The camrip of the movie Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha is now out and subbed by BSS! I found the original Nanoha series via an avatar of a good e-friend of mine and I was hooked immediately when I started watching it. The universe is vastly intriguing, especially because of the innovative characteristics and design of Fate Testarossa. It has been one of my favorite series ever since the beginning of 2008. The movie is pretty much in accordance with the original season, except better paced, a heightened animation, a deeper inspection on Fate’s past, and a re-mastered soundtrack. Believe me, the animation is beautiful for a camrip. The only flaws in regards to the animation were that it was blurry and the video kept flashing. I do not recommend watching it you are sensitive to light flashing and just wait for the DVD/BD instead.
The story begins with 9-year old, 4th grader Nanoha Takamachi, unknowingly get submerged onto a quest for the Jewel Seeds. She transforms for the first time and gets used to the notion that she has to capture these ancient relics and on one dark night, the mysterious and innocent Fate is standing amidst a rooftop. This signified the pivotal role that would drive the entire plot from there. When I saw her, I felt a strong connection with her, something that was absolutely inexplicable. I had seen the RAW camrip (without BSS subs of course) and had rated this movie a solid 9. Now that I’ve seen it subbed and as a result, it clearly earns a 10 from me. Fate always had one goal – to quench the insatiable desire for the Jewel Seeds of her evil, amibitous mother, Precia Testarossa. Precia isn’t even a mother, a mother has an unconditional love for her child. Yet I still give her an immense amount of credit for creating Fate, despite her despicable, contemptuous attitude she holds for Fate.
The battles were extremely well organized and momentous. When Fate raced with Nanoha into reaching the Jewel Seed, that demonstrated her unshakable determination and admirable qualities. She utilized the fullest extent of her abilities in order to endure the pain and seal it. Just to add a side note, I also tend to let movies win me over if they evoke a feeling sympathy from me. That aspect is the defining point of movies for me. In all the instances I witnessed Fate, her stance and composure left me with a phenomenal impact. A feeling that her character is the sole force, life, and bloodstream of the 127 minute program. Fate’s expression after seeing a mother parent with her son elicited a myriad of sentimental emotions from me, that she always wanted the solace of a caring mother; that she always longed for a mother that noticed the thoughts and feelings of Fate’s spirit. I kept falling madly in love with her all over again as the movie continued to progress. Evidently, she was remarkably delineated in all her scenes, possessing these lonely eyes and served an unselfish purpose for the love, an impeccable penchant of her mother.
Additionally, another memorable scene was when Arf stepped up with an adamant bravery to confront Precia, that was a noble scene that characterized Arf’s loving nature towards Fate. The sound effects/track was also notable with ‘Namae wo Yonde’ playing when Nanoha thought of Fate. ‘Don’t Be Long’ is the movie’s subtitute in place of ‘Take a Shot’ from the original. I still prefer the latter in the original first season though but Mizuki Nana songs are win regardless. The adorably, agonizing face that Fate possessed near the end made my heart wrench. Each piece of music utilized in the movie complemented each scene, whether it be dire or a euphoric moment. Fate experienced a traumatic shock after hearing from the loathsome Precia that she ‘never loved Fate.’ (; _ ; I’ll always infinitely love you Fate~) Thus, only after recollecting her thoughts was she able to once again be revived, sanctified and was confirmed the ultimate resolve in her existence. An additional highlight of this sequence is when we get to learn more about Fate – how Fate took in Arf when she was younger; how Precia displayed disdain towards Fate because she is simply left-handed, is better at using magic, and a ‘different’ personality; also how Precia made a familiar (Linith) to only train Fate into doing her bidding later on life. The creation of Bardiche was another fabulous moment because it displayed Fate’s lolier stature.
A highly sympathizing quote – ‘I may just be a failure of yours and a fake. I couldn’t become Alicia. If you want me to leave…I’ve always wanted you to see you smile. I want you to be happy. That’s the truth. These are my feelings, Fate Testarossa’s feelings.’ This quote just makes me adore and obsess over Fate all the ever more. It established her character for me there and earns the most respect. I was completely converted into a Feito-ist when Fate proclaimed a similar statement to her mother in the original. Although I don’t *completely* endorse Fate and Nanoha being together, the ending was satisfactory and adequate to my liking. It ended happily with a teary farewell and Fate smiling – a sequence that I will imprint into my mind and enjoy anywhere and anytime. All in all, this movie is sure to be the Anime Movie of the Year for 2010 and possibly even for the following years. If you enjoyed the first season for what it was, you will love this movie because it is simply stronger in most aspects such as animation and pacing. It’s a must-watch for all of the Fate or Nanoha fans (or both) and will be a keepsake to any one’s collection.