Fullmetal Alchemist: a Review

Fullmetal Alchemist is arguably the best artistic exploration of a philosophy ever. Anime fans tend to dislike it because it's a popular American anime that seemed to be developed to cater more to Western tastes than Asian. Americans may not like it because it's anime, or because it makes you think, or because it takes you far away from your comfort zone. That's what makes it so artistic. And the show has a political agenda and message, but it's one that most people would be Fullmetal Alchemist is arguably the best artistic exploration of a philosophy ever. Anime fans tend to dislike it because it's a popular American anime that seemed to be developed to cater more to Western tastes than Asian. Americans may not like it because it's anime, or because it makes you think, or because it takes you far away from your comfort zone. That's what makes it so artistic. And the show has a political agenda and message, but it's one that most people would be agreeable with. Essentially, the show encourages thought, displays the horrors and beauties of life, and essentially promotes a humanist perspective.

I don't want to give spoilers, so I'll lay out plot basics and then try and explain why the show is so good. The story focuses on two brothers, Ed and Al Elric, who are 15 and 14, respectively. They live in a world where physics was not considered the main science; alchemy was developed and physics is just an unfounded theory. Alchemy is treated in the series as a hybrid of chemistry and magic; it is the ability to reconfigure atoms. Basically, broken objects can be fixed, coal turned into gold, statues brought to life, all by drawing a special "transmutation circle" and exerting energy. The energy used in these transmutations becomes extremely important towards the end of the series.

However, there is one avenue that alchemy dare not trespass: life. When alchemists attempt to create human life, they get burned in a big way. When Ed and Al's mom dies, the boys set to bring her back to life. The process goes awry, with Al having his body destroyed and Ed losing a leg. Ed then sacrifices his arm to bond his brother's soul to a suit of armor. And this is just the beginning.

Along the way, the brothers and people they encounter portray a variety of life lessons, but do it in a subtle way, unlike Captain Planet and the 80's He-Man. Government is a major topic in the series, but the analysis is much more nuanced than one might assume. The government is essentially a hegemonic dictatorship led by Fuhrer King Bradley. There are people doing bad things inside the government in order to stop the Fuhrer. And hence the concept of the greater good is broached; how far is too far for the benefit of the people? Also raised is the question of whether or not working within the system is a viable method of change. Finally, despite beautifully depicted fight scenes and most conflicts being settled through battle, there is a lot of debate in the show about the use of force, including the circumstances in which it should be used and how severe it should be.

Another major topic tackled is religion. In the beginning it seems that the show is clearly anti-religion and even anti-faith. It then goes on to display the respect that people should have for forces that we cannot understand, and highlights the good that can come out of religion. Once again, more often than not, this show is not picking sides, but trying to make people think.

One of the major themes is working to help people. Ed and Al eventually become heroes of the people on their travels, even though their sole goal is to benefit themselves (they want to restore their bodies.) Religions of peace are shown in a positive light while religions lead by false profits and profiteers are portrayed negatively. Some officers of the government vie to protect citizens, while others are criminals themselves. Hence, the show does not take the easy way out by saying that institutions are bad or good; it says that institutions are good if and only if they are helping and not hurting people. People are not inherently good or evil, but they must make their destiny through their actions.

Aside from the larger social commentary, there is also a lot of focus on humanity itself. Ed and Al have been through a lot in their lives; they've witnessed death, destruction, heartlessness, lies, betrayal, and genocide, all before they've finished puberty. At times the show steps back from its commentary to remind viewers that these heroes are just children, that too much pressure is being put on them but at the same time, they are our best hope. A fantastic soundtrack by Michiru Oshima highlights the acute emotions that the main characters are going through as they have to make decisions that nobody should ever have to make. People have to live with their demons, deal with their regrets, and keep fighting for their beliefs even when they don't know what to believe anymore. They have to deal with losing friends, with forfeiting love for their cause, and with doing the right thing. In other words, living isn't easy, and having morals, trying to live a good life, or be a hero is even harder.

That being said, it's still an anime. There are still lots of jokes, especially regarding Ed's hunger and his height. There are also a lot of jokes involving the Fullmetal Alchemist mantle, which is Ed's title as state alchemist, but everyone always thinks it's Al, because he's a suit of armor. The fights are beautifully animated, as is the show in general. Words are not enough to describe the show fully. You need to go and rent the 13 DVDs of the show plus the movie, and if you feel like doing yourself an extra favor, buy the soundtrack or ask me to burn you a copy. You will not regret it.

Author's personal note: If you were like me and used to be way into Dragonball Z, the fighting is not as extensive or intense, but also fights don't go on for 10 episodes and the plot is way better and isn't developed through the use of incessantly annoying cliffhangers. They actually use a narrative that keeps you engaged instead of just cutting you off before any sort of resolution, like DBZ did.

Share this post on:

 •    •    •    •    •