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: Metanorn Lover with 151 comments
I’ve just finished my second marathon of the KnK movies recently and my favourite is still the 5th movie. I love how Shiki pokes at Enjou Tomoe’s popularity among females, look at what happened in Fate/Stay Night. XD
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Rewatches are always fun. Tomoe could be such a heartthrob and that open run in the beginning was just crazy. It was like he was asking to be get beaten or in trouble. Not to mention, Shirou got a whole load of harem so Tomoe should be happy about being the inspiration for him. xD
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 151 comments
Exactly, and the joy from rewatching this series is trying to identify who’s the template for who in the other Nasu-verses. I’ve also bought the recently released Ongakusho, bliss for the ears.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Oh hell yeah! Takeuchi has a weird habit of reusing his character designs >.<'' but it's definitely entertaining to spot who is who. The first time I saw God's Words, I was like, 'DUDE! That's Kokutou when he gets older, at least skip a title to reuse a design again!' But still, I love it and have special closeness to all Nasuverse characters. ^^
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 151 comments
I hear that God’s Word was much more terrifying in the novels, it saddens me that Oblivion Recorder will not get an English translation. But I’ve read Mirai Fukuin, very interesting. Mikiya’s intelligence is something to be wary of, and so is Ryougi Mana. XD
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Yeah, I heard the same. His fierceness was not really shown on screen. He looks like just another Joe but he’s not. Sadly he was not made as epic as Araya Souren, even when he had so much potential.
Mirai Fukuin is awesome and what can you do when your own daughter loves you so much that she’s jealous of her own mother? Someone should rename the series as “Everybody loves Kokutou”! xD Also, I think Mikiya is more tolerant than anyone and looks over a lot. I can bet he knows about Azaka’s feeling but simply chooses to ignore them.
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 151 comments
His origin is neutrality after all, of all the 7 movies he only got mad once, and even then he still sheltered the guy from being killed. His manliness hit the levels of Archer in the 7th movie.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
The reason I love his character so much. You don’t really see such awesomeness often. And as I’m playing UBW these days, I understand what you mean. :3
POWUH: and Yaoi Fangirl~ with 2320 comments
I feel so proud for having watched it from the proper order (one to seven) and able to understand the basic storyline of it.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
So, what was Araya Souren’s origin then?
POWUH: and Yaoi Fangirl~ with 2320 comments
I’m talking about the chronology, how they were making it not in the proper order, and how there’s more than one personality (first movie). YEAH RIGHT there’s no way I can understand the awesomeness of KnK in one go. My brain level can’t take that! But I still feel proud for being able to predict some stuff since GOD THIS ANIME IS SO HARD TO UNDERSTAND. I had to watch it twice, and I still need to watch it for the third time xD
and who’s arara? is that his name? Is it the dude who made the spiral apartment (I cried on that movie)? I know it’s bad of me to forget an important character, but I LOVE SHIKI AND MIKIYA SO MUCH I CAN ONLY THINK OF THEM! Shiki x Mikiya FTW!
I would love to have a real life Mikiya T____T and I wish they animated the eighth story, with their child T___T
POWUH: and Yaoi Fangirl~ with 2320 comments
and yes, Oblivious is awesome. I like Aria too though xD
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Ahahahaa! Good girl~ It’s not difficult to understand the chronology if you are paying attention though the little details like the drop of a name, Araya Souren’s card almost smacking Mikiya, the disembodied conversation of Shiki and what not are things that are noticed while re-watching.
I find it interesting how I find things while rewatching and enjoyment is at another level altogether. Every damn character is so amazing and yes I can’t forget Araya Souren because he was voiced by Nakata Jouji, he’s as legendary as Wakamoto himself. He was the one who made Paradox Spiral and the ending part of fifth almost brought tears to my eyes. Yeah, almost. Tomoe’s my hero, while SHIKI x MIKIYA FOREVER! Now you know, why I crush over Mikiya so much. He’s PERFECT!!! =3=
I’m sad about Mirai Fukuin but can only hope someday, Type-Moon and ufotable would celebrate the Blu-ray boxset revenues and finally animated Mana.
Btw, I like all the EDs, I just love the slow pickup Oblivious gets from 2:20 onwards.
POWUH: 400-499 with 489 comments
IMMA FIND THE WEBSITE TO DOWNLOAD THIS ANIME NOW it sounds amazing
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Here you go: http://bit.ly/lfFtNE
POWUH: 400-499 with 489 comments
awwwwwwwwwwwwwww arigato kyo-san
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Anytime, Moni-chan~ :3
POWUH: 400-499 with 410 comments
Thx Kyokai for the chronology. I bought a KnK 7 in 1 box set and watched all the movies but couldn’t sort out the sequence. Gonna watch the them again (orderly this time).
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
You are welcome and anytime! Always there to increase the KnK love. Enjoy the rewatch. :3
POWUH: 1100-1199 and Meta's Evil rice-flour Product with 1137 comments
hey kyo, i know all the stories are meant to be interconnected like a nasuverse or something funny like that but the only series i’ve seen is the kara no kyokai…BTW GUESS WHO JUST GOT SHIKI SEXY ANIMATIONNESSNESS ON BLURAY TODAY 😀 :D…but yeah recommendations for other series within the typemoon universe?
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
WOOHOOO! You lucky bastard!!! T____T Enjoy the Blu-ray goodness!
I would recommend you to go play Fate/stay night and Tsukihime visual novels before getting into anime because except for KnK, other nasuverse titles got shitty adaptation. Not that fate/stay night was bad but the VN had so much potential but they animated the stupidest arc of all. There are three more possibilities at least in case of VN. Also, wait for Fate/zero to be released this Fall (would be SO EPIC!).
POWUH: 400-499 with 410 comments
Ya, Fate/Zero is just awesome. But Rider’s anime character art don’t look promising. He should be more shiny. Anyway, I’m still reading the third book. Gonna finish it before the anime releases.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Well, it’s all about Kiritsugu and Rider’s awesomeness so who knows that he actually comes off as a badass? I have lots of expectations with this anime. Can’t wait!
POWUH: and Yaoi Fangirl~ with 2320 comments
I bet tenchou is all happy seeing all of these comments saying that they’re gona watch KnK
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Lol! Of course. I am here to spread KnK loveliness~ :3
POWUH: iLurker with 1 comments
[…] That was long! Consequences of procrastination T___T But it can’t be compared with Tenchou’s KnK recommendation. That’s what I call […]
POWUH: iLurker with 17 comments
I’ve been looking into Kara no Kyoukai for some time now, and I’ve been really keen on actually watching the whole movie series myself. I must say though, this is by far one of the best reviews I’ve found of it, delving into the tone and feel of each movie without spoiling too much. Thank you for the good read. 😀
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
I saw this comment quite late but thank you for dropping by and compliments! ^^ I’m glad my review was good enough to goad you to watch it. I seriously tried quite hard to keep it spoiler free.
POWUH: iLurker with 17 comments
I know it’s such a long while now, but I finally watched the whole series! One of the best anime series I’ve definitely seen and wow I was just blown away.
I thought the 5th film was the best out of the series! I understood it completely and I just fell in love with it because it truly felt in sync with my brain’s capacity of understanding and my mind never felt stimulated (never once was I confused, the 5th film is pure superb craftsmanship, absolutely brilliant). Not to mention it was able to develop the established characters enough while introducing and fully fleshing out new characters at the same time.
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Still, the 5th film has to be one of the best things I’ve ever seen in FICTION (Anime, Manga, American comics, films, videogames etc.) and that on its own I find to be utterly impressive. 🙂
POWUH: iLurker with 17 comments
Just correcting myself in the first main paragraph:
*never felt so stimulated in such a long while
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
I understand where you are coming from. Show ▼
Also, you can check out the translation to the light novels as well. They clear up a lot of stuff.
POWUH: iLurker with 17 comments
Actually none of those were NOT the flaws that I was referring to. Shirazumi Lio was perfect despite being one of my least favourite villains (Araya was just too epic). His twisted actions was perfectly in line with what he was being hyped up to be. XD
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POWUH: iLurker with 17 comments
Um, ahhh, I hope that didn’t sound as though I was being snobbish as I still didn’t mind the 7th film! XD
It’s just that as someone who’s really into look into so many different stories, it just felt like those issues lessened the effectiveness of what they were trying to get across.
Unless of course a number of important things were truly left out from the novel, mind you I haven’t read them, so that could be a possibility.
Now I will admittedly take pride in having only seen the 5th movie once and actually getting the whole picture (I love stories with scattered narratives like these, so it really clicked well with me).
Oh, and also I watched the Epilogue already along with the series, and that was a nice way of showing off more of Shiki’s very being and Kokutou’s place in the whole story. 😀
POWUH: iLurker with 17 comments
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I hope that I made sense in my explanations though. 🙂
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Hahahaa! No worries, your later comments made up for it. :3
POWUH: iLurker with 17 comments
Actually one other alternative I would like to present that could’ve avoided all of the issues that I mentioned is if the ending segment in the 3rd movie in which Kokutou goes goes on to tell Shiki that he was willing to carry all of her sins was instead reserved for the 7th. That way, Kokutou’s reasoning for stopping Shiki from going after Lio wouldn’t have sounded as contradictory and it would’ve served as a clean cut resolution.
I guess my main issue was that the whole reason was counter-productive to the point that Kokutou’s self-quoting himself from the 3rd movie’s resolve felt forced, where I would’ve preferred if that resolve was actually reserved for the 7th (especially since the 3rd film managed to dodge the moral dilemma of killing, that resolve was good but not necessary).
Gahhhhhhhhhhh sorry for rambling, I really love KnK (5th movie was without a doubt the best for me) but I’m just putting forth my objective criticism so I hope you don’t hate me or feel like I’m trying to antagonize it. XD
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Btw, I’m digging your Lio DP. ^^
POWUH: iLurker with 17 comments
Actually scratch EVERYTHING that I said. Heck if it’s even possible you can delete my previous comments.
I did my research on the novel and some feedback from other fans, I realised that apparently the film left out a crucial scene in the ending where the whole point was emphasizing the main importance of the death of the Male SHIKI as everyone’s motive for what they’re doing.
As someone who’s only seen the anime, I’m actually disappointed to find out that that scene was left out as it really would’ve brought a lot of sense in regards to the issues that I brought for. In the end I guess the film just didn’t convey that message clearly enough.
Sooooooo sorry I wasted all of your time on that, but reading about the things left out from the novel and the comments of other fans regarding the missing scene really helped me feel better in terms of forgiving the 7th movie. 😀
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Oh naah, I like these conversation based comments and KnK being so dear, I would always like to come back to this. Show ▼
POWUH: iLurker with 17 comments
Yeah I completely understand what you mean. Having reflected on what I had found out and looking back at the 7th film (I have pretty good memory even though I’ve only seen it once), a lot of the little things makes much more sense (I think in all honesty the Seventh Heaven makes the most sense now even more). In particular I thought that it was touching yet saddening how Shiki was trying to compensate for the loss of SHIKI, and sadly, apparently an explicit scene where Shiki actually reflects on this towards Kokutou was removed in favor of the happy ending (mind you, the happy ending was perfect too and really reflected on the normal life that Shiki always desired to have with someone). What I absolutely loved about the 7th is how she was trying to fill that void left behind by SHIKI, and in doing so she was forcing herself to retain that killer instinct. Putting herself in that role, it became much more clear why she thought Kokutou would reject her for it (the whole concept of “murder”), only then in the 7th film did she truly realize that Kokutou had always been there to fill up that void and stay by her side.
Knowing more about this surely pushed up my liking for the 7th film much more, and I can truly understand why you liked it the most. While from a film-making perspective, I think that the 5th film is the best (clever pacing of plot, scattered narrative, elevated animation, absolute pay-off for each built up sequencing of dialogue and action, lots of key foreshadowing), now I’d rank the 7th as my 2nd favorite as it truly showed Shiki’s inner self-doubt, and loneliness towards the loss of SHIKI. Admittedly, while I clearly remember the 5th (still can’t get it out of my mind), now that I’ve managed to grasp the concept of the 7th film even more, I actually want to re-watch it with that mindset and knowledge. 🙂
I swear, this series is one of the most beautiful works of fiction I’ve ever seen, and in my opinion based purely on aesthetics, the same must be said for the 5th film.
I’ve played so many games, read so many comics and manga, watched so many films, cartoons, and anime. I’ve looked through so many works of fiction and I must say that this series is truly one of the best I’ve ever seen. I wouldn’t be surprised that if I watch the 7th film again, it may even gain a position in my Top Films list. I would even go as far as to say that the 5th film would have to be my top most favorite film of all time, I was had really high expectations for it due to so many reviews claiming it to be the best, and YET the film surpassed my expectations completely!(I myself find it impressive how quickly it pushed itself up on the top of my list). 🙂
I really thank you for replying, it’s nice to have someone to talk to about this series. 😀
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
The reason I stress on re-watching is because this never gets old. Like you, I understood all the plot-lines of the fifth movie but I rewatched in chronological order just to taste it again. Just to see it again now flowing in a current rather than being disjointed and me figuring it which chapter was the first and so on. It’s the pleasure of the revisit, seeing the characters again and enjoy the little hints that are given often. Show ▼
I agree with you 100% on KnK being one of the best story ever told. Maybe I think this because I relate with this so much whatever the reason maybe, this will remain to be my most favourite movie of all time, hands down!
Also, come around anytime here or on Twitter/Tumblr to talk about KnK. Always and ever ready because for some reason, this still remains to be less talked about watched movies just because people get scared of the numbers of releases. Oh, if only they knew! xD
POWUH: iLurker with 17 comments
Haha yeah, though in all honesty, I won’t lie in saying that being a guy I found it much more easier to connect to Tomoe’s story (not that I wasn’t able to connect to the other movies in particular the 7th, just that it was easier for me in this), and reading the lyrics as the credits started rolling for the 5th film as “Sprinter” plays on, I just completely fell into tears. T_T
Well anyways, unfortunately I don’t frequent much on Twitter or Tumblr. Though I do frequent more on Deviant Art, and I’ve already commented on your front page. 🙂
And yes, KnK deserves so much more love. 😀
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Don’t even get me started on Tomoe. He’s my third most favourite character (after Shiki and Mikiya) of this series. Show ▼
I saw your message on dA and will be replying. You are quite talented too! 0__0 I’ve found artists more keen towards challenging anime more than others. Thanks for dropping as KnK sure makes an amazing topic for a stimulating conversation. xD
POWUH: iLurker with 17 comments
Heeeeeeeeey I’m just curious….
Where did you get that fanart/image banner just before the “Concluding Thoughts”? It looks really nice and I wouldn’t having a copy of it if you have the image in its original size. XD
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
I have a folder full of KnK art and I don’t even remember, from where I got this; maybe pixiv. Here’s the hi-res version.
POWUH: iLurker with 17 comments
FFFFFFFFFF I love it, that is just too…….*speechless* =D
Awww now you’re making me curious as what other nice artworks you might’ve found that I haven’t. I swear this Knk fever of mine is not gonna fade away any time soon….ahhh XD
I almost feel bad chatting here, if you have a personal preference of a place for to blabber at (Twitter and Tumblr you said right?) then please just tell me, as I don’t want to spam the comments section of this place too much (as I already haven’t). 🙂
I swear, KnK is turning out to be such a big inspiration for me as an artist right now (story-writing too). XD
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
I have lots of art that I keep finding via pixiv/ other resources and hide in my collection. I finally found the artist who made the above too.
Gimme a shoutout at twitter/tumblr and we can obsess together over KnK because I am reading the light novels these days and my excitement is quite high right now. The more KnK followers I find, the better! xD
POWUH: iLurker with 17 comments
If it’s possible, could you possibly delete my previous comments? (like our general discussion before) I think I might’ve gone overboard a little bit with the my different opinions back then and after watching the series a number times I want to offer my new thoughts on it. =)
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Hahaa, you know what? Discussion is very precious to me and this being my all time favourite anime, I love talking about it with readers so why the delete? It was a very healthy discussion indeed. :3
POWUH: Meta Resident and Yōko Fanboy with 1246 comments
*walks in* WOAH! O_O *runs*
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Lol, Tofu! Why are you running scared? xD
POWUH: iLurker with 1 comments
In the novels, the entire final segment was in Lio’s warehouse.
Show ▼
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
That was one of the most touching scenes of the entire series, Mikiya forgiving and then taking all Shiki’s sins. The ultimate burden to free her.
I think even the movie depicted the scene quite well with the snow falling on her and she seeming as if almost frozen in it.
POWUH: iLurker with 3 comments
[…] you were forced to read caught by my Kara no Kyoukai recommendation post or the recent 50Qs, you already know that I’m a big Type-Moon fangirl. More so because of […]
POWUH: iLurker with 17 comments
I just wanna revisit this page as I left so many stupid comments about my criticisms towards the 7th film.
Upon being frustrated at my first experience with the 7th film, I revisited it again and again because I could tell there was something special in there but there was something missing. As it would turn out, I discovered that the gg-Takajun fansubs were very misleading, in fact it paints a very bad image of Lio character’s depiction as well as others. Having read the novel, his character is meant to be written as far more controlling, even formal and condescending in terms of his mannerisms. When I finally had the opportunity to watch the retail subs from the Coalgirls version of the KnK films, this proved to be true, and his dialogue was translated and put together in a much better way.
In the last film, the quality of the gg-Takajun fansubs actually went down in terms of quality when compared to the subs of the previous films. They mistranslated a lot of the dialogue especially the ones between Shiki and Mikiya. This is crucial because it gives the wrong impression in terms of their motives and reasons why they were doing what they were doing.
I’d like to go out of my way to express my regret at writing up all my previous critiques and (if it were possible) for them to be removed from this page completely. In the end, I actually consider the 5th and 7th movie to be tied in terms of being the best films for me. I hope others read this post so that they don’t make the same mistake as I did, because in the end, I actually think that the way the 7th film was handled was possibly the most beautifully perfect way to end the series.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Let me tell you again, every comment left on this post is dear and precious to me. Not to mention, the points you raised are all valid and there can be many watchers who might come to the same conclusion but then later on learn from your experience of subs as I’m sure not everyone will go out of their way to find the light novel translation.
I’ve seen some people on twitter comment that they found the movies boring and I don’t have the foggiest on WHY they thought that. Can’t they decipher the awesomeness or they are just not bright enough? I have no idea but I do agree with your comment over gg-taka subs. My first watch was with them, while the last one with coalgirls; though my connection with the characters made the dots meet for me rather than translation because I was just so happy for them. It all made sense for me. Further reading of novels gave me even more perspective on all characters, even more so in Tomoe and Lio’s case.
However you feel, I loved talking to you about this series and I’m glad you found the beauty of the seventh movie where it all comes together. Fifth movie still is a masterpiece and Epilogue was the bonus I had been waiting for. Are you now excited about Mirai Fukuin? We would finally see Mana and an older version of Shiki and Mikiya (even if for a little while). I can’t wait!
POWUH: iLurker with 17 comments
Ah I see, I’ll admit I’m just really embarrassed by my initial comments on this site (especially my accusatory tone towards you Kyokai) and it didn’t really help that during my first watch of KNK I was actually really tired, so most of my critiques lacked a certain patience that I would normally have. I won’t lie in saying that I really want them deleted though as I really do feel embarrassed by them, though if it’s really fine with you in keeping them here on this page than so be it. Funnily enough, in the end I actually find myself being more heavily acquainted with Movie 7 overall than Movie 5 so I guess that just shows how much I’ve grown to love it (I honestly can’t get enough of it). I’m actually in the process of creating my own modified subs that combines both the gg-Takajun fansubs and Coalgirls retail subs while referencing the novel. I’m writing it up to cater to anyone who’s new to the series so no one will ever have to go through the same pain as I did. I do hope to release them as a set some time in the future. XD
To be honest, even with my initial frustrations, I was already quite fond of Lio as a character. I won’t lie in saying that over time, Shiki and Lio actually became my most favorite characters out of the whole series (with Tomoe and Mikiya not too far behind).
I’ll admit that it feels weird being a such huge fan of both, considering how both Lio and Shiki are in complete opposition with each other. While Shiki is possibly one of the best and most complex characters I’ve ever come to appreciate which I instantly fell for at first sight, Lio ended up being one of my most favorite (if not my MOST favorite) villains of all time in any form of media, just because of the amount of layers and complexity he has as a character despite his appearance being only primarily in the last film.
Actually I was so surprised at how closely I managed to grasp his character even without the novel. If anything, reading the novel simply confirmed my guesses about the full extent of his character and I was pleasantly surprised about it. Reading Nasu’s interview and his views about Lio made me glad as it showed me how Lio’s whole conception as a character wasn’t just something random or a fluke on Nasu’s part. In fact, going by that same interview it seems that Lio is actually one of the characters in KNK that Nasu seems greatly fond of on such an emotional level.
I absolutely LOVE the Epilogue. I was pleasantly surprised at the beauty of how Nasu integrated various philosophical and religious concepts(Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Daoist etc.) as a way of highlighting the human aspects and significance of the different characters in KNK. And while some people may not have realized it, it was also such a nice way to tie up Mikiya’s whole character development which was greatly missing in the 7 films. Some people say it was all talk and rather boring, but I COMPLETELY disagree. It was beautiful, and enlightening, it’s quite possibly one of the most unique and relaxing ways to end such a wonderful series. ^_^
I greatly look forward to the upcoming adaptation of the recent side-story of Mirai Fukuin (yay~). I honestly can’t wait to see Ufotable finally animate Mana, not to mention seeing Shiki and Mikiya once again is always a plus. XD
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Will you keep me updated on the subs progress if you ever do finish it? I’d really like to see a version subbed in line with the novel translation. And I’m sure, I’d not be alone.
I’m surprised how I missed this comment before but I’m here now, while recommending this post to someone new to the franchise before its TV broadcast starts. Definitely, the beauty of this story expands with repeated watches and after reading the novels, I understood everyone even better. To me if I didn’t Lio as much as you do, I still empathized with his condition and how he was stuck to play his part. He literally didn’t have much choice after Araya awakened his origin for good. Sometimes people are destined to be doomed? It’s a sad fact.
I loved the Epilogue myself and how it covered Mikiya’s point of view. He could have easily gone ahead and agree to void’s offering of healing but nope, it’s just not him at all. That’s why I love his character so much and call him the kindest anime character I know to-date.
I’m really looking forward to Mirai Fukuin myself. Fall should just get here sooner! xD
POWUH: Meta Resident and Werewolf Chaser with 1270 comments
Watched up to Movie 6….. I still don get wht Pink Hair motive is. And WTH happen to Glasses Sensei!?
POWUH: iLurker with 17 comments
Again if you watched the gg-Takajiun fansubs, Movie 6 would’ve actually been quite confusing to understand because they translated a lot of the dialogue really awkwardly. Ouji (pink hair) was changing people’s memories under the assumption that her friend was perceived badly by their schoolmates. In truth, her friend actually died of drug addiction, and the whole idea about her friend being a goody-good student was nothing more than a fantasy that Ouji created based on the rumors she heard. She had her memory taken by the fairies first because she wanted to forget the memory she had about her friend being a drug addict.
Again, most of the issue regarding the clarity of the dialogue in Movie 6 was because of the awkward wording by the gg-Takajun. I actually recommend the translations from the Coalgirls retail subs especially for Movie 6 and 7 since the quality of the gg-Takajun fansubs went down a bit by the last two films.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Demented-P said it right. Are you talking about God’s Word? Well, he’s an example of Noritaki (Kiritsugu’s father) like heretics who are too talented for their own good. Well, there’s a spoiler with him. You want to know?
POWUH: iLurker with 1 comments
[…] what keeps us going after all. Though, personally, I got really fond of a recent comment left by Demented-P on a two-year-old post of Kara no Kyoukai (oh yeah, you should know, my love for this title would […]
POWUH: iLurker with 2 comments
[…] FSN Realta Nua visual novels. Let’s not forget the the amazing news of Mirai Fukuin (Kara no Kyoukai‘s true sequel) project by ufotable, progress on Girls’ Work and Tsukihime remake along […]