FullMetal Alchemist
Edward and Alphonse Elric are two brothers gifted with the ability of alchemy, the science of taking one thing and changing it into another. However, alchemy works on the theory of Equivalent Exchange -- for something to be created, something else of equal value must be sacrificed. When their mother dies, Edward decides to do the unthinkable -- bringing her back to life by preforming Human Alchemy. However, both Edward and Alphonse know that by doing so they will be breaking one of Alchemy's biggest taboos.
Believing they have nothing more to lose, Ed and Al goes ahead with their plan and make their attempt. Unfortunately, something goes horribly wrong and in the process Ed loses his leg while Al loses his body. Ed manages to save Al by attaching his spirit to a suit of armor, but at the cost of his arm.
Now determined to correct what they have done and get their bodies back, the brothers decide to become State Alchemists to gain access to the State's enormous library on alchemy. There, they learn of the legendary Philosopher's Stone, an item that could help them get their bodies back. They soon learn, however, that they are not the only ones after the Stone as even the military has their own agenda for its use.
Member Reviews
Not Without My Brother! - Virus9
Fullmetal Alchemist generated a lot of hype before it was even released in America, and I have to say it lives up to it. This is an instant classic. Its greatest power is its underlying poignancy, because the brother's problems were born out of their love for their mother. Who hasn't suffered the loss of a loved one in their life? Except these two boys thought they had the power to change fate. Realizing their tragic mistake, they now rely on each other, and their uppermost thought is to restore each other, a testament of their love if there is one. There are also great moments of humor and the symphonic score accentuates all the changing moods. Masterpiece!
There are tons of artwork galleries on this disk, lots of promotional videos, the usual opening/closings, character profiles. It is also available in manga form.
I would suggest also watching FMA: Brotherhood. IT IS NOT THE SAME STORY. They are similar in the beggining but both develop their own plot later on. Brotherhood is not a sequel but you should still watch this first because it assumes you have already (ie. you are assumed to know some things).Awesome and totally addictive - imagination201
The secrets discovered by the two brothers throughout the first part of the series are so terrible, yet so well-balanced with the typical japanese humor in the first half of each episode... that you can't help but want to know what's gonna happen to them next! They are only children, but they are totally believable given their horrific experiences that forced them to grow up faster than normal. The art is also breath-taking.
You've got to check this one out!!Must See for Anime Fans! - Kim1
The story is about the two brothers, Edward and Alphonse, one got his spirit trapped within a suit of armor, and one lost his arm and leg trying to bring their mother back to life. The first 4 episodes have a lot of flashback from their memories, to give audience enough background for the story development. The whole 4 episodes were emphasizing one key theme of the series: equivalent exchange. If you want something you'll have to exchange it with something of equal value.
The graphic is amazing and the story is just superb. I didn't notice any significant video/audio degrade, just what you can expect from an anime series. I heard lots of raves about this series and I'm surprised I did'nt rent it any sooner. If you like anime this is definitely one of the series you can't miss.
Member Reviews
Read All...
Not Without My Brother! - Virus9
Fullmetal Alchemist generated a lot of hype before it was even released in America, and I have to say it lives up to it. This is an instant classic. Its greatest power is its underlying poignancy, because the brother's problems were born out of their love ...Awesome and totally addictive - imagination201
The secrets discovered by the two brothers throughout the first part of the series are so terrible, yet so well-balanced with the typical japanese humor in the first half of each episode... that you can't help but want to know what's gonna happen to them next! ...Must See for Anime Fans! - Kim1
The story is about the two brothers, Edward and Alphonse, one got his spirit trapped within a suit of armor, and one lost his arm and leg trying to bring their mother back to life. The first 4 episodes have a lot of flashback from their memories, to give ...