×
  • remind me tomorrow
  • remind me next week
  • never remind me
Subscribe to the ANN Newsletter • Wake up every Sunday to a curated list of ANN's most interesting posts of the week. read more

Forum - View topic
REVIEW: Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (Episodes 0-12 Streaming)


Goto page   Next

Note: this is the discussion thread for this article

Anime News Network Forum Index -> Site-related -> Talkback
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
konqueror



Joined: 08 May 2014
Posts: 129
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 12:08 pm Reply with quote
Quote:
your best bet is to watch Fate/Zero first


And this is the moment when I disregard this review. Unlimited Blade Works does a pretty good job explaining itself in the first 3-2 episodes.

It looks easier than watching another series with 24/25 episodes.

Comparing UBW everytime to Zero is just a big no. If you don't like UBW for what it is, don't watch it, this isn't an Urobuchi show and it will never be one. The same with every other TM show.


Last edited by konqueror on Sat Mar 07, 2015 12:24 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
xFlintx



Joined: 22 Nov 2014
Posts: 8
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 12:23 pm Reply with quote
Quote:
your best bet is to watch Fate/Zero first


not this shit again

Thats like saying watching Star Wars episode 1 is a good place to start watching Star Wars. Do you really think knowing spoiler[Darth Vader is Luke's father is gonna make you enjoy it more?]

F/SN spoils literally only one thing in F/Z and that's the winner which is pretty [expletive] obvious if you watched the first episode. F/Z spoils numerous twists within F/SN in the first episode alone, especially in Heaven's feel. F/SN isn't ment to build on what you know from F/Z, F/Z is ment to build on what you know in F/SN. That's exactly why it's called a prequel.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Mathias2001



Joined: 10 Nov 2014
Posts: 30
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 12:31 pm Reply with quote
Don't really agree with this review, well I agree at some points but you shoudn't compare Zero(My fav anime) with this for many reasons.

Zero should be watched after this especially with all the plot twist that would be ruined because of Zero.

I don't agree with the diologue. While it wasn't the best thing ever, it wasn't something mock worthy.I agree there was some faults to it but it wasn't as bad as you say it was.

I don't see the problem people have with CG, never bothered me and I don't think it will ever bother me(Actually it did once in the Toaru movie when the girl sang
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Barbobot



Joined: 06 Feb 2007
Posts: 460
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 12:46 pm Reply with quote
konqueror wrote:
Quote:
your best bet is to watch Fate/Zero first


And this is the moment when I disregard this review. Unlimited Blade Works does a pretty good job explaining itself in the first 3-2 episodes.


But Nick clearly mentions that you are perfectly fine jumping in at UBW as it does a good job of telling you everything you need to know for the story. He just thinks it might be a bit better to start with Fate/Zero, which I'd agree with. I enjoyed some of the more subtle character moments in UBW that you may not even have noticed if you had never seen Fate/Zero.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Seif



Joined: 16 Nov 2004
Posts: 456
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 12:50 pm Reply with quote
Quote:
F/SN spoils literally only one thing in F/Z and that's the winner which is pretty [expletive] obvious if you watched the first episode. F/Z spoils numerous twists within F/SN in the first episode alone, especially in Heaven's feel. F/SN isn't ment to build on what you know from F/Z, F/Z is ment to build on what you know in F/SN. That's exactly why it's called a prequel.


You're 100% correct concerning the novel.

But Ufotable's UBW is clearly directed with the knowledge of F/Z in the viewers mind. This is utterly apparent.

Fate/Zero may not be required to follow the narrative, but the show 100% makes no bones about the fact that it knows you know.


Last edited by Seif on Sat Mar 07, 2015 12:54 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message My Anime
Nocorras



Joined: 07 Mar 2015
Posts: 48
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 12:54 pm Reply with quote
Seif wrote:
Quote:
F/SN spoils literally only one thing in F/Z and that's the winner which is pretty [expletive] obvious if you watched the first episode. F/Z spoils numerous twists within F/SN in the first episode alone, especially in Heaven's feel. F/SN isn't ment to build on what you know from F/Z, F/Z is ment to build on what you know in F/SN. That's exactly why it's called a prequel.


You're 100% correct concerning the novel.

But Ufotable's UBW is clearly directed with the knowledge of F/Z in the viewers mind. This is utterly apparent.

It's not required watching but the show 100% makes no bones about the fact that it knows you know.


As a VN reader I want to know what knowledge you think F/Z gives and how it helps explain UBW. Because the way I look at it there is literally nothing Zero gives you that helps drive the narrative of UBW. The Kiritsugu stuff in the show was already in the VN so don't bring that up.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
unitmikey



Joined: 15 Feb 2013
Posts: 286
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 12:55 pm Reply with quote
The Fate dialogue definitely does get dry at times, but wow, those fight scenes are some of most well-animated action sequences I've ever seen for a television show. Luckily, this series is way better than the UBW movie and I'm still hoping that the ending will be directed better because the film finale was lamely executed.

And guys, he said that it's fine to start watching UBW before Zero if you want too. It's pretty much implied that if there is a prequel it's going to spoil some stuff that isn't already known in the following series.

Anyways, when the upcoming Heaven's Feel movie comes out I hope it's more in line with this TV show than than the movie or the original series (which was pretty good though). Anticipating great things in the upcoming episodes, but I don't know if there will be any way to make the ending as good as in the first television adaptation, because it just finished out so perfectly imo.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Seif



Joined: 16 Nov 2004
Posts: 456
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 12:58 pm Reply with quote
Nocorras wrote:
Seif wrote:
Quote:
F/SN spoils literally only one thing in F/Z and that's the winner which is pretty [expletive] obvious if you watched the first episode. F/Z spoils numerous twists within F/SN in the first episode alone, especially in Heaven's feel. F/SN isn't ment to build on what you know from F/Z, F/Z is ment to build on what you know in F/SN. That's exactly why it's called a prequel.


You're 100% correct concerning the novel.

But Ufotable's UBW is clearly directed with the knowledge of F/Z in the viewers mind. This is utterly apparent.

It's not required watching but the show 100% makes no bones about the fact that it knows you know.


As a VN reader I want to know what knowledge you think F/Z gives and how it helps explain UBW. Because the way I look at it there is literally nothing Zero gives you that helps drive the narrative of UBW. The Kiritsugu stuff in the show was already in the VN so don't bring that up.


Nothing in UBW requires you to know the plot of F/Z, but the show's direction is such that it was made with people who have seen F/Z in mind. This is clear from tone, music cues, and characters. Tell me you can see this.


Last edited by Seif on Sat Mar 07, 2015 12:59 pm; edited 2 times in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message My Anime
konqueror



Joined: 08 May 2014
Posts: 129
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 12:58 pm Reply with quote
Barbobot wrote:
But Nick clearly mentions that you are perfectly fine jumping in at UBW as it does a good job of telling you everything you need to know for the story. He just thinks it might be a bit better to start with Fate/Zero, which I'd agree with. I enjoyed some of the more subtle character moments in UBW that you may not even have noticed if you had never seen Fate/Zero.

Subtle character moments? Like Illya in the bath talking about Kiritsugu? Even in the Fate route Illya talks about revenge on Kiritsugu. It's not a link to Zero, it's the usual foreshadowing to plot points that Nasu added in every route, this time in the anime adaptation.

It's not better to start with Zero as it spoils a lot of stuff of stay night. Let's all watch episodes 1, 2 and 3 of Star Wars and later episodes 4, 5 and 6.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Nocorras



Joined: 07 Mar 2015
Posts: 48
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 12:59 pm Reply with quote
Seif wrote:
Nothing in UBW requires you to know the plot of F/Z, but the show's direction is such that it's follows F/Z. This is clear from tone, music cues, and characters.


So basically, you're just making stuff up.

[Edit]: removed unnecessary quotes. Please familiarise yourself with the quoting quidelines. Errinundra.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Seif



Joined: 16 Nov 2004
Posts: 456
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 1:15 pm Reply with quote
Quote:
So basically, you're just making stuff up.


How can you watch Kirei explain to Shirou the rules of the Grail War and not see the obvious directorial choices that acknowledge the scene's irony to the viewer?

The way that Kirei laughs when he hears Emiya's name. The way he grips his command seal laden arm when he talks about Kiritsugu's choice. The way the scene lathers on that every word out of this man's mouth is a lie intended to provoke Shirou. All of these are playing off the viewers knowledge of Fate/Zero.

I've played the VN. The tone is absolutely not the same.

It's all over the place. Rin's awkwardness around Sakura, Saber's reaction to both Shirou's name and Illya's appearance. Gilgamesh's tangible chemistry with Kirei in their brief scenes together is so thick that you can literally feel the show smirking at us with the "remember these two dudes wrecking shit?"

This isn't even counting the numerous callbacks to character animation, scenery and music.

No, the show doesn't set these points up to be incomprehensible to complete neophytes. But it is certainly playing to those of us who do know what's going on. It's serving two masters, and I have say that it's doing it exceedingly well.

Not only is it okay that they're doing this; it's only natural to expect them too. Fate/Zero was a massive success and, for many people, their first (and only) exposure to the franchise. Why wouldn't they cater to that audience?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message My Anime
Hameyadea



Joined: 23 Jun 2014
Posts: 3679
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 1:36 pm Reply with quote
I agree that if someone wants to get the "full experience" with all the little nuances within Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works it is recommended for them to watch Fate/Zero beforehand.

If someone is satisfied with just a show with a not plot and impressive scenes (both action and Slice-of-Life), then watching Fate/Zero shouldn't be a prerequisite, for the show fleshes out its settings, characters and premise pretty well over the initial 2 episodes (+ the 1-hour long special Episode #0).

Will watching Fate/Zero before watching Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works ruin some of the latter's plot elements? Yes, being a sequel to the former, it is pretty much a given that some of UBW's attempts at presenting the plot as mysterious will be nullified. But (and that's the main question,) will it ruin the enjoyment of watching UBW? No. UBW manages to present its characters and settings in an interesting light, somewhat removed from the way Fate/Zero presented its own elements, and somewhat "in the spirit" of F/Z's.

As someone who watched Fate/stay night, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (the movie), Fate/Zero and Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (TV) (in that order) I can assure you that, in the larger scheme of things and in a larger point-of-view, I don't regret the order I've watched the F/sn entries. Watching UBW (movie) has given a general idea of UBW (TV)'s plot and direction (I haven't played any of the VNs or read any of the LNs/mangas), but I think that it ufotable has managed to put together an impressive show (I know, I'm repeating myself, but that's what I think).


Last edited by Hameyadea on Sat Mar 07, 2015 1:40 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Nocorras



Joined: 07 Mar 2015
Posts: 48
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 1:39 pm Reply with quote
Seif wrote:
Quote:
So basically, you're just making stuff up.


How can you watch Kirei explain to Shirou the rules of the Grail War and not see the obvious directorial choices that acknowledge the scene's irony to the viewer?

The way that Kirei laughs when he hears Emiya's name. The way he grips his command seal laden arm when he talks about Kiritsugu's choice. The way the scene lathers on that every word out of this man's mouth is a lie intended to provoke Shirou. All of these are playing off the viewers knowledge of Fate/Zero.

I've played the VN. The tone is absolutely not the same.

It's all over the place. Rin's awkwardness around Sakura, Saber's reaction to both Shirou's name and Illya's appearance. Gilgamesh's tangible chemistry with Kirei in their brief scenes together is so thick that you can literally feel the show smirking at us with the "remember these two dudes wrecking shit?"

This isn't even counting the numerous callbacks to character animation, scenery and music.

No, the show doesn't set these points up to be incomprehensible to complete neophytes. But it is certainly playing to those of us who do know what's going on. It's serving two masters, and I have say that it's doing it exceedingly well.

Not only is it okay that they're doing this; it's only natural to expect them too. Fate/Zero was a massive success and, for many people, their first (and only) exposure to the franchise. Why wouldn't they cater to that audience?


Really now.

"Emiya Shirou. But I haven't agreed to this 'Master' thing yet."
I glare back at the priest, trying not to lose against his presence.


"Emiya Shirou."
"Huh?"
The weight on my back turns into a chill.


The priest slowly smiles as if he's met someone pleasant.
That smile.
It makes me

The whole thing was provoking him into joining

Rejoice, boy. Your wish will finally come true.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Angel'sArcanum



Joined: 02 Sep 2010
Posts: 303
Location: Toronto, Ontario
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 1:40 pm Reply with quote
I think there are some adequate ideas laden in there, but they definitely are put on the back-burner with all the fighting that transpires. Some of the ideas work but may be a bit muddy and need more emphasis.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website My Anime My Manga
Seif



Joined: 16 Nov 2004
Posts: 456
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 1:44 pm Reply with quote
Nocorras wrote:
Really now.

"Emiya Shirou. But I haven't agreed to this 'Master' thing yet."
I glare back at the priest, trying not to lose against his presence.


"Emiya Shirou."
"Huh?"
The weight on my back turns into a chill.


The priest slowly smiles as if he's met someone pleasant.
That smile.
It makes me

The whole thing was provoking him into joining

Rejoice, boy. Your wish will finally come true.


Kirei was portrayed as someone the reader shouldn't trust whose agenda was unknown. Not that he was completely evil.

Also you're completely ignoring the irony of the scene that the Ufotable pushes to the forefront.

[Edit]: unlike Nocorras you ought to know better. Please refresh yourself with the quoting guidelines. Errinundra.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message My Anime
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Anime News Network Forum Index -> Site-related -> Talkback All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Goto page   Next
Page 1 of 11

 


Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group