Review: 'Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV' is a beautiful movie with an illogical plot
King Regis Lucis Caelum CXIII (Sean Bean) in “Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV.” (Golden Village PIctures)
Running time: 115 minutes (~ 2 hours)
“Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV” is a 3D animated science fiction fantasy film that’s part of the Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy series. Alongside net animation series Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV, it fleshes out the world of the game of Final Fantasy XV. It takes place alongside the events of the Final Fantasy XV game, and centres around the Kingsglaive, an elite royal guard, when a hostile nation invades. It features the voice talents of Aaron Paul (Nyx Ulric), Sean Benn (Regis Lucis Caelum CXIII), Lena Headey (Lunafreya Nox Fleuret), Adrian Bouchet (Titus Drautos), and Liam Mulvey (Libertus Ostium).
“Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV” is no “Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children” in terms of story, but it definitely surpasses its spiritual predecessor in terms of gorgeous visuals and imaginative action. Its fusion of magic and technology make it almost believable that we might one day shoot fire and lightning from our own hands (as well as wielding oversized weapons). The plot is somewhat lacking, but then, that’s not what you came to watch “Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV” for, right?
War has come to the world of “Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV.” (Golden Village PIctures)
Highlights
Breathtaking animation
All these sweeping shots of futuristic cities with magic-inspired designs are what makes the world of “Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV” so breathtaking. Unlike the pretentiously attention-seeking visuals of “Avatar,” each fantastic detail in “Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV” serves a purpose in the overall narrative of the story, even if it’s not immediately apparent. Form follows function, giving you beautifully animated characters which each have a story tell, and scenery that evokes centuries of rich history.
Excellent action and special effects
If the character models and sets aren’t enough to win you over, there are the lavish CGI effects that make it feasible for people to actually shoot lightning from their hands. Despite their amazing abilities, our heroes aren’t infallible, and err frequently enough to remind us that despite their vast power, they’re still human. And this is what makes their powers so much more believable — because they’re wielded by imperfect characters.
Epic climax
While the film doesn’t have the fate of the world at stake, due to the constraints of the story and its place in the Final Fantasy XV narrative, the final battle certainly has you feeling that way. It takes place on a macro and micro level, giving us multiple conflicts which have us cheering on for different reasons. It’s both a personal fight and a battle for the sake of the kingdom, which works in tandem to give us a memorable finish.
Iedolas Aldercapt in “Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV.” (Golden Village PIctures)
Letdowns
On the nose dialogue lacks exposition
The dialogue can be so straightforward that it lacks finesse at times, describing what they’re doing and calling out names repeatedly so that we remember them. But the issue is that the film forgets to explain what all these names and terms mean. It’s world building without context, and you’re soon lost in the sea of Final Fantasy XV-specific jargon.
Story doesn’t make sense
The biggest problem with “Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV” is that the antagonist’s plot doesn’t make sense. They don’t seem to know what they’re going after or why they want it, and even the purported reason for doing so is iffy at best. Even worse, their cover story is another bag of loopholes which have you scratching your head in confusion. It’s functional in that it allows for spectacular scenes to be shown, but there’s not dramatic merit to the plot.
A heated battle in “Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV.” (Golden Village PIctures)
“Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV” is a beautiful movie with an illogical plot, but is worth watching just to see Final Fantasy on the big screen.
Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? If you like Final Fantasy.
Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? Yes.
Score: 3.5/5
Secret ending? YES!
“Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV” opens in cinemas:
- 11 August, 2016 (Singapore)
- 11 August, 2016 (Malaysia)
Marcus Goh is a Singapore television scriptwriter. He’s also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. He Tweets/Instagrams at Optimarcus and writes at marcusgohmarcusgoh.com. The views expressed are his own.
