Fate/strange Fake -Whispers of Dawn-
Plot
The city of Fuyuki is bathed in an eerie silence as the moon casts its pale light upon the streets. The air is heavy with anticipation, and the whispers of dawn hint at a new era dawning. This is no ordinary morning, for it marks the beginning of a Holy Grail War – a battle royale between powerful Mages and their formidable Heroic Spirits. In this treacherous game, the stakes are high, and the prizes are divine. The participants, known as Masters, have summoned their Servants – legendary heroes from different eras and cultures – to fight on their behalf. These Servants possess incredible abilities, born from the collective souls of humanity, and will stop at nothing to claim victory. As the war rages on, the landscape is scarred by the brutal clash of magic and steel. The Masters and their Servants are pitted against one another in a desperate struggle for survival, with each side seeking to eliminate the competition and claim the Holy Grail. This mystical artifact holds the power to grant any wish, no matter how grandiose or trivial. At the center of this maelstrom is Lord El-Melloi II, a cunning Master who has long been fascinated by the intricacies of the Holy Grail War. His Servant, Rin Tohsaka's sister Sakura, is a skilled warrior with unparalleled combat prowess. Together, they will face off against a formidable array of opponents, each with their own secrets and motivations. As the war unfolds, alliances are forged and broken, and ancient rivalries are rekindled. The fabric of reality begins to unravel, threatening to consume everything in its path. Amidst this chaos, hidden agendas and ulterior motives come to the fore, as the participants struggle to maintain their grip on power. Fate/strange Fake – Whispers of Dawn – is a thrilling exploration of the Holy Grail War's darker aspects, delving into the complexities of human nature and the blurred lines between good and evil. With its rich tapestry of characters, intricate plot twists, and pulse-pounding action sequences, this film promises an unforgettable experience for fans of the Fate franchise and newcomers alike.
Reviews
Lucy
Anime blockbuster! // It's all about that chuuni, pretentious, and cool vibe! // It might be silly, but you can't deny it's effectively intimidating.
Charlotte
The transitions are jarring, like being abducted by a UFO, especially when switching to and from the Berserker team's awkwardly cheerful slice-of-life moments that feel so out of place in a Holy Grail War. Sawano's soundtrack is also a mismatch; during the clash of Gilgamesh and Enkidu's Noble Phantasms, the bgm is some kind of electronic pop. I wonder if those two old heroes could even bear to listen to it. The Holy Grail War system is so well-designed and has such strong expansibility. It can definitely milk this franchise for at least another decade. After all, who can resist the simple joy of historical and mythological figures fighting each other?
Sasha
The animation team is pure love! Enkidu is stunning in every single frame! The reunion of Gilgamesh and Enkidu after millennia, with their Noble Phantasms clashing, is both magnificent and romantic. There's not a single wasted shot or line in this entire sequence. When Enkidu softly says, "Although, greeting him here wouldn't be bad either," anyone with eyes can tell what kind of relationship these two share. (I hope they draw Gilgamesh's face properly in the main series; why put so many forehead wrinkles, marionette lines, and eye bags on such a handsome face? I'm begging you!)
Bridget
As a 50-minute prologue, it offers a brief introduction to the characters and the summoning mishaps of the six participating teams. It culminates in an epic clash between Gilgamesh and Enkidu, concluding with an unexpected Saber's arrival. Compared to recent Fate works, this special episode showcases a significantly higher level of production quality. The change in character designer, moving away from the Takeuchi-esque faces, infuses the entire work with a sense of novelty. Having previewed the character roster, the level of the summoned heroic spirits rivals that of a Grand Order singularity. I am greatly anticipating the official TV series debut.
Amara
This made me tear up, but it's just a special episode?! How am I supposed to satisfy this surge of emotion? Waaah! Looking at the *Fate* series now, the themes are so classic, combining history, literature, and strategic battles. That's why it can be interpreted over and over again. But the ability to make each pairing so unexpected and imaginative is truly amazing! I was genuinely surprised by the Enkidu pair. I'm also very interested in the Nightmare and the female lead, Gilgamesh and the young girl, and Waver's student. The only thing missing now is a mature woman! And when Saber appeared at the end, I didn't even recognize Ono Yuki's voice!
Lennon
The film delves into the intricate dance of power, desire, and morality in a world where wishes can be lethal. With its intricate narrative and complex characters, it challenges viewers to reflect on humanity's darkest impulses and the cost of ambition.
