TV and Film

Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, or simply referred to as "Brotherhood," is the latest anime series to bear the name after the previous 2003 series, simply titled Full Metal Alchemist, and based on the manga of the same name. While the 2003 series took several creative liberties due to airing around the time when each edition of the manga was being published. Brotherhood delivers the story as it is told in the manga. The events are set in a fictional world within the country of Amestris and explores the political tensions that arose from their actions toward the nation of Ishval. The main characters are two brothers by the names of Edward and Alphonse Elric who learned first hand about the dangers of forbidden alchemistic practices when they attempted to revive their deceased mother and paid dearly with the loss of Ed's arm as well as Alphonse's body. In order to preserve the body of his brother while he attempts to figure out a way to reserve the effects. Edward decides to bind his soul to a large metallic suit of armor. Along the way, the boys meet several characters who aid them on their journey of renewal. One notable character is that of Winry Rockbell who serves as the mechanic and emotional support for the brothers acting as a kind of sisterly figure.

What makes this series and the manga it is inspired from special is that of the creator's, Hiromu Arakawa, extensive research into the practices, beliefs, and customs of real world alchemists during a period when such study was more common. The series touches upon several philosophical and moral dilemmas of life and existence as well as the very concept of God. All based and inspired by real world alchemy. You can learn more about the amount of depth this series takes from the video provided below. Note that there are spoilers in this video so it may benefit you to watch after you finished the series if you intend to watch it.

The amount of character depth is also another stand-out from this series as each battle and each discovery can fill the viewer with a strong sense of attachment leaving them rooting for the characters by the end of the series. The villains make you despise them for reasonable and logical reasons instead of being cookie-cuter bad guys. The sense of brotherhood between Edward and Alphonse as well as the sense of family when Winry is included is enough to encourage emotional attachment from any potential viewer. The soundtrack is also another reason to watch as each individual composition is filled with momentum, build, inspiration, motivation, and a sense of witnessing something that could only be described as epic. All in all, this series remains as one of the all time greatest animes in the history of modern day anime. This series is available on Crunchyroll and Hulu.