Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV is a 2016 Japanese computer-animated science fantasy anime film directed by Takeshi Nozue, voice performances include Aaron Paul, Sean Bean, Lena Headey, David Gant, Darin De Paul, Trevor Devall, Adrian Bouchet, Liam Mulvey, and Alexa Kahn. Based on the 2016 video game Final Fantasy XV, the film follows an elite guard called the Kingsglaive who must stop a sinister plot during a peace treaty signing between the two nations, Lucis and Niflheim.
Story:
This is probably where the film is the weakest. The film follows this war between two factions and the peace agreement that the two agree to have but is ultimately a lie. And for as interesting as the setting and characters are the film doesn’t flesh the story out properly. There is no unique twist outside of the predictable ones. All in all, there isn’t as strong a compelling element to it as it could’ve been. And despite the story being around the Kingsglaive it doesn’t feel like it’s around the ground, more like a personal story of the character Ulric.
Nyx Ulric is a pretty cool character. He’s tough, he’s smart, he’s skilled, but he also has vulnerabilities. Lunafreya is a great female lead. She’s graceful but is a strong character. Even though she isn’t as skilled as the other characters she isn’t just a damsel in distress. Regis was pretty beast for an old man and his decisions which he was forced to make does say a lot about his character. Glauca was actually a pretty cool antagonist. There are other interesting characters such as Libertus, Crowe, Aldercapt, Izunia, Ravus, Drautos, and Lazarus but the film fails to give enough exposition on their lives or their position of the whole conflict.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Production:
Visually, the movie looks spectacular, standing out as one of the best-looking animated films in recent years. The meticulous attention to detail in every frame is evident, thanks to the seamless integration of motion capture technology and traditional animation techniques. The cinematography is masterfully executed, enhancing the overall experience with dynamic angles and fluid movement that draw the viewer into the story. Each scene is crafted with such precision that it often feels like a living, breathing painting.
The level of realism in the character design is nothing short of extraordinary. There are numerous moments where the animation achieves such lifelike quality that it becomes almost indistinguishable from reality. This remarkable attention to detail allows for an immersive experience, making the characters' emotions and actions deeply relatable and engaging. The film’s visual prowess sets a new standard for animated storytelling, showcasing the possibilities of combining cutting-edge technology with artistic vision.
The score is simply brilliant, adding an emotional depth that perfectly complements the film’s visual splendor. The music is beautifully crafted, capturing both the intensity of dramatic moments and the excitement of fast-paced action sequences. Its seamless integration into the narrative enhances the overall experience, making each scene more impactful. Whether it’s conveying moments of profound emotion or driving the adrenaline-fueled action, the score stands out as a standout element of the film.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Direction:
The voice performances in the film are not just good but exceptionally well-cast, contributing significantly to its brilliance. The English cast includes notable actors such as Aaron Paul, Sean Bean, Lena Headey, and David Gant, among others, delivering nuanced and compelling performances. Similarly, the Japanese cast features distinguished talents like Go Ayano, Tsutomu Isobe, Shiori Kutsuna, and Keiji Fujiwara, who bring depth and authenticity to their roles. The thoughtful casting choices enhance the film’s emotional resonance and overall impact, making it a standout in both voice acting and storytelling.
The script of the film is straightforward, but it effectively showcases the complexities of its characters. While the dialogue and narrative are simple, the characters themselves are well-developed, adding depth to the story. Takeshi Nozue’s direction plays a crucial role in elevating the film, with a strong emphasis on creating a grand, immersive experience. His ability to craft a visually stunning film is evident, enhancing the overall impact of the narrative.
However, the pacing of the film can be uneven, particularly during the action sequences. While these scenes are intense and exhilarating, they often become chaotic and difficult to follow. The final fight between Ulric and Glauca, in particular, is challenging to track, as the frenetic pace and rapid cuts make it hard to discern the action clearly. Despite these issues, the film’s direction and character complexities shine through, making for a memorable experience overall.
The Verdict:
In the end, Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV is a good film but not a compelling one. Despite a lackluster story and supporting characters, the film features phenomenal visuals, great action, terrific voice performances, a great cast, and a good score. Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV gets 4 out of 5.
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