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Periphery's Fullmetal Alchemist Tv Review

Fullmetal Alchemist

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

A story of the brotherly love between younger brother Alphonese Elric and older brother Edward Elric. Deprived of their mother at an early age, the two budding Alchemists attempt to ressurect their beloved mother using Alchemy. Human transmutation was a taboo and Alphonese lost his body, while Edward lost his leg and arm. They were 10 and 11 respectively. Alphonese was trapped in a suit of armor, and automail replaced Edward's missing limbs. Wanting to regain what they've lost, they embark on a journey to find the Philosopher's Stone, a mystical artifact believed to be able to perform alchemy without following the rule of equivalent trade.

The story is well balanced, with well mixed doses of happiness and sadness. The two brothers' journey let them see many things and they matured. There were many conflicts, but they were satisfactorily solved and served to improve their brotherly ties. Edward's determination to get back Alphonese's body is especially touching. Along the way they are tested in various issues, such as the decision to become a State Alchemist, which meant that Edward would become a "dog of the military", in exchange for the benefits he recieved.

Rating: 8

Art

The character design was pretty good, with the characters acting like what they looked like. One particularly funny aspect was Edward's sensitivity towards his (little)height. He overreacts and ends up insulting himself even more with his anger. "Who did you call a pea that you can't even see to hit?!" For example, when a person says he's short.

The animation for the transmutation circles were also impresive. Roy Mustang's flames were also well done. The Homonculus were meant to represent the Seven Sins - Lust, Envy, Pride, Gluttony, Greed, Wrath, Sloth - and were also well drawn, with their individual characters fitting very nicely with the scheme of things.

One bad thing though : there weren't any really "bishonen" shonen. All the males in this anime looked good, but not wonderful. A minor point, because everything else was really nice.

Rating: 7

Sound

The audio was wonderful. A remarkable song would be Bratja (Brothers). The song is in russian, and when it is played, one could hear the pain and sorrow the two brothers went through, and also of the agony they endured when their mother departed. The lyrics of the song were also touching, and tears formed in my eyes as I listened to the song.

The opening and ending songs - I think there are about 5 total? - were also pretty good. There was a kind of "adventure feeling" when I listened to them.

Background music wise, I would say that this anime excelled in it. There was no conciousness of the music being reused, as was sometimes the case in other anime, such as DNAngel. The songs complemented the scenes and helped to enhance the emotions the characters felt.

I liked the voice actors too. Despite what some may say, I feel that Alphonese Elric had a good voice. It was very childish and innocent, and the "nii-san" he always says will always melt me ^_^. Edward was also quite good ; it brought out the determination he had.

Rating: 8

Presentation

The pace of this anime was good. Most anime tend to drag at the beginning, and rush the ending. This was not the case in Full Metal Alchemist, where everything was wonderfully paced and the ending wrapped up perfectly. There was a good mix of humor and also of the seriousness of this anime, which embodied primarily brotherly love, and secondarily the love the brothers had for their mother, and the love their mother had for them. This was tested in various instances, which served to further reinforce their strong feelings.

Character development was also done well. Side characters like Hughes were pivotal towards the plot. He was well developed, and I felt intense emotion (i'm trying not to spoiler anyone!!) when something happened to him. Armstrong is also another admirable character. His various actions, accompanied by "this is the legendary art of the Armstrong family! " and the pink sparkles that decorated him were hilarious.

A most amusing anime. Serious without being overly so, it brought across the meaning very well.

Rating: 8

Final Verdict

7.8333 (good)

Reviewed by Periphery, Mar 19, 2005

Comments

  1. mini-kagome Banned Member Mar 20, 2005

    you know thats its better then an 8/10
    i think IT deserves A 10/10!!!!!!!!!!
    beat that!!!!!!!

  2. mini-kagome Banned Member Mar 20, 2005

    you know thats its better then an 8/10
    i think IT deserves A 10/10!!!!!!!!!!
    beat THAT!!!!!!!null[img]null[/img]

  3. Periphery Mar 22, 2005

    Actually , I loved the series, but i felt that a 10/10 was too extreme. It's my favorite anime btw ^_^

  4. F10w Mar 23, 2005

    I think this anime deserves at least an 8 overall rating, you are really hard Periphery :hmpf:
    But the comments are nice (even if i don't understand only 8s or 9s or 7s...).

    This is the best anime I've ever seen!! It deserves 10 XD !!

  5. L3g Mar 23, 2005

    my opgnion : 9,99999999999999/10 because this anime is the best but 10/10 is exessive!!

  6. luckycharm Mar 23, 2005

    In my opinion, I think it deserves a 9. It's a really great show...

  7. sergiej Mar 29, 2005

    right you are. i wouldn't be wrong if i'll say FMA deserves this 9,99999999999999999(9)

  8. soujiokita Mar 31, 2005

    I think it deserves a 10 because it's a really good show. In my opinion, everything about it is great. Your coments were pretty good though.

  9. akari-chan Mar 31, 2005

    i think you should think about your rating. FMA deserves something better than 8/10.

  10. specnyt Apr 04, 2005

    me too, i think it deserves a 9 than a measly 8!

  11. unicorn2006 Retired Moderator Apr 27, 2005

    Good points made ^^ my fav series~~
    i think u could've given more for the story and presentation.. plus the art was pretty good in my opinion. i think... i would be in complete agreement with a cumulative score of anywhere from 9.0 - 9.8

  12. poepkop Jun 19, 2005

    i think the show is to dramatic, but the anime is great

  13. shoimi Jan 17, 2006

    this is a good show i haven't seen the end so i can't judge that but the part i am in is great.

  14. Sanisa Sep 22, 2009

    Thanks for the review!

  15. rukasu44 Nov 10, 2010

    FMA deserves at least 9. It's a great anime, good story, characters and everything.

  16. UberDog Mar 23, 2015

    It's a simple and short review, not a bad job on the review all the same.

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