A suitable beginning for new fans but a let-down for old ones
The film follows the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who take part in the ultimate taboo of alchemy by trying to bring their late mother back to life. The act costs them dearly as Alphonse loses his body and Edward loses an arm and a leg, but Ed manages to bind Al’s soul to a metal suit of armour. The boys go on a journey to find the philosopher’s stone and get their bodies back. But they soon get enmeshed in a bigger conspiracy involving military secrets and mysterious inhuman villains.
The movie is the first part in a trilogy that adapts the anime, but more on that in a bit.
The Fullmetal Alchemist film is a decent enough gateway for new fans, but it can be a little sloppy in its presentation of the world of alchemy. For the novice, this film may be a good introduction to the world of Alchemy if they are willing to take some time to get used to the complex concepts.
The story is engaging, but a few scenes feel random and some transitions forced. The creators bring in several characters without offering much background on them. Riza Hawkeye, an important part of the series, isn’t even named in the movie. Even the rules of alchemy aren’t explained very well, leaving the viewer to make assumptions. ..
The world building is strong in Amestris, but the visual effects can be a bit fake.
The actors make good work out of an average script, with Ryosuke Yamada and Atomu Mizuishi doing excellent work as the two brothers. Their dynamic is endearing and their affection for each other is moving, despite the latter being present only in voice. Their work makes the emotionally heavy scenes hit the mark. However, Tsubasa Honda’s portrayal of Winry is overdone while Dean Fujioka’s depiction of Mustang could have used a wider range of expressions.
The film is a suitable introduction for new fans. It’s a fun watch, with an intriguing world and a story interesting enough to make them watch the sequel too. But the fact remains, that as an adaptation of an anime series, the movie falls short. ..
The creators of the anime adaptation of Attack on Titan have chosen to focus on the plot over the emotional elements of the story. This has resulted in a story that is largely uninteresting and forgettable.
The Fullmetal Alchemist series has been praised for its emotional and moral themes. By focusing on the plot, the live-action movie has lost out on this thoughtfulness. However, with two more movies to come, it’s possible that this will be rectified.
The film tries to ape the anime in many ways, but some of it feels out of place. For example, the characters’ mannerisms are loud and exaggerated, and the film’s overall tone is similar to that of an anime.
The biggest issue with the new “Death Note” movie is that it falls short in comparison to the original anime series. Fans of the show will be disappointed by how little of the story was adapted and how fast events were moved along. The film also fails to build tension well, and gives each character only a cursory treatment. ..
The movie does a great job of summarizing its story, but it could do more to make sure that each individual event is well-represented.
Fullmetal Alchemist is a nostalgic reminder for old fans and a brand new entry into a fascinating world for new ones. Either way, it’s an exciting story that makes you want to delve deeper into the plot. And whether you wait for the sequel or watch (or rewatch) the show or read the manga, I think that’s a win in itself. ..
