in keeping things spoiler free, though some hints might slip by, but nothing too overly spoilery so rest assured. If truth be told, Kara no Kyoukai can be called a true adaptation of Nasu’s novels because overall everything that mattered was shown and it’s proven that when you stick to the original material, you get something golden. And that is what Kara no Kyoukai is; one of the most riveting anime/movie that you would ever see.
Nasuism of Kara no Kyoukai
The light novels are Nasu Kinoko’s earlier works (released in 1998 and reprinted in 2004), when Type-Moon was not even formed but collaboration of illustrations were underway with Takeuchi Takashi. This partnership led to the eventual formation of Type-Moon game company that specializes in complex Visual Novels. This was not the only formation caused by Kara no Kyoukai but Kalafina band also has its roots in the same, which was formed by Yuki Kajiura to mainly perform the theme songs of the KnK movies.
Interestingly, the world of Kara no Kyoukai is shared by other works of Nasu, as in Tsukihime and Fate/stay night. There are a lot of supernatural powers involved and at the root, you can say are the families who are part of the Demon Hunters Organization (Taima soshiki), made up of four families, possessing supernatural powers and in some instances are even cross breeds of humans and demons. In short, the four families are:
- Nanaya (from Tsukihime): Supposedly, the most powerful of all families and are the best assassins, possessing the Pure Eyes.
- Ryougi (from Kara no Kyoukai): Their special ability is forming multiple personalities within themselves to master multiple skills; also in the same effect, their given names are written in two different ways in kanji. Shiki is an anomaly you can say, because she awakened the eyes of Death Perception after her close brush with death.
- Fujou (from Kara no Kyoukai): An ancient bloodline of magi, specializing in acting as mediums. This ability grants them a superior view of the world but long term usage causes blindness.
- Asagami (from Kara no Kyoukai): Their ability is a very powerful version of Telekinesis.
A lot of twists and turns intertwine these families, which take up roots as different stories that Nasu has explored upon, his favourite illustrator being Takashi Takeuchi with whom he formed Type-Moon. Kara no Kyoukai light novel was one of his earliest works and just the beginning. Angel Notes gave birth to the name Type-Moon, while he also wrote Mahōtsukai no Yoru (currently in development for a 2011 VN release – Trailer here with Supercell music… HNNGGG), Kōri no Hana, Decoration Disorder Disconnection: Junk the Eater and Decoration Disorder Disconnection: HandS. Tsukihime was his first visual novel, followed by Kagetsu Tohya, Melty Blood, Fate/stay night and Fate/hollow ataraxia. Nasu wrote a special scenario for 428: Fūsa Sareta Shibuya de that lead to Canaan anime adaptation. You can easily see that Nasu has been active and running, and being a fan I can only wish for him to continue weaving his tales.
Kara no Kyoukai at a Glance…
Being true to its genre of Psychological Supernatural Mystery, the first movie is not chronologically first but do not think of it as the endless eight because that’s a separate ballpark altogether. If I categorize the movies, one would be a good way of introduction into the world because even when you don’t know anything about it or the characters within, you are still enthralled by it because of their sense of determination and ease at which they all fit in. You voluntarily want to know more about what makes Ryougi Shiki so powerful and her connection with the rest of characters introduced. Good thing is that there are not many random characters added, except for those who play an important part later in timeline. Fujou Kirie and Ryougi Shiki’s supernatural ability prepares the watcher for more to come; not to mention Touko is a magus after all and Mikiya her pupil.
The second installment is a good back story, telling the viewers how Shiki and Kokutou actually met; of course, if you have seen the Epilogue you already know it was not Shiki who smiled at Mikiya on that snowy morning. It’s not your ordinary story of boy meets girl because Shiki is no ordinary girl. Many mysteries unfold around her with a lot of killing in the background. More is revealed about our main protagonist being the heir to Ryougi household and having a dual personality. Whatever discovered however is like scratching the surface because of the many layers of plot and character development. It also has a very cliffhangery ending so I can’t imagine the people who saw this and had to wait till the fourth for more information.
The third has the most graphic beginning; even with a forewarning, I was a bit taken aback because it was not your on-your-face fan-service but an actual malicious act. How Asagami Fujino deals with it is the main story. She also possesses supernatural power (she belongs to one of the top tier families of Taima shoshiki) that she uses quite redundantly. I have to say here, Noto Mamiko ftw for this character, who certainly leaves her mark. Mikiya’s sister is introduced for the first time in this installment, who shows more than distaste with her brother associating with Shiki. Things end with an elaborate fight scene, making Shiki lose a hand but no worries, Touko will be making her a new one. Also, she gives the first genuine smile to Mikiya after awakening with the death perception from coma, meaning acceptance of many hard facts and a power up to their relationship.
Fourth installment traces back to where things were left off in the second movie. How Shiki awakens her powers of Death Perception after being in coma for two years. A lot of circumstances are discussed but it’s true that she doesn’t receive them well but the hindrance actually helps her in a pinch, making her finally accept it. Not to mention, losing a very important part of herself throws her personality more towards androgyny. If you check out the light novels, Shiki is depicted very androgynously due to her dual character progression. Things do end well for her (for the time being) and she realizes how Mikiya was the only person waiting for her on the other side.
The fifth has the most twisted story; the flow almost inverted; you can easily call it a mindfuck. There are times that you would feel like you don’t even know what you are watching and where things match but once you get the hang of it; it all comes together in the end like a big puzzle. Nakata Jouji is awesome as Araya Souren, who leaves a lasting impression even when he’s supposedly the bad guy. Interestingly, even the most evil of villains get sympathy in the Nasu-verse because of their background and reasoning (their origins), which drives them. Enjou Tomoe leaves an impression as well, being the catalyst of this story, proving life can be pretty fucked up, if given the chance. We get to know more about Touko and a hint of her lineage being stolen by her sister Aoko, even when she’s not the half mage as her. We get to see how powerful by the end, and all of it definitely leaves a bittersweet taste.
In case of storyline, sixth is the most light-hearted and as close to moeness that Nasu-verse would ever go. Properly introducing Azaka and her powers of ignition, she’s an apprentice of Touko and is a love rival of Shiki. Yes, I said that right. There’s an actual cat fight in there somewhere. We also meet God’s Words and how he’s not your average Joe. Though, the main storyline remains to be around the faery involvement in Reien boarding school, where Azaka studies and Shiki is sent by Touko to investigate the disturbance. The villain is not as awesome as Araya Souren so in the end, this becomes a showcase for more background on Kokutou siblings. Though you gotta watch Shiki wear a boarding school uniform inspired by nun’s habit; a refreshing change from the continuous kimono adorning.
Seventh will remain to be my favorite of the lot because we get a lot of development. Not to mention Lio Shirazumi was one twisted prick. This is what you call an interweaving storyline that is very well placed and timely. So good! The wait for all the six movies actually pays off in this and then some. Shiki and Mikiya are shown as average humans, who are of course not average but somehow or the other cope with the situation that is thrown at them as best as they can. Mikiya gets many brownie points for being the kind person he is and a capable detective forming no opinions until very sure. Don’t even get me started over Shiki because I don’t want to spoil you. Just go and watch it yourself. Shoo!
Epilogue is the like a bonus that is a simple conversation between Mikiya and a powerful side to Shiki. There have been many speculations about the personalities of Shiki and if there was only one or more? Some people even have gone to the extent of comparing her to Akasha, who can control the fabric of reality. Think about a person having power over death because she can simply kill you by either thinking about it or knowing exactly where to cut to get at your weakness. Can she be called normal? Of course not. But Mikiya is normal and so we think but he’s such a humble man that he’s happy with what he has and only wants to strive for Shiki’s happiness rather than worldly possessions. How can you not like this guy, huh?
Chronology
Following is the right order:
- Second KnK: Satsujin Kousatsu (Part 1) – (Apr, 1995 – Mar, 1996 – Jun 1998)
- Fourth KnK: Garan no Dou – (Mar, 1996 – Jun 1998)
- Third KnK: Tsuukaku Zanryuu – (Jul, 1998)
- First KnK: Fukan Fuukei – (Aug – Sep, 1998)
- Fifth KnK: Mujun Rasen – (Nov, 1998)
- Sixth KnK: Boukyaku Rokuon – (Jan, 1999)
- Seventh KnK: Satsujin Kousatsu (Part 2) – (Feb, 1999)
Concluding Thoughts
For now. I can clearly say that the above summarizing is a total injustice to the series because damn, it was effing hard to even write it without any spoilers but yes, it’s fucking brilliant and I should know and you won’t go wrong in taking my word for it. Of course, it’s not filled with moe girls, flowers and random hilarity. This is srs bsns and you should be in that mindset while watching.
You would ask, why Garden of Sinners/Borderline of Emptiness of all things? What’s the sin? What’s the emptiness? It’s one’s personal heavy burdens. If you scratch at the surface, every movie’s new protagonist drives the story around our main protagonists, who are the same on many levels. They have gotten through a lot and possess different forms of origin that defines them. Araya Souren plays a very important part, even when he was not a regular featured character like Touko. It all boils down to Shiki and Mikiya; the her with the problems of the world and the he who is as normal as the passing Joe, whose kindness and resourcefulness makes him Mr. Perfect. In the entire length of the series, he was angry only once (mad doesn’t count, because it’s short-lived and pointed at his loved-ones), on a rapist at that; just goes to show how his mind works.
But I want to kill you…. Can you even fathom a character, who simply desires to kill and nothing else? It’s a fact that Shiki’s dual personality was a catalyst to everything but in losing a part of herself, the feminine Shiki took many characteristics of the male SHIKI and thus became more of an androgynous symbol. There are times when Mikiya would remind her to talk more like a girl and not to use ‘ore’ but she is defiant and compensates the loss of SHIKI however possible.
Ryougi Shiki is an enigma onto herself and seriously don’t get me started on her (I’ve already become quite long-winded). Kokutou Mikiya is there to stroke your megane fetish but he’s one of the most honest and kindest persons you would ever across to in the animu world; though, he warrants a certain presence as well (entering Tokou’s warded Garan no Dou is no easy task). Aozaki Touko is an ideal helper and a powerful magus, who knows everything about the occult and is the person who tells Shiki the truth about her powers. In the end, not a lot is explained about her family except for them being direct descendants of Aozaki Clan and sister to Aoko (from Tsukihime VN). The fourth constant character is Azaka, Mikiya’s sister who is madly in love with him. I can bet she would go rape him if it was up to her but she grudgingly likes Shiki and knows for a fact that Mikiya would never tilt that way. Araya Souren, somehow or the other overshadows the whole story, while the other protagonists are one chapter/movie fiddle, but still leave a lasting impact with story progression and adding more plot complexity.
Overall, Animation helps of course and this project would remain to be one of the most elaborate and widely revered of Type-Moon, because ufotable did help in making Nasu’s light novels come to life. I would love it if Fate/zero would surpass this but that’s for future. There are literally scenes where you actually want to touch the falling snow and stare wonderingly at the blood dripping down pathways. It’s that fascinating and vibrant. It’s an intriguing story in the end, full of mystery, leaving you wanting for more. If you are a big mystery fan like me, you would love this. I can easily say, you are missing out big time, if you haven’t watched this yet.
Pro Tip: For newbies, I have two options:
- Daring choice (recommended): Watch the first 5 movies as per their serial number; after which rather than jumping directly to the 6th re-watch in chronological order: 2, 4, 3, 1 and 5. Then follow it up with the 6th and 7th.
- Easy way out (not recommended): Watch the movies in chronological order of 2, 4, 3, 1, 5, 6 and 7. This is not recommended because it’s just not fun at all!
- Update: Get the fully translated light novel here. Don’t even get my started on Del ray not using the licensing properly. >.>
- You can listen to the elaborate discussion by Flags for an in-depth know-how on the same.
- Check Type-Moon wiki for extended information on worlds and characters, if interested.
- Listen to the amazing soundtracks by Yuki Kajiura, all OSTs are a must have. Not to mention, this is where Kalafina started after all. All the EDs are amazing, I have special fondness to Oblivious.
Alright, I am seriously done. Who would have thought, this post would get so long?! I’m seriously sparing you all by ending here. Till next time, Ja ne~
About Kyokai
The Boss lady of Metanorn, who makes it all happen. An animanga enthusiast, who watches/reads almost anything that strikes her fancy. Just beware of her Death Perception and always keep her happy. Regularly found at @KyokaiTM & #[email protected].
POWUH: 800-899 and Flying Sage with 856 comments
Okay, you have convinced me. I hereby pledge to watch Kara no Kyoukai.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
YES. Another one. Lemme know while watching so that we can twitterchat. The more people I have to chat about KnK, the better.
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 304 comments
This is officially on my watchlist now!
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Good girl~ xD
POWUH: iLurker with 3 comments
it finish yearss ago….already have BDrip on my disk
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
More the reasons to share its love for people who have missed it. ^^
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
Very thorough recommendation post, you’re sure to reel in more people with this! Anyone hungry for a complex, multi-layered storyline should add this to their watch list. :3
…I’m tempted to rewatch my favourite movies now~
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Fufufuuu~ That was my intention after all. I guess people shy away because of the blood and gore but it’s so worth it and just because it’s multi-faceted, becomes so much more fun!
Also, rewatching is always awesome. :3
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
I watched these with my brother we both loved it, well we watched from 1-7 and were so confused! But we figured it out and had a blast! Shiki is really a bad ass character and can be quite cute too xD
My favorite movies would have to be 2,4,5,6 and 7 then again it really is hard to choose between them..
A few moments stand out but I won’t say without spoiling, just singing from one of the characters <3 that.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Oh I remember, how much I pushed you to finish it. xD It’s such an amazing ride. For me, 2,4,5 really stand out and of course 7. The characters are well built and I know right, “I’m singing in the rain~” Maybe my karaoke would be of this song. :3
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Hahahah yes! Singing in the rain was so good! Go for it ;P
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
I’m singing in the rain, just singing in the rain.
What a glorious feeling, I am happy again.
I’m laughing at clouds; so dark up above.
The sun’s in my heart and I’m ready for love.
Let the stormy clouds chase, everyone from the place.
Come on with the rain. I have a smile on my face.
Aaah, look what you did. Now I can’t stop singing! >.<''
POWUH: 400-499 with 406 comments
Looks like I HAVE to watch this now, sounds so interesting!
You reeled me in.
I would so watch this now at this very second if I wasn’t so busy.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Of course, YOU HAVE TO NOW! :3 *stares with hypnotic eyes*
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 94 comments
thanks for the plug bud! Need to say to the people that are going to embark on this 7 part journey.. YOU WILL NOT GET EVERYTHING on your first run. 5th Movie still remains the best in my books and the 7th will always remain as the second.. GODDAMN THAT MONTAGE…THAT MONTAGE!!!!
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
I did not plug you.
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 94 comments
oh then.. Sorry.
POWUH: 400-499 with 428 comments
Kara no Kyoukai for the win!!!! Having actually watched all the films and the epilogue to death ‘what am I saying? You can never watch KnK to death’, it really is a masterpiece. I know the word is thrown around for many things but this is a classic, no doubt, pleasing for about any kind of anime fan, as well as those not so much into anime because seriously? There’s a little something for everyone, from the animation (ooooooohhh) to the music (Yuki Kajiura! I like Kenji Kawai as well but Yuki Kajiura’s darker tones definitely take the cake for me 🙂 She’s up there as all time favourite composer: Beethoven, you have serious competition ;P) to extremely enjoyable storyline (mindrape? what do you-OH MY GOD!) As you can see, I am a diehard KnK fan but I take pride in it, since KnK is too awesome
and Shiki is staring at me with her Mystic Eyes…eepWish Mirai Fukuin would be animated but…that is my only regret, never being able to see Mana…not naming any favourites but Paradox Spiral nudges out slightly since Touko (sec fav character) gets her time in the spotlight, whilst Ryougi wielding a katana in a kimono…hell yeah 🙂POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Hells yeah! I think I might just do the watch KnK to death because well it is that excellent and amazing.
Mindrape? You said that right, especially in case of Paradox Spiral because it just screws with your mind yet you want to see all the connecting scenes and keep figuring out things as plot progresses. Not to mention, Araya Souren, Enjou Tomoe and the amazing Touko (I even love her seiyuu Honda Takako). That penultimate scene when Shiki comes out of the elevator after Tomoe’s line of “I was here” sends a shiver down my spine every damn time!
High five for being a KnK fan and I have same misgivings about Mirai Fukuin. I thought Epilogue was to show Mana until it was revealed that the conversation was with you-know-who. STILL, it was one amazing conversation and I can only wish that ufotable animates another special to delight the fans. :3
POWUH: 400-499 with 428 comments
Defs agree with you there…where are you Mana?!?!?!…sigh, I’ll just content myself with the awesome fact ufotable is doing Fate/Zero, with the same director as KnK as well as the queen of music Yuki Kajiura…love the fact how some people disliked the Fate/Zero pv…defs Studio Deen fans…:)
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
At least there’s some fanart of Mana to content with but hey, she’s quite jealous of her own mother though. xD
Didn’t every KnK had a separate director? Just checked, the dude directed Ga-Rei: Zero and Houro Musuko too along with first KnK. I’m going to like Fate/zero and haters are gonna hate. Boo. ufotable is awesome and I can’t wait for it! >.<
POWUH: 400-499 and Manly Russians lover with 401 comments
Hmmmm, I dunno….
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
You will never. >.>
POWUH: 600-699 and Romance Expert with 652 comments
I loved the movie, a bit confusing early though. I understood more when I went to wikis and tv tropes.
I also understood it was connected with fate/stay night. then thats when I loved the nasuverse, even if I havent played their games and also seen tsukihime.
shiki’s a really badass character. she’s known to be able to teleport and can kill anything(living or non-living) things, even attacks.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
The best thing about Nasuverse is that, it’s all connected with little pins like the fact Touko has a sister named Aoko, who plays an important role in Tsukihime and Tohno Shiki’s personality. Btw, both Tsukihime and Fate/stay night VNs are translated & pretty much available if you really want to find them. They are a treat in themselves, so you should think of checking them out.
Shiki has so many facets to her that you can write on and still there be stuff left unsaid. She can actually skew reality even more than God’s Words because he would have to speak to destroy but the third Shiki could actually just destroy it by simply thinking about it.
Another interesting fact about Nasuverse is the concept of origin, everyone has them and that is the trait that overall defines the.
POWUH: 600-699 and Romance Expert with 652 comments
dont wanna got caught by my mom playing those though…
I dont really think il have time for it…
reading fanfics about them is good enough for me.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Hahahaa! But you watch ecchi! Every game has a save option so progress is not a problem also, none of it is very graphic. Though I can’t comment fully because I haven’t finished any of them and are in progress. :3
POWUH: 600-699 and Romance Expert with 652 comments
its also the time for games you know….
I have anime, manga, FB, fanfics, forums to manage/go.
besides, finding those are gonna take a while and I dont think I have the patience to find them.
plus I got spoiled. a LOT. I dont think it will surprise me enough and entertain when I know what happens.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Ah well, I know. The reason I haven’t finished the VNs yet. Some weekend, I would get into it, enjoy the progress but then touch it after a month. My objective is to finish heaven’s feel, which is supposedly epic.
I will definitely check some fanfics for fun. Always good to read some good ones when they know their canon. :3
POWUH: 600-699 and Wingman with 655 comments
I should have known this was coming XD
“I want to kill you”; simply killing and wishing nothing else, actually is a theme used quite a lot, like the Zerozaki series by NISIOISIN. Nevertheless, i can’t deny that it always attracts me..
KnK always give me something to think about, and i currently watched it 4 times,
1st just to get the concept,
2nd to confirm the content,
3rd to just enjoy, and
4th for some philosophical questions(basic though),
and this marathon will still continue with the epilogue added 😛
Good thing I am a korean, and KnK is already translated, and i was able to read the novel as well, where i gasped at the little details i missed 😀
Of course the OST is badass and Fate/Zero (if it remains high quality as shown on the PV) is going to be legendary, since i already read the novel long time ago, i can guarantee that the story is going to be awesome (its written by Urobuchi for fuck’s sake) 😛
P.S. the epilogue was amazing, all the details, and the quiet yet definitely strong dialogues…i’m out of words to describe the feeling…
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Oh yes! Been cooking for some time too. Just had been stalling and adding some more stuff for the anniversary. :3
There’s something very feral about the intention to kill and such characters are either psychopaths with uber-crazy written all over them or complex characters like Shiki. Of course, the more complex the more I like them and the reason this androgynous woman is just epic!
I like the explanation of your rewatches. xD I have now gone up to 5 but I’ve seen Paradox Spiral, Murder Speculation Part I & I more times than I could count. I always come back to these parts because this is where not only more development happened but you get to see Shiki evolving.
I’m so jealous of you! To be able to not only read the complete KnK novels but fate/zero too. >.<'' Now I wish I was in Korea and knew the language. ;3; I can't wait for ufotable to release it in Fall! Epilogue was so surreal. Imagine, it was only a conversation between two people but SO DEEP. OH GOD. I';m not even sure what to write for review except for the awesome quotes that void provided. Oh yes, I can go on and on and on... so I will spare you for now! :3
POWUH: 600-699 and Wingman with 655 comments
the novels were amazing i tell you,
for spoilers, first you will hate Waiver in his puny-ness compared to the almighty Alexander, but as the story concludes, you will cry as you watch the two develop their relationships ;3 can’t believe Urobuchi created such a heart warming story w/o gruesome details :3 (he usually does it with twisted mentality) and since Urobuchi’s favorite is Archer(the gold one, this is the 4th not the 5th), he actually becomes more King-like, and (i hate to admit it) actually looks cool 😛
POWUH: 600-699 and Romance Expert with 652 comments
you mean gilgamesh.
he’s actually said by beast lair(the forums I go to read fan fics about F/S night) that gilgamesh is bi.
http://nrvnqsr.us.to/forumdisplay.php/5-Fanfics
it has great fan fiction. you can probably find some great KnK ones.
POWUH: 600-699 and Wingman with 655 comments
there really is a possibility that he might be bi, based on the fact of how he clings on to Enkidu :3 enkidu this enkidu that XD
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
My favourite will remain to be Archer. I have such a soft spot for him, while Gilgamesh is a big bitch… >.> but hey, I haven’t played all the arcs of FSN so I can’t comment wholeheartedly here.
I’m sure though, Gilgamesh can be bi; maybe just because of his stature and the way he talks.
I’ll check out those fanfics~
POWUH: 600-699 and Romance Expert with 652 comments
I love archer as well. he’s the one made for GAR.
seriously, he’s the only hero who actually worked hard to gain his current strength while others had benefits of being monsters, divine origin, son of gods, royalty, etc.
well aside from assassin…
anyways, the fanfics are great. they mostly follow canon routes and the other posts there would tell whether or not its canon or original by the author.
I recommend it 100%. even if I havent played any of the routes, I read them.
POWUH: 600-699 and Wingman with 655 comments
i kind of liked Gilgamesh after i read Fate/Zero :3 but i think the main point of Fate/Zero is Kiritzugu’s awesomeness and Alexander’s manliness! :3
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
@amado, I hear you! Archer actually worked effing hard to become powerful. Of course, he had potential but he can be called the true hero with his sacrifices and sometimes protectiveness.
The reason I’m looking forward to Fate/zero is because of Kiritsugu (he’s bishie after all :3) and could only wish if it was ataraxia to finally see the dark Saber.
@Mikado, now I’m really looking forward to fate/zero. If I see another facet of Gilgamesh, I might actually warm up to him. :3
POWUH: 600-699 and Wingman with 655 comments
Kiritsugu’s story is soooo heart warming and heart breaking at the same time ㅜㅠ its interesting to see his relationship with saber as well and how that leads to Fate/StayNight XD
btw Fate/HallowAtaraxia was a great game 😀
i have reached 100% completion with it, and enjoyed every single part of it (has great story too) :3 though for Fate/StayNight, somehow i cant get to clear the second arc (Unlimited Blade Works) because there is this error so I couldn’t play Heaven’s Feel 😛
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Did you try re-installing the game? The mirrormoon links worked very well for me and I’m done with UBW, while at the start of HF. UBW was pretty awesome and you should definitely not miss it!
PS: My 5000th comment goes to my favourite series post. xD
POWUH: 600-699 and Wingman with 655 comments
save my comment from the depths of the cyber-abyss :3
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Just did~ :3
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Hahaha… back when I was a
stalkerlurker, you were actually the one who convinced me to watch these movies.THEY DESERVE TO BE WATCHED! SPREAD THE WORD!!!
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
WOOHOOO~ Mission accomplished! <3
Definitely NEED TO BE WATCHED & THEN REVERED~
POWUH: iLurker with 1 comments
It really is one of the best “series” out there. Splitting it up into 7 movies was such a good idea. I watched it “out of order” (1-7 chronological) and really loved the style. I agree with the recommendation, watch it how it was released then re-watch in 2 -> 4 -> 3 -> 1 -> 5
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Oh definitely and the reason it’s split into parts is because it was originally released 5 chapter & then the last two were later released in a Comiket56.
The out of order makes it even more entertaining and riveting for the viewer. Ah, such good times.
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 190 comments
Hehe watched it when Kyokai raved about it when the chatbox was in its early stages and absolutely loved it >__<
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Oh yes! Spreading the KnK love one at a time~ xD
POWUH: Meta Resident and Yōko Fanboy with 1246 comments
Leave it to the great Kyokai to recommend KnK with style ;D
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Indeed.
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 107 comments
Wooww, so long! 0.o (and tbh, I didn’t read all of it, especially because I already watched it :P)
But I must agree that KnK was awesome~
The first movie isn’t that special, but I’m glad I didn’t stop because the second was awesome! Second movie, along with seventh and fifth are my fave!
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
I could have gone longer but I spared the readers who would get bored of the wall of text which had no hints of reduction, while I was thrumming this along. xD
First movie is not the best of the lot but it does the job to reel in the viewer, who say, wtf is happening?! Why is she doing that or why Mikiya is lying comatose on a sofa for the 90% of movie length! Of course, blood fascinates me and that was what attracted me but every part is special in itself, though 2, 4, 5 and 7 would be more dearer to my heart than the rest. ^^
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 107 comments
Oh, I agree with you. Blood in KnK looks so real, that’s also the reasons why I really like it ^^
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Definitely! There are very few anime that showed blood if you can say, ‘beautifully’. Shiki is one, while Elfen Lied was just Killy Billy~ :3
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 322 comments
O Mighty Kyokai,
i am OFFICIALLY hooked now.
it was always on the back on my mind to at least check it out or something, but now there’s no avoiding.
i somehow need to get my hands on this…..
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Lol, thank you~ You definitely have to check this out. Too excellent to pass up. :3
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
Well, I am not surprised by this editorial at all. But I do agree with you, because KnK is amazing. Even though I only watched the 1st movie, I’m already hypnotized. I LOVED the first movie, especially the music – oh god, it was so heavenly~ I still can’t get over the music!
But anyway. Waiting for the summer vacations to start, because I am SO going to marathon this anime, baby! *~* Can’t wait, can’t wait! Especially, to download all the music goodies from all the movies HNGGGGGGG <33
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Yep, it was one of those things that I had to do because I’m such an avid fan. After the first movie, now you’ve gotten the taste and know what to expect from the rest. Go for a marathon rather than watching on parts. I’d suggest the daring method. xD
Yuki Kajiura is brilliant with Soundtracks, KnK would remain to be one of her best works. :3
POWUH: Novice (36-50) with 42 comments
I am totally going to watch this. Like right now.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Go for it! xD