Anime Review: Fullmetal Alchemist (English Dubbed Version)

Running at just over 51 episodes, Fullmetal Alchemist has more time than most other anime shows to flesh out their story lines. This allows for various subplots and added texture you'd have a hard time finding elsewhere. Even the ending ties in well with the rest of the story and doesn't seem rushed, though it does leave some questions to be addressed in a following movie. The story begins with two young boys who attempt to bring their mother back from death using a complicated alchemy ritual. The ritual backfires, leaving one boy without a leg and the other's body destroyed. Following the "Law of Equivalent Exchange" (a theme revisited constantly throughout the series) the older brother then sacrifices his arm to place his younger brother's spirit in a suit of armor. This begins the entire premise of the series, with Edward and Alphonse Elric searching for the famed "Philosopher's Stone" to restore their bodies to what they once were. Soon they discover they aren't alone in their search, though their opponents are seeking it for very different reasons. While focusing on the plight of the two boys, the plot lines extend outward to encompass many intellectual theories and moral dilemmas, borrowing heavily from Creationism and asking the tough questions we face today about the value of human life. The plot progresses in a semi-linear fashion, with many unexpected twists and turns along the way. Much time is spent on developing the main characters, delving into their personalities and charting their progress over the years. Even the less important characters are examined as they grow and learn from (or stubbornly refuse to admit) their mistakes. There isn't a single superfluous "filler" episode or information that won't become important later on, a fact that most other anime series can't boast. Everything that happens is significant in some way, lending to a very natural flow throughout the story. There is humor to be had in this relatively dark anime, and it seems to occur spontaneously throughout the series. It's well-timed, and isn't forcibly injected into a scene when it isn't needed. This helps keep the episodes fresh without making them over-the-top. While many shows struggle to tie up all the loose ends in the series finale, leaving the last episode feeling somewhat artificially crafted, Fullmetal Alchemist doesn't suffer the same fate. The ending isn't rushed, and although there is no real "closure" to speak of since they were planning even then for a movie to follow the series, it does bring a satisfying conclusion to an overall well-written series. Religion and faith also play an integral part in the storyline, much more than the passing references you see in other shows. Fullmetal Alchemist explores the decisions people make based on faith, and many of the ethical questions the Elric brothers must face head-on have religious overtones. The antagonists in the series are even named after the Seven Deadly Sins (Wrath, Lust, etc.)

Vivid animations and lively color help bring this series to life. The smooth flow of the animation fits the show's theme well, offering an above-average visual achievement. The music is well done, but not as good as some of the more intricate pieces you hear with anime series such as Witch Hunter Robin. That said, the soundtrack for some of the more memorable, poignant scenes is performed superbly.

Fullmetal Alchemist is written to appeal to a wide variety of people. Although I wouldn't suggest letting young children view it as many scenes are bloody and disturbing (not to mention the somewhat esoteric nature of the plot line), older children would probably appreciate the story's focus on the Elric brothers, and adults will certainly value the various plot twists and complex story line. At over 50 episodes there's a lot to take in, but the time you take to watch the series will feel like time well spent.