Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Anime Review

A review of the popular anime Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. I don't tell the story - I only give a synopsis, as well as my review and commentary. CHRISTIAN REVIEW IS INCLUDED, for some viewers.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

 

A spoiler-free review of the popular FMA remake

 

Title: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Alternate Title: Hagane no Renkinjutsushi

Genre: Action/Adventure/Military/Drama/Shounen

Episodes: 64, with 3 optional OVAs

 

Synopsis: In the world exist people who can manipulate energy through circles of power called transmutation circles (click on the picture next to the title for an example). Known as alchemists, these people can change the shape or qualities of matter by abiding by the basic law of alchemy - equivalent exchange. In order to gain something, one must give something of equal value. In addition to this law, there is another - a taboo known as Human Transmutation. All alchemists are forbidden to perform such an act. To Edward and Alphonse Elric, however, the taboo means nothing.

            In a desperate attempt to change the past, the brothers attempt the unthinkable. However, the brothers cannot offer an equal exchange for the transmutation. In order to pay the debt, Truth takes from Edward his leg, and from Alphonse…his entire body. As Alphonse’s soul begins to disappear from the world of the living, Edward binds his brother’s soul to a suit of armor in exchange for Edward’s arm, and the journey begins.

            The brothers search for a mystical object known as the Philosopher’s Stone, hoping it will hold the key to returning their bodies to normal. What they find on their journey, however, leads them down a path that will determine the fate of the entire world. And perhaps, equivalent exchange will demand too much of them, when they have nothing left to give.

 

Plot: What can I say? I love this show. As a fan of the original Fullmetal Alchemist, I was delighted to hear about the development of this new series - Brotherhood - which follows true to the manga (very much unlike the chronologically first series!) and far outranks the first series in terms of excellence. Don’t misunderstand - this isn’t a sequel. It’s a remake which follows the originally intended storyline. And let me tell you, you won’t be disappointed.

            The story follows the adventures of Edward and Alphonse Elric on their quest for the Philosopher’s Stone. At first glance, the plot line can seem quite unimaginative. Hero goes after magical item, encounters bad guys, beats them up, lives happily ever after - that sort of thing. That is not this series! The supposed ‘main quest’ to track down the stone is an undertone throughout the entire series, underscoring the numerous other story arcs that will capture your attention first. At times, you even forget that the goal is still to find the stone because so many things are happening. While some may consider that a negative, I shower this series in praises for its masterful control of numerous, simultaneous plotlines which are all very important to the conclusion of the series.

            Additionally, the alchemy in the show is absolutely flawless! It’s not just some magic system - it’s a scientific process with defined laws, restrictions, and consequences. You don’t need to be special to use it - you need to be smart. So, it’s not a magic system at all; rather, it’s a whole new way of thinking about matter altogether. The concept of such a scientific system makes for a very enjoyable combat alternative! Not to mention that the more the reader learns about alchemy, the more he is able to solve the characters' problems right along with them. Using a concept like alchemy, FMA keeps the viewer actively involved in the show.

            The show also manages to keep the viewer glued by reintroducing characters that are not expected to return and also by removing characters that seem to be of a more permanent sort. So many things go on at one time, yet it never becomes overwhelming. One of my favorite aspects of the show is that it gives you countless hints that can be used to predict the outcome of the series, yet it hides just enough that you’re longing to see if your guesses are correct. I have no complaints whatsoever about the plot line - it is about as finely crafted as you’ll see in anime. Top-notch, by any standard.

 

Characters: If you take the time to watch FMA: Brotherhood, you’ll find that you will fall in love with almost every single character. The personalities are incredibly varied, and they mesh well. It’s always fun to watch a sibling quarrel between Edward and Alphonse, as well as an exasperated quip from Hawkeye to her superior, Colonel Mustang. And of course, who doesn’t love Edward’s (numerous) reactions to being called short? The characters in Brotherhood will have you laughing, crying, and burning the cornea off your eyeballs because you refuse to look away from the TV screen. And as a compliment to the genius of this series, the main character (for once) doesn’t come off as ‘larger than life.’ He’s just an ordinary guy with some extraordinary circumstances. But that makes for a fun and unique main character that’s a real treat to stick with through all 64 episodes.

            As the plot winds towards its end, it’s enjoyable to look back and think, “Wow, how did I get here?” The path towards the conclusion is full of exciting twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. And when episode 64 ends, you’ll be left with a feeling of satisfaction that all you’re questions have been neatly answered (and then some!). Episode 64, however, also carries a hint of sadness - the series is really over!

 

Animation: The animation in Brotherhood is absolutely a joy to watch. It’s so fluid and colorful, not to mention creative. With all the bright flashes, bangs, and other mysterious movements involved in alchemy, I give kudos to the animators who made it happen. Also, if you’re a sucker for pretty explosions, you’ll get a good dose of them in FMA! The battles are so streamlined it will make your heart beat faster just watching them!

            Most amazing to me, however, is the creativity of the character designs. Since the majority of the characters are in the army, you will almost always see them in their military uniforms. But you will never get them confused! The character designs are so unique to each person, and even background characters all have different faces. A lot of time and thought went into the art behind this magnificent series.

            The last thing I will say about the animation is the precision of it all. Everything moves. The animators didn’t cut corners and only move the parts of the scene that would be noticed - they animated everything. During any of Envy’s scenes, take a good look - every one of those 70 or so faces is moving!

 

Music: The music in this series holds a two-fold idea for me. The opening and ending themes are perfect - I fell in love with all of them (particularly “Period” by Chemistry and "Again" by YUI). The music within the series is still good, but it can often go unnoticed. Whether that’s because the music isn’t outstanding or because the rest of the show is so outstanding that you forget to listen to the music is for you to decide.

 

Ending: You will thoroughly enjoy the ending, not only because the battles are gloriously done, but because the story takes such a radical turn that reminds you exactly why you loved all the episodes. The phrase “think outside the box” certainly isn’t wasted on Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood!

 

Recommendation: Do you even have to ask? I don’t want you to watch this show - you MUST watch this show. If you don’t, I’ll find you, tie you to a chair, and put FMA in your DVD player with your eyes taped open. Just kidding. J But seriously, you’re definitely missing out if you choose to pass this one up. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

 

Audience: I don’t recommend this show for viewers under 16. It can have some very mature themes such as glorified death, gruesome monsters, and lot of blood. Drugs, sex, and nudity are not present (I take that back, you see a woman’s bare back once. That’s it. It’s only her shoulders, nothing else.)  Language is present semi-frequently (in the Japanese version - I am unsure about the English version). I also don’t recommend this show for religious-sensitive people. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m a Christian and I enjoy this show. What I mean by that is that those who are very impressionable in their faith should stay away from this show because it suggests that alchemy and man can overcome God or that he does not exist. A mature-minded believer (of any religion) should not have a problem with this show because they will have the ability to realize that it is only a fictional story. Also, a guardian DVD player will get rid of the swearing, for those of you who are concerned.

 

Final Grade: 10 out of 10 for an incredibly intricate and beautifully executed plot, gorgeous character and animation design, and no filler episodes! Ever! There are new things that I notice every time I watch this show - that’s the extent of it’s depth. Something so excellently produced deserves nothing less than a 10 in my book.

 

Side Note: By the way, I suggest watching the original (as in, first made) Fullmetal Alchemist. I find it really enjoyable to contrast the two series, and they end up being so completely different that it’s almost like you’ve watched two different shows.

Remember -

Fullmetal Alchemist is the first series produced. It follows the animating artist’s ideas for the plot.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the second series produced. It is not a sequel. It is a remake of the first. It follows the original manga storyline.

 

For the Christian Audience: murder, the seven deadly sins, and slights against God are present. In the Japanese version, language may be a problem. The concept of alchemy superceding God may also be disturbing. Conclusion: View at Your Own Discretion.

 

 

Want to buy Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood? Click the links below. I’ve set up the links so that you’ll go to a new page to view the item, then you can click and go to the store to buy the item! Enjoy!

 

Click this link for Season 1: <iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wyvernwriter-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0035LD83M" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>

Click this link for Season 2: <iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wyvernwriter-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B003NE8B42" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>

Click this link for Season 3: <iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wyvernwriter-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0043988IK" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>

Click this link for Season 4: <iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wyvernwriter-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B004GZZH62" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>

Click this link for Season 5: <iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wyvernwriter-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B004W75BTM" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>

Author's Note

Tell me what you think of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood! Did I do a good job reviewing it?

Reviews

[Sapientiam]

The anime practically became my life at one point! This is by far one of my favorite animes ever. Especially with Brotherhood, the story is dark, comedic, and action-filled all the same. I would say you did a fantastic job at reviewing it. This is one of the only shows that almost made me cry. Everything about the story is intriguing and makes you want to watch more. The characters are wonderful, the animations, soundtrack... Everything! Thanks for reviewing this!