Fakir's Hand of Sorrow

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Hand of Sorrow" by Within Temptation
Lyrics: azlyrics (also at the end of the Youtube description)
Theme: AU-ish: Fakir & the Ghost Knight; Retelling the Ghost Knight story with Fakir in the Ghost Knight's role, and Tutu/Duck as his lover
Spoilers: Yes

Review: ... That intro. Gives. Me. Chills. The narrator usage is glorious, the layering with the song's intro is fantastic, and the clip usage is perfect! I don't know what more you could want from an intro, other than the fact that the narration's background music bleeds through the tiniest bit in places, but that is negligible. You don't even notice it until you've seen it at least 3-4 times or more. (at least that's how it was with me... XD' )
First off, this song in and of itself is perfect for this idea, for Fakir. I mean, he never questions 'why am I the Knight?' or 'should I even protect this Prince?' - he just does it, instinctively, resolutely. To the exclusion of pretty much all else, at least at first. It's not hard to see him sticking to that, either. But neither does he entirely understand what all he can do, what is within his powers, even once understanding that he is a story-spinner. He is still a protector of Mytho, and that dictates his life. And the fact that he loves Tutu/Duck is very controversial to his protector role of the Prince.
Getting back to specific video content, the first round of the chorus is wonderfully chosen, with Fakir reading 'The Prince & The Raven' and the sacrifices involved there. Quite portending. And then Rue as a possible "noble" and Ms. Edel as "wise" augments the confusion that grows with Mytho's stay in this world. I really love the usage of the book/play during "but the oath made him stay", along with Fakir's fears being manifest. It's a very powerful usage of the clip, and symoblistic of the horrors Fakir is afraid to commit under the Prince, but must do (in this universe; and hey, maybe raven!Mytho is the Prince he's serving).
And.... and the second intro to the chorus... "He prayed for both but was denied." That. That. *serious face* I audibly gasp each time I watch it. Ok, maybe not every single time, but it's happened repeatedly. Even when I know it's coming. But it's just so... so powerful! The set up of the clips is fantastic, and it truly seems as though he's had to do something so horrible... And it's gorgeous symbolism how when the 'act' is committed, Fakir isn't himself anymore but simply 'the Knight'. That is all he is, all he can be in that moment. Because if he were anything else he would die.
And then! Following that tragedy, he does realize what the heck he's done! And is (rightfully) devastated! I love the usage of raven!Mytho and Uzura as the "noble" & "wise" here, it's wonderfully crafted. The dark Prince is crazed, angry, totally in the wrong, but still technically "noble;" meanwhile Uzura is a small child, and doesn't understand everything, but her tears at what's happened show her to truly be "wise."
"Will all our sins be justified?"
I don't know, Fakir, will they??
Man, this repetition is poignant, and so relevant... and beautiful. And... anxiety-inducing. XD'
And then, we have Fakir apologizing to both the Prince and Duck/Tutu (mostly her)... in a heartrendingly sad showing of his devotion to both. The transition to mostly addressing Duck/Tutu is great, and the Ghost Knight with Tutu with the words "though you'll not see that it is me" is just... gaaaahh my hearstriiiiingss.....
And chaos. And the attack again. Despite its absolutely horrible meaning, I love the sequences where Fakir is attacking Tutu, because they are arranged so gosh-darn well!! It looks totally believable. They're amazing.
The later portions are just as great. I haven't had time to make as much meaning out of all the word/clip symbolism, but it seems important that the bookkeper and Drosselmeyer are seen as "noble" and "wise" here, because both of them are quite adamant that death be an overarching theme in things... And then Fakir takes the dagger/letter opener... In the description, it's to be seen as a suicide, which although he stabs his hand, it could've been poisoned or something... And it's not hard to accept in lieu of all the crazy happenings.
The last bit I do really like the arrangement of - Tutu/Duck and Fakir finding one another past death. My only quibble is that the video quality seems to diminish at the end here for some reason, not the clips' usage but the actual video footage. It's a bit dimmer... and sometimes over-glare-y. It's not long enough to detract from the overall awesome of the video, but it's a bit of a distraction.
My only main quibble with this, other than that ending bit, is the quality of the video overall, but I don't know if that's because of my internet service or not. Whenever I start it anew, sometimes I have to make it large and then smaller to readjust the focus, and it is a bit choppy/lagging at times. Double-clicking it a few times usually fixes it, or refreshing the page, but it makes me sad that there's not a higher-quality version of this epicness.
But yes. I love this video, and it's really well done. I'm very happy that I found this video, and get to watch it again and again~

Overall Review: FF 10/10

L'Assasymphonie

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "L'Assasymphonie" (or "The Assassinate Symphony") by Mozart L'Opera Rock
Lyrics: (orig and transl) lyrictranslate
Theme: Autor (and jealousy)
Spoilers: No (lack of context if it's not already known)

Review: This. All of this. *gestures* YES.
I have to admit that this was the first time I heard this song, and I LOVE the song, so there is a wee bit of bias. BUT it and the video together are just fantastical, and that's what I'm commenting on here. I will endeavor to say what I can about this amazingtastical video, but again today I am limited on the amount of time I have, so I'll get going!
First off: That intro. Beautiful setup. It's a bit questionable in the first few seconds, but it just draws you in and within 20 seconds you have the entire premise of the tone, feelings, characters, etc. It's gorgeous.
The interspersing of talking and such with Autor's stalking is great. Really sets a 'hold-it-in-yet-ready-to-burst' feel, and the music/talking draws you in. And his utter joy at Fakir's frustrations... Throughout the video! Always gives me chills. Alwaaayyysss. And looking up the lyrics just makes it more epic! "I dedicate my nights/ to the assasymphony/ To requiems/ killing by frustration/... I confess I curse/ all those who love each other." Interspersed with the happy faces of all who are enamored with Fakir, or at least are fans... Mraaahh. Fantastical.
Then the next verse. Drosselmeyer. Even if you don't know the words, it's obvious that he's taunting Autor. A lot. And it gets to Autor. And then, he throws water on the pedigree chart, which he pretty much reveres for the connections it shows with Drosselmeyer. The words give even more light on this: "I deny/ the fatal heresy/ Which gnaws at my soul/" Immediately following, his confrontation with the bookstore owner is "I want to be reborn/ To be reborn." O___o Goodness symbolism and overlapping! I just... wow. That's epic.
And then.......... There's the... assassination of Fakir. ._. Yes. It is beautifully exemplified, the watch-checking is just like Autor, and... and... *spaz*
Then. Theeeen there's Drossy again. Muttering and being the voice in the back of Autor's head. But it's also Autor muttering to himself. And the lyrics are analogies with music, and very well done! How things seem wrong, off... Perhaps the scene with Fakir resisting Autor is a flashback or something.
Becuase then! Then we get to a part where Autor is rescuing Fakir~! Like he had second thoughts about the assassination! Or, since we see writing, perhaps Autor wrote something that actually changed things so that Fakir would live...? I don't even know.
BUT THEN. He leads Fakir into the place, and he's got crows waiting for him!! Like another assassination! Or attack or something!
But then, after a while, even though Fakir collapses, Autor lets Duck in to see him... Perhaps he's not entirely dead, just really beat up because Autor wanted revenge/to take out anger on him in some fashion. Or... maybe he didn't make it...? I can't tell. Both are crazy and awesome and just-
And then Drossylmeyer. It has to end with him. Laughing. *wide-eyed-serious-face*

Ok, so when I get frantic, especially about things I enjoy, I type more. But really. And real quick, as if the video in and of itself weren't enough, the effects/clip usage was FAN-BARKING-TASTICAL. Really. The color changes made connections yet were still slightly confusing, but in a good way that makes me want to sit down and watch it repeatedly to figure out what the meaning was or if I'm missing a deeper portion. And how everything led to one another... and just... Grah. I love this. A lot.
<3
(and just for future reference, most every one of the videos that this creator puts up is of similar quality. Those will probably get similar rants of awesome.)

Overall Rating: FF 10/10 (and normal 10/10 too, I'd think)

Memories

All you who love stories, gather round...

Song: "Memories" by Within Temptation
Lyrics: metrolyrics
Theme: Post-series story video: Fakir trying to bring Duck/Tutu back. Youtube description has full 'story' (tis short)
Spoilers: Yes

Review: First off, beautiful song choice. And with the little mini-fic/explanation, it fits wonderfully! (and the story is very plausible, too!)
Ok, brief overview of story: Duck gets killed post-series, and Fakir feels horrible. He writes about her, his memories rousing his muse. Then, Tutu awakens in a story, and as she looks around, remembers Fakir and everything that's happened. She worries about Fakir, and Fakir senses it. Fakir then proclaims his love; she hears him, and combined they have enough power to bring her through the 4th wall to him! (similar to the first time, but he's given her life again this round) (and the creator's description is nicer)
One, it's a rather clever idea that tells a future story while still using canon footage. Two, it is told very effectively. Even before I completely understood the fiction, I saw the video (I know, bad person for not reading the description first) and loved it. Greater understanding just increases that love~
Onwards now! The beginning of the entire video is evocative; the sadness and regret are practically palpable. The scenes chosen for Fakir's memories of Duck/Tutu make sense, and fit well with the tone of the music. I like the POV witch with the second verse, and the scenes chosen are put together just as well as the first ones. The parallel of "silent tears" between Fakir and Duck/Tutu is quite nice too. And then... the pair of them, calling out to each other... It's just fantastic.
Effects-wise, I really like the black & white use for memories vs color for present, although there are a few times I wasn't entirely sure if it stuck with that. It wasn't horribly distracting, though, or even something I noticed until numerous re-watches later. The timing is pretty good, and nothing feels overdone or rushed.
This isn't an analysis video, nor does it delve too much into what occurred in the series. But it's not supposed to. It's a story after the ending, reliving bits and pieces from the original but not dwelling on them excessively. It's a beautiful little piece that I really enjoy, although a bit in a different way than many Tutu videos. The story nature fits well with its source. Interestingly enough, I see this more as a fanfiction than a typical AMV, and so I feel like the rating is in a different category. (kind-of like the dark AU video earlier) So while I feel I can only rate this a 10, I also feel its a different level of 10 than the previous video (A Raven's Pride). It has something to do with the fanfiction-ness...
Hm. Alright; from now on, AU videos or ones more like fanfiction than commentary or more typical AMVs will have a different rating system. Still 1-10, but with FF in front of it. My reviews for those will be more focused on the story they tell than the video effects/portrayal, but that will still be a major component of how it is rated. That's how it's supposed to come across, after all.
And if I'm just being randomly persnikity and nonsensical, let me know. I want to actually be helpful, not just have annoying text distracting you from the video.

Overall Rating: FF 10/10