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ローゼンメイデン 
Opening theme: Disillusion by Tainaka Sachi (Widescreen, 15MB, for PSP/Quicktime)
Ending theme: Anata ga ita Mori by Jukai (Widescreen, 15MB, for PSP/Quicktime)
I'm sorry for being late to write this but a friend was hospitalised and myself and some other friends had to stay and watched over him. Besides, I couldn't concentrate and write properly before we had confirmation from the doctor so there wasn't any point to write anything. Anyway, this is a nice first episode for the series although I feel that it's a bit stretched out for a first episode. The opening theme is okay but at the moment it's not exactly memorable. I do like the ending theme a lot though. For those who are wondering what this series is about, this is basically a battle between 7 classes of sorcerers to obtain the Holy Grail. The way the series work is rather similar to X TV in the sense that it involves the alliances that the characters made to one another. Inevitably, there are some twists in the storyline and like in that other series, several characters change their alliance.
The episode begins in Fuyuki city where two figures are seen fighting against each other, causing a big blaze all over the city. Fast forward 10 years later, the time has come once again, for the participation of 7 classes of sorcerers and their (usually male) servants to battle each other for the possession of the Holy Grail. Cut to a scene of a girl doing a summoning spell, asking the thing that she summons to come tonight. She looks satisfied with herself upon doing the spell but all of a sudden, there is a huge explosion coming from her living room. When she goes to check it out, the roof of the room is now wide open and inside the room, a guy with a white hair sits in a rather arrogant pose. The guy then tells the girl that it seems he's been summoned by an unexpected master. The girl looks unhappy upon seeing the guy. Anyone who has played the game would know that this is because she was expecting another person.
After the opening sequence, a boy called Emiya Shirou is seen having a flashback of the time when he was the only survivor of the blaze that consumed Fuyuki city and saved by a kind man. The boy is then seen waking up upon hearing the voice of a girl called Matou Sakura. It seems Shirou was falling asleep while fixing a tape recorder. Sakura then tells him that she's preparing breakfast and that his teacher, Fujimura-sensei, will over to have breakfast with them as usual. Shirou then explains that ever since his adopted father, Emiya Kiritsugu, passed away, he's been taken care of by his teacher, Fujimura-sensei, and his friend's sister, Sakura. Sakura actually came to cook some meal for Shirou when he was injured about 1 year ago. Ever since then, however, for some reason she has been coming to the house to give Shirou various help. For some reason this part of the story really does come across like a dating sim game.
As Shirou and Sakura are on their way to the school the two notice that the police seems to be busy doing investigation all over the city. Since Shirou doesn't know what's going on, however, he decides to ignore it. At school, Shirou decides to fix a machine in the student council room using magic power. Unfortunately Shirou's magic power is limited to being able to examine the internal mechanism of an object. After Shirou is finished with the machine, he goes out into the hall to catch up with his friend, Issei, but as the two walk together, they pass the girl who did the summoning spell the night before. The girl, whose name is Tohsaka Rin, is apparently a trouble maker at school and has the tendency to skip class. Later on in class, Fujimura-sensei arrives late and in her attempt to rush in, falls into the floor. The students immediately make fun of her by calling her 'Tiger', because her first name is Taiga.
Meanwhile on the rooftop, Tohsaka Rin is seen talking to the white haired guy, whose name turned out to be Archer. She wants to know if he can find other servants that are on the move. Unfortunately Archer doesn't have the ability to detect the enemies from far away. Rin then realises that the kind of servant that has this ability is the Caster types. Because of this she tells Archer that she's going to come with him to look for the other servants. Meanwhile, Shirou is seen having lunch with Issei, who informs him that the police activities he saw this morning was an investigation of murder where the victim was four people in a family. This news seems to disturb Shirou, and on his way to his part-time job, remembers how at one point he told his adopted father that he wants to use his power to save everyone. His father, however, told him that such ideal is difficult to achieve. Shirou, however, believes that he can save everyone.
On his way back from work, Shirou encounters a young girl in Russian outfit who warns him that if he doesn't do the summoning quickly, he'll die soon. Once he gets home, Fujimura-sensei makes fun of his intention of helping the helpless by showing him a poster of the army. After Fujimura and Sakura leaves, Shirou reminisces of the time when his adopted father, Kiritsugu, told him that he's a sorcerer. Shirou also remembers that his father once asked him not to use magic in front of the public and that when he does use magic, it is used for the good of others not himself. Whilst thinking about it, he grabs a newspaper roll and after a while, the roll turns into a metallic bar. Meanwhile, Rin and Archer, are seen examining the city. It seems that Archer has a sharp eye sight because he tells Rin that he knows the number of bolts that are used on the bridge far far away from where the two are standing. The two then start flying together into the city.
Impression:
Fate/stay night is a series based on a visual novel. There are essentially three scenarios in the novel: Fate, Unlimited Blade, and Heaven's feel. Each scenario is different from the other but at the same time enriches/reveals the background of each character. Because of this, I won't be surprised if the anime ends up combining some of the scenarios from the visual novel. As for the anime itself, I am pretty surprised to see Sakura receiving quite a lot of exposure in this episode and it makes me wonder if the series is heading towards the Heaven's feel scenario. But before I get ahead of myself, I just want to say that I think the animation and character design on this first episode is top notch. I think some of the movement are kind of strained but in general, I like the way the episode was presented here. I am especially impressed with the rather detailed character design.
Having said that, the series' visual novel feel does get carried over to the episode sometimes. As I mentioned before, the part where Shirou introduces Sakura feels like some kind of dating game. I personally think it's distracting because when I watch an anime, I want to see a cohesive storyline, not one where I'd be constantly reminded that this is an adaptation of a visual novel. On top of this, the episode moves at a rather slow pace. There are a lot of repeated information contained in this episode which I thought should have been trimmed down. I think by the second time, I already get the part that Shirou wants to save everyone so I don't see the need to repeat that information three or four times. In general, however, I am glad with the way the episode went. I think the voice acting are rather good all around. Although I did find Rin's voice to be rather strange. I expected it to be a lot deeper than that.
Despite that, the two characters that I enjoy the most are definitely Rin and Archer. The two just ooze cool and chemistry whenever they are on-screen together. I especially like their flying scene together at the end of this episode. Their character design are so detailed, refined, and eye-catching in comparison to other characters like Shirou and Sakura. Plus, I happen to like the combination of red and black colours that both Rin and Archer use as part of their outfit. It's unfortunate that they don't explain in detail that Rin actually wanted Saber as her servant instead of Archer and this is why she was pouting at the start of the episode. Illya, the little Russian girl, was thankfully creepy instead of cute and cloying. As for Shirou, I actually like his character but his character design bothers me a lot. I can notice easily that his iris resembles a cat's head sometimes. I thought that looks silly.
Speculation-wise, so far the storyline has been lifted straight out of the Fate scenario. But like I said before, Sakura's exposure in this episode seems like a hint that her role will be expanded in future episodes. On top of this, Shirou's desire to save everyone is re-emphasised very heavily in this episode. To me this suggests that the series will at least veers a bit into the Unlimited Blade to tell Shirou's story a bit more. Besides, there's nothing more ironic for Shirou to want to save everyone and then finding out how in reality this is impossible to achieve. When you combine this story with Sakura's expansion, then I think it's easy to see where the story will go. Having said that, I do hope that the series will actually give extra exposure to Rin and Archer since I really like both characters. And we haven't even seen Saber, who has her own interesting background story. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the second episode which I hope will be faster in pace than this one.
Wow, I love the look of this. With all the hype surrounding it, I'm surprised if no one ends up subbing this. Anyway, thanks for the screencaps, it does look rather gorgeous :) Hope your problem gets worked out.
OMGOMGOMG!!!! It's out! Woot~
Can't wait to see it, thanksfor the screencaps =P
Hope you fix your problems soon!!!
ALWAYZ SMILE!!! ;)
No offence to anyone, but this new version of "This Illusion" totally stinks. It would've been smart to keep the original.
I'm on the other side of the fence, I like the remix "Disillusion" a whole lot more than its predecessor. I especially like the part when the refrain sets in. Now it has a more energetic and haunting quality to it. And as others have mentioned before and elsewhere, I really hope that it'll be more than 13 episodes, considering the pace the first episode set.
I also hope it'll be more than 13 episodes. I know that no one else has talked about it but I was wondering about the prologue and was hoping someone can give me an answer. But I'll put in a spoiler warning just in case:
Start spoiler - you've been warned
The prologue shows Saber and Archer fighting. Does this mean that the storyline is going for the one where Archer tries to kill Shirou?
End spoiler
I really like this adapatation though. The animation is not too smooth (see the part where Archer and Rin jumps off the rooftop) but the character design are really good looking.
The Archer vs Saber scene is a flashback from the previous war. It's not the same Archer... *going any further is spoilery*
hope everything gets better for ya Garten
Never heard of this before, can someone tell me what it is about?
Thanks for the encouragement, al3x. But it was actually a friend who was in problem. The only effect it had on me was that I was unable to do any kind of writing until I am sure that he is okay. Oh well, I'm off to bed now, since I've lost a couple of sleeping hours already. :)
They aren't making it obvious which way the story is going to go yet, are they? I mean, if they really wanted to throw us they could do something different to all three of the paths. Personally, I'm hoping for Unlimited Blade Works mixed with a bit of Fate and very little Heavens Feel, but I'll probably not be too disapointed either way. I think the staff are probably just being really oversensitive to the complaints about anime Tsukihime glossing over too much of the background plot and are trying to avoid the same happening again. Oh well, its not like theres much difference until after Saber appears, so we'll probably not be able to judge much until episode 4 has aired.
I thought Disillusion was rather wonderfully, myself. I think I've probably looped Curtain Raiser a few too many times as well, as Rins voice seems absolutely perfect to me now.
Although depressing, I enjoyed the Fate ending the most. I hope they include some of Saber's background in the anime. It seems that the anime isn't following the game because it barely touches on Rin's introduction.
You're right Garten, the ending is lovely. However, the opening in contrast sounds like it is 20 years late in style....
As everyone else here does, I hope that everything is going to get better for you and your friends. ^^
After having seen both clips (OP & ED) I have to say that the OP is pretty good. Not having heard the original song before, I guess my view is more favourable towards it. It has a beautiful haunting sound to it. The ED, meanwhile, was a bit slow for my taste, though as an instrumental I would've admitted it is beautiful. Hee, it amuses me that Saber would have to fight in that outfit.
Now I really can't wait for this :D
Does Anyone have any idea when this anime is bound to be subbed? Or am i behind the times, and its already subbed? =/
It looks kik azz
This anime is taking it's sweet time. ^^;
One can most certainly tell that from the first episode, and on top of that, according to the synopses Saber won't be introduced until ep 3.. orz
It definitely looks like they'll be sticking most closely the Fate scenario, as well.. (*siigh* if only they could have done the Heaven's Feel version..). But then again, you never know what might happen..
As for the new op, well.. I agree that isn't as good as the one from the game, but it still not without it's charm. It might grow on me -- besides, if they'd just recycled the old This Illusion, it would have felt like they didn't try at all. :b
And holy crabnuts, you took the words out of my mouth when it came to Rin. I honestly love Kana Ueda more than I do the average seiyuu, but... I dunno... she just doesn't seem right for this role.. or maybe it' just me -- I have her connected to too many other characters...
...and this comment's somehow been pretty negative..
I did rather enjoy this episode, to be honest, despite the pace. ..Though that's kinda because I know it won't last.
And I hope your friend feels better, Garten.
Am I the only one who thinks that the picture of the murder scene investigation looks funny? The marker around the place where the body was found looks hilarious. Hmm, if only someone will sub this soon since it's not as enjoyable watching it raw.
Fantastic review!! This is an awesome first episode. Ignore what everyone else say about it. I think if they keep up the production values, we'll have a winner this winter season. I know that the opening sounds weird to most people but I think that's because they're not used to it just yet.
I am a little bit confused. There are so many characters and I am not sure which ones are supposed to be the good guys and which ones are the bad guys. But I agree that the animation looks really good. It feels like they spent a lot of money on this first episode alone.
First episode is subbed. Enjoy!
Ouroboros , Shadow -
Fate/Stay Night is slated to have an 8-DVD release in R2. Though running times aren't listed, that almost always means 24 episodes.
Eh, I wished Gankutsuou had an 8 volume release instead of 12 since 12 volumes was way too many. I spent way too much on that series, and now I'm getting Geneon's DVDs. Oh well, at least I got some great extras with the DVDs, and the series was worth it.
personally, i like the opening. bit choppy, but good.
i've always wanted to know what fate/stay night was about. i'm going to be watching the series but, is there any fansites or official sites i could go to, in order to learn more about it? for example i had no clue it was a visual novel. please! direct me!
>>is there any fansites or official sites i could go to
The official site is here:
http://www.staynight.com/top.html
But it's kind of slow to load and in Japanese to boot.
This is also my first exposure to the series too and I am impressed!! I can't wait for the second episode.
"is there any fansites or official sites i could go to"
If you want more information about the games in english, i recommend:
http://www.geocities.com/max3075/top.htm
Just be mindful for spoilers!
Saber didn't get her proper debut!! *Sobs*
Anyway, not bad... Not bad at all ^^! Although the pace for the first ep is kinda slow, I can't wait for it to pick up once they start getting freakingly serious in the War.
Right, I know now isn't the proper time to say how the concluding ep will turn out but I do wish Rin would get her Unlimited Blade ending (Yes!! Her ending! Not the real ending :p). Pft... Yeah, impossible I guess... Wishful thinking. ~^^~ *Crosses fingers and hides from 'Rin & Whoever-Apart-From-You-Know-Who' fans*
I'm really looking forward to watching this series! It Look's like it has great animation too. I plan on watching the Op/Ed later (hopefully before the link expires..or has it *shifty eyes*)
I do have doubts about it though....it looks like many a series that has failed misarabley...Still if anything it has the animation going for it ^^
Only time will tell...
...bow down to my bad spelling! :[
Are there any fansub groups doing Fate/Stay Night (Game)?
Because there's this other fansub group is subbing another 'made-into-anime' game...
(Wind ~A Breath Of Heart~)
Was a nice opening episode.
I loved Tsukihime so Im hoping that this one would be great too.
By the way... Rin reminds me a bit of Satsuki. :D
hmmm, after reading what you wrote, i really want to see the anime now~
xD
anyways, i'm a lil confused about the 3 different Fate/Stay night's
so there's : Fate, Unlimited Blade, and Heaven's feel... so does that mean there's 3 different Fate/Stay Night manga's (aka Visual novels) ? AND 3 different Fate/Stay Night games too?
btw, from the screencaps Archer looks reallllllllll hot~
:P
Kocopo, 'visual novel' is just another name for one of those story-oriented games. Fate, Unlimited Blade, and Heaven's Feel are simply the names of the 3 scenarios you can choose to play within the game. I definitely recommend that you watch the anime if you can't play the game. The first episode was rather slow but I'm sure it'll get more exciting in the future since this one was just used to establish the characters.
Well, I've actually seen episodes 1 and 2, and I can say, I am hooked!!! Oh, and I'll say this right now, Saber's entrance, excellent. I won't say anymore otherwise I'll spoil it.
BTW, if you want to get subbed episodes, I suggest going to www.mininova.org
They have everything. Well not everything, but quite a lot actually. Well anyways, that's all from me
Cheers ^^ Ja ne
Ohhhh my....the anime is great! I agree it started rather slow but they're catching up now! BTW does anyone know were to get the game? I can't get hold of it since i'm in Denmark and they aren't going to release it here...
support original !!!!!!!
fate~~ bEsT!!!!!!
OMF I love this show!!! I think Archer is soooo HOT!!! *drools*
Ahhh! Rin is so cute so is Sakura but then I wonder if the succeding episodes will reveal some love and romantic relationships with Rin and Shirou... I hope that in the end, Rin and Shirou would be you know.........in a relationship hehehehe I really like Rin ever since I saw her ooohhh So cute....
Man, this anime rocks!
Archer is so badass, and Rin is very cute ^^
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