Although, unfortunately the U.S. release for the live action Full Metal Alchemist isn't until later on, the news sources that have been able to get a pre-showing of the film, have been creating lots of buzz for this film, unfortunately, it's not the good kind.
Apparently, for those who have been lucky, or unlucky enough to see the film have been shredding it to pieces, mainly in how the story is so convoluted, and takes certain beloved characters' depths and basically, dwindles them down either to sidekick roles or non existent.
The obvious, is that the film relied too much on special effects, and left out the important part of what this beloved and huge anime series is known for, it's gravitas, depth and heart.
Of course, like any good anime, there's lots of action and fighting, but the story and the characters that are intertwined in it, is the reason it is an emotional roller coaster, that makes following the Eldric brothers worth it.
And apparently, the consensus of the live-action is basically the same, it's a huge let down. 😦
Which, got me thinking why have most of the attempts of bringing anime series to live-action been huge duds?
They either fall flat or blah once it gets translated to the big screen with actual humans, or is it that the directors who are helming these projects only see big flashy action sequences, instead of actually understanding the stories that drive these series?
I enjoy my anime, and like many I'm drawn to the story line and the characters. Yes, anime is known to be flashy, and at times downright over the top, but for me, give me a good plot, storyline and compelling deep characters, and you have me hooked.
Fullmetal Alchemist (ahem, Brotherhood) has so much to offer, a deep bond between two brothers, who one of them has a horrible sense of responsibility and guilt over the fate of the other. Their awesome childhood friend who is a bad ass, no nonsense mechanic, awesome supporting characters with complex backgrounds, and amazing antagonists, and no wonder it has stood the test of time.
But, WHY wasn't that translated into the film?
Why wasn't Attack on Titan deep story line not translated into the live-action as well? or for that matter Ghost in a Shell, or Death Note?
It seems that the studios and directors need to get pass the flashy, CGI, over the top, sequences and also look for how to better translate the story line and it's compelling/complexity into any future movies they decide to make.
And no I am not saying that they can't have over the top-ness, it is after all inspired by an anime, but when you make it JUST THAT to focus on, it looses something, and obviously, you get these kinds of results, disappointments. 😰
It saddens me, and quite frankly angers me because they are making a disservice not just to the manga & anime it's based on but to an entire genre that truly deserves the stories be brought to a much bigger medium (like film) where a wider audience can appreciate them. But honestly, until a director/studio truly understands the storyline and can faithfully translate the manga/anime to a live-action film, they should seriously steer clear from these films, because it is seriously pissing off faithful fans.
Will I still check out the film for myself? Of course, but I'll be waiting for it (when hopefully) it is available either to stream or RedBox to see for myself how accurate the reviews were.
In the mean time, we always have Crunchyroll to watch and re-watch our favorite animes the way they were meant to be enjoyed and if we're still not satisfied, well, there's always the manga. 😉
I leave you guys with two reviews:
http://variety.com/2017/film/reviews/fullmetal-alchemist-review-1202599641/
http://www.slashfilm.com/fullmetal-alchemist-live-action-movie-review/
So, will this stop you guys from going to watch it on the big screen? Will you guys just wait for it to stream/redbox it?
Do you guys agree/disagree with my opinion? I wanna know what you guys think!!
** DISCLAIMER**
Apparently, for those who have been lucky, or unlucky enough to see the film have been shredding it to pieces, mainly in how the story is so convoluted, and takes certain beloved characters' depths and basically, dwindles them down either to sidekick roles or non existent.
The obvious, is that the film relied too much on special effects, and left out the important part of what this beloved and huge anime series is known for, it's gravitas, depth and heart.
Of course, like any good anime, there's lots of action and fighting, but the story and the characters that are intertwined in it, is the reason it is an emotional roller coaster, that makes following the Eldric brothers worth it.
And apparently, the consensus of the live-action is basically the same, it's a huge let down. 😦
Which, got me thinking why have most of the attempts of bringing anime series to live-action been huge duds?
 |
| FMA Wikia-Fandom |
They either fall flat or blah once it gets translated to the big screen with actual humans, or is it that the directors who are helming these projects only see big flashy action sequences, instead of actually understanding the stories that drive these series?
I enjoy my anime, and like many I'm drawn to the story line and the characters. Yes, anime is known to be flashy, and at times downright over the top, but for me, give me a good plot, storyline and compelling deep characters, and you have me hooked.
Fullmetal Alchemist (ahem, Brotherhood) has so much to offer, a deep bond between two brothers, who one of them has a horrible sense of responsibility and guilt over the fate of the other. Their awesome childhood friend who is a bad ass, no nonsense mechanic, awesome supporting characters with complex backgrounds, and amazing antagonists, and no wonder it has stood the test of time.
But, WHY wasn't that translated into the film?
Why wasn't Attack on Titan deep story line not translated into the live-action as well? or for that matter Ghost in a Shell, or Death Note?
It seems that the studios and directors need to get pass the flashy, CGI, over the top, sequences and also look for how to better translate the story line and it's compelling/complexity into any future movies they decide to make.
And no I am not saying that they can't have over the top-ness, it is after all inspired by an anime, but when you make it JUST THAT to focus on, it looses something, and obviously, you get these kinds of results, disappointments. 😰
It saddens me, and quite frankly angers me because they are making a disservice not just to the manga & anime it's based on but to an entire genre that truly deserves the stories be brought to a much bigger medium (like film) where a wider audience can appreciate them. But honestly, until a director/studio truly understands the storyline and can faithfully translate the manga/anime to a live-action film, they should seriously steer clear from these films, because it is seriously pissing off faithful fans.
Will I still check out the film for myself? Of course, but I'll be waiting for it (when hopefully) it is available either to stream or RedBox to see for myself how accurate the reviews were.
In the mean time, we always have Crunchyroll to watch and re-watch our favorite animes the way they were meant to be enjoyed and if we're still not satisfied, well, there's always the manga. 😉
I leave you guys with two reviews:
http://variety.com/2017/film/reviews/fullmetal-alchemist-review-1202599641/
http://www.slashfilm.com/fullmetal-alchemist-live-action-movie-review/
So, will this stop you guys from going to watch it on the big screen? Will you guys just wait for it to stream/redbox it?
Do you guys agree/disagree with my opinion? I wanna know what you guys think!!
** DISCLAIMER**
All trademark, copyrighted material, logos, names, brands, partners and affiliates are properties of Hiromu Aarakawa FUNimation, ANIMAX ASIA, Bones, Variety.com, slashfilm.com, etc.
This post is used with Copyright Act of 1976, 17, U.S.C., § 107. All commentaries made in this post (that are not copyrighted) are my own. This blog is intended for entertainment purposes.
Comments
Post a Comment