Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa is a 2005 Japanese anime based on the Fullmetal Alchemist series and manga. The movie is a direct follow-up of the series and gives resolution to many of the conflicts that remained at the end of the show. The story follows Edward Elric, a young alchemist, stuck in a parallel world and trying to find his way home. Driven to be reunited with his friends and family, Edward must face new adversaries who also want to travel to his home-world, but for much more nefarious reasons.
This movie is a fan feast, with characters brought back from the series along with answering a lot of the questions we were left with at the end of the show. Full of fun action scenes, great animation, some funny moments, and a story with a surprising amount of depth, Conqueror of Shamballa is a great movie to top off the series. The story ties into real-life history, making the story all the more enjoyable. The movie also ends strong with a very exciting climax.
Despite this, Conqueror of Shamballa suffers from a common problem with anime: melodrama. Over-the-top, obnoxious personalities occasionally contrast from the serious story line. Another problem with this movie is that it does not stand alone. You must watch the series, otherwise you're just seeing the last chapter to another story. This prevents outsiders from enjoying this anime. Also, while fun for the most part and having an exciting final act, the movie is boring and drags on through the second act.
Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa is a fun movie overall, and a must-watch for any who enjoyed the series. With a great story and plenty for the fans, watching this movie is a perfect way to finish the series. If you have not yet seen the show, come back to this anime later. You're meant to know the events from the series and this movie builds on that. The series is excellent and will be well worth your time.
This movie is a fan feast, with characters brought back from the series along with answering a lot of the questions we were left with at the end of the show. Full of fun action scenes, great animation, some funny moments, and a story with a surprising amount of depth, Conqueror of Shamballa is a great movie to top off the series. The story ties into real-life history, making the story all the more enjoyable. The movie also ends strong with a very exciting climax.
Despite this, Conqueror of Shamballa suffers from a common problem with anime: melodrama. Over-the-top, obnoxious personalities occasionally contrast from the serious story line. Another problem with this movie is that it does not stand alone. You must watch the series, otherwise you're just seeing the last chapter to another story. This prevents outsiders from enjoying this anime. Also, while fun for the most part and having an exciting final act, the movie is boring and drags on through the second act.
Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa is a fun movie overall, and a must-watch for any who enjoyed the series. With a great story and plenty for the fans, watching this movie is a perfect way to finish the series. If you have not yet seen the show, come back to this anime later. You're meant to know the events from the series and this movie builds on that. The series is excellent and will be well worth your time.