Fullmetal Alchemist (Hagane no renkinjutsushi) is one of my favourite manga series at the true-to-story Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood might just be my favourite anime series. I live in Japan now and all my previous movie outings have been to see western movies; however the FMA fan in me sprung to see the Fullmetal Alchemist live-action movie on opening night.
Forbidden Alchemy
My Japanese language ability is still quite crappy, but I approached this film primarily as a fun 2 hour Japanese lesson. I already understood the story so I should at least be able to follow the plot. The film opens with the definitive story-point of the FMA series; the Elric brothers trying to revive their dead mother with alchemy. I honestly believe these opening scenes were the best part of the movie and it at least showed great respect for the source material.
As the movie goes on though it got less and less interesting with clichΓ© scenes, underwhelming villains and straight up comedic special effects in some scenes. The movie is definitely worth the price of admission at the theater or a later release or viewing opportunity. It’s not the best but far from the worst manga/anime movie adaptation to come in recent memory. Please watch it.
Fullmetal Alchemist live-action movie LOOT!
I also scored some merchandise while at the theatre. A special manga that was free with the movie ticket and I ponied up 1200 yen for a sweet Hagane no renkinjutsushi metal teacup that called to me from across the foyer. I see myself going to more movies in Japan as my quest to learn Japanese continues.
