Uber fans of Fullmetal Alchemist have probably already seen the latest live action film that debuted in Japan December 1st, 2017. For some of us old foggies, we wait around until certain properties make their way into our spider’s web. There was a time where I was pretty up to date on all the latest Anime movies and TV. But as you grow older, responsibilities kick in and you just don’t have time to keep track of it all, which as it turns, is quite a bit. And a lot of it isn’t great. So I’ve found it’s easier to sit back and see what bubbles to the surface out of all the muck; nine out of ten times that is the property worth taking a gander at. It appears Fullmetal Alchemist has finally made it to my spiders web.
Fullmetal Alchemist Mania
Beginning as a Manga by Hiromu Arakawa in 2001 the series takes place in a world styled after the European Industrial Revolution where alchemy is one of the most advanced scientific techniques. It centers around two brothers: Edward and Alphonse Elric who, after a failed attempt to bring their mother back to life, must acquire ‘the philosopher’s stone’ to restore their bodies. The Manga has sold over 67 million volumes wordwide, spawned two anime television series, to anime films, light novels, video games and action figures. There are people out there who clearly dig this series.
I’ve watched it from the periphery for years, not quite knowing what to make of it. I’ve spent over a decade pondering whether or not this was worth investing my time in. Whenever this happens with me this usually means one of two things:
- The property is awesome but is an acquired taste.
- It stinks.
In addition to the film coming to Netflix I think what has finally put me over the top to give this series a peek are some quotes from the director, Fumihiko Sori.
“I want to create a style that follows the original manga as much as possible.”
Speaking as an adaptation purest I like the cut of your jib.
“It is my dearest wish to turn this wonderful story into a film, and it is not an exaggeration to say that I am living for this reason.”
True art is a matter of life and death. Not very often you hear a Director lend it the gravity it deserves. If mister Sori is offering his life for this production I think I can lend it two hours to see why this series has endured for as long as it has. However…if this winds up being a stinker Mister Sori, I may just have to insist on Yubitsume as recompense.
Fullmetal Alchemist starring Ryosuke Yamada, Tsubasa Honda and Dean Fujioka materializes on Netflix February 19th.
Source: Comicbook.com
