Full Metal Alchemist
The Full Metal Review…
I will not provide any spoilers or any specific items within this article that could ruin this great anime series for any future watchers who are reading my blog. Full Metal Alchemist is a well written anime, taken after the Manga of the same name.
Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric are Alchemists on a quest for the fabled Philosopher’s Stone. The stone is rumoured to grant an Alchemist limitless abilities beyond the theory of equivalent exchange (Alchemy’s first law is that nothing can be attained without giving). The reason for this quest extends to many personal reasons including but not limited to the restoration of young Alphonse’s body (he is a walking suit of armor) and the restoration of Edward’s arm and leg, which are currently replaced by auto-mail parts. Edward is a genius Alchemist who is able to command powers beyond his age, and brother Alphonse is extremely talented but not as powerful as his older brother. The two travel from city to city in search of the stone, engaging in adventures and life lessons along the way.
Full Metal Alchemist is one of those well written epics that provides a deep, twisted storyline along with a host of interesting characters throughout the series. Fifty short episodes number this anime and I found myself cruising through them easily, losing track of time and space as I was taken into the world of Alchemy. The side characters are as interesting as the brothers, with my favorites being Izumi, Roy Mustang, Nina, Armstrong, Maes Hughes, Lust, Riza Hawkeye and Marta. Though the episodes were short, the characters are deep in detail, allowing us viewers to form our own opinions about them. That to me is a sign of good writing and I doubt there is a person who can argue that fact, we are shown the whole story on every character introduced in one way or another.
Dark and comical at the same time, this series will drive you from hysterical laughter into tears due to displays of strength and honor or remorse and loss from the death of an important character. This holds nothing back in terms of tragedy and to see the harmony of both muses being displayed in an anime is wonderful. The series took me from loving the boys and their metal strong bond, to hate for their many enemies and remorse for their complex mix of friends who either die or get damaged physically and emotionally during the quest for the stone. The twists are plenty and you start liking people who you initially hated and respected people with whom you misunderstood. The final emotion I had as I ejected the final DvD was one of wishful thinking, mixed with a sense of remorse. I saw many of my favorites go through hell and the ending is left wide open for a continuation.
If you are an anime fan and you have not watched this series then you should do so as soon as possible. It may seem somewhat chibi and childish at a glance (Ed does look super young on alot of the art) but it is not a children’s story. It left me wanting to be an Alchemist, but it showed me most importantly the folly in blind ambition and selfishness… which is the supreme lesson in this entire series. Unconditional love for family and the honor for those who stand with you. My concept of the Full Metal Alchemist is two young brothers, clutching each other bloodily willing to fight to the very end to save each other. Selfless and strong to a fault, if it wasn’t extremely bloody and dark I would suggest that kids watch it for life lessons, but it reminded me of a few important things. I guess it works for adults too.
STAR RATING: (10/10) ★★★★★★★★★★
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