Ayako Kawasumi
Critical reception to Kiritsugu's character has been generally positive. Morgan Lewis from "VG Culture HQ" called him "one of the most intriguing characters in all of anime and Japanese media", praising "his certain level of hidden depth beneath his cold and lifeless eyes" and his noble goals. Lewis further praised the complexity and flaws of the character, and hailed him as "the greatest character to grace Japanese anime." "Kotaku" regarded him as the best character from "Fate/Zero" feeling that despite his questionable actions he "is far from being an emotionless killing machine", which makes him interesting to watch. "Anime UK News" regarded him as a tragic hero with multiple depths of character depending on the media in which he is presented, though the reviewer felt the manga incarnation is not presented well. Anime News Network praised the tragedy that happens to both Saber and Kiritsugu and found that having each character wishing for solutions to world issues made the series worth watching. The writer also noted how both Saber and Kiritsugu are opposites due to their different backgrounds while at the same time being similar. They praised the high tragedy that happens to Kiritsugu and the other magicians because of the impact it has on the viewers, leaving them on a sad note. UK Anime News Network was impressed by how Kiritusugu's and Saber's relationship was explored in latter parts of the story showing that despite how similar they are in terms of personality, their methods are quite different because of Kiritusugu's violent methods. The Fandom Post enjoyed how Kiritsugu's past was shown in the anime feeling it adds more depth to his character, making viewers want to view the series again to see more of him. However, writer Chris Beveridge felt an entire episode focused on it felt unnecessary. Koi-nya felt that despite Kiritsugu's cruel personality, the impression he makes on viewers changes when they see his interactions with Irisviel and Ilyasviel as they provide more joy to him, while his true identity is explored across the story. Capsule Computers noted that as Kiritsugu's harsh methods escalate and his character changes, he becomes even more of a polar opposite to Saber. The reviewer praised the "gritty" flashback episodes for providing a clear explanation of how Kiritsugu's dark childhood had turned him into a cruel man despite his wish for world peace. Saber's Japanese voice actress, Ayako Kawasumi regretted that Saber did not understand Kiritsugu's beliefs and his kindness.