Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa (2005)

The End of the Gate — and the Brothers’ Final Journey

Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa serves as the grand conclusion to the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist anime. Set two years after the series finale, this film reunites Edward and Alphonse Elric across two worlds divided by alchemy and science. It’s a powerful, emotional finale that closes the story of sacrifice, war, and brotherhood.

Movie Overview

Title: Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa
Runtime: 1 hour 45 minutes
Release Date: July 23, 2005 (Japan)
Studio: Bones
Director: Seiji Mizushima
Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Apple TV
Theme Song: “Link” by L’Arc~en~Ciel

Story Summary

Set in 1923, two years after Edward was trapped in the parallel world of Munich, Conqueror of Shamballa explores the brothers’ struggle to reunite.

Edward, now living in a world without alchemy, works alongside Alphonse Heiderich, a young scientist resembling his brother. Meanwhile, Alphonse Elric, having regained his body, continues searching for a way to bring Edward back from beyond the Gate.

As Germany faces rising political turmoil and occult groups attempt to open the Gate to reach “Shamballa,” both brothers find themselves caught in a collision of science, alchemy, and ideology. The battle that follows will determine the fate of two worlds — and the bond that transcends them.

Main Characters

• Edward Elric: Now in Munich, Edward struggles with a world without alchemy while trying to return home.

• Alphonse Elric: Reunited with his body, he tirelessly searches for his brother.

• Alphonse Heiderich: A kind-hearted scientist resembling Alphonse, symbolizing Edward’s lost innocence.

• Dietlinde Eckhart: A Nazi officer obsessed with the occult, seeking Shamballa’s power.

• Winry Rockbell: Continues to support the Elric brothers from the other side of the Gate.

Themes and Symbolism

• Brotherhood Beyond Worlds: No matter the distance or dimension, the brothers’ bond endures.

• Science vs. Alchemy: A clash between faith in science and belief in mysticism.

• War and Humanity: The movie draws parallels between real-world history and the cost of ambition.

• Closure and Hope: A bittersweet yet fitting end that brings emotional resolution to the 2003 storyline.

Animation & Sound

Studio Bones delivers movie-quality animation — fluid, cinematic, and full of symbolic visuals. The war-torn aesthetic of 1920s Germany contrasts sharply with the mystical world of Amestris. Yoko Kanno’s haunting score, paired with L’Arc~en~Ciel’s emotional ending song “Link”, perfectly encapsulates the film’s nostalgic tone.

Connection to the Series

This film is the direct sequel and finale to Fullmetal Alchemist (2003), resolving the open-ended conclusion of the anime.

If you haven’t watched The 2003 series, it’s highly recommended before viewing this movie.

Related Watch Order:

Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) → Conqueror of Shamballa (2005)

Popularity and Reception

Conqueror of Shamballa was praised for its mature storytelling, emotional payoff, and cinematic visuals. Fans appreciated its historical themes and closure for the 2003 series. It remains one of the most memorable anime film conclusions of the early 2000s.

Where to Watch

You can stream Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa on:

• Crunchyroll

• Netflix

• Apple TV

Final Thoughts

Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa is a heartfelt farewell to Edward and Alphonse’s journey. Mixing real-world history with fantasy and emotional storytelling, it’s a must-watch for fans of the original series — a fitting closure to a story that began with loss and ends with brotherhood.