“Fullmetal Alchemist: The Revenge of Scar (2022) – A Superior Sequel with Shallow Depth”
The second chapter in the trilogy, Fullmetal Alchemist: The Revenge of Scar, surpasses its predecessor in quality but still lacks depth. The story flows more smoothly, with improved character development and cohesive events. While the film prioritizes plot over depth, it manages to evoke the right emotions in somber moments. Overall, it’s an enjoyable and thrilling watch, particularly for new fans.
Based on the 64-episode anime, the movie introduces Scar’s quest for revenge against State Alchemists. The Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, must confront him while investigating the enigmatic homunculi. Along the way, they encounter new characters like Ling Yao, the 12th crown prince of Xing, and Mei Chang, a rival princess.
The film starts with a shaky train hijacking scene, but quickly becomes more coherent. The narrative smoothly connects events, allowing new viewers to engage with the story and delve deeper into the world of alchemy.
Scar’s storyline is well-handled, presenting him as the movie’s true protagonist. The gradual revelation of his motives and history adds depth to his character. However, the casting choice of a man in brownface for Scar’s portrayal is off-putting.
Winry’s arc is also well-executed, reflecting her journey towards forgiveness, paralleling Scar’s own growth. Tsubasa Honda’s portrayal of Winry effectively portrays her heartbreak.
While the character dynamics are interesting, the plot overwhelms the film. As an adaptation of a TV show, events and information had to be compressed. The result is a lack of depth and emotional connection with the characters. Themes of race, patriotism, and family don’t land as strongly as they could have.
It’s worth noting that this movie and the final installment are intended as two parts of a whole, leaving loose ends for a reason. The cliffhanger ending creates anticipation for the next installment.
The costumes and sets remain highlights, capturing the essence of the anime. Visual effects have improved, though the potential of different alchemy types is underutilized. The introduction of alkahestry and Scar’s unique alchemy and alkahestry blend could have been visually captivating, enhancing understanding for new viewers.
For long-time fans, the movie offers a nostalgic reminder of the beloved story and the chance to see live-action versions of favorite characters. However, it primarily caters to new audiences, providing an engaging world and characters without requiring extensive investment.
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Hohenheim, Kimblee, Hughes, Greed, Envy, Riza