Fate/Stay Night: Heaven's Feel - II. Lost Butterfly

This is a film that is made for Type-Moon x ufotable fans through and through. You will especially get a lot of out of this film if you have already read the visual novels and have seen all the previous main Fate franchise anime. Ironically, the core hook of this film is its story and characters, which I didn't think was going to be the case because I just simply didn't think they would go in such depth in exploring the themes and characters in a humanistic way.

I've been a fan of the Fate series for a long time. And these films somewhat rely on the viewers already having knowledge of the series as a whole in order to fully appreciate them. Like the first film, the animation is spectacular. Zero complaints there. The fights, when they happen, are flawless and a true spectacle to see. Where this film suffers though is the pacing. What should have been the climax of the movie ended up happening about halfway through, and the rest of it was a somewhat slow burn until the end credits. The Fate series is known for its Servant battles, but this one didn't give us one to top off the third act like the first one did. Bottom line is, if you're already a fan, you'll enjoy this despite the pacing issues. Could have been better, (Unlimited Blade Works is still the superior rendition of the Stay Night routes so far in my opinion) but it was fun, investing, and left me wanting more.

The series of films and anime was built on an interactive novel published by TypeMoon. In which through different reading path and interaction the main character Shirou Emiya would end up in a romantic relationship with a different female lead. Each season of anime or film focuses on one route of the ending a novel reader would end up with in one of their read through. This movie is the second part of a three-part film that focuses on the relationship between Shirou Emiya and Sakura.

What is constant in all these parallel universe endings is the endless fight amongst masters and servants in pursuit of the holy grail. The larger questions revolve around why magus chase the holy grail, what undying wish these historical heroic spirits have they want to realise so bad that their ghosts linger in our world, and the ultimate questions what is the holy grail and is it worth it?

In order to really appreciate the delicate story lines this series have woven, in particular this second part of the Sakura story line, viewer is advised to gain prior knowledge of the settings of each character in this fictional universe. Because the way the stories are told is in a way that all characters' retain their history and backgrounds, only in each different alternate universe they interact differently. Basically viewers are watching the same period of time in a universe with different historical event turnout.

Other than that, it must be said, answers to a lot of the major questions the whole Fate/Stay Night franchise has built up are getting slowly revealed. There is a real sense of satisfaction in learning those answers. Comparing to Evangelion series, Fate/Stay Night reveals its plot in a very well thought out and methodical order, with a back drop of philosophical and existential provocation, and not handled heavy handily like EVA does. No preaching, which is always a plus to Japanese anime since their characters usually monologues a lot.

Visual wise, the character design may not be everybody's cup of tea. But the scenes are absolutely stunning and the fighting sequences are edge of the seat style breath taking, because the story makes you care about the characters. It is a must see for the fans. And to anyone wants to get into the series, you won't be disappointed.

Amazing movie the animation is on another level and is a fantastic entry to the franchise. A must for all fate series fans. The fight s in this are something else and I really believe that is the best movie about of the three heavens feel movies . The story keeps you at the edge of your seat . Definitely better than the first one in terms of the plot and a master piece compared to the fate stay night and fate unlimited blade works in terms of animation Incradible character development of sakura and Shiro and Saber alter is such a well drawn character . Congratulations to the animators for making such a masterpiece...

From my knowledge, this is the 3rd storyline of the Fate/Stay Night franchise. The first one was the original series while the second was the unlimited Blade works. However this time they are ding it as a trilogy and it was amazing to watch. Even though some scenes might be like a deja-vu but the different spin it took is really interesting and refreshing. You were left wondering what is going to happen but certainly without the certainty that something you thought is going to happen. The fight scene is this one is well written and animated. The most satisfying and intense yet. I love this franchise so much. Can't wait for the end of the trilogy.