Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa
A direct sequel concluding the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime.
Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa is a 2005 Japanese animated science fantasy action film directed by Seiji Mizushima and written by Sho Aikawa. It serves as a direct sequel and conclusion to the original Fullmetal Alchemist television series, which loosely adapted the manga series by Hiromu Arakawa published by Square Enix. The film follows alchemist Edward Elric as he attempts to return to his homeworld after living for two years in a parallel universe, while his younger brother Alphonse also tries to reunite with him.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Seiji Mizushima
- Producer
- Masahiko Minami / Hirō Maruyama / Ryo Ōyama / Nobuyuki Kurashige / Tsuyoshi Yoshida / Arimasa Okada / Yukio Yoshimura / Kenji Komatsu / Haruhito Yamazaki
- Screenplay
- Shō Aikawa
- Based On
- Fullmetal Alchemist · Hiromu Arakawa
- Music
- Michiru Oshima
- Cinematography
- Susumu Fukushi
- Editing
- Hiroaki Itabe
- Studio
- Bones
- Distributor
- Shochiku
- Released
- 23 July 2005 · Japan
- Runtime
- 105 minutes
- Country
- Japan
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The film's production began shortly after the television series finished its original broadcasting, with pre-production starting during the show's run in March 2004. The original script had to be shortened to fit the film's length of 105 minutes. Most of the staff from the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime started development on Conqueror of Shamballa shortly after the anime's ending.
In the film, Edward Elric is dragged from his homeworld through the Gate of Alchemy to a parallel Earth in 1923, where he loses his alchemical powers and his restored arm and leg. Two years later in Munich, Germany, he researches rocketry with his friend Alfons Heiderich, who resembles Alphonse. The Thule Society, led by Karl Haushofer and Dietlinde Eckhart, seeks to enter Edward's world, believing it to be Shamballa, to obtain weapons for World War II. Edward eventually returns to his world but chooses to seal the Gate from the other side, with Alphonse following him to remain together.
Reader's Guide
Conqueror of Shamballa premiered in Japan on July 23, 2005, and remained one of the most popular films of the year. A CD soundtrack was published featuring music by Michiru Oshima and L'Arc-en-Ciel. The film was released in Japan on standard DVD and in a limited edition, and was later licensed in North America by Funimation, which featured it in cinemas for a short time and released it on DVD and Blu-ray. Critical reaction was commonly positive, with reviews praising the film's story and animation. The film introduced new characters such as Alfons Heiderich, Dietlinde Eckhart, and Noah, and featured historical figures including Fritz Lang, Rudolf Hess, Karl Haushofer, and Adolf Hitler in supporting roles. Its legacy lies in providing a definitive conclusion to the original anime series, exploring themes of parallel worlds and sacrifice, while maintaining the emotional core of the Elric brothers' bond.
Did You Know?
- The character Alfons Heiderich is a young German rocket scientist who resembles Edward's brother Alphonse.
- Dietlinde Eckhart, the main antagonist, is based loosely on real-life Thule Society member Dietrich Eckart.
- The film's soundtrack was developed by Michiru Oshima and L'Arc-en-Ciel.
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