Why Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Remains Untouchable
Over a decade after its original broadcast, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) continues to sit at or near the top of nearly every "best anime" list — and for very good reason. This 64-episode series from Bones Studio isn't just great anime. It's great storytelling by any standard.
The Story: Ambition Meets Consequence
At its core, FMA: Brotherhood follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who broke the ultimate alchemical taboo by attempting to resurrect their deceased mother. The attempt goes catastrophically wrong: Ed loses his arm and leg, while Al loses his entire body — his soul bound to a suit of armor.
What follows is a sprawling, meticulously plotted journey across a fictional country inspired by early 20th-century Europe. The brothers search for the Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies, only to uncover a conspiracy that threatens the entire nation. The story never loses focus, and every subplot connects meaningfully to the central narrative.
Characters That Actually Grow
One of Brotherhood's greatest strengths is its enormous cast of well-developed characters. Beyond the Elric brothers, the series gives meaningful arcs to:
- Roy Mustang — an ambitious military colonel driven by guilt and ambition
- Scar — a villain whose motivations evolve into something genuinely complex
- Olivier Armstrong — one of anime's most commanding female characters
- The Homunculi — antagonists named after the Seven Deadly Sins, each with distinct personalities and terrifying abilities
No character feels wasted. Even side characters who appear briefly leave a lasting impression.
Themes That Resonate
Brotherhood grapples with heavy themes — war, genocide, the ethics of sacrifice, the meaning of humanity — without ever feeling preachy. The show's central philosophy, "equivalent exchange," serves as both a literal alchemical law and a moral framework the story challenges and ultimately subverts in meaningful ways.
Animation and Soundtrack
Bones Studio brought their A-game to the production. Action sequences are fluid and inventive, with alchemy visualized in dynamic, creative ways. The soundtrack, composed by Akira Senju, perfectly matches the show's tone — from sweeping orchestral pieces during emotional moments to high-energy tracks during battle scenes.
Should You Watch It?
Absolutely — and without hesitation. Whether you're new to anime or a seasoned veteran, FMA: Brotherhood delivers on every level:
- A complete, satisfying story with no filler
- Emotional depth that earns every tear it draws
- A message about perseverance and human connection that stays with you
Verdict
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Story | 10/10 |
| Characters | 10/10 |
| Animation | 9/10 |
| Soundtrack | 9/10 |
| Overall | 10/10 |
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is not just recommended — it's essential viewing. It's the series you point to when someone asks why anime deserves to be taken seriously as an art form.