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Plot Synopsis

"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 an alternate world from ours in the early 1900's. Two young brothers, older Edward Elric and younger Alphonse Elric, live with their mother Trisha in the small village of Resembool. Their father left home when they were still very young, but Ed and Al inherited his passion for alchemy.

1909. On a fine day, Trisha dies of an unknown illness, leaving her two sons orphans. Ed blames his father for Trisha's death and wants to find a way to bring her back to life. At this time, Ed was 10, Al 9. When Edward finds out about flesh forging in an alchemy book that belonged to his father, he engages in an intense training with Al in order to be able to perform a human transmutation.

On February 1910, the Elric brothers cross the forbidden line trying to resurrect their mom. The attempt ends in a complete failure. In the process, Ed loses his left leg and Al his whole body. In a last try full of despair, Ed uses alchemy to restore his brother's spirit putting it in a suit of mail, at the further cost of his right arm. When Al wakes up in the armour, he suddenly realizes what happened and takes his unconscious injured brother to the neighbours, the Rockbells.

After that day, the two decide to embark on a journey to find the legendary Philosopher's Stone, rumoured to create anything from nothing, in hopes of getting back their original bodies.

Story & Characters

I think that this storyline is very good. Its basis is quite philisophical and has a very historic yet futuristic scenario. Though the actual subject of alchemy and god is quite controversial, the way that the story is told reflects a very mature understanding of the actual topic. It has a perfect blend of angst, humour, philosophy, drama, and action.
Also, rather than being repetitive, it provides a wholesome story in each episode. Also, the fact that the story is based around two brothers with a tragic past and a hefty goal make the story all the more interesting for, though they may act carefree and silly some of the times, upon their shoulders they carry the heavy weight of their pasts.
Yet, they still find the courage to move on in life, a characteristic I think many find appealing or are able to relate to.
I've never seen such an interesting story during the entire time I've watched it. It's as if they are on an endless journey, yet the two brothers are filled with endless enthusiasm.

Rating

10 (excellent)

Art

I think that the visual presentation in this anime was very good. Along with many people, I found the artwork to be very appealing, with an original style and flair. The overall modelling of Al's armor and Edward's automail was very good. Also, I found the scenery to be quite picturesque, creating a specific mood characteristic of the overall scene.
The overall composition was quite nice as well. While some shows had an immense contrast created by computer animation to create perspective, this anime made it blend in with the artwork very nicely.

Rating

9 (very good)

Sound

The music in the anime (theme songs, background music, and endings) were all superb. The way the music blended into the show was magnificent. At the end, where the credits were introduced, the music was introduced carefully, without drastically changing the mood.
The way the artists are able to match the sound with the actual pictures provides a very nice effect. For example, the theme song, "Ready Steady Go" creates an overall, enthusiastic mood, that suggests the brothers' positive outlook on life.

Rating

9 (very good)

Presentation

When considering originality, the fact that I have never watched an anime that has such philisophical content, angst, controversial topics and humor makes me give this anime top marks in originality.
The humor had me laughing all-out, and the sad scenes had me searching for the tissue box as my eyes filled with tears.
Also, the way the idea of alchemy was portrayed (with transmutation circles and the like) was quite original. Also, the fact that in the actual anime, the text documents were actually excerpts from real books (e.g., the first book on alchemy the brothers read, showed an excerpt and picture from the guide for Dungeons and Dragons.)
I give the enjoyability of this anime, with no doubt, top marks. The overall presentation, combined with the intriguing storyline, fantastic artwork and awesome sounds, always has me looking forward to the next episode, no matter how many times I've seen each episode.
The contrast in emotion created by the music and art in both humorous and angsty scenes portrays exactly how well the creators could make the scenes.
Whether the scenes be cute, funny, angsty, or just plain relaxed, I found the presentation quality to be excellent.

Rating

10 (excellent)

Final Verdict

9.67 (excellent)

Reviewed by kailone, 3y 6wk ago