Fullmetal Alchemist was an amazing anime. It single-handedly put new life into shounen, action, and drama anime all at once, and gathered a powerful fanbase. Despite the series ending in early 2006, Fullmetal Alchemist has its own movie continuation of the series. After Ed’s disappearance at the end of the series into the other world ("our world"), Al has devoted his life to finding the Gate once again and finding Ed again. Conqueror of Shamballa is the continuation.

Art/Animation 4.5/5

It’s downright incredible how cinematic Conqueror of Shamballa looks. The movie is filled with dramatic lighting effects and the overall mood is set extremely well. Many of the character designs are filled with the original charm that the series was known for. Some unique changes to the characters (like Al now wearing a similar uniform as Ed’s original one) compensate for the timeline. The battles are well done, with each character moving exceptionally well and with a distinct sense of finesse. Some well-done CG also makes the battles look and feel more epic than ever. There are a few messy spots throughout, but overall, the FMA movie keeps a great majority of the cinematic feel that the series was known for.

Audio 5/5

L'Arc~en~Ciel, the excellent band known for the catchy "Ready, Steady, Go!" FMA opening theme, returns with the movie opening theme "Link." It’s extremely well done and the mood is set well. The ending theme (also performed by L'Arc~en~Ciel) "Lost Heaven" is equally excellent. The music throughout follows the amazing scores known in the series. Voice acting by the Japanese cast is incredible, an excellent performance as the first was. Audio is flawless.

Story 3/5

Fullmetal Alchemist’s story was flawless. A deep and engaging narrative focusing on mortality, sacrifice, and family gave an unstoppable drive to the anime. Conqueror of Shamballa picks up a few years after the end of the series. Al has become a powerful young alchemist in the world of Alchemy, while Ed finds himself wrapped in the dangers of our world. In our world, it’s around the end of the first World War. In Germany, Hitler and his Nazi army are preparing to take control of the German government. Ed finds himself getting involved in a Nazi project to open a Gate to the other world, the Alchemic world. Ed joins his brother’s counterpart, Alphonse Heiderich, and his wife Noah in the struggle between both worlds. While it is great to see the familiar faces of the Fullmetal Alchemist cast, the entire story seems to only be there to wrap up the cliffhanger that the series itself drew. The antagonist is never really revealed until the very end of the movie, and the climactic battle between the two brothers and the villain is downright pathetic. It’s difficult to see who the entire movie is supposed to be focused on. However, character personalities are well done. Also, the storylines that exist in the Alchemic world are surprisingly well-done. The entire movie just seems to have the same problem that Advent Children did; it seems to mostly be used as a nostalgic conclusion than an exciting revisit. It seems to be more focused towards those who just wanted to see another adventure with Ed and Al, instead of a typical anime fan.

Value 3/5

The movie itself is long enough to keep you interested and the entire package is definitely worth watching again, especially if you’re an FMA fan. Anyone else may be disappointed at the choppy storyline and inconsistent plot.

Tilt 4/5

There are plenty of excellent battles and character personalities throughout the movie. Revisiting the world of Fullmetal Alchemist is definitely a treat and it’s quite well done. The epic ties between science and alchemy are powerful and great and the entire atmosphere is worth the ride.

Final Verdict 4/5

FMA: Conqueror of Shamballa is a great conclusion to the series. Despite a lack of storyline fluidity, Ed and Al’s universe is filled to the brim with some epic battles, heartfelt moments, and interesting personalities that any FMA fan will love. Any anime fan looking for a powerful shounen movie to an excellent series will be happy at how well done the movie is. If you’re expecting the same emotional calibur as the series, however, you will be disappointed. Overall, FMA: Conqueror of Shamballa is a worthwhile romp filled with action and drama.