Watch Fate/Zero
- TV-MA
- 2011
- 2 Seasons
-
8.2 (15,260)
Fate/Zero is a Japanese anime television series produced by Aniplex that was released in 2011 and continued until 2012. It is an adaptation of the light novel by Type-Moon, which is a prequel to the Fate/Stay Night series. The show follows seven Masters, who are powerful magicians and are chosen by the Holy Grail to compete in a battle royale known as the Holy Grail War. The Holy Grail is a powerful magical artifact that has the ability to grant wishes to whoever manages to claim it by defeating all the other Masters and Servants in combat.
The Servants are powerful legendary figures summoned by the Masters to fight for them in the Holy Grail War. Each Servant is a powerful warrior with their own unique set of skills and abilities, and they are often based on historical or mythological figures such as King Arthur, Gilgamesh, and Alexander the Great.
The show is set in modern-day Japan, but it often features flashbacks to earlier periods in history to explore the backstories of the various characters. One of the most interesting aspects of the show is the way it explores the themes of fate and destiny, which are central to the mythology of the Fate series.
The main protagonist of the show is Kiritsugu Emiya, who is a skilled and ruthless assassin that always puts his mission before everything else. Kiritsugu is chosen as one of the Masters in the Holy Grail War and he summons Saber, who was King Arthur in a past life. Saber is a skilled swordswoman and a powerful warrior, but she struggles with the fact that she was unable to fulfill her duties as king and protect her people.
The other Masters include Kirei Kotomine, who is a priest that has been chosen by the Holy Grail despite having no interest in the war. Kirei summons Assassin, who is based on the historical figure of Hassan-i Sabbah and is a skilled ninja. Kirei's true motivations and loyalties are shrouded in mystery, and he becomes one of the most complex and intriguing characters in the show.
Another important character is Tokiomi Tohsaka, who is a powerful magician and one of the most skilled Masters in the Holy Grail War. Tokiomi summons Gilgamesh, who is the king of all heroes and possesses a vast array of powerful abilities. Gilgamesh is one of the most popular characters in the Fate series, and his snarky personality and powerful abilities make him a formidable opponent for the other Servants.
The other Masters include Waver Velvet, who is a young student from the Mage's Association and a relatively inexperienced magician. Waver summons Rider, who is based on the historical figure of Alexander the Great and is a charismatic and powerful leader. Rider and Waver form an unlikely partnership, and their relationship becomes one of the most heartwarming aspects of the show.
The other Masters are Ryuunosuke Uryuu, who is a sadistic serial killer that is chosen by the Holy Grail despite having no interest in it. Ryuunosuke summons Caster, who is based on the historical figure of Gilles de Rais and is a twisted and powerful mage. The final Master is Kiritsugu's wife, Irisviel von Einzbern, who is chosen by the Holy Grail to act as a mediator in the war. Irisviel teams up with Saber and Kiritsugu, and the three form a powerful trio that is determined to win the war no matter the cost.
Overall, Fate/Zero is an action-packed and emotionally complex anime that explores some of the most intriguing themes in the Fate series. The animation and art style are top-notch, and the voice acting is superb, with a cast of talented actors bringing each character to life. The show is not afraid to explore dark and difficult subject matter, and it often subverts the expectations of the audience by delivering unexpected twists and turns. Fans of the Fate series will not be disappointed by this prequel, and newcomers will be drawn in by its compelling characters and epic battles.
Fate/Zero is a series that ran for 2 seasons (36 episodes) between October 1, 2011 and on Aniplex