Fullmetal Alchemist (anime)
Length: 51 episodes
Alchemy…involves breaking down a substance and then rebuilding it into something different. The law of conservation states that you cannot make something without presenting something of equal value. Therefore, the principal of equivalent trade is of utmost importance when carrying out any alchemy…
After the sudden death of his beloved mother, young Edward Elric desperately urges his brother Alphonse to try to being her back using the complicated art of alchemy. Their belief that they had satisfied the basic principal of equivalent trade was misplaced, and the process goes terribly wrong. They had not brought their mother back; in fact they had created something quite different. Human transmutation was forbidden after all. Ed loses an arm and a leg, but the fate of his younger brother is much worse – he is completely consumed. With some quick thinking, Ed manages to use his knowledge of alchemy to seal his brother’s soul into a nearby suit of armour. Driven by his desire to restore his brother’s body to him, Ed, accompanied by Al, seeks the philosopher’s stone, which will amplify his alchemic power and enable him to do this. Thus the journey begins – an odd pair of brothers, one consisting of a suit of armour, the other sporting an automail arm and leg travel on a quest that will earn Ed the title of Fullmetal Alchemist…
Whatever you love about anime, Fullmetal Alchemist is sure to include it. The plight and determination of these brothers is extremely moving, as is the growing bond they share with one another. The plot is certainly not slow, and it becomes increasingly complex as you continue further into the anime, resulting in an intense climax at the end. The various twists that will spark your curiosity will eave you hooked. I was constantly left wanting more after each episode. Needless to say, I ploughed through the 51 episodes rather quickly.
There is a lot of humour, as is the case in a lot of anime. For example, Ed is known for being rather short, and rises extremely quickly to any mention of it. However, this does not affect the underlying seriousness of the story, which can be quite grave at times. For example, the anime deals with the stark reality of the ethics of alchemy, revolving around human transmutation. There are a series of rules surrounding alchemy which the brothers find hard to deal with. Consequently, they try to do the ‘right’ thing, but it is not as easy as they had hoped.
The wide range of characters the brothers come across is refreshing. They add an extra dimension to the anime, and thoroughly deepen the plot. A major aspect of the story involves learning about certain characters, leading to astonishing revelations. From the military to the strange group of ‘homunculi’, every character is vital. The main characters themselves are extremely likeable. Ed is fiercely driven on by the responsibility he feels in regard to his brother’s state, and he is willing to do anything to help him. He is very just, but can be very hot-headed, which only adds to his appeal. Alphonse, on the other hand is rather accepting towards other people, and can be a trifle naïve at times. He does not resent his older brother for causing his condition, but rather trusts him in his word that he will restore his body.
The soundtrack is extremely good in my opinion. It suits the anime perfectly, precisely reflecting the intended mood.
All in all, Fullmetal Alchemist is an extraordinary anime, one of my favourites, and I wholeheartedly suggest that you watch it!
After the sudden death of his beloved mother, young Edward Elric desperately urges his brother Alphonse to try to being her back using the complicated art of alchemy. Their belief that they had satisfied the basic principal of equivalent trade was misplaced, and the process goes terribly wrong. They had not brought their mother back; in fact they had created something quite different. Human transmutation was forbidden after all. Ed loses an arm and a leg, but the fate of his younger brother is much worse – he is completely consumed. With some quick thinking, Ed manages to use his knowledge of alchemy to seal his brother’s soul into a nearby suit of armour. Driven by his desire to restore his brother’s body to him, Ed, accompanied by Al, seeks the philosopher’s stone, which will amplify his alchemic power and enable him to do this. Thus the journey begins – an odd pair of brothers, one consisting of a suit of armour, the other sporting an automail arm and leg travel on a quest that will earn Ed the title of Fullmetal Alchemist…
Whatever you love about anime, Fullmetal Alchemist is sure to include it. The plight and determination of these brothers is extremely moving, as is the growing bond they share with one another. The plot is certainly not slow, and it becomes increasingly complex as you continue further into the anime, resulting in an intense climax at the end. The various twists that will spark your curiosity will eave you hooked. I was constantly left wanting more after each episode. Needless to say, I ploughed through the 51 episodes rather quickly.
There is a lot of humour, as is the case in a lot of anime. For example, Ed is known for being rather short, and rises extremely quickly to any mention of it. However, this does not affect the underlying seriousness of the story, which can be quite grave at times. For example, the anime deals with the stark reality of the ethics of alchemy, revolving around human transmutation. There are a series of rules surrounding alchemy which the brothers find hard to deal with. Consequently, they try to do the ‘right’ thing, but it is not as easy as they had hoped.
The wide range of characters the brothers come across is refreshing. They add an extra dimension to the anime, and thoroughly deepen the plot. A major aspect of the story involves learning about certain characters, leading to astonishing revelations. From the military to the strange group of ‘homunculi’, every character is vital. The main characters themselves are extremely likeable. Ed is fiercely driven on by the responsibility he feels in regard to his brother’s state, and he is willing to do anything to help him. He is very just, but can be very hot-headed, which only adds to his appeal. Alphonse, on the other hand is rather accepting towards other people, and can be a trifle naïve at times. He does not resent his older brother for causing his condition, but rather trusts him in his word that he will restore his body.
The soundtrack is extremely good in my opinion. It suits the anime perfectly, precisely reflecting the intended mood.
All in all, Fullmetal Alchemist is an extraordinary anime, one of my favourites, and I wholeheartedly suggest that you watch it!
Link: Anime News Network
