Fullmetal Alchemist: The Final Alchemy (2022)

Fullmetal Alchemist: The Final Alchemy goes for the grand, end-of-the-road swing, delivering a big-screen fantasy finale that’s fueled by brisk momentum, bold visual effects, and the kind of earnest, high-stakes heroism that makes you want to lean in. Director Fumihiko Sori stages its battles with a pulpy, comic-book intensity, and the cast—especially Ryosuke Yamada and Atomu Mizuishi—sell the brothers’ determination even when the story is racing to keep up with itself. The costumes and production design give the world a tactile, lived-in weight, helping the magic-and-metal spectacle feel tangible rather than weightless. It’s not for everyone—if you need every thread patiently explained, the pacing can feel breathless—but if you’re in the mood for a stylish, action-forward capstone with plenty of cinematic flair, it’s an easy two hours of escapist fun.

Fullmetal Alchemist: The Final Alchemy is clearly trying to deliver a big, emotional, end-of-the-road finale with nationwide stakes, flashy alchemy battles, and fan-service payoffs for people who already know this world. The problem is it crams an enormous amount of story into one runtime, so the pacing sprints, the dialogue leans heavily on exposition, and major plot turns can feel more like bullet points than earned moments. If you’re not already familiar with the anime/manga, there’s a real chance you’ll spend the movie trying to keep up rather than getting swept along. Still, there are bursts of energy in the action and a sincere commitment from the cast, so die-hard fans may enjoy seeing the final confrontation brought to life—even if it’s messier than it wants to be.