Unveiling the Visionary Mastermind of Fate/Grand Order’s Epic Memorial Movie

Highlights

Fate/Grand Order's "Memorial Movie 2023" is a celebration of the franchise and showcases the talents of director Hiromatsu Shuu.

The detailed animation and emotional narrative of the short film leave a strong impression. The collaboration between animators from different countries showcases the global influence on the anime industry and the blending of animation styles across borders.

The debut of Fate/Grand Order was eight years ago, and with each passing year, there is more reason to celebrate. However, this year's "Memorial Movie 2023" surpasses expectations by serving as a celebration of the entire franchise. The movie's stunning beauty has also revived interest in its director, the talented Hiromatsu Shuu, whose real name is Zhou Haosong. Zhou Haosong has made a name for himself as a Chinese animator, working on both Japanese anime and Chinese donghua. He possesses a rare talent for versatility and a distinctive style that is well-suited for music videos and opening sequences, allowing him to showcase an incredible level of detail on the screen.

"Beyond the Tale"

The anticipation surrounding Fate's new anniversary project was undeniable, with weeks of buildup and enticing teasers showcasing beloved Servants from each class, accompanied by the triumphant new track "Flowers," composed by Hana Hope. The culmination occurred during FGO Festival 2023, and it unquestionably lived up to the hype.

Memorial 2023 goes beyond being a mere compilation of captivating fight scenes and familiar characters captured in a flattering light. It skillfully weaves a powerful narrative, focusing on the profound notion of heroic spirits and the profound impact of reviving them in a manner rarely achieved by other entries in the Fate Series.

In the bridge of the song, we witness the Heroic Spirits becoming lost and adrift in an abyss while their legendary tales linger in a world that continuously moves forward, progressing but also self-destructing. The foolishness of humanity is starkly portrayed, but when a hand emerges from that abyss, reaching out to Saber, the entire tone drastically shifts. The narrative turns into a jubilant celebration of the human spirit, finding pure delight in the resurrection of these countless legends.

Why It Works

Directed by Hiromatsu Shuu at Japanese studio CloverWorks, this nearly 4-minute short film boasts a talented animation team from around the world. The movie immediately catches viewers' attention with its astonishing level of detail, a characteristic often praised in Fate's animated commercials. Despite its brief duration, the film justifies the extraordinary amount of effort dedicated to even the shortest three-second scene.

Shuu has often been compared to Shingo Yamashita in terms of their directorial abilities, particularly their similar approaches to both realism and expressionism. Although Yamashita may not be a familiar name, his work speaks for itself. He was responsible for directing the openings for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 and Chainsaw Man, both of which exhibit many qualities present in Shuu's creations.

Pinpointing Shuu's specific style can be a challenge, especially when comparing his work on television versus OPs/music videos. His character animation is consistently expressive and dynamic, yet it fluctuates between highly realistic and incredibly abstract. One can observe this in his recent opening for Biao Ren: Blades of the Guardians and the viral opening for Spare Me, Great Lord from 2021.

The events in this work can be incredibly stunning, almost psychedelic. There is a generous use of slow-motion, which is quite impressive considering its cost. Moreover, the composition and framing create a handheld camera effect that, combined with the realistic acting and sweeping camera angles, gives the visuals a surreal and dreamlike appearance. Even the animated movements of hands can convey profound emotions with just the slightest gesture.

In addition to this, Shuu also contributed to the production of Ousama Ranking #21, under the guidance of director Shota Goshozono from Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, and played a significant role in Studio Nut's Deca-Dence. More recently, Shuu directed the fifth ending sequence of Chainsaw Man, showcasing his remarkable versatility, which is truly comparable to his directing work on FGO Memorial 2023.

The International Shift In Animation

There has always been a passionate - albeit not often productive - debate regarding what should be classified as anime, with connections made to notions of national identity and specific styles. However, in the last decade, the distinction has become less clear as foreigners have become involved in Japan's animation industry - and have made significant contributions. Likewise, animators from Asia have made their mark on and inspired new works worldwide.

Over time, the boundaries have become less defined by geographical borders and more by distinct vibes. Viewers familiar with animation might be able to discern qualities that are distinctly South Korean, Chinese, or Japanese. However, shows like Netflix's Castlevania are no longer explicitly tied to a single country. While there is a strong influence from Yoshiaki Kawajiri, the animation team itself is incredibly diverse. It's not as though outsourcing anime production to China and Korea is a new concept.

Hiromatsu Shuu, along with the creative team behind FGO's Memorial Movie, plays a crucial role in this context. The movie is truly outstanding, bringing together talented Chinese animators, as well as notable artists such as Vincent Chansard from France and Gabriel Ugbodaga from Nigeria.

In the past decade, the anime community has witnessed an international boom, leading to a greater appreciation for animation as a whole. Fate/Grand Order's Memorial Movie 2023 is an exceptional example of this, thanks to its increasingly diverse staff. Hiromatsu Shuu, as the director, contributes his mesmerizing expressionism and visionary approach to composition, undoubtedly making a lasting impact on the industry.