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Fullmetal Alchemist review by Rebel
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Fullmetal Alchemist ("Hagane no Renkinjutsushi" in Japan), or FMA for short, centres around two boys and their quest to find the Philosopher's Stone, a mythical stone with infinite alchemic powers. Several years ago, the boys Alphonse and Edward Elric lost their mother and in a failed attempt to bring her back to life through human transmutation, Al lost his body and Edward lost his right arm and left leg. Now, with Al's soul bonded to a giant suit of armour and Ed's limbs rebuilt, they set off to find a way to restore their bodies, to undo the terrible mistake they had made.
FMA is a refreshing take on alchemy and "magic". Unlike many other stories involving magic, and the popular Harry Potter books, it is not geared towards children. Nor is the "magic" fun or playful, with silly spell names to turn your cousin into a frog. Alchemy is an exact science, and the slightest mistake could cost you your arm, your leg, or your life. Many alchemists, and even the disabled, wear what is known as automail to replace limbs lost in accidents or alchemy gone awry. There is only one rule in alchemy, and that is the rule of equivalent exchange: for everything you take, you must give something of equal value in return. This gives the show a darker feel as we see more misguided science practised.
The animation is crisp and clear and the colours vary from washed out greys to colourful reds and greens. Each is appropriate for the setting and situation. War is violently depicted and the show is not without its share of rampant bloodshed, murderous criminals and war-hawking generals that create an almost constant flow of death and destruction. Nonetheless, the show is able to maintain a steady, constant plot and a good sense of humour, even in the darkest of moments in the show, rather than be overwhelmed with sheer carnage and fighting as many other good animes are.
Like many newer series, the first 12-13 episodes have little relation to the primary plot; they are for exploring, meeting new friends and general character and plot development. Unlike many newer series, FMA totals 52 episodes. The first 13 episodes are largely filler, without causing the remaining 39 episodes to be rushed or crammed together. This allows for plenty of plot development, a few comedy relief episodes and much more time for action and adventure. Like an avalanche, once FMA gets started, it's hard to stop.
FMA also contains a great cast of characters, each of whom play a specific and unique role, and the series simply could not be what it is without them. Many are not what they seem; hidden agendas, corruption and politics play a major role in how characters interact with each other. The two-dimensional roles of older animes are replaced by deep and murky connections, many leaving you wondering, with everything that's going on, what is really the truth?
To top it off, FMA's music is perfectly fitting; it blends smoothly into the mood, the colour, and the setting of the scene. It does not override the voices or the sounds, and does not distract from the events before you, but adds to them, giving FMA that last dimension needed to make an overall great series, which keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout its entirety.
~ Rebel
