Fullmetal Alchemist (2017)
Updated: Oct 20
My quick rating - 5.9/10. I had heard good things about this live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series, bringing to life the tale of two alchemist brothers, Edward (Ryôsuke Yamada) and Alphonse (Atom Mizuishi) Elric. Their journey begins with a tragic attempt to resurrect their deceased mother, an experiment that backfires disastrously, leaving Edward without an arm and a leg, and Alphonse's soul bound to a suit of armor. Determined to restore their bodies, they embark on a quest to find the elusive Philosopher's Stone. Fullmetal Alchemist tells a story that is steeped in rich lore and alchemical intrigue, reminiscent of the detailed world-building seen in the Harry Potter series.
This story is deep and complex enough to give a good basis for a captivating premise that draws you into a world where alchemy fits perfectly into the very fabric of ordinary life. Nevertheless, the implementation of such a complex plot is hampered by the tonal inconsistency of the movie. On the positive side, it is a decent movie with interesting characters.
Yet, their portrayal often veers into the realm of over-the-top sitcom antics, and that does not sit well with the mood created by the darker tones of the movie. The sitcom-style of acting becomes a hindrance in engaging with their quest as well as their misfortunes.
Visually, the film offers a mix of impressive and lackluster CGI effects. The depiction of alchemical transmutations is a visual treat, capturing the magical essence of the source material. However, some of the creature designs and action sequences fall short, occasionally pulling us out of the experience due to their inconsistency in quality.
Despite not having read the manga, I was familiar with its existence, which provided some context for the story. This adaptation, while ambitious, seems to struggle with balancing faithfulness to the original and the constraints of live-action filmmaking. The film's pacing feels rushed at times, as it attempts to condense a sprawling and complex story into a manageable runtime, leading to an uneven flow and some underdeveloped plot points.
In summary, I found Fullmetal Alchemist a mixed bag. It succeeds in introducing the fascinating world of alchemy and its eccentric characters to a new audience. The prime-time sitcom-like acting, combined with inconsistent visual effects and a rushed narrative, makes it difficult to fully engage with the story's emotional core. For fans of the original manga and anime, this adaptation might offer some nostalgic moments, but I doubt it captures the full magic and depth of the source. I am still looking forward to checking out the 2 sequels sitting in my watchlist.
Comments