Hmm... I think you should have put a bit more elaboration in the story and at least give a bit of background on what this is all about and how the story starts and everything... but i agree with your rating though ^^
Fullmetal Alchemist tv Review
"You can't gain something without sacrificing something else of the equal value. This is the principle of the equivalent trade."
The story takes place in Amestris, in the early 1900's. Two brothers, Edward and his younger brother Alphonse Elric, live with their mother, Trisha, in the small village of Resembool. Although their father left home when they were still very young, his sons inherited his passion for alchemy and practiced it on their own. In 1909, Trisha dies of an unknown illness, the boys' father still nowhere in sight. When Ed finds out about human transmutation from one of his father's books, he and Al engage in intense training in order to be able to perform the ritual that will bring their mother back.
In 1910, the Elric brothers cross the forbidden line; unfortunately, the resurrection attempt is a complete failure, as Ed loses his left leg and Al — his entire body. In a last desperate attempt to undo the damage, Ed binds his brother's spirit to a nearby suit of armor, at the further cost of his right arm. After recovering, the two embark on a journey to find the legendary Philosopher's Stone, rumored to facilitate alchemic tasks without the requirement of equivalent exchange, in hopes of getting their original bodies back.
Story & Characters
I watched this anime in just a few days so I very little trouble keeping up with the plot. To use a metaphor, it is as if this anime is a quilt and each character contributed to it to make that quilt. This is especially true of the Homunculus. I won't go too far into it, but their roles in the anime were very interesting, besides being antagonists. They served as symbols that backed up FMA's themes and criticisms on humanity.
Every character has their own unique background that is supported by the background of some other character. I found this to be very well done in that the characters all were related to each other in some way or another.
Lastly, I found the plot to be original. The idea of "Equivalent Exchange" held, more or less, guiding the brothers on their journey. However, the journey became much more than what they bargained for when a certain something happened to Al. I was glad that the story did not end, but rather progressed even further, introducing more characters and more plot twists. The last few episodes explained everything; even things I didn't think needed explanation.
The only bad thing about the story is in the first 3 episodes of it. There was quite a bit of jumping around and it
might be slightly confusing. Besides that, the rest of the series doesn't require too much thought.
Rating:
Art
I'm no pro at art, but this is one of the better presented anime that I've seen. There aren't glaring inconsistencies in background or characters. What kept the creativity up were the transmutation circles. I rarely saw the same one over and over because each Alchemist has his or her own specialty. The bits and pieces of CG thrown in were a nice touch and did not stand out. They actually enhanced the feel instead of hindering it. Overall, the characters and scenery were really well done and the presentation did not fall at any time such as fight scenes. The openings and closings for the anime are really exciting and fun as well.
Rating:
Sound
Having seen a few episodes on Adult Swim and the entire series subtitled, the transition is subtle. I can hear both voices in my mind and the two languages seem the same unless I really try to differentiate. Voice acting was top notch in my opinion as nothing sounded generic and emotion was really put in where it counted. Crying sounded genuine. Sound effects really made me feel the situation. There were no exaggerations that I noticed. The people in charge of sound really did their homework.
The opening and closing songs are WIN, specifically "Ready Steady Go" and "Rewrite" by L'arc en Ciel and Asian Kung Fu Generation.
Rating:
Presentation
This anime had all the things that I like to see in an anime. There was plenty of humor from characters like Ed, Armstrong, and Hughes. Of course, the characters were not 2D so they also contributed to making a depressing mood, along with other characters. Episodes moved along fairly smoothly and I still found myself on the edge whenever and episode ended. There was originality in the plot. The idea of equivalent exchange is really interesting and makes you think how you can apply it to real life. With humor, sadness, and a good plot, FMA didn't skimp on action either. The fight scenes were well done and were creative as well because alchemy doesn't limit the characters to just energy attacks and whatnot. I really can't find anything wrong with Full Metal Alchemist.
The enjoyability to watch is high for any age in my opinion, though I would recommend that mature audiences watch it. While children will like the young heroes and the magic of alchemy, more experienced people will be able to relate with the values and themes of the anime. When I first started watching, it started off in a fun and easy pace with Ed and Ad thwarting some guys plans, but the series soon took a plunge in happiness as the boys had to face the harsh truths of life. Don't get me wrong, the series doesn't dwell on sadness, but rather incorporates these experiences into the boys' characters to further enhance their actions and the plot.
Rating:
Final Verdict
9.0000 (very good)
Reviewed by MadTeaParty, Feb 22, 2005
Comments
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tareren Feb 23, 2005
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MadTeaParty Feb 23, 2005
Heh, I tried not to say too much about the story for fear of spoiling things. Afterall, I just finished watching it and would have trouble figuring out what to say and what not to say, but here's the breakdown:
In a world with Alchemy, the ability to break down substances and reconfigure its components and structure change it to something else, two boys named Edward and Alphonse Elric believe in Equivalent Exchange. This is the principle of alchemy stating that in order to gain something, something of equal value must be given up. Living with only their mother because their father left them shortly after Al was born (thus creating a hatred for him within Ed), the boys begin to learn alchemy in their free time. However, Ed and Al's mother dies. Using alchemy to bring back a human's life, human transmutation, is forbidden, but Ed and Al believe that if they gather all the necessary elements lost, they can use equivalent exchange's principle to bring back their mother. There is a reason that human transmutation is forbidden. It has never been successfully performed. As a result from the human transmutation of their mother, a freak of nature comes back to life instead of their mother at the cost of Al's body and Ed's arm/leg (I can't remember which one). With some quick thinking, Ed quickly binds Al's soul to a nearby suit of armor before he is erased from the world completely .... at the cost of a limb.
Flip to the present. Ed now has what is called auto-mail, metal limbs created for him by his neighbors, while Al still does not have his own body. The two burn their house down and leave on a journey for the legendary Philosopher's Stone. It is rumored to be able to bypass the principle of equivalent exchange, but those who seek it only find sorrow and despair. Ed and Al do what they must in hopes of retrieving their lost flesh, but they are not the only ones seeking the Stone. What seems to be humans with superhuman abilities appear with tattoos of Oroborous as well as a man with a scar and a transmutation circle tattooed on his arm.
How do these "humans" and the scarred man tie in with Ed and Al's journey? What role does the military and it's State Alchemists play in the search? Watch the series and find out.
(Hopefully I didn't give away anything)
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IcyFyre Apr 24, 2005
i luv that show FullMetal Alchemist...i used to always watch it in Japan last summer, of course i had trouble understanding whatthey were saying but the character's actions are pretty much like words to me. I think that Ed is sssooo kool!
Loved by all kitties
Me!~Roxy~ -
Graverobber Dec 13, 2005
I've seen scattered episodes throughout the series in english subtitles, but loved every minute of it.
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Sanisa Sep 22, 2009
Thanks for the review!
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rukasu44 Nov 10, 2010
Nice review that you've done. Thanks for give at least 9 for FMA
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UberDog Mar 23, 2015
Interesting and simple review. Good job, as I wouldn't have given it such a high rating, you did a good reviewing start however.
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