Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Lamentations - A Thorough Analysis of the Moving Story and Profound Themes

Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos: An epic story with profound themes

"Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos" (hereafter "The Sacred Star of Milos") is an animated film that was released on July 2, 2011. It is based on the popular manga "Fullmetal Alchemist" by Arakawa Hiromu, and was directed by Murata Kazuya. While this work is based on the worldview of the original work, it also depicts new stories and characters. Below, we will introduce the appeal and reviews of this work, as well as related information in detail.

story

The story begins in the Central Prison in Central, the capital of Amestris. Melvin Voyager, a prisoner nearing the end of his sentence, escapes from prison. Intrigued by his powerful alchemy, Edward Elric and his brother Alphonse follow him to the west of Amestris, toward the border with the great nation of Crete. They arrive at Table City, a town surrounded by huge cliffs. In this place, formerly known as "Milos," the two meet a girl named Julia Crichton, and her words lead them to learn about the bloody history hidden in this land.

This story delves deeply into the original themes of "equivalent exchange," "human desire," and "history and memory." Melvin's alchemy, which Edward and Alphonse pursue, is a new element not depicted in the original, providing viewers with a fresh surprise. In addition, the history of war and oppression is depicted through Julia's character, deeply moving viewers.

cast

The cast of this work continues to include voice actors who play the main characters from the original anime series. Fans of the original work will be able to hear familiar voices, such as Miyuki Paku as Edward Elric, Rie Kugimiya as Alphonse Elric, and Shinichiro Miki as Roy Mustang, which will increase the sense of immersion in the work. In addition, Maaya Sakamoto has been cast as the new character Julia Crichton, and her acting ability adds depth to the story.

Toshiyuki Morikawa, who plays Melvin Voyager, realistically portrays the role of an escaped convict, creating tension for the audience. Characters from the original work, such as Megumi Takamoto as Winry Rockbell and Fumiko Orikasa as Riza Hawkeye, also play important roles, adding excitement to the story.

Main Staff

Director Murata Kazuya has depicted the story from a new perspective while respecting the worldview of the original work. Screenwriter Mabo Yuichi has skillfully constructed new characters and storylines while keeping in mind the themes of the original work. Character designer and chief animation director Konishi Kenichi has faithfully recreated the characters from the original work while also brilliantly designing new characters.

Art concept designer and art director Ariaki Okada and Kazuo Ogura have created visual beauty through the spectacular scenery of Table City and the background that evokes the history of Milos. Mecha designer Shinji Aramaki is in charge of the alchemy tools and automail designs, enhancing the realism of the work.

Music composer Iwashiro Taro has added new melodies while retaining the atmosphere of the original work, enhancing the tension and emotion of the story. Sound director Mima Masafumi has used sound effects and background music to bring out the best in the voice actors and stir the emotions of the audience.

Main Characters

Edward Elric is a state alchemist nicknamed "Steel" because of the mechanical armor (automail) on his right arm and left leg. He has a hot-blooded and reckless personality. He is self-conscious about his short height, and words like "bean," "short," and "small" are taboo in front of him. He lost his right arm and left leg when performing the forbidden human transmutation, and in search of a way to get them back, he sets out on a journey with his younger brother Alphonse to find the Philosopher's Stone, which amplifies alchemy. However, after learning the secret hidden in the Philosopher's Stone, he travels around the country in search of an alternative method. While pursuing Melvin Voyager, who escaped from the central prison of Amestris, he witnesses the unknown alchemy he used, and follows Melvin to Table City to find the secret of his transmutation.

Alphonse Elric is Edward's younger brother and is also an alchemist. Unlike his hot-tempered brother, he is always calm and collected. He also has superior martial arts skills to Ed. When he violated the taboo of human transmutation, all of his body parts were taken away, and his huge armored form is the one that fixed his soul. His body knows no fatigue and has no sense of heat, cold, or pain. He is free from needs such as food and sleep, but this reminds him that he is not an ordinary human. Also, after remembering the memory of the "truth" he once saw, he is now able to use alchemy without drawing a transmutation circle. While pursuing Melvin with Ed, he witnesses the power of Melvin's alchemy and heads to Table City in search of a clue to get their bodies back.

Roy Mustang is a colonel in the Amestris military. He is also a state alchemist, nicknamed "Flame" because he can create sparks with gloves made of ignition cloth with transmutation circles drawn on them, and can freely manipulate flames. He used to be involved in maintaining security in the eastern region at the Eastern Command, but his skills were recognized and he is now working at the Central Command in Central City. He is fast climbing the ladder. Although he may appear to be a womanizer, he is actually quite a shrewd individual. As the Grand Commander, he believes that the Amestris military must be fundamentally reformed. He is the one who appointed Ed as a state alchemist, and is also entrusted with the role of guardian of the Elric brothers. However, he often clashes with Ed, who acts without thinking of the consequences. This time, he heads to Table City himself to put an end to the commotion that Ed has been caught up in.

Riza Hawkeye is a lieutenant in the Amestrian military. She is a cool beauty who always stands by Mustang as his aide. Her extraordinary gun skills, calm and collected personality, and outspoken behavior have earned her the respect and trust of those around her. She has a pet dog named "Black Hayate."

Melvin Voyager was a prisoner serving a five-year sentence for robbery and assault in Amestris' central prison. He was due for parole in two months, but a certain incident prompted him to attempt an escape from prison, and in the midst of the chaos he came face to face with Ed and Al. Having eluded pursuit by the Amestris army, Melvin headed straight for Table City. His skills as an alchemist were considerable, and the alchemy he used to escape was something neither Ed nor Al had ever encountered before.

Julia Crichton is a 16-year-old girl born in the western part of Amestris, in the buffer zone between the two countries and Crete. She has a tragic past, having had her parents killed when she was young. Her determination to restore her homeland is stronger than anyone else's, and she is a member of a resistance organization known as the Black Bat, playing a central role in the organization. Julia was given a secret mission by the Black Bat to infiltrate Table City, the heart of Milos, but was captured by the Amestris military and taken to a facility for illegal immigrants. She is rescued by her fellow Black Bats and Al.

Related Titles

There are many related works, such as anime series and movies based on the original manga, "Fullmetal Alchemist". In particular, the anime series "Fullmetal Alchemist" aired from 2003 to 2004 and "Fullmetal Alchemist" aired from 2009 to 2010 faithfully reproduced the story of the original while adding their own unique developments. In addition, the live-action movie "Fullmetal Alchemist" released in 2017 has also been highly praised by fans of the original work.

Ratings and Recommendations

"The Sacred Star of Milos" is a work that can be enjoyed not only by fans of the original work, but also by new viewers. By depicting new stories and characters while keeping in mind the themes of the original work, it offers viewers fresh surprises and excitement. In particular, the history of war and oppression depicted through the character of Julia deeply moves viewers. In addition, there are many touching scenes of the growth and friendship between Edward and Alphonse for fans of the original work, and it is impossible to watch without crying.

The film's reputation lies in the fact that it depicts the story from a new perspective while respecting the worldview of the original work. The combined efforts of the staff, including director Murata Kazuya, screenwriter Mabo Yuichi, and character designer Konishi Kenichi, resulted in a work that is highly polished both visually and narratively. The voice actors' acting skills are also excellent, and there are many scenes that stir the emotions of the viewer.

One of the points I would like to recommend is that it can be enjoyed not only by fans of the original work, but also by new viewers. It is especially recommended for those who are interested in alchemy, history, and human drama. In addition, the magnificent scenery and beautiful background art are also highlights, so it is also recommended for those who want to enjoy visual beauty.

In addition, this film is also suitable for watching with family and friends. There are many touching scenes, such as the brotherly love between Edward and Alphonse and Julia's love for her country, which will make you cry with your family and friends. You can also get even deeper emotions by watching it with fans of the original work.

Finally, "The Sacred Star of Milos" is a work that depicts the story from a new perspective while being based on the worldview of the original work. It provides viewers with fresh surprises and excitement, and is a work that can be enjoyed not only by fans of the original work but also by new viewers. Please watch this work and experience the world of alchemy and its profound themes.