Kalai Chik After the success of Japanese animation studio ufotable’s previous anime adaptations of two Fate routes, Fate/stay night and Fate/stay night Unlimited Blade Works, the mystery behind Sakura culminates in the Heaven’s Feel trilogy movie. The first two films focus on developing secrets such as Sakura’s relationship with the main character Shirou and the identity of her real servant, but finally some questions are answered in this film. One of Director Sudo’s best qualities is his ability to build character development into the story while still keeping action the primary focus of the film like in Lancer and True Assassin’s battle. The movie ends with Saber, the most recognizable character of the franchise, falling to her demise and battling her biggest demons in the next movie: Saber Alter.
Before the film screening at the Ace Hotel, Director Tomonori Sudo and voice actress Noriko Shitaya, voice of Sakura, answered a couple of questions for APA. The next film in the franchise, Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel II. lost butterfly will be released in 2018.
APA: Congratulations on having Heaven’s Feel premiere as the top film during its opening weekend in Japan. How did you decide to tell this story in a trilogy?
Sudo: From the beginning, it was set already set to be a trilogy. Since this would be the first movie audiences will be watching, I wanted to make sure it was impactful. For the second and the third movie, fans will just have to wait and see.
APA: What’s it like to be at the premiere here in America?
Sudo: I’m very happy to be able to deliver this work to all these fans. Thank you for coming.
APA: Who is your favorite character?
Sudo: Of course, Sakura.
APA: Given the importance of this route in comparison to the anime, what’s the difference between voicing her in the anime compared to this movie?
Shitaya: In the previous routes, Sakura was more symbolic of the stability of daily life. For the first time in Heaven’s Feel, we’re able to see the secrets and the underlying feelings brewing in her. I made sure that this was all in my portrayal of Sakura.
APA: In contrast with the dark tone of the movie, can you tell us about any funny stories that happened behind the scenes?
Shitaya: I’m not sure if this is very interesting, but the recording style in Japan is to have the cast assemble together. It’s been a while since the Fate cast has come together, so I was trying very hard to sit next to Shiro’s voice actor, Noriaki Sugiyama. I’m happy to say that I met my goal.
