“People cannot gain anything without sacrificing something. You must present something of equal value in order to gain something. That is the principle of equivalent exchange in alchemy.”
In this world there exist alchemists, people who study and perform the art of alchemical transmutation, to manipulate objects and transform one object into another. They are bounded by the basic law of alchemy: in order to gain something you have to sacrifice something of the same value.
The main character is the famous alchemist Edward Elric, also known as the Fullmetal Alchemist, who almost lost his little brother, Alphonse, in an alchemical accident. Edward managed to attach his brother’s soul to a large suit of armor. While he did manage to save his brother’s life, he paid the terrible price of his limbs.
To get back what they’ve lost, the brothers embark on a journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone that is said to amplify the powers of an alchemist enormously; however, on the way, they start uncovering a conspiracy that could endanger the entire nation, and they realize the misfortunes brought upon by the Philosopher’s Stone.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a re-telling of the story from the manga’s point of view.
(Source: MyAnimeList)
So I decided to give FMA: Brotherhood a try when it was summer vacation and I was surprised because it was really good. Although it’s really long, you won’t get bored by watching it. FMA: Brotherhood has an alternative version which is made before the manga ended. It is titled “Fullmetal Alchemist,” people said that it has a different ending from the FMA: Brotherhood series (I didn’t watch the first anime adaptation, I started on the FMA: Brotherhood).
Now that the manga has ended, the producers decided to make a remake which is titled “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.” This remake follows the original story of the manga up to the end.
Alchemy (Renkinjutsu) is, as it is understood in the Fullmetal Alchemist series, the ancient metaphysical science/mystical art of manipulating and altering matter by using natural energy. This act is known as “Transmutation” and its sequence is usually described as:
1.Comprehension – Understanding the inherent structure and properties of the atomic or molecular makeup of a particular material to be transmuted, including the flow and balance of potential and kinetic energy within.
2.Deconstruction – Using energy to break down the physical structure of the identified material into a more malleable state so as to be easily reshaped into a new form.
3.Reconstruction – Continuing the flow of energy so as to reform the material into a new shape.
Edward Elric is the protagonist of the Fullmetal Alchemist series. He lost his right arm and left leg due to a failed Human Transmutation attempt, Ed then decided to become a State Alchemist. He is the youngest State Alchemist in history by achieving his certification at age twelve. Three years later, Ed has found something that can restore his right arm and left leg and his younger brother Alphonse, whose whole body had been lost in the aftermath of that tragic event.
The Legendary Philosoper’s Stone is a powerful transmutation amplifier appearing in both the anime and manga. Due to the absolute law of alchemy being equivalent exchange, the stone gives the illusion that someone is able to override that law.
Ok, I’m gonna say it. This anime is a masterpiece. I don’t know if the story is rushed because I didn’t read the manga, but it was really well done. The story is really unique and it’s deserving to be one of the top anime. The animation is soothing to the eyes and makes you feel relaxed when you watch it. It has a different kind of world of the previous anime that I watch and it has a unique kind atmosphere that makes the story really interesting. It does involve a little of science stuffs so expect some chemical elements will be mentioned LOL (No, seriously, some chemical elements are mentioned in this anime).
Ok, I’ll stop the review here because the story is really complex. Try giving it a try if you have some spare time and I’m sure you won’t regret watching this anime.
Rrowbyte 