Live-action adaptations of anime series can be hit or miss, and most of the time, fans categorize them as the latter. It's difficult to capture the entirety of an animated series within the confines of a two-hour-long movie, and it's even harder to take what works easily in animation and make it look equally as compelling when acted out by real actors and actresses with limited budgets.
And by live-action standards, the live-action Fullmetal Alchemist on Netflix could have been way worse. Overall, this rendition of Hiromu Arakawa's story did capture its most important moments and themes, even if it didn't have the resources to accurately portray everything. Here are five things the live-action movie got right (and five the anime did better).
10 Live-Action Got Right: The Brotherly Bond
The bond between Edward and Alphonse is arguably the most important aspect of Fullmetal Alchemist, so it's a relief that the live-action film managed to get the Elric brothers' love for one another across with ease. Their mission to get their bodies back is every bit as compelling in the live-action for this reason, and that makes it much easier to overlook any other flaws the film may have.
Fans have actors Ryôsuke Yamada and Aaron Dismuke to thank for getting this crucial component of the story right -- along with the film's writers, of course.
9 Anime Did Better: Highlighting The Military's Corruption
Although the live-action Fullmetal Alchemist gets the nuances of Ed and Al's relationship right, it steers clear of all the shady stuff going on within the Amestris military. To be fair, the film probably didn't have the time to properly tackle such a complex conversation. Thankfully, the anime handles these themes well, especially in Brotherhood.
On the bright side, the live-action movie still features fan-favorite State Alchemists -- it just doesn't delve too deeply into what they've been up to all these years.
8 Live-Action Got Right: The Alchemy
Alchemy may look flashier in the anime series, but the live-action Fullmetal Alchemist does manage to get the details of this magic system right -- and that's important. The film doesn't make unnecessary changes to the way alchemy is used throughout the story, nor does it attempt to find workarounds for the science's shortcomings.
Instead, it models the system set up in the manga and anime almost perfectly -- and sticking to the source material, especially when it comes to the series' groundwork, deserves applause.
7 Anime Did Better: The Fight Sequences
Animated series aren't beholden to things like budgets or gravity, so it's no surprise the action sequences set in fantastical worlds turn out better in anime than they do in live-action.
There's nothing wrong with the action moments in the live-action Fullmetal Alchemist. In fact, like most things about this movie, they're pretty decent compared to what viewers have seen in similar adaptations. Still, nothing beats a solid battle from the folks over at Studio Bones -- and fans will be eager to rewatch all of Ed's and Mustang's fights in the anime after finishing this film.
6 Live-Action Got Right: Hughes' Death
The live-action Fullmetal Alchemist packed the same emotional punches as the anime's first season, and that means Envy's callous murder of the kindhearted Maes Hughes is no easier to watch in this adaptation.
The film does a solid job of building up this beloved character in much the same way the anime does, and that makes it equally as heartbreaking when he meets his demise at the end.
5 Anime Did Better: Introducing Scar
Scar is one of the most interesting characters from Fullmetal Alchemist, but he was cut from the live-action film alongside the storyline about Ishval. Like most things left out of the movie, this seems to be a casualty of the time limit the writers were given to work with -- but that doesn't make it any less disappointing.
Scar's villain is what draws the viewers' attention to the flaws within the Ametris military in the first place. He also presents fans with one heck of a redemption arc, but it looks like only anime watchers will get to see that unfold.
4 Live-Action Got Right: Nina's Fate
File this under things fans wish the live-action movie hadn't gotten right, but Nina's fate is just as disturbing and heart-wrenching as ever in the newest version of this story. Had the CGI been done poorly -- or had the film attempted to focus on too many storylines at once -- Shou Tucker turning his daughter into a chimera might have been less impactful than in the anime.
Fortunately -- or unfortunately for anyone who wasn't eager to revisit this moment -- the film gives Nina's fate the attention it deserves. And it will continue to leave viewers dismayed.
3 Anime Did Better: The Villains
Given that the live-action Fullmetal Alchemist had no plans for a sequel, the film had to condense the anime's multiple seasons into one movie-length story. For that reason, the villains' portrayal suffered. The movie simply didn't have the time or resources to tackle all of the Homunculi, and it certainly didn't delve into their background or their creator.
Instead, the movie shifts focus, insisting that Shou Tucker was behind their appearance. It's understandable why the film took this route, but it's no less disappointing that Wrath, Pride, and Father were removed entirely from the story.
2 Live-Action Got Right: The Casting
It's far too common for live-action adaptations of anime to fall into the trap of white-washing their casts, so it's refreshing to see Fullmetal Alchemist was made by Japanese creators and given a Japanese cast -- and the actors and actresses chosen were just about perfect for their roles.
In particular, Ryôsuke Yamada steals the show as Edward Elric, bringing every bit of Ed's fiery personality to this version of the story. But Aaron Dismuke (Alphonse), Dean Fujioka (Roy Mustang), Ryûta Satô (Maes Hughes), Tsubasa Honda (Winry Rockbell), Misako Renbutsu (Riza Hawkeye) and the rest of the cast also brought their all to this adaptation, and it definitely shows.
1 Anime Did Better: Delivering The Full Story
Netflix's Fullmetal Alchemist adaptation had the potential to be one of the best live-action renditions of all time -- that is, if it had been greenlit for a few sequels. The intricacy of Fullmetal Alchemist's plot can't be covered in one feature-length film, and that's the biggest thing holding this movie back.
To be fair, the movie does stand well on its own. But anyone who claims to be a fan of the anime will have something to say about its rushed ending -- and will likely find themselves wanting more from this adaptation.