Name(s): Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shamballa / Gekijyouban Hagane no Renkinjutsushi – Shanbara wo Yuku Mono / Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa / FMA Movie / 劇場版 鋼の錬金術師 シャンバラを征く者 / Fullmetal Alchemist: Der Eroberer von Shamballa / Fullmetal Alchemist: El Conquistador de Shamballa
Format: Movie (144 minutes)
Studio(s): Bones
Related: Fullmetal Alchemist (2003-2004)

Original Publication: N/A (unknown)

How did we get here? How did the original run of the action-fantasy Fullmetal Alchemist end up concluding with a period piece historical drama set during World War II? I understand that they needed to write an original storyline, given that the manga wasn’t finished at the time, but how is this the first place anyone’s mind goes to?

Stay with me on this next part: just because something doesn’t follow its source material or goes in unexpected directions does not mean that something is bad. It felt almost blasphemous to say anything positive about the original series for a while after Brotherhood released, but it seems to me that level of extreme reaction has mostly died out. I do recall enjoying this movie, strange as it is. It was bold to conclude the original series the way they did in the first place, and to demand audiences go see a theatrical film to get full closure is bolder still.

What’s most shocking is the extent of historical research the writers clearly did for the setting. Familiar faces play the parts of actual historical figures, and their given backgrounds acknowledge their real-world origins. Everything feels authentic, and the sepia tone atmosphere is an impeccable reminder of how incredible the series was at creating ambiance. I would say the biggest flaw is the new villain. It’s hard to feel satisfied by the final fight when in reality it’s the last, most significant battle of the entire series and we have almost no connection to this new character. I’m also not a fan of how little Envy was used in this movie. Whatever. Someday I would like to rewatch this and examine it in more detail.