Reunited and it feels so good

// Synopsis: For the last 2 years Ed has been trapped in a parallel world similar to a pre-WWII Germany. Without the ability to perform alchemy he has been studying rocket science in an attempt to return home. After helping a gypsy girl he quickly gets swept up in events that threaten both worlds. On the other side, Alphonse still lacking his memories has been striving to be reunited with his brother once more.

// Review: At the end of Fullmetal Alchemist, there was much unfinished and many questions unanswered. Mainly, “what the heck happened to Ed?” The entire series revolved around them trying to restore their bodies, and that seemingly happened only for the brothers to be seperated in different worlds. So yeah, this movie was pretty anticipated to find out what the happens next. We soon learn that a couple years have passed since the events of FMA and Ed has been living with his father in Germany trying to figure out how to get back to his world. Being in an alternate reality, Ed has surrounded himself with the counterparts of his home. But as he is still trying to find a way back, the Nazi party and the shadowy Thule organization are planning a coup with designs on Ed’s world, which they have named Shambala. Meanwhile Al has been hard at work studying alchemy to discover a way to get to Ed.

/ This was a great follow up to the series. It was able to do fan service by continuing the story and bringing back everyone without their appearances being purely gratuitous cameos. At the same time it is still accessible to people not familiar with the series by introducing new characters and not completely relying on the audience to know the original source material. The plot follows the same formula of the anime: the brothers are trying to accomplish their own goals and end up getting caught up and playing a significant role in the events around them. And also like the series, two central themes are the brothers’ loyalty to one another and the prejudice and fear people have towards those different from them.

/ Going back and forth between worlds and having Al look and dress just like Ed could’ve created confusion, but the director did a great job using subtle visual clues and colors to keep everything clear. Creating a story around an alternate history was interesting, but everyone wants to see what happens with the Elric brothers. While the ending might not be the exact one everyone was hoping for, it was satisfying enough to give the series closure.

// Wrap up: If you are a fan of Fullmetal Alchemist, there is no way that you can’t watch this one.

Entertainment rating: 4