Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

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Season 1
Season #: 4, 2, 1
User Score
9.3

Universal acclaim- based on 147 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 136 out of 147
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 147
  3. Negative: 6 out of 147
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  1. SpryO3
    Oct 4, 2011
    10
    I'm keeping this review brief. I actually started watching Brotherhood with the notion to watch the original Fullmetal Alchemist series. I had no idea it was a brand new series that actually stays closer to the manga in plot and to be perfectly honest, after seeing both series, Brotherhood deserves a lot more recognition than the original. The original was a good show, but when it comesI'm keeping this review brief. I actually started watching Brotherhood with the notion to watch the original Fullmetal Alchemist series. I had no idea it was a brand new series that actually stays closer to the manga in plot and to be perfectly honest, after seeing both series, Brotherhood deserves a lot more recognition than the original. The original was a good show, but when it comes to the plot twists, character developments and the overall conclusion to the series, Brotherhood reigns much higher than the original. The story really makes me wish I could meet some of the writers of the series and the animation is amazing! I have never been happier to have found a TV series to watch other than FMA: Brotherhood. I watched it, loved it and loved it even when I was sad as the series ended. I got my coworkers, brother and even my dad into the series. My brother and dad were great accomplishments because my brother never wanted to watch the series until he saw one episode that I watched with my dad and he became hooked. Then my dad is over 50 and finds adjusting to anime sequences and certain animation styles very odd or out of place and yet he's still watching with me and loves the series. This show contains graphic content, language and overall, very philosophic and religious points that might bring up certain conversations, but the series is amazing and one of the only TV shows where I can't wait to buy the complete box set (which I hope they make). So much for brief, but that should be a sign for this show. You expect a brief, fun to watch TV show, but then it surprises you with its epic depth and detail. Vivid anime fans might avoid this series or think its shorter length (64 episodes) will detract from the enjoyment, but do not be fooled. I've always been an anime fan and no series I've seen before tops this one and I don't think one ever will!… Expand
  2. hokester81
    Sep 22, 2011
    10
    I own all 5 parts of the FMA:DVD releases, and I've got to say, if your going to watch an anime, this would be the one to watch. Of all the ones I've seen, only 2 or 3 really come close to being anywhere near as addictive or fun to watch, and I don't think any had me clamoring for the next episode after I'd watched the final one on the disc that had just been released as FullMetalI own all 5 parts of the FMA:DVD releases, and I've got to say, if your going to watch an anime, this would be the one to watch. Of all the ones I've seen, only 2 or 3 really come close to being anywhere near as addictive or fun to watch, and I don't think any had me clamoring for the next episode after I'd watched the final one on the disc that had just been released as FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood did-
    Voice Acting and Music are both spot on, the animation is clean and story is really something you can get into. I recommend watching this ENTIRE SERIES to anyone I know that even remotely interested in Anime, and the Manga is pretty good too, although it's basically exactly like the anime, which is the way it should have been in the first place I feel....    … Expand
  3. NintendoMasterG
    Oct 17, 2011
    10
    Easliy one of the best animes I've ever seen! Brotherhood is really amazing and has an awesome story, while it really follows the manga much more correctly. I could watch this over and over again without getting tired.
  4. Pants_Face
    Dec 5, 2012
    10
    The best ever. trust me you have to see this before you die, this is the ultimate anime series! Not to be confused with the first Full metal alchemist which didnt stay true to the manga this one makes the first look like utter bull honkey!
  5. TounVic
    Mar 29, 2015
    10
    A perfect mixture of sadness, action, comedy and even some between the lines romance. From start to finish, this show to me was amazing and I would never have thought in my life that anime could be so good. The story is compelling and the characters are so likeable, even the big big villains that were written with the intention of you HATING them. Even thought it uses cliche powers likeA perfect mixture of sadness, action, comedy and even some between the lines romance. From start to finish, this show to me was amazing and I would never have thought in my life that anime could be so good. The story is compelling and the characters are so likeable, even the big big villains that were written with the intention of you HATING them. Even thought it uses cliche powers like Fire (Roy Mustang), Metal (Edward Elric)... etc. The idea of alchemy is really original and well put out, with a lot of thought behind it. The ressemblance of this fictional universe with the real world is pretty big also, Amestris is Europe, Xing is China, and Ishval is a critique to all the wars that lead to destroying entire villages our universe. The ending might be cliche but it is damn satisfying unlike the one for the original series. Throughout the series and amazing Orchestra inspired OST, will make the battles or even the dialogue scenes way more epic. It is so addicting, every time you finish an episode you'll just want more more and more. The relationships between the characters are so strong you fear they might get separated, and when they do get separated they don't seem as likeable as they usually are (Edward and Alphonse or Hawkeye and Mustang). The openings set the mood for the vibe of the series, each one of them having a different sound. The battles are greatly animated and don't feel as short and stupid as in the first series, here they last longer and the action element that it needs is really present here. Overall, I just gotta say that I'm considering watching more anime now and I fear I might not find something as good as this because this was an amazing experience.… Expand
  6. jppcouto
    Aug 28, 2011
    10
    Foi tudo muito bem feito pela parte da Bones (estudio do anime) e da
    Arakawa (autora do manga), o primeiro anime do FMA acabou de forma
    trágica (Ed morre e todas as esperanças que ele e os seus amigos tinham vão por água a baixo). O mais fantástico disto tudo é que foi preciso chegar o Brotherhood (que    Foi tudo muito bem feito pela parte da Bones (estudio do anime) e da
    Arakawa (autora do manga), o primeiro anime do FMA acabou de forma
    trágica (Ed morre e todas as esperanças que ele e os seus amigos tinham
    vão por água a baixo). O mais fantástico disto tudo é que foi preciso
    chegar o Brotherhood (que é outra perspetiva da historia que no fundo
    é a original) para que o Ed conseguisse tudo aquilo que não tinha
    conseguido no primeiro anime: recuperar o braço e perna, o corpo do
    irmão e ficar com a Winry... Sem dúvida a melhor série de anime (se uma
    pessoa vir a série toda do início ao fim, é impossivel não gostar...) (enfim, impossível...)    … Expand
  7. TNF1343
    Jan 31, 2014
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Wait -- the first Season's over already? I had no idea I was on the last episode of the Season and I checked multiple times just to make sure. 13 episodes of a 30 minute series is quite short but this is partly due to the first Season ending in an odd and anticlimactic way. Notwithstanding, I feel a lust for more Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

    While "Fullmetal Alchemist" introduces us to the characters and the world around them, the next episode,"The First Day", is the first episode that shows us the series' true potential. The episode proves the series can handle darker themes as it gives us Edward and Alphonse's tragic backstory. In fact, I'm not really sure why this episode was aired second instead of first since not knowing Ed's past led to a just plain awkward scene in "Fullmetal Alchemist" where he flips out over almost nothing. Yes, I'm aware of the concept of foreshadowing but the scene felt weird on my first viewing.

    I digress, Ed and Al seem to be good characters that I can care about. I would, however, argue that, despite a lack of screen time, Roy Mustang is the best character so far. He's a badass who can control fire and it's a shame he hasn't had many fight scenes yet. Roy has noble purposes too as he looks to expose corruption after Maes Hughes' emotional departure. I look forward to more of Roy's story next Season, since I think "Separate Destinations" was the Season's best episode.

    The other characters aren't given a lot of attention, aside from Winry. Other than fixing Ed's arm occasionally, I honestly can't see her doing much other than get in the way in the future. She's more than a tad nag-y but it is nice that she seems to be the voice of reason when Ed and Al aren't thinking straight. In particular, Al's frustrating naivety led to him thinking his memories are fake. Winry thankfully squashed that bug the very next episode. Still, the episodes that feature her the most significantly tend to be the most boring and few important developments occur. And really: does she have to scream at everything?

    I also don't really think the dramatic and comedic elements meshed together very well. Too often would a serious scene be ruined by a comedic outburst. Too be fair, the show can be quite humorous (admit you were laughing when Hughes pulled a gun on those little kids), and the drama and comedy occasionally actually complemented each other. The closing act of "An Alchemist's Anguish" wouldn't nearly be as heartbreaking if the Elric brothers never played with Nina and Alexander. And Hughes' constant obsession with his wife and daughter made his death all the more impactful.

    I expected the threat in "Beasts of Dublith" to be a one episode arc but it being the Season finale, there's obviously something more that most likely ties into that mysterious chick and her shape shifting buddy. It was a great episode but it was a weird way to end the first chapter. Izumi appears, pushes Greed into the wall... and that's it.

    The animation is rock-solid. Action scenes are fast paced but we never loose track of what's going. FMAB can also be pretty damn violent at times thanks to exceptional blood animations.

    Despite a weird ending, I think the gears are moving in the right direction. With Izumi and Roy hopefully getting bigger roles in Season 2, and loose ends like the aforementioned duo (or trio if you count that flesh-eating thing) and Scar, I can only imagine the series getting even better from here on out.    … Expand
  8. Iky009
    Jan 2, 2014
    10
    If the first was interesting, that really excels. Following the manga, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is magnificent from its opening until its conclusion. Government intrigues, a walk of redemption and maturation of the Elric brothers is one of the best pairs of animes.
  9. MeCritic
    May 19, 2013
    10
    Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is my all time favorite show. It's great. I watched it after I watched the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime (which is also great) and I thought there wouldn't be anything new. I WAS DEAD WRONG. The original anime left out very important parts, the the Xingese immigrants. They also changed a lot of things, like Wrath and Sloth. And other things they justFullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is my all time favorite show. It's great. I watched it after I watched the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime (which is also great) and I thought there wouldn't be anything new. I WAS DEAD WRONG. The original anime left out very important parts, the the Xingese immigrants. They also changed a lot of things, like Wrath and Sloth. And other things they just added in. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood seems to stay much more true to the manga. However, I recommend you watch the original anime before you watch Brotherhood. Even though Brotherhood is better, the original is better, and Iknow people who watched Brotherhood and then watched the anime and they hated the anime. They're both great shows, though.… Expand
  10. Grabacr
    Dec 28, 2013
    10
    I was skeptical at first, but then I ended up loving it. I haven't read the manga, but I personally think this is just as good as the original series, if not an improvement. I definitely won't forget this as one of the first anime I ever watched.
  11. MahbubAli92
    Aug 3, 2018
    2
    I was excited for FMA:B after hearing it hyped as one of the best shonens around, but in the end found it quite disappointing for several reasons:

    - The characters are flat and static. The only one who really changes is Scar, and he's a secondary character at best. - Each character only has 1 power and they're pretty boring. The main character's main ability is to make a little knife    I was excited for FMA:B after hearing it hyped as one of the best shonens around, but in the end found it quite disappointing for several reasons:

    - The characters are flat and static. The only one who really changes is Scar, and he's a secondary character at best.

    - Each character only has 1 power and they're pretty boring. The main character's main ability is to make a little knife appear at the end of his arm to punch people with. BO-RING!

    - The characters don't grow. The two leads are no more powerful when they fight the last boss than they were at the start of the first episode

    - Way too many redundant flashbacks about everyone's tragic backstories (like every other shonen)

    - Lack of compelling big-ticket fights, which are supposed to be the main hook of a shonen. Most major confrontations were short and rather dull, with people just fistfighting and using their 1 power. By the end of the series they become really repetitive.

    - Too many characters, too little character development

    - Generic villain with a generic "shoot a big beam of light into the sky and acquire THE POWER OF THE GODS" villainous scheme

    - Animation was so-so. There wasn't much location variety and they were pretty visually bland. No strong sense of place

    - Music was serviceable but forgettable

    - Too much gore to be suitable for kids, but too simplistic and generic to be entertaining for adults

    On the plus side, Winry was cute and I actually thought the chibi bits were pretty funny.    … Expand
  12. Spirec
    May 20, 2016
    10
    Gory, Dark and Absolutely Hilarious

    Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood: one of the few sequels in the world that are better than the original. With an incredibly detailed plot, charming and often hilarious characters, realistic fantasy ‘rules’, and just the right amount of gore and action, it’s very easy to get pulled into the show. The main subject of the show is; Edward and Alphonse    Gory, Dark and Absolutely Hilarious

    Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood: one of the few sequels in the world that are better than the original. With an incredibly detailed plot, charming and often hilarious characters, realistic fantasy ‘rules’, and just the right amount of gore and action, it’s very easy to get pulled into the show.
    The main subject of the show is; Edward and Alphonse (the main characters) work for the military, Ed as a ‘State Alchemist’, while Al kinda just tags along. While both can perform alchemy (basically changing the shape of an object, or changing the chemical formula of something) Al requires a ‘transmutation circle’ (a circle with glyphs and words specific to the kind of alchemy being performed) whereas Ed has the unique ability to perform alchemy with nothing but his hands. That’s the main reason he was accepted as a state alchemist. And thanks to his ability to manipulate metal into almost any shape, the Feur King Bradley gave Edward his military name; Full Metal Alchemist. Hence the name of this anime.
    And unlike other shows with similar combat and ‘limitations’ (ex. Naruto, Fairy Tail, etc.) FMAB’s rules are realistic and most of the time, predictable. It doesn’t feel like there’s an infinite amount of powers and moves which all have cheap tricks up their sleeves. FMAB is actually very strong on the fictional rules straight from the beginning, and are the whole reason Edward and Alphonse get involved in the plot.
    The fictional rules are mostly based off the real-world rule of conservation of mass; “Matter cannot be created or destroyed”. Ignoring the rule, Ed and Al gather the ingredients for human transmutation, and in an attempt to resurrect their dead mother, Al loses his body, and Ed lost his leg as the price to create an abomination which dies seconds later.
    Ed, wracked with grief, gave up his arm to bond Al’s soul to a suit of armor. And so came the Elric brothers we know and love.
    FMAB takes place in a dark setting, has morbid characters, but is really good at showing you the light in the dark. It’s wonderfully paced, the characters are awesome(-ly morbid in some cases), but before the morbidity of those characters can get to you, they throw in a couple characters that radiate happiness. They are really good at keeping the metaphorical scale of light and dark balanced, it’s not throw up butterflies and rainbows, but it’s not face-tearing dark.
    One of the only flaws is that the animation style is a little weird, but you get used to it quickly. The blood is a little much at some moments (which some people like), but it doesn’t get to the point where you’ll see guts and eyes torn out.
    Along their adventures, Ed and Al will team up with other State Alchemists to fight great evils, uncover the truth about the myth of a philosopher’s stone, find out about the Feur’s secrets, and ultimately discover a plot that could very well end everything Ed and Al have ever loved.
    Overall, this is a great anime. If you can handle the gore and the animation, man-o-man are you in for a treat. I recommend watching it if you like action, memorable characters, mysteries, and enjoy a little insanity in your life.    … Expand
  13. starmarx39
    Aug 14, 2013
    9
    This saga is what the original should have been. After the original FullMetal Alchemist Anime came out, production was started on this reboot which followed the books MUCH more closely, making of an incredible action/drama to keep you coming back over and over again. If the first episode doesn't bring you in, the second and third DEFINITELY will.
  14. Rox22
    Mar 24, 2014
    9
    This could easily be one of the best anime series I have seen in a while. Animation is gorgeous. Writing is phenomenal. character development is as good as it could possibly be.

    I had been putting off watching this series for a while now, and was skeptical going in. The premise didn't really hook me. Then I watched it and was immediately hooked. If I had to fault the show, it would    This could easily be one of the best anime series I have seen in a while. Animation is gorgeous. Writing is phenomenal. character development is as good as it could possibly be.

    I had been putting off watching this series for a while now, and was skeptical going in. The premise didn't really hook me. Then I watched it and was immediately hooked.

    If I had to fault the show, it would be that the pacing for the last quarter of the show feels a little off and not completely in tune with the rest of the series. But, this is really just a minor note as it doesn't feel wrong either.

    Overall:
    FMA:B is a first class anime and is as close perfection as the hype has made it out to be. I really do hope that the show continues (or at least the world.) If you are an anime fan, it is your duty to own this series!    … Expand
  15. TheDarkKnight22
    Sep 8, 2014
    10
    In my opinion, this is a perfect anime. The English dub is great, the characters are very interesting. I want to keep watching to see what happens to the characters. Everything about this anime is near perfect. The length of it is great. I am still interested by the end of the show. It is a large improvement from the original Full-metal Alchemist Anime.
  16. Bokxie
    Nov 17, 2013
    10
    Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is an anime that gets a lot of attention, and it is not hard to see why. When I watched the final episode, I was left in tears. Not just because of the ending, but because I was done with Brotherhood. At that moment, I immediately wanted to watch it again, that's how good it was. The anime isn't only amazing, but the storyline itself is great from anFullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is an anime that gets a lot of attention, and it is not hard to see why. When I watched the final episode, I was left in tears. Not just because of the ending, but because I was done with Brotherhood. At that moment, I immediately wanted to watch it again, that's how good it was. The anime isn't only amazing, but the storyline itself is great from an emotional, deep and fluent aspect.

    Brotherhood starts of with several episodes about the history of Fullmetal Alchemist and also show some love to the original. The intro easily tells you that. Not only because of the song being named 'again' but also due to the scenes being used. And that's another point which I would like to mention: The intro's. They are so good and also tell the viewer what they can expect from the coming episodes, which is a nice thing. And don't forget about the endings, they are absolutely beautiful. My favourite Japanese song is Shunkan Sentimal, the song that came from Ending 4.

    But here comes the most important and probably the best worked section of them all, the characters. I absolutely love how all characters have importance within the story. If one of those characters would be missing, the story could have turned a whole different side. And with that, I litterally mean every character. Even characters such as Yoki, the silly person from this anime, has his moments to help. The personality of most characters are also well worked out to the point that you become very sad to the point where tears join the scene if one of those characters turns out missing or eventually die.

    Now, back to the story. First of all, I must say that this story goes very deep. That deep that I wouldn't recommend this anime to childeren younger than 16 years, and eventually 18. This story could easily change people their view on life outside of the anime with a great impact. Nothing dramaticly, but it will most likely let you think about some serious things anyways. Now, this anime actually has a dirty trick: Cliffhangers. They are almost everywhere which makes you keep watching. Not that it's a bad thing, but at some point I wanted to do something else but the anime kept me so hooked that I couldn't.

    If I had to be honest, this anime is not perfect, and due to Metacritic's rating system, it lands as a 10 out of 10. But in reality, my final mark for this anime is a 9.5 out of 10. This anime is so amazing, I would recommend it to anyone, anime fans or not.    … Expand
  17. neighel1
    Aug 2, 2021
    9
    In all honesty, to me this anime is pure perfection, studio bones' "magnum opus". Amazing characters that are well fleshed out and incredibly likeable, fantastic and original plot that progressivley builds upon itself, and one of studio bones' best animation to date. The real flaw of the show is jumps between a sad tone that becomes interrupted by moments random comedy relief. But overallIn all honesty, to me this anime is pure perfection, studio bones' "magnum opus". Amazing characters that are well fleshed out and incredibly likeable, fantastic and original plot that progressivley builds upon itself, and one of studio bones' best animation to date. The real flaw of the show is jumps between a sad tone that becomes interrupted by moments random comedy relief. But overall the good out ways the bad heavily, so to me in my personal opinion, it's absolute perfection.… Expand
  18. KingBradley
    Dec 10, 2014
    10
    This was an anime done right. Everything about it was amazing. The characters, music, animation, story, it was a very dark and touching story. When I first watched it, I was immediately drawn in. The voice cast was exceptionally well done in both English and Japanese (I personally preferred the English cast). Each voice actor fit their roles perfectly. This anime will leave you, laughingThis was an anime done right. Everything about it was amazing. The characters, music, animation, story, it was a very dark and touching story. When I first watched it, I was immediately drawn in. The voice cast was exceptionally well done in both English and Japanese (I personally preferred the English cast). Each voice actor fit their roles perfectly. This anime will leave you, laughing until you hurt, crying until you run out of tears, on the edge of your seat, all in one episode. The ending was perfect. This anime was amazingly perfect… Expand
  19. PuffFishTorch28
    Jan 27, 2018
    10
    Have seen it a couple times, and there's always things to catch the next time around. This show packs everything that made the original series amazing, into a story with new life and new characters breathed into it. What's even better is the way the series conclusion actually has a satisfying resolution and it doesn't feel the same way the original did; unfinished. This is not necessarilyHave seen it a couple times, and there's always things to catch the next time around. This show packs everything that made the original series amazing, into a story with new life and new characters breathed into it. What's even better is the way the series conclusion actually has a satisfying resolution and it doesn't feel the same way the original did; unfinished. This is not necessarily to say that this is the better of the two versions, but it certainly is my favorite. I can also appreciate the fact that even though there are some episodes from the original show that are cut, they still added / redistirbuted them into the plot here and there. It's funny, dark and captivating, managing to effectively blend different genre elements into one powerhouse of a story. 10/10… Expand
  20. sailor_n
    Mar 18, 2019
    10
    this is awesome. the story is great and there is no filler. there is great character development.
  21. Henkyyz
    Mar 24, 2019
    10
    To start of this is probably my favorite anime ever. And I am not going to have a biased opinion or spoil the series for you.
    Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a masterpiece of all shapes and sizes.
    - The Openings are very detailed and of course, they are catchy. - There are a lot of plot twists and other things to liven up the story. - No Fillers - There are 64 episodes separated    To start of this is probably my favorite anime ever. And I am not going to have a biased opinion or spoil the series for you.
    Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a masterpiece of all shapes and sizes.
    - The Openings are very detailed and of course, they are catchy.
    - There are a lot of plot twists and other things to liven up the story.
    - No Fillers
    - There are 64 episodes separated into 5 parts which are roughly 1472 minutes of content (that's more than 24 hours)
    - The characters are great, there is a lot of thought put into them
    - And the voice actors feel right to the characters

    Ok, enough with the compliments to the magnificent series that is
    FMA: B
    The series is told in present tense (real time) about Edward and Alphonse Elric (the protagonists) getting their bodies back.
    How did they lose them you might ask, well I have the answer for you.
    They performed something that is considered a taboo amongst Alchemists which is human transmutation.
    Human transmutation is when you try to revive the dead through alchemy. In this case, it was their mother who passed away in a plague a few years before the stories beginning.
    Through the series, Ed and Al tries to find a way to get their bodies back.

    As I said the story is thought through well and almost every detail has meaning to it. I would strongly recommend watching the anime.
    Even though I am a stranger and you don't know me, trust me you won't regret watching this one.

    Tbh if you're reading this you're probably you're probably conflicted to watch this anime. I truly hope this was you're turning point.

    See you on the other side BROTHERhood.
    I'm sorry for that I'm just trying to help you out
    Peace.    … Expand
  22. Kostas_Spirou
    Dec 31, 2022
    10
    One of my favorite Anime of all time.
    Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood tells a very interesting and emotional story, it's full of action, suspense and heartwarming moments, and I enjoyed it from beginning to end.