The Garden of Sinners Chapter 7: ……not nothing heart. (Murder Speculation Part B)

The Garden of Sinners Chapter 7, titled '……not nothing heart. (Murder Speculation Part B),' serves as the climactic seventh installment in ufotable's cinematic adaptation of Kinoko Nasu’s seminal light novel series, Kara no Kyoukai. Set against the backdrop of late 1990s urban Japan, the film plunges viewers back into the dark world inhabited by Shiki Ryougi, a powerful teenage girl gifted with the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception, and her steadfast companion, Mikiya Kokutou. The central conflict revolves around a horrifying new spree of ritualistic murders that bear a chilling resemblance to a killing wave Shiki was involved in previously. As police struggle to identify the perpetrator, the body count escalates, with victims linked by a peculiar, mind-altering drug. Suspicion inexorably falls upon Shiki, mainly because eyewitnesses recall seeing a mysterious woman in a kimono near the crime scenes—a figure that closely mirrors Shiki's own appearance and demeanor. This installment is crucial for its deep dive into the metaphysical lore of the Nasuverse, particularly exploring the concept of 'Origin'—the inherent, fundamental impulse that dictates the core existence and fate of an individual. The antagonist is Lio Shirazumi, a man whose unique Origin is 'consumption.' This core essence was maliciously awakened and weaponized by the puppet master Souren Araya, transforming Shirazumi into a dangerous, cannibalistic killer driven by an insatiable, primal urge. The resulting confrontation between Shirazumi and Shiki transcends a mere battle of superpowers; it becomes a profound, philosophical duel concerning free will versus determinism, the formation of personal identity, and the existential weight of sin. The film masterfully combines elements of psychological horror, intense urban fantasy action, and deeply intimate character drama, leading to a harrowing, high-stakes climax that challenges Shiki’s ultimate resolve and tests the limits of Mikiya’s unwavering dedication to her. This chapter is widely regarded for its dense narrative complexity, haunting ambiance, and ufotable’s consistently sophisticated visual execution.

The Garden of Sinners Chapter 7: ……not nothing heart. (Murder Speculation Part B) represents a high-water mark for the Kara no Kyoukai series, delivering a profoundly intense and conceptually rich cinematic experience. The technical execution by Studio ufotable is, expectedly, flawless, featuring dynamic and highly stylized action choreography, particularly during the climax. Character designs are meticulously detailed, retaining the distinctive aesthetic of Takashi Takeuchi while enhancing the moody, neo-noir atmosphere of the setting. The color grading and use of light and shadow are instrumental in establishing a suffocating sense of psychological dread that pervades the entire runtime. The narrative pacing is deliberate and measured, effectively building tension and thematic weight rather than sacrificing substance for cheap thrills. While viewers unfamiliar with the preceding films might find the metaphysical discussions surrounding 'Origin' abstract or challenging, for series veterans, this depth is the film's greatest strength. The exploration of Lio Shirazumi's tragic destiny, contrasting with Shiki Ryougi's struggle to control her own dual nature, provides potent thematic resonance regarding choice, identity, and moral agency. Maaya Sakamoto's voice acting as Shiki is exceptional, conveying both her inherent detachment and moments of fierce, desperate emotion, anchoring the dramatic weight of the film. Kenichi Suzumura provides a crucial counterpoint as Mikiya, embodying unconditional devotion which prevents the overall tone from becoming entirely nihilistic. The soundtrack complements the visuals perfectly, enhancing the horror and the intimate character moments alike. Overall, the film is a masterful culmination of the series' themes, blending superior animation quality with a mature, complex script.