Movie Review
A more subtle film than its predecessor, Fullmetal Alchemist: The Revenge of Scar makes for an interesting second chapter in the trilogy. The story flows better, events and characters come together more easily and effectively than before. The plot continues to excel at depth, but when the darker scenes hit, they strike the right emotional chord. Overall, this is a fun and exciting watch for new fans more than old ones.
Adapted from the 64-episode anime, this installment introduces viewers to Scar and his quest for revenge against all the State Alchemists. Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric must oppose him while continuing to investigate the existence of the mysterious homunculi. In the process, they meet several new characters, including Ling Yao, the 12th crown prince of the Xing nation in the east, and Mei Chang, a rival prince of the same country.
The film gets off to a shaky start with a seemingly random train hijacking scene. But what it does do well is introduce us to Princess Ling Yao and her two boy guards, Lan Fan and Fu. We also see that Envy is alive and kicking.
The rest of the film is a more coherent affair. Instead of jumping from event to event as in the first film, this film weaves them together seamlessly. For new viewers, the story is easy to follow, an exciting journey that further draws them into the world of alchemy.
Scar's story in particular is handled well. It's clear that he's the true hero of the film, and the slow unraveling of his motivations and history make him a compelling character. Towards the end, we really see him come face to face with his blind revenge and begin to reevaluate it. The fact that Scar is played by a man in brownface makes things a bit confusing, though.
Winry's arc is also well-crafted, and her journey towards forgiveness is a mirror image of Scar's. Tsubasa Honda's portrayal of Winri was a bit over the top in the previous film, but she does a fantastic job portraying Winri's heartbreak in this one.
Characters
While the characters have interesting dynamics with each other, the plot is very strong. Since this is an adaptation of a TV show, it's only natural that they have to condense events and information.
It is commendable that they changed the timelines to fit a tight script with all the important milestones. But the bottom line is that the depth of the story is still lacking on the big screen. Without spending time with the characters and learning to love them, the big questions of race, patriotism, and family can't have an impact otherwise.
It is important to note that this film and the final part are two parts of one whole. So the loose ends left behind are done for a good reason. The ending is also catchy enough to make people want to watch the next installment.
The costumes and sets continue to be one of the highlights of the film, with all the characters looking like they're straight out of an anime. Even Ed's hair is better than in the first movie. One exception would be Major Armstrong, whose physique and hair look a little too cartoonish for live action.
The visual effects are also slightly higher in quality. Although the makers missed the opportunity with the different types of alchemy in the film. Xing's introduction of alcahestry, or the "art of cleansing," and Scar's unique visualization of each with his personal brand of combined alchemy and alcahestry would have made for more interesting watches. It would also help in better understanding for a new audience.
For long-time fans of Fullmetal Alchemist, this film can be a nice reminder of a beloved story and a chance to see live versions of their favorite characters. Otherwise, it's really made for a new audience who can enjoy this charming world and its characters without spending hours and hours.