Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa 4K 2005

The 2003 “Fullmetal Alchemist” is perhaps a prime example of excellent storytelling and direction... and I could go on listing its merits until I get tired. The characters, the concept, the thoughtfulness, the atmosphere, the soundtrack... everything leaves a lasting impression. After watching the series from start to finish, I was impressed; it’s rare to find an anime that, despite having some solid elements, is overflowing with all kinds of cheap, simplistic trash.

And as much as I looked forward to the feature film, and as eagerly as I started watching it, to my disappointment, it turned out to be just another example of that kind of trash.

Where is that gripping plot? Where is that interesting direction? Where is the charisma and complexity of the anime’s characters? Where... well, what can I say, *The Conqueror of Shambala* came to us with nothing. The creators have no sense of decency.

Unlike the series, this is just a complete mess. The plot is simple, fixated on idiotic gates that open via the most straightforward, uninspired method (goodness, if they couldn’t come up with anything smarter, they could at least have explained it properly: what do the homunculi have to do with this, after all?..), and the flattest villainous schemes. And these very villains resemble the antagonists from the most mindless American comics. Meanwhile, the heroes we already know from the series have clearly suffered and become somewhat fake.

The series’ intricate, deep plot, where nothing is simple or straightforward, has turned into a shallow, mindless shell.

The spirit of *Fullmetal Alchemist* is irretrievably lost. Fans of the series are strictly forbidden from watching this... so as not to ruin the overall impression. Ask your friends how the story ends and live in peace. You won’t find anything good here.

P.S. At least the setting in Germany during that period is beautifully rendered. That is perhaps the only aspect worthy of praise. It is the sole reason I can give it a solid C instead of the D this creation by Mr. Seiji Mizushima so richly deserves.