Nanatsu no Taizai: Ensa no Edinburgh - Kouhen

The Seven Deadly Sins: Grudge of Edinburgh Part 2

Aired Date:2023-08-08

Status:FINISHED

Ratings:65/100

Genres:Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy

Season:2

Total Episodes:1

Duration:54 min/ep

Studio:Alfred Imageworks

Source:ORIGINAL

Format:ONA

Director:Noriyuki Abe

Review:50/100

Watch Online: Netflix

Synopsis

The second half of The Seven Deadly Sins: Grudge of Edinburgh. Reunited with Lancelot for the first time since their tragic accident, Tristan must learn to conquer his inner demons in order to save his mother's life. (Source: Netflix)

Trailer

Characters

Tristan Liones MAIN

Lancelot MAIN

Minika SUPPORTING

Meliodas SUPPORTING

Tyrone SUPPORTING

Elizabeth Liones SUPPORTING

Priest SUPPORTING

Ban SUPPORTING

Diane SUPPORTING

Kurumiru SUPPORTING

The Seven Deadly Sins: Grudge of Edinburgh – A Bridge Between Generations

Fans of The Seven Deadly Sins were treated to a fresh chapter in the beloved franchise with the release of The Seven Deadly Sins: Grudge of Edinburgh, a two-part animated film that premiered on Netflix. Part 1 dropped on December 20, 2022, followed by Part 2 on August 8, 2023. Directed by Bob Shirahata with Noriyuki Abe as chief director, this spin-off shifts the spotlight from the iconic Seven Deadly Sins to their next generation, particularly Tristan Liones, the son of Meliodas and Elizabeth. With an original story crafted by series creator Nakaba Suzuki, Grudge of Edinburgh serves as a compelling interquel, bridging the gap between the original series and its sequel, Four Knights of the Apocalypse. Here’s a closer look at what makes this film a noteworthy addition to the Seven Deadly Sins universe.

A New Hero Takes Center Stage

Set 14 years after the events of the original anime, Grudge of Edinburgh introduces a peaceful Kingdom of Liones ruled by King Meliodas and Queen Elizabeth. Their son, Prince Tristan, is the heart of the story. Voiced by Mikako Komatsu (young Tristan) and Ayumu Murase (teenage Tristan), he’s a complex character grappling with his dual heritage. Inheriting his mother’s Goddess Clan powers, Tristan can heal wounds, but his father’s Demon Clan abilities often spiral out of control, causing harm to those around him. This internal struggle shapes his journey, as he wrestles with self-doubt and the fear of hurting others, a relatable theme for anyone navigating their own identity.

The story kicks off when Elizabeth falls gravely ill due to a curse cast by Priest, a servant of the vengeful former Holy Knight Deathpierce. Determined to save his mother, Tristan sets out for Edinburgh, where Deathpierce has rebuilt a domain fueled by his grudge against non-humans. Along the way, Tristan teams up with a mysterious fairy—later revealed as Lancelot, the son of Ban and Elaine, voiced by Koki Uchiyama—and encounters other victims of Deathpierce’s schemes. The narrative weaves action, emotion, and camaraderie, staying true to the franchise’s signature blend of high-stakes battles and heartfelt moments.

A Visual and Emotional Shift

One of the most discussed aspects of Grudge of Edinburgh is its animation style. Unlike the hand-drawn art of the original series, the film employs CGI animation, produced by Alfred Imageworks and Marvy Jack. The transition has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans praise the fluid combat sequences and vibrant colors, noting that slow-motion effects during fights enhance the drama. Others find the 3D models jarring, feeling they lack the charm of the earlier 2D style. Posts on X and Reddit reflect this divide, with some users calling the CGI “game-cutscene-like” while others argue it grows less noticeable after the initial adjustment.

Despite the animation debate, the film’s emotional core resonates. Tristan’s struggle with his demonic powers is poignantly depicted, especially in flashbacks showing a childhood accident where he injured Lancelot during training. This incident haunts him, straining his relationships and fueling his resolve to use his abilities only for healing. The reunion with Lancelot in Part 2 is a standout moment, as the two confront their past and team up to face Deathpierce’s monstrous creations. The film also pays homage to the original Sins—Meliodas, Ban, King, Diane, and Gowther appear in supporting roles, offering nostalgic glimpses without overshadowing the new generation.

A Story of Vengeance and Redemption

The antagonist, Deathpierce, adds depth to the narrative. A former member of the Pleiades of the Azure Sky, he harbors a deep-seated hatred for non-humans due to past injustices involving the Demon and Goddess Clans. Armed with a Chaos Staff provided by Arthur Pendragon, he creates an army of “Empties” and chimeras to conquer Liones. His motives, while rooted in pain, are flawed, embodying the theme of misplaced retribution. As noted on TV Tropes, Deathpierce’s failure to distinguish between guilty and innocent non-humans underscores the futility of his vengeance.

The film’s pacing, however, has drawn some criticism. Part 1, clocking in at around 50 minutes, feels like a setup, ending on a cliffhanger that leaves viewers wanting more. IGN’s review describes it as “entertaining but incomplete,” suggesting it’s best watched alongside Part 2. Part 2 delivers the payoff, with intense battles and resolutions, but its short runtime—53 minutes—limits deeper exploration of side characters. Fans hoping for more focus on the original Sins may feel unsatisfied, as the film prioritizes Tristan and Lancelot’s growth. Still, subtle nods, like Tristan’s horse referencing Escanor, keep the legacy alive.

Bridging the Old and New

Grudge of Edinburgh is more than a standalone adventure; it’s a narrative bridge. Set four years after The Seven Deadly Sins and two years before Four Knights of the Apocalypse, it introduces key players like Tristan and Lancelot, who are destined to shape the sequel series. Nakaba Suzuki cleverly uses the film to transition from the original cast to their heirs, a move praised by French outlet Leclaireur for its ingenuity. The story also hints at larger threats, with Arthur Pendragon looming as a greater-scope villain, setting the stage for future conflicts.

For newcomers, the film’s heavy reliance on established lore can be daunting. References to the Holy War, the Demon Clan, and past characters assume familiarity with the series. Common Sense Media notes that it’s best suited for existing fans, though its themes of courage and self-control are universally accessible. For longtime followers, it’s a nostalgic return with fresh faces, offering a glimpse into Meliodas and Elizabeth’s life as parents while teasing the next chapter.

Final Thoughts

The Seven Deadly Sins: Grudge of Edinburgh is a solid, if imperfect, addition to the franchise. Its focus on Tristan’s personal growth, paired with dynamic action and a touch of nostalgia, makes it a treat for fans. The CGI animation may not win everyone over, but the story’s heart—centered on family, redemption, and forging one’s path—shines through. With no plans for a Part 3, as confirmed by Sportskeeda, the film wraps up its arc while opening doors for Four Knights of the Apocalypse. Whether you’re here for the legacy of the Sins or the promise of new heroes, Grudge of Edinburgh delivers an engaging ride.

Stream both parts on Netflix and dive into the evolving world of Britannia. Have you watched it yet? Share your thoughts below!

Note: This article draws on information from various sources, including Wikipedia, IMDb, IGN, and posts on X, to provide a comprehensive overview.