Review of the Series: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)

"There's no such thing as a painless lesson, they just don't exist. Sacrifices are necessary. You can't gain anything without losing something first. Although if you can endure that pain and walk away from it, you'll find that you now have a heart strong enough to overcome any obstacle. Yeah... a heart made fullmetal."

I realize that the last two blog posts I've written have largely come off as argumentative, perhaps combative, but all to prove a point. However, this time, I plan to step away from that and go back to writing something about a product I enjoy a ridiculous amount, and have just recently finished re-watching. In this case, it's the famed series Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

To entice you is the basic premise of Fullmetal Alchemist. Two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, in a desperate attempt to bring their mother back to life end up having their attempt at human transmutation horribly backfire, causing Ed to lose his right arm and left leg, while Al becomes trapped in a suit of armor, unable to eat, sleep or feel. From there, the two brothers embark on a journey to regain their bodies, fraught with revelations and peril that test them and their brotherly bond.

If you've never heard about Fullmetal Alchemist (or have been living under a rock), then hopefully the context of that story will help convince you on it, particularly the series Brotherhood, which is the 2009 anime that is based directly on the manga by Hiromu Arakawa, as opposed to the 2003 series, which I'll cover at a later date. There will be some spoilers, though none of the big ones. I will also be covering the dub, as it's my preferred method of watching (though I have seen both sub and dub).

Either way, this is a series that cannot be missed. Not recommended, but required. If you haven't seen it, drop what you're doing and watch it now.

So, without further ado, let's get into the review of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. I'll be using roughly the same criteria as the ones I used to discuss things in my Your Name. Review: themes, animation, characters, storytelling, music and voice acting. Again, not necessarily in that order. Now, let's get into it!

1) Characters

A massive cast with massive meaning

Brotherhood (as I will hereby be referring to the 2009 version) boasts an absolutely massive cast of characters. It's huge. I mean, from the very first episode you know we have 2 main protagonists and are thereby introduced to about 8 more characters that form the backbone of the story. That's just in the first episode. At first glance, this would make a viewer think this is way too many characters for a story to handle...yet it's not.

While Brotherhood does boast that massive cast, each character is well-defined in either personality or role. This is a difficult thing to pull off when over half of the cast are all dressed in the same way: military uniforms. That's right. Barring our titular protagonist and his brother (along with a few others), most of the cast are all dressed in their blue Amestrian military uniforms. In spite of this, they are all remarkably distinct and you'll never have a problem identifying who is who within seconds. That's a credit to the artwork and character design.

But that's not what character is all about.

What character is all about is the development and the personality. In those first episodes we already get a glimpse of each character. Ed is intelligent yet naive, short-tempered...oh yeah, and hates being called short (leading to some fantastic humor). Al is the far calmer of the two. Roy Mustang is a man of authority who enjoys needling Ed, showing their close relationship. I could spend forever detailing the way Brotherhood establishes its characters in seconds, but I won't.

The eponymous character,
and a very well-written one

Roy is like a deuteragonist,
after the Elric brothers

Instead, I'll talk about where the story takes all of these characters. The way that Arakawa (and the anime staff) presents these characters is evenly paced in their development throughout the 64-episode run. Of particular note are Ed and Roy. Why these two? Because they are characters that retain their core aspects throughout, yet learn things extremely important to transform their characters (which also ties into themes, below). To say much more would be spoiling things in a big way, and I'd rather save part of it for later, especially where it concerns Roy. But for Ed in particular, he holds to his values through the whole story, even as they're questioned, and, for the best part, the answer he searches for is one that was there from the very beginning, but was never a decision he would have made back then. This, right here, is brilliant character development that makes you rewatch just for that.

Of course, there are more characters than these and each one of them is great in their own right. Maybe it's just me, but in the end, there is only one character in Brotherhood that I absolutely hated: Shou Tucker (fitting when he's the one character Arakawa sends to hell). The rest are all enjoyable. from the badass Olivier Mira Armstrong, to the supportive Winry Rockbell. All of these characters provide a role to the story, be it for battle, plot progression, etc. Yet at the same time, they stand as characters in their own right, developing for the course of the story that they are there. They're enjoyable to watch, too. Even the villains develop in a positive way, which is something not many shows can do without trying to make you feel the "Alas, Poor Villain" trope. While you might feel a bit of that, it's not necessarily forced on you. That would come more from your own perception of the scenes, rather than what the author is forcing you to feel.

No, the characters are all nuanced, developed and their own characters; ones you want to root for until the end.

Oh, and King Bradley: easily the best thing to come out of Brotherhood. Watch it and you'll understand why.

2) Storytelling

The world where the story of
Brotherhood takes place

Segueing off of characters, storytelling is the next most important thing. You've established your characters, now you have to tell your story with them.

And by God, is the story of Brotherhood amazing!

What starts as a simple tale of Ed and Al searching for a way to get their bodies back slowly transforms into a story about saving the country. The brilliancy and intricacy of the story is that it doesn't happen all at once. There is no one event that causes the change from "journey to find something" into "find a way to save the country". It happens throughout, with little pieces trickling in here and there. Here's something about the Ishvalan Civil War. Here's how a Philosopher's Stone is made. Here's a Homunculus. Here's what a Homunculus is made of. Here's how it could help our heroes. And here's the villain.

This is spread out and builds up to the final "arc" of the story, lasting for 19 episodes...and they are the best 19 episodes of anything I've ever watched. The story never misses its beat and there is only one slow portion of the entire story settling in between episodes 28 and 33, which serves as a transition phase from Central to the North (after having spent about 13 episodes in Central, and with the North being the final buildup for that 19 episode finale).

This is everyone involved in the final battle...
It's also just about every character.

More impressive, is how Arakawa seamlessly brings in characters and sets up plot points, even resolving them all later, while involving pretty much every member of the main cast in the finale in a meaningful way beyond just "have them there". There's not a stone or explanation left unturned by the time you reach the final line of the series. I appreciate that, because there is a diligence and control over the story that is masterful from start to finish. You're on a constant crescendo from start to finish that ends with such an impressive ending, it will engrave itself upon you for ages (it certainly did for me).

I really can't say much about the story without spoiling the plot's most brilliant twists, but if you let it, Brotherhood will take you for the ultimate ride. Humor, action, mystery, romance, emotion, hard-hitting themes: all of them have a place in Brotherhood, and that puts it heads and shoulders above the rest.

Of course, I do have to admit that there are two issues where Brotherhood is concerned. Not the manga, which does everything to perfection but for one misstep (which the anime fixes by having the right character pick up the Philosopher's Stone). Those two issues are likely a result of the 64 episode allowance combined with, at the time, the recency of the 2003 series. The first is that the first 13 episodes are essentially a rehash of the first 30 or so episodes of the 2003 series, and they are done at a very quick pace. This may leave you feeling as though it is rushed, though I showed the series to someone who'd never seen 2003 and they didn't think it was. Of course, it's natural, since who wants to see everything they've seen before again? It's the reason I have less of a problem with it, but it does remove some of the emotional impact from a certain death that sets the tone for the whole series.

My second issue (if we can call it that) is both a positive and negative. While the manga relegates the flashback to the Elric brothers' past, the Ishvalan Civil War, and Hohenheim's backstory to huge chunks, the anime decides to spread these out. The brothers I can forgive, since like above, it was given in the 2003 story. For Hohenheim's story, it is also compressed to a single episode, though as a result it misses out on quite a few scenes that made the manga what it is, though it does get the most important point across. However, the big change results in all of the Ishvalan Civil War flashbacks being spread between Episode 10, 22, 30, 32 and 54, rather than in a lump sum. Some may not like this method of reveal, but each one fits with the theme of that episode in a brilliant way, so I actually like the choice (even if they cut my favorite line). It's an interesting approach, but I do say it's an "issue" because it's subjective on how it's handled, even if the manga does it peerlessly.

In conclusion, the storytelling of Brotherhood is phenomenal from beginning to end, with a grasp on its core concept and plot's twists and turns with not a single gap remaining.

3) Themes

One man doesn't amount to much...
This scene, seen multiple times, encapsulates
much of the series point and message

Going hand in hand with the characters and story are the themes of it. Brotherhood discusses quite a few themes, and it is perhaps these that set the story apart from many other anime. While many mainstream shonen anime discuss the concepts of friendship, or occasionally those oft-discussed themes of racism or a corrupt government. Funnily enough, Fullmetal Alchemist has all of these and more...but the way they're done is so different that you'd hardly even recognize the tropes. Note, the heaviest of spoilers will be ahead.

First and foremost is the theme of friendship. This is probably the more subtle theme throughout Brotherhood, only becoming obvious in the final moments of the final battle. Essentially, Brotherhood discusses the concept that we are all nothing more than lowly humans, incapable of doing much on our own, but by forming friendships and bonds, the things we can accomplish can, at the very least, protect those that are dear to us. As Roy Mustang says early on, "The power of one man doesn't amount to much. But, with whatever little strength I'm capable of...I'll do everything humanly possible to protect the people I love, and in turn they'll protect the ones they love. It seems like the least we tiny humans can do for each other."

This, at its core, is the driving force behind the series. That we are only strong if we stand together. In fact, it goes hand in hand with the theme of humanity that presses itself throughout. And not just what makes a human a human or anything like. What's the difference between a human and a monster? What makes a monster? Is it giving into hatred? Prejudice? Revenge? The inability to change? What Brotherhood does is present a compelling argument by the end, all while it discusses all of its other themes; even the theme of not killing another human being, something the Elric brothers hold to until the very end of the series (neither Pride nor Father are actually killed, but are returned to their original forms and from whence they came). In that sense, they hold on to their humanity.

Man...or monster? Which is which?

As stated above, though, humanity is the connecting theme. At the same time, we do have racism, which ties in with revenge. The Ishvalan Civil War forms the spine that runs through the whole series, giving way to Scar, an Ishvalan who hates all Amestrians and State Alchemists. It makes him, in some way, a monster. He even acknowledges that and begins to change to the point that when Roy has run down Envy for killing Hughes and is burning him alive over and over and over, Scar tells him outright "I shudder to think what a country ruled by a man held captive by his hatred could become" (I'm paraphrasing). It's a powerful moment about racism leading to revenge, or just revenge in general, and the negativity and self-destruction it created. Though revenge is the primary concept, as numerous characters hope to attempt it, only to realize what it would make them: a monster.

The crux of it all.

Yet, amidst all of that, the one thing that is constant always leads back to the theme of humanity. Humans are weak, powerless creatures, and in the face of immortal beings or special powers or any of that, what can we do? Not even with the power of alchemy could Ed and Al save the life of Nina. So what good are we? Brotherhood answers this question: we change. Humanity, at it's core, is the ability to change because we are weak. Because we're not gods or devils, but tiny human beings. By not giving in to hatred, revenge, prejudice and by accepting that fact, we work together and change things to make a better future.

That is humanity. And that is it's most powerful theme that ties every single one together in a brilliant tapestry. It's this depth that makes Brotherhood go beyond mere shonen fare, and truly shine as a masterpiece of art. I could spend forever going into all the themes, but for now, this is its most important.

4) Animation

Fluid animation at its finest

Brotherhood is 64 episodes long. Compared to a 12 or 13 episode series, that's about 5 times the amount that they need to stretch their animation budget for. Therefore, it's understandable that some of the animation isn't as good as certain other series. Occasional stock backgrounds will show up with some of the motion, and once or twice certain animations will be reused (Envy transforming, Ed vs. Pride). Though, you can't blame them.

Why not, you may be asking? Shouldn't we, in this day and age, always strive to have perfect animation?

Unfortunately, that's impossible. But damn if Brotherhood doesn't try.

While at first, the animation is a little stiff outside of the first episode (which is really quite good), by the time the Fifth Laboratory happens, 7 episodes in, the animation quickly picks up pace. Stock backgrounds are never used when attacks actually clash, and often they keep the background very visible. This is no more evident than any fight involving Bradley or Mustang. These two, along with Ed (though he usually fights in a group setting), have some of the most kinetic movement or attacks in the series, and it shows. Their battle scenes are incredible, leaving you gripped from beginning to end.

And the final battle is a thing of beauty. I really can't say much more about it to do it justice.

Now, I'll admit, sometimes, when the anime reverts to a manga-esque drawing for humor, it suffers and looks a little ugly. Though that quickly fades about the time the Central arc starts kicking in around Episode 16...or at least, it looks less ugly.

Blue for Amestris

Red for Ishval

However, this is made up for, not only by the battles, but by two other things: the coloring and openings. For coloring, I mean the way they differentiate things: the blood-red of the Philosopher's Stone, the washed out look with accents only on the blue Amestrians and red Ishvalans during the Civil War, and the way the Homunculi are wreathed in shadow or light depending. It's all very cinematically done and almost symbolic in its own way.

Just a small example of the OP's animation

Likewise, all of the Brotherhood OPs are fantastic. I'm likely in the minority that actually loves OPs 2 and 3 (Hologram by Nico Touches the Walls, and Goldentime Lover by Sukima Switch), but all five are fantastic for the most part, especially OPs 4 and 5, which set the tone for the intense battle ahead. All are animated very well, with little still shots (except for OP 2) and help to draw you in to every episode.

In summary, while the animation is a little stiff at the beginning (though by no means bad) it soon blossoms into an amazingly fluid show that rarely leaves a moment to breath in that sense.

5) Music

While I've already discussed the OPs, there is something far more important to a show: the score itself. As detailed in this post here, I find music to be one of the most important aspects of any series. Akira Senju, the composer, does not disappoint.

Some of the music in the series is more tone lending in terms of not really being bombastic or notably distinct, yet it serves its function well in still informing you of the feeling of the scene, even if you wouldn't be able to pick it out of a track lineup later.

What does become notable are those based around the various themes: the main theme, Trisha's Lullaby, the Philosopher's Stone theme, and the Promised Day theme. There are various others (such as Envy's, the Xingese, and the Amestrian military), but these are the major themes that you hear in many different forms throughout the series, each one of them eliciting a different feeling inside you and becoming memorable by the time you reach the journey's end.

Likewise, the battle pieces are all spectacular in their own ways, punctuating all of the battle moments perfectly, whether it be heroic, dangerous, dark, intense, etc. A few of these standouts, to me, are Knives and Shadows, Battle Scherzo, and The Intrepid. All are great and amazing battle tracks, well worth listening to.

In fact, all of the music works perfectly with what's on screen and creates some of the most epic story and theme telling in the business. But then again, what's new?

6) Voice Acting

This, of course, is a more personal preference. I love the dub. I've watched the dub far more than I've watched the sub. While the sub is good, it's very hard for me to hear Edward as someone that sounds like a prepubescent kid. On the other hand, the dub excels.

In fact, I believe the dub is the definitive version of Brotherhood. All of the voice actors give things 1000%. It helps that a good 75% of them worked on the 2003 series and therefore have one under their belt. None, in fact, are better than Vic Mignogna as Ed, and Travis Willingham as Mustang. Okay...that's untrue. Ed Blaylock (God rest his soul) is bar none, the best as King Bradley. But, pushing him to the side, both Mignogna and Willingham excel in their roles: perfect pitch, emotion and this earnest zeal to work on the project. In fact, the scene where Roy fights Envy is...pretty much the ultimate dub scene. Willingham puts out such a perfect performance with his enraged grunts, screams, and a calm fury as he turns to Ed and says "Hand him over". It's brilliancy.

They aren't the only ones that excel, either. Maxey Whitehead as Alphonse (taking over the role from Aaron Dismuke, who ironically voices Young Hohenheim) has a few bumps at the beginning, but by the end is so fantastic that she actually makes Al sound like he's older. We also have Todd Haberkorn as Ling, Troy Baker as Greed, and other major standouts like Christopher Sabat as Armstrong and Stephanie Young as Olivier. Every single actor puts in an insane amount of passion that shows how they understand their character and the result is magnificent.

In fact, if there is one anime that will change your mind on the sub vs. dub debate: this is it.

Conclusion
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is an amazing series. To me, it's perfection incarnate, and while I can understand why it might not be to others, it is a series that deserves nothing less than your Top 5. Required viewing, at the very least.

From it's well-defined characters that you root for and develop all while telling a peerless and tightly crafted story, Brotherhood puts itself head and shoulders above the rest by seamlessly blending in all of its themes that are also interwoven. It all creates a seamless experience that is a beauty to behold, no doubt helped by amazing animation (for the kind of series it is), great music that fits the tone, and the amazing vocal talents on the English dub.

This is a series that will, now and forever, be an anime classic to me. One I will never forget. Of course, there's also the movie, The Sacred Star of Milos, which I will be covering sometime soon as well. But for now, stop reading this (or leave a comment) and start watching right away! Let me know when you're done, too!

Dare to Be Silly,
Epicocity