When looking up good anime titles to watch, there are often a few key titles that are repeatedly recommended. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (“Brotherhood”) is one of them.
It’s important to note that Brotherhood is a completely different series to the anime known as Fullmetal Alchemist, despite being based on the same source material, with similar characters and, to some degree, storylines.
You don’t need to have watched Fullmetal Alchemist to watch Brotherhood, as the latter can be watched on its own and appreciated as a standalone series.
Brotherhood follows the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, who travel in search for the Philosopher’s Stone, an object that will help restore their bodies, which were lost during their attempt to use alchemy to resurrect their dead mother.
Edward, who lost only his limbs, becomes a State Alchemist, giving him the freedom he needs to search for the stone as he tries to restore his brother’s body. However, Edward and Alphonse are not the only ones seeking the powerful stone. Through their journey, they learn of a much larger conspiracy threatening their entire nation.
The entire narrative is gripping throughout the anime with each arc being so well told that each episode had me on the edge of my seat. Conspiracy is rife and there’s no end to the mystery behind the world of alchemy and that of the homunculi, the powerful humanoid creatures that were artificially created by the unknown ‘Father’.
Through the narrative of warring nations, government greed and ultimately the race to find the Philosopher’s Stone, we meet various characters who play an important role in Brotherhood. Each of these characters are developed well throughout the anime, with their own unique personalities. As the story progresses we learn, in quite some depth, how each character is crucial to the Elrich brothers’ quest.
With conspiracy and mystery being the main plot points of the anime, there’s certainly never a dull moment as each episode only leaves you with more questions and a feeling of suspense. The way in which each episode is conveyed makes you desperate for more, making Brotherhood the kind of anime that can easily be binged watched.
Given that alchemy, or for lack of a better word, magic, is a core component of the series, the visuals of Brotherhood is important and this is done extremely well. The art style makes the anime easy on the eyes while encapsulating everything that comes with glorious action and combat scenes.
In addition to brilliantly crafted narrative, fantastic character development and stunning visuals, Brotherhood’s illustration of brotherly love and loyalty is priceless and manages to really strike an emotional chord during key scenes. Of course, let’s not forget that Brotherhood also includes one of the most depressing scenes in anime, which till this day, is by far one of the scenes that truly makes me uncomfortable. Thankfully, this is balanced by the doses of quirky humour that lightens the mood after ridiculously tense episodes.
Anyone who’s seen Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood will tell you that it is one of the most highly rated anime series in history and I would certainly agree. The compelling story, unique characters and overall a conspiracy that will leave you guessing, makes for a fantastic watch. If you’re looking for an anime series to really sink your teeth into, give Brotherhood a try.
Once you’ve seen Brotherhood, why not give the live-action Japanese film a watch? Check out the review here.