Fullmetal Alchemist: The Revenge of Scar (2022)
Story overview
In this Japanese fantasy action film, the Elric brothers—young alchemists with mechanical prosthetics—face their most dangerous adversary yet: a lone serial killer known as Scar, who bears a large scar on his forehead. As they confront this formidable foe, the brothers navigate themes of revenge, morality, and the consequences of their past actions, set in a world where alchemy blends science and magic.
Parent Guide
A fantasy action film with moderate violence and intense themes, suitable for teens and mature tweens with parental guidance.
Content breakdown
Features fantasy-based fight scenes with alchemy (e.g., elemental attacks, mechanical limbs used in combat), some hand-to-hand combat, and perilous situations. Violence is stylized but includes sequences of characters in danger. No graphic gore.
Includes intense moments with a serial killer antagonist, scenes of pursuit and threat, and themes of revenge and loss that may be unsettling for sensitive viewers. The scarred villain and alchemical transformations could be mildly frightening.
Minimal strong language; may include occasional mild expletives or intense dialogue. No frequent or harsh profanity.
No sexual content or nudity present.
No depiction of substance use.
Emotional themes include revenge, guilt, and brotherly bonds, with tense and dramatic scenes that may evoke strong feelings. Suitable for viewers who can handle moral complexity and action-driven suspense.
Parent tips
This film is rated TV-14 for fantasy violence and intense sequences. It features action-packed fight scenes with alchemy-based combat, some perilous situations, and themes of revenge and loss. Best suited for viewers aged 13 and up, though mature tweens may handle it with guidance. Discuss the moral dilemmas and non-violent conflict resolution afterward.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
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- What was your favorite part of the adventure?
- How did the brothers help each other?
- Why do you think Scar is seeking revenge?
- What lessons did the Elric brothers learn about using alchemy?
- How does the film explore themes of justice versus revenge?
- What ethical dilemmas arise from the use of alchemical power in the story?
🎭 Story Kernel
At its core, 'The Revenge of Scar' explores the cyclical nature of vengeance and how trauma becomes an inherited burden. The film cleverly positions both Scar and the Elric brothers as mirror images—all are driven by the ghosts of Ishval, but their responses diverge. Scar's quest isn't just about retribution; it's a desperate attempt to give meaning to his people's genocide by weaponizing their alchemy against the state that destroyed them. Meanwhile, Edward and Alphonse's journey reveals how carrying guilt (for their mother, for Ishval) can either paralyze or propel growth. The real conflict isn't alchemy versus destruction, but whether history's wounds can be healed without repeating its violence.
🎬 Visual Aesthetics
The film employs a stark, desaturated palette for present-day scenes, emphasizing the bleakness of a nation haunted by Ishval. Flashbacks to the war burst with oppressive oranges and reds—not of glory, but of burning homes and blood. Scar's alchemic destruction is visualized with intricate, geometric fractals that contrast the State Alchemists' more utilitarian styles, making his power feel both ancient and sacred. Camera work during confrontations often uses tight close-ups on eyes and hands, highlighting intent and the physical cost of alchemy. The recurring motif of shattered glass and crumbling stone mirrors the characters' fractured psyches.
🔍 Details & Easter Eggs
💡 Behind the Scenes
The film adapts the 'Scar's Vengeance' arc from Hiromu Arakawa's manga, but condenses events from volumes 8-10 for cinematic pace. Director Fumihiko Sori insisted on practical effects for alchemy's light, blending CGI with on-set lighting to make energy beams feel tangible. Voice actor Tsutomu Isobe (Scar) studied recordings of trauma survivors to capture Scar's hollow rage. Key Ishval flashbacks were storyboarded by Arakawa herself to ensure historical accuracy with the source material. Filming included location shoots in Jordan's Wadi Rum to double as Ishval's deserts, adding gritty realism.
Where to watch
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Trailer
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