Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Title: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Original Title: 鋼の錬金術師 FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST (Hagane no Renkinjutsushi)
MyAnimeList Rating: 9.18
IMDb Rating: 9.1
Director: Yasuhiro Irie
Writer: Hiroshi Ōnogi
Studio: Bones
Format: Anime (TV Series)
Episodes: 64
Premiered: Spring 2009
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen
Trailer:
Story(Spoiler Free):
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood delves into the world of alchemy, a science that enables the manipulation of materials. The plot revolves around Edward and Alphonse Elric, two alchemical brothers who try a forbidden transmutation—the process of resurrecting someone from the dead.
The experiment goes tragically wrong, as Edward loses his left leg while Alphonse loses his entire body. In a desperate attempt to preserve his younger brother, Edward ties Alphonse’s soul to a set of armour.
Edward, the oldest brother with an alchemical skill, becomes a state alchemist—an alchemist who works for the government—now that they have automail prosthetics and a strong desire to repair their bodies.
Together, they set out on a risky trip to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary artefact said to be capable of undoing their sad mistakes. Their quest leads them down a dangerous path, complete with deception and meetings with powerful alchemists and shady organizations.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood delves into topics such as brotherhood, sacrifice, the search for knowledge, and the consequences of breaking natural laws. Prepare for a gripping plot filled with twists and turns, dramatic action sequences, and well-developed characters dealing with profound moral quandaries.
Note: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a full translation of the original Fullmetal Alchemist manga, as opposed to the first anime series, Fullmetal Alchemist (2003), which includes a mostly original story in the second half.
Review:
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is regarded as one of the finest animes of all time. It expertly weaves action, adventure, and emotional depth into a gripping story. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths:
Story:
The story is precisely created, with well-developed characters, an ideal balance of action and emotion, and a complex plot that plays out perfectly. It delves into serious themes of sacrifice, brotherhood, and the search for knowledge. The series also has terrific pacing, keeping you involved throughout. Alchemy novices may need some exposition. However, the series does an excellent job of explaining the world and its rules.
Animation and sound:
The animation is excellent, with smooth combat scenes, intricate character designs, and stunning scenery. The animation quality is steady throughout the series. The soundtrack excellently suits the story, with epic orchestral compositions for action sequences and heartfelt themes for dramatic scenes. For viewers used to modern aesthetics, the animation style may appear dated. However, it has a timeless charm that complements the series’ tone.
Voice Acting:
Both the Japanese and English voice casts give excellent performances. The voice acting brings the characters to life, brilliantly conveying their personalities, emotions, and motivations. In the voice acting field, there are no obvious weaknesses.
Overall Review:
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a must-see for anime fans. It tells a gripping story with well-developed characters, an ideal balance of action and emotion, and excellent animation and sound design. While there may be a slight learning curve for viewers unfamiliar with alchemy, the series rapidly attracts them into its enthralling world.