This is a review blog of Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the top rated anime of all time. In accordance with the law of equivalent exchange, I gave my time and passion in order to create this review.

Information ahead might be considered spoilers for you. Read at your own risk.

Full Metal Alchemist is a manga created by Hiromu Arakawa. Its first anime adaptation with the same name released on October 2003 which ended with a film Full Metal Alchemist The Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa. The story shifts into an original plot from the middle of the manga’s storyline. Arakawa requested the change of an ending since the manga hasn’t completed yet. The first adaptation seemed to be a commercial purpose for the franchise. Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood, however, is created on 2009 after the end release of the manga. It is a faithful adaptation of the manga. The anime is considered a shounen type but people also weighed it as seinen since both its plot and drama seemed to target the adult men generation minus the fan services.

Brotherhood isn’t perfect as others may think. There are noticeable awkward scenes that I do feel confused. One of which is the episode where Winry suggests to act as a hostage of Scar. I find Edward’s reactions too lame. Scar has threatened his life many times before so handing out your girl to a crazy guy should be extremely scary. The scene also has a pinch of humor which makes it even more confusing and cringy. The original animation seemed better compared to the second one. Some said that the first few episodes feel rushed if you already read the manga while others think the element of surprise gone from the first few episodes because the events are similar to the original animation. Although, these are few of the flaws which I think does not hold back the quality of the series. The rating proves it anyway. In any case, the franchise still holds the top spot on review ratings which I think it deserves after I finished rewatching the series.

It is undoubtedly the most loved by the plurality (since I think “majority” is a bit of a stretch) for most watchers. It’s not a perfect piece but the whole series consistently delivers its excellence throughout the show. One of the shounen’s core attribute is its battle system which a popular appeal to youth’s viewership. However, there are no clear power rankings within the series except to the main antagonist which obviously a stronger one. The battle scene still sticks to a realistic viewpoint despite the existence of fancy power system. The alchemy power system presents a rare concept of pseudo-science using any matter around and a fictional scientific law they called “The Law of Equivalent Exchange”. Basically, the law simply governs the use of alchemy that every desired creation has an equal payment of sacrifice. The regular alchemy requires a transmutation circle traced on the surface as a magic device to invoke the power. Related to that is the focal point of the plot called the philosopher’s stone. It is a powerful object that ignores the law of equivalent exchange which means an alchemist has the freedom to create without sacrificing anything around them. While there’s a vast potential for the alchemy system to develop into something great, the series only took up few of its creative variation such as flame, metal spikes, huge trap dome, explosions or pipe-shape metals. Nonetheless, the power system presented is the foundation of the franchise’s whole story. It has lateral connection to the entire development of the story.

The story starts unclear at first but it slowly takes its momentum later on. The power of philosopher stone in connection with their goal to redeem their bodies is the primary objective. Steadily, the plot develops into a larger scale as the antagonists’ malevolence unfolded one by one throughout the story progress. The phases of important incidents are organized properly which brings excitement and curiosity to the viewers at every end of the episodes. The couple death of certain characters or death backstories fervently develop the main characters and other supporting casts into a resilient personality which gives strength to the solemnity of the plot. The good thing about it is in every episode the mysteries mentioned becomes more interesting as new discoveries of antagonists’ wicked plan revealed. In addition, new characters and their backgrounds are timely introduced as the progression continues towards the major climax of the series. Every detail adds up to the complete revelation of the entire antagonist’s scheme.

Unquestionably, Elric brothers are well delivered throughout the show. However, the supporting casts have even more noticeable growth especially the female characters. Winry has more relevance compared to the original animation. Her desire to help the Elric’s accentuates even more with her frequent appearances plus the bonus subtle romance between her and Edward. The marvelous fight scenes of the Xing characters especially princess Mei Chang are splendid as well. The awesomeness of Brigadier General Armstrong and Colonel Hawkeye which lead the whole feministic participation into another new level. I also consider Mustang and Scar as semi-main characters of the series due to their compelling development that contributes well to the climactic point of the show. Most of the characters are persistent and decisive to their objectives. Individual back story contributes to their defined conviction. Whether you may think it is too mechanical, it will depend on everyone’s own taste but for me, the characters are well written despite the issue. Based on my viewing experience, I believe persistent characters means no drifting out of the plot and more immersion for the viewers.

That was slick! Mei Chang

In regards to the animation, the art style isn’t special but they aren’t pushover too. The smoothness of the movements is as same as other shounen anime. Some shapes are too pointy but they don’t affect its beauty. The action scenes are one of its main attractions. There are no repetitive points. Originality of movements and the details of every strike are above average. As I said earlier, the battle scenes stick to reality despite the existence of alchemy. Most of fight scenes are gracefully executed. Edward’s fights don’t only limits to alchemy but also include close quarters combat. Good example is Mei Chang’s showcase of martial arts stunts. In 51st episode, you will witness the fluid motion of her jumps and kicks while juggling the jar and her panda against the zombies or immortal dolls in a span of seconds. It was artfully detailed on every frame if you try to watch it in slow motion.

The soundtracks are so beautiful. The first opening is stimulating enough to start every episode with utmost interest. That 26th episode last minute really gets me every time I hear Edward shouts “Wait for me. Wait for me!” while the music intro is in the background, the same with the next episode about the back story of Hohenheim, which is a very emotional one. “Let it all out” sang by Miho Fukara is my favorite one. I even include it into my playlist.

All in all, I consider Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood as one of my favorites. It still lives up with my expectation as a top rated anime. It is a golden story train full of passion and mysteries. There’s no waste of any puzzle pieces nor the appearance of plot holes. Every detail fits into their right places. Although the anime is not my most favorite of all, in my opinion, Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood still deserves the top chart.

The Elric’s Family