Review of Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa (2005) by Nick M — 31 Mar 2008

As if the series production values weren't enough, the film sequel outdoes them entirely. Unfortunately, beyond the animation and the example of an excellent dub, I thought thats where the movie's strengths end.

Dramatic events do happen in the movie, but they weren't portrayed with the same amount of attention and thought that some of the series' pivotal moments were treated to. Somehow it felt kind of overblown, especially within the last 20 minutes.

Compiled with how there were pretty much no thematics here compared to how effortlessly Ed&Al's relationship could speak to the experience of any average set of brothers, and how far either one might go to repair the other, this feels devoid.

It feels like FMA pulled in the wrong narrative. I suppose my disappointment is understandable though, acknowledging how high an expectation something like FMA has set for anything to come after it.