Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

ONE IS ALL, AND ALL IS ONE.

Alternate Title: Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: Fullmetal Alchemist (鋼の錬金術師 FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST)

Production: BONES
English Liscensor: FUNimation Entertainment
Episodes: 64
Demographic: Shonen
Genres: adventure, drama, fantasy, mystery, comedy, action, psychological
Related Content: Fullmetal Alchemist (manga)
                            Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos (movie)
                            Fullmetal Alchemist (1st anime adaptation)
                            Fullmetal Alchemist: Premium Collection (OVA)*
                            Fullmetal Alchemist: the Conqueror of Shamballa (1st FMA movie)*
*These follow the plot of the first anime adaptation.

Summary:

In a desperate attempt to bring their mother back to life, Edward and Alphonse Elric perform human transmutation – the forbidden art of creating or modifying a human being through the use of alchemy. Needless to say, their attempt fails. Not only is the thing they formed inhuman, but in exchange for the soul of another person, Ed and Al’s bodies are sacrificed in the process. Edward loses his left leg, while his younger brother, Alphonse, loses his entire body. In order to save Al, Ed sacrifices his right arm in a separate transmutation, enabling him to bond Al’s soul to a large suit of armor. Thanks to the brothers’ childhood friend, Winry Rockbell, and her grandmother, Ed is given mechanically advanced prosthetic limbs called automail. Unhappy and remorseful for committing the taboo, the Elric brothers are ready to set things right by getting their bodies back using the legendary alchemic catalyst – the Philosopher’s Stone.

The search for the famous stone, rumored to help alchemists bypass the Law of Equivalent Exchange, leads Ed on the path of a State Alchemist, known as the military’s “attack dogs.” On their journeys, the Elrics reveal shocking secrets regarding the stone and its origins, the truth behind their nation’s leaders, the history of Amestris, the whereabouts of their father, and more. There is a darkness that looms over their country; a hoard of restless souls can be felt beneath Central city and the Elrics will stop at nothing to discover “the truth hidden within the truth.”

Review:

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (FMA) is the second anime adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa’s original manga. The difference between this and the first adaptation, simply called Fullmetal Alchemist, is that Brotherhood goes in strict accordance with the manga’s events. To me, this is a vast improvement, seeing as the first FMA anime was left unfinished. FMA: Brotherhood has many excellent qualities that make it a very successful series. The animation is smooth, vibrant, and captivating in every sense. The show begins in media res with an elaborate battle in Central between the Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward Elric, Alphonse Elric, and rogue State Alchemist who is determined to destroy Central Command. From the first episode, it’s rather difficult to remember who the characters are since it seems like they’ve all been thrown on to the screen at simultaneously; however, the audience is given the chance to get comfortable with the cast in the episodes that follow.

As far as casting goes, the Japanese version of FMA: Brotherhood had most of their characters recast, which might be a problem for some loyal fans; however, for those just jumping on the bandwagon, I think you will find that no complaints can be found with the performances. As for the English dub, the performances are excellent, as they were in the first anime. Save for a couple of voice actors, the entire cast returns and sounds as if they’d never left. Stellar performances are given by actors such as Vic Mignogna (Edward Elric), Todd Haberkorn (Ling), and several others. The most notable performance given by a newcomer to the series would have to be Maxey Whitehead’s rendition of Alphonse Elric, Edward’s 14-year-old little brother. She fills the part dramatically and gives her character depth.

To give the series more life, Akira Senju composed three beautiful, awe-inspiring OST's. From the powerful military-like march of "Next Chapter" to the soft, bitter-sweet melody of "Trisha's Lullaby", each track compliments every scene in FMA well when played at the appropriate times. Aside from the background music, the five opening and ending themes for each episode group is engaging and fun to listen to. One in particular called "Let it All Out", by Miho Fukuhara, stands out for its particularly powerfully meaningful and passionate lyrics, as well as its less pop-like rhythm.

On a grander scale, Fullmetal Alchemist is a very unique anime in that it doesn’t fall into the same tired otaku storylines involving half-naked girls, school festivals, the standard beach episodes, or high school life. FMA addresses moral issues and mirrors certain historical events of our reality through a world of fantasy. The show challenges its audience by asking questions regarding race, genocide, government conspiracy, religion, the value of human life, and immoral medical experimentation. Meanwhile, the telling of the series’ Ishvalan War of Extermination stirs images of the Holocaust and other incidents of genocide. Fullmetal Alchemist is meaningful without being preachy; it’s essentially a story about our world and explores the human condition.

I definitely recommend watching Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The series is compelling, action-packed, comedic, thoughtful, and chock full of symbolism. It’s better than Days of Our Lives; a real first-rate drama! The best thing about it, aside from the subtle moral lessons it has to offer, is its sheer entertainment value. FMA is an emotional rollercoaster with a good balance of various genres and theme, for viewers of all kinds…ages 14 and up.

Rating: ««««

Watch Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, subbed, HERE.