A thorough analysis of the emotion and depth of "Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II.lost butterfly"!

Review and Recommendation for "Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II.lost butterfly"

■Overview of the work

Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel II. Lost Butterfly is an anime film released on January 12, 2019. It is the second part of a trilogy depicting the "Heaven's Feel" route of the "Fate/stay night" series, based on the original work by Kinoko Nasu and TYPE-MOON. It was directed by Tomonori Sudo, produced by ufotable, and distributed by Aniplex. The 117-minute film delves deep into the story of Shirou Emiya and Sakura Matou, centering on the "Holy Grail War" set in Fuyuki City.

■ Story

"The person I must fight is still in this city."

The boy chose his beliefs. And to protect the girl. The Holy Grail War is a battle between magicians (Masters) and heroic spirits (Servants) for the Holy Grail, a wish-granting device. The war, which began in Fuyuki City for the first time in 10 years, becomes distorted and complicated with the participation of Matou Zouken, the head of the Matou family, one of the three great families of the Holy Grail War. Zouken summons True Assassin as his Servant. Unidentified shadows swarm the town, and Masters and Servants fall one after another. Emiya Shirou, who joined the battle as a Master, is also injured and loses his Servant Saber. However, Shirou refuses to back down from the battle to protect Matou Sakura. Sakura worries about Shirou, but she too is caught up in the fate of a magician... "I promise. I'm the one..." She is the only one who has decided not to betray him. The boy and girl's earnest wish is painted over by a black shadow.

■Explanation

The first chapter, "Presage Flower," released in 2017, attracted 980,000 viewers and became a hot topic. It also recorded a box office income of 1.5 billion yen. The second chapter, "Lost Butterfly," is the most important episode that depicts the turning point of the trilogy. The crossroads of fate of "Heaven's Feel" presented in all three chapters -- the second chapter, "Lost Butterfly," takes flight. This work faithfully reproduces the "Heaven's Feel" route of the original game, while drawing out new charms with beautiful visuals and music. In particular, the portrayal of Sakura Matou's inner thoughts and Shirou's determination are deeply depicted, leaving a strong impression on the viewer.

■Cast

• Protagonist/Shiro Emiya
• Heroine/Sakura Matou
• Heroic Spirit/Archer
• Heroic Spirit/Saber Alter

■ Main staff

• Director: Tomonori Sudo
• Original work: Kinoko Nasu, TYPE-MOON
• Character design: Tomonori Sudo, Atsushi Ikariya, Toshiyuki Tabata
• Screenplay: Akira Hiyama (ufotable)

■ Main Characters

• Shiro Emiya: A young boy who is an apprentice magician. Influenced by his adoptive father, Kiritsugu Emiya, he aims to be a champion of justice. He participates in the Holy Grail War, but loses the Saber he summoned.
• Sakura Matou: A girl who attends the Emiya residence and is in charge of housework. Shinji Matou's younger sister. She is deeply concerned about Shirou, who has been hurt by being caught up in the Holy Grail War.
• Rin Tohsaka: Shirou Emiya's classmate. The administrator of Fuyuki and the sixth successor of the Tohsaka family. Summon Archer. Forms a cooperative relationship with Shirou, who is trying to protect Sakura Matou.

■ Main robot items

• Holy Grail: Only the one pair of Masters and Heroic Spirits who survive the Holy Grail War, which is held by seven Masters and Heroic Spirits, can obtain it. The Holy Grail is a wish-granting device that grants wishes.

■ Related works

• Fate/stay night
• fate/stay night unlimited blade works
• Fate/Zero
• fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel]
• fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] Ⅲ spring song

■ Theme songs and music

• Theme song: I beg you
• Lyrics by Yuki Kajiura
• Composer: Yuki Kajiura
• Singer: Aimer

■Detailed review

Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel II. Lost Butterfly continues the story from the first chapter, Presage Flower, and explores deeper themes and character development. In particular, Sakura Matou's inner conflict and Shirou Emiya's determination are emphasized, eliciting strong emotions from the viewer.

The greatest appeal of this work is the beautiful visual expression of ufotable. Not only the battle scenes, but also the everyday scenes are depicted with attention to detail, giving a sense of visual satisfaction. In addition, the music by Yuki Kajiura also enhances the atmosphere of the story, and in particular the theme song "I beg you" sung by Aimer has a beautiful melody that seems to symbolize the feelings of Sakura Matou, and resonates deeply in the hearts of viewers.

The story development faithfully reproduces the "Heaven's Feel" route of the original game, while adding some special touches that are unique to the movie. In particular, scenes depicting Sakura Matou's past and the darkness she carries will leave a strong impact on viewers. Also, Shirou Emiya's growth and his attitude of fighting to protect Sakura Matou will resonate with viewers.

The portrayal of the characters is also excellent, especially Sakura Matou's performance. Her inner conflict and feelings towards Shirou are portrayed realistically, evoking deep emotions in the viewer. Emiya Shirou's determination and Tohsaka Rin's actions are also important elements that add excitement to the story.

This work is recommended not only for fans of the "Fate/stay night" series, but for anyone who loves anime movies. With beautiful images and music, deep themes and character development, this work is sure to leave a deep impression on viewers.

■Recommendation details

We recommend watching Chapter 1, "Presage Flower," before watching "Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II.lost butterfly." It is important to know the contents of Chapter 1 in order to understand the flow of the story. You can also gain a deeper understanding by playing the "Heaven's Feel" route of the original game.

After watching this work, please be sure to watch the third chapter, "Spring Song." It depicts the conclusion of the story depicted in "Lost Butterfly," and will leave a strong impression on viewers. Also, by watching other works in the "Fate/stay night" series, you can gain a deeper understanding of the worldview of the entire series.

Furthermore, if you are a fan of this work, we also recommend other anime works produced by ufotable, such as "Fate/Zero" and "Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works," which have beautiful images and deep stories and will leave a strong impression on viewers.

Finally, please be sure to listen to Aimer's other songs, including the theme song "I beg you." Her beautiful voice and melodies will surely soothe the hearts of viewers.

■ Summary

"Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II.lost butterfly" is a wonderful work with beautiful images and music, deep themes and character growth. This work leaves a strong impression on the viewer, and is recommended not only for fans of the "Fate/stay night" series, but for everyone who loves anime movies. Please watch it and experience its charm.