Hagane no renkinjutsushi: Mirosu no seinaru hoshi

I had the chance to see this at my local theater, a treat since they usually don't get such obscure titles and I'm usually forced to resort to waiting on blu-ray releases. This time I was able to see the beautifully hand drawn animation up on the big screen in all its glory.

I am a relatively new fan of the series but have been well exposed to the mythos by now. This film, unlike the film tied to the earlier series (Conqueror of Shamballa), is not an ending/finale as much as it is a filler episode that fits into the Brotherhood series. It should be viewed as another chance to spend time with the Elric brothers, though perhaps this time on an ever slightly more epic journey than usual. I feel viewing it this way, which is how I went into it, will merit the most enjoyment.

I don't think anything needs to be said about the voice acting, this dub is terrific, truly one of the best. I know some fans only watch the subs but this is well known as one of those anime that almost every fan finds the English dub to be on par or in some cases above the original one.

The visuals were fantastic and the action was excellently staged. The only downside is that Ed and Al seem to play side characters in this film, whereas in comparison to Conqueror of Shamballa they were definitely main characters there. While I would have liked more of them and more stakes for them in the story that didn't stop me from greatly enjoying the film. The story keeps one eager to see what will happen and where things will go, even though a few too many scenes without any presence felt by Ed or Al left me wondering when they would return to the screen.

It isn't that I didn't enjoy the side characters, just that Ed and Al were always on my mind when gone too long as this is a Fullmetal Alchemist film. The side characters are interesting and well designed, there is a large back story about two warring countries and another caught between and a smaller back story about a brother and sister who, like Ed and Al, lost their parents The large amount of plot is well explained without getting too expository, several flashback sequences definitely help.

The film starts out very linear, light and fun but soon gets very dark and heavy as it begins to pile on the plot twists towards the end, back-to-back-to-back at one point. I didn't mind personally but I mention it just to help others decide whether they want to find this in a local theater or wait for the spring blu-ray release.

On another note, if this film didn't carry the title Fullmetal Alchemist or if Ed and Al hadn't been in the story I would have felt like I was watching an older Hayao Miyazaki film, which I say as a compliment. Even the character designs reminded me very much of Nausicaa or other similar films.

So while I do wish Ed and Al were more involved both physically and emotionally, they mostly stand on the sidelines and give their opinions to these new characters who may make the same mistakes the boys once did, it is nevertheless a good if not great film. It is especially engaging for those who love hand drawn animation as I do.

Well, this movie introduced me to one of the most critically acclaimed anime series of all time, "Fullmetal Alchemist". I believe this was one of the few FMA movies to receive mainstream distribution in theaters. I admit to not knowing much about the franchise, so I might get a couple of facts wrong when I critique it. I at least know the names of the main characters and understand some of the basic premise. This movie features the Elric brothers, Ed and Al. Although both are said to have lost their spirits, only a fraction of Ed's body looks mechanical. This movie features them saving a town called Milos by finding the scared star.

Yeah, the title says everything. There's this woman named Julia who appears and it was weird not knowing if she was a main character in the series or not. What I love about this film is how beautiful the animation is and how great the action scenes are. We get tons of creative environments and elements. While not a fan, that's all I want in something to love it! Anyone can enjoy this beautiful film that's nicely paced with great voice acting and likable characters. Ed(ward) is easily my favorite and that's pretty handy when he happens to be the main character. Should please any anime fan, just like me. ***1/2

So the companion piece movie to the original FMA was to follow the series whereas this companion piece to FMA: Brotherhood can be watched at pretty much anytime as it is totally unconnected to the actual plot.

This didn't sit right with me and more than anything felt like a cashgrab, and I suppose it is. Just a random tale with the Elric brothers with not a homunculus in sight.

The original voice cast return though it is rather light on familiar characters, what damages it however is that it clearly isn't the same animation studio that made the show itself which was an odd choice. Not only is the animation style different but it makes the film feel less connected to the universe we know and love, doubly so in places where the animation quality is pretty ill fitted.

The story itself is competent enough and it's perfectly watchable stuff but certainly not on the level of the show itself. In fact I question it's existence, it just didn't need to be. I get the companion piece to the original FMA as it served a purpose, this just doesn't.

Watchable but even fans might want to skip over it.

The Good:

Has most of the FMA charm

Has its moments

The Bad:

Animation style is different than the show

Some of the animation quality if terrible

Script is well below par

Things I Learnt From This Movie:

Life reflects art reflects life

I'm going to miss those wacky Elrics

How can someone describe Sacred Star of Milos? It's like if Fullmetal tried to be Bleach while still being Fullmetal.

Confusing? So is the movie! Plot holes and lack of continuity when compared to the Brotherhood series are the biggest problem of the movie and it can very distracting making this the Fullmetal Alchemist anime version with the worst history.

But at the same time it still has the characters that we know and love and even the new ones are surprisingly good and interesting.

But by far the best part of the movie is the animation! Holy Cow it is good!!! The design, the way the characters move, the angles and GOOD LORD the colors!!! If the story is the worst in Fullmetal's history than the animation is the BEST in Fullmetal's history.

If you are a fan, give it a try. It's not as dark and thoughtful as the classic series or as heartwarming as the Brotherhood series but is still pretty good

The film is a complete pack of extraordinary imagination. And important thing is that these kind of experiments looks right with animation movies only. When one sits to watch an animation film, one is fully convinced and prepared to see something extraordinary. I thoroughly enjoyed the film in every aspect. However after seeing the reviews I found that people were disappointed because in the original series fullmetal is the main character. The film might look to be a show of mishandled characters to some of those who have seen the TV series already. However for a new viewer like me, it was a complete treat. After watching the film I knew that the main character is somewhat kept aside most of the time but I personally considered that it was a perfect way compared to the 4th part of the pirates film. So, overall I enjoyed each and every minute of the film.

"A must watch for all animation lovers and a definite one time watch for all others."