Audience reviews
20 · Sample from the first available page, separate from the total number of ratings.
JaesDBreigh
Boy oh boy this was so bad I had to come out of retirement just to write a review. Outside of nostalgia… simply put, this isn’t a good anime.
I rewatched this to see if my memories were accurate. They weren’t. Which means most people’s aren’t. This… was pretty bad.
Let’s start with the basics: character development. Or rather, the lack of it. Edward and Alphonse remain emotionally immature and narratively static throughout the series. After 51 episodes of death, destruction, betrayal, and trauma, they’re still acting like they just stepped off the playground. You’d expect some genuine transformation, but instead, the story leans heavily on their initial guilt and refuses to evolve past it. They don’t live in the present for anything, constantly trying to fix the past….from start…to finis…
Read at the sourceAlesko
I love the concept of this universe, there are many great episodes, some episodes that I liked more than in FMAB, even.
But watching or remembering this makes me mad. Well, it was so bad that they had to remake it, so at least the creators know what's up.
After watching FMAB I can't just say that this one is good. The ending is a complete disaster. You can't cut half of the stuff, suddenly end things like someone's rushing you and expect to get a 10 or a 9 just because of nepotism. It's not how it works.
If FMAB didn't exist or I didn't watch it, I'd rate it higher, buuuuut... unfortunately for you, I've seen the grass on the other side and I never wanna step on you again.
Rated Brotherhood 10/10, this didn't need to exist.
Read at the sourceReimei-Chan
"Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain something, something in equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's first law of equivalent exchange. In those days, we thought that to be the world's one, and only truth."- Alphonse Elric
Ever since Brotherhood came out, I've heard constant arguing of which is better and which one a noobie should watch, or if they should read the manga. In my opinion, if you want a friend, cousin, or whoever to get into anime, show them this. The original will give them a better understanding of anime and what it can be. I love both Brotherhood and this. I'm only going to be talking about the original because after the first half, it tells it's own story. Anyway I'll describe my favorite things about the show. This show j…
Read at the sourceliteraturenerd
Overview:
Holy shit! He's reviewing FMA and not FMA Brotherhood!!? Why would anyone want to watch that old piece of crap when we have the perfection that is Brotherhood!? I have a dark confession to make. Forgive me father for I have sinned. I liked the original FMA a lot more than I liked Brotherhood. I'm serious, I'm not trolling! Allow me to explain.
Story: 9/10
The story of FMA as most already know takes place in an alternate world where alchemy has advanced rather than the science of our world and now alchemy is the staple of technology and society. After the tragic death of their mother, 2 brothers that are alchemy prodigies attempt to bring her back to life with a forbidden ritual called the human transmutation. It goes wrong in a nightmarish fashion and the younger brother Al's…
Read at the sourceLeopah
EDIT: I realize now that I probably came off as elitist and that was definitely not my intention, so eventually I'm going to rewrite this and sound nicer.
Some notes before I get into this review:
-It annoys me when people compare 03 and Brotherhood so I'm not going to do that
-I'm not going to be very nice so if you genuinely like this series for some reason I wouldn't recommend you read this
-If you're planning on watching this show, don't (If you've already seen Brotherhood, stop there).
-This review is mostly spoiler-free (some vague mentioning here and there)
-This was the first anime I watched (excluding Pokemon), but I actually finished Brotherhood first. This probably deserves a lower score than a 6, but I can't bring myself to knock it down further because of the nostalgia factor…
Read at the sourceEastunder
"Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy’s first law of equivalent exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world’s one and only truth."
I'm typing this review, and i wonder to myself, "Why am i doing this? What can i say about a show that's been talked about to death?", and you know what, i don't exactly have a clear answer. Fullmetal Alchemist premiered a decade ago and is still to this day, one of the most beloved and well known anime of our recent generation. It's so well known that talking about it almost seems redundant as about 90% of anime fans have already seen it, and if they haven't seen it then they at least have heard of it, know the premise, and might even kno…
Read at the sourceKingIK
To be honest, I’m somewhat baffled by the mixed reaction this anime has received after the release of Brotherhood. Because prior to Brotherhood, this anime was often considered a classic by most anime fans. In my opinion it’s still a classic and essential for all fans. I’m probably in the minority here, but I feel as though the original FMA and Brotherhood are equal in terms of quality. Enough of that, lets get into the review. Now I’m sure most of you already know the story. The Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse attempt to bring back their mother and as a consequence for going against the law of equivalent exchange, Ed loses his right arm and left leg. And Alphonse loses his entire body to only have his soul become bonded to a suit of armor. With the help of their childhood friend Winer…
Read at the sourcedublincore
This is probably one of the last anime series that actually needs another review. But I suppose I can write a little something on it, though I doubt I'll be able to add much to the conversation that hasn't already been stated better elsewhere.
FMA is the story of... well surely you know what it's about by now, don't you? I oftentimes refer to FMA as being the Star Wars of anime--even if you've never seen it, chances are good that you know who most of the characters are, what their allegiances are, what happens to them, and the general path by which the story progresses, including many of the twists and shockers that occur throughout. Things did get a little confused when FMA: Brotherhood entered the picture, but most casual anime fans I speak with are considerably more familiar with the f…
Read at the sourceArchaeon
Obsession is a very strange thing indeed, and may be one of the few human traits that so clearly falls between heaven and hell. What one does with their obsession though, well, therein lies an altogether different proposition, especially as people often define their "obsessions" in terms of what they love and hate, or even what brings them hope and fear.
Isn't it strange then, that such a well known human trait can so easily be mistaken for something else entirely?
Or is it simply a case of people not seeing what they don't want to see, especially if there something new and shiny to watch?
Many anime fans are currently raving about the new series of Full Metal Alchemist, especially as it is an almost direct adaptation of the manga, however in the light of all this new found glory, the o…
Read at the source-Naami-
What I hate the most when it comes to anything remotely to do with science is science that doesn’t make sense (e.g. Doctor Who). I thought FMA would be like this, just spewing out any rubbish to explain the situation or how they saved the world and call that science. Fortunately, this isn’t the case with this anime. I was actually quite impressed with some of the science used behind it, e.g. the fight between Greed and Edward…and the use of carbon (won’t say anymore, trying to keep it spoiler free).
“Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's first law of equivalent exchange."
Thus the concept of Equivalent Exchange; it’s a fundamental theory throughout the series and movie and that had cons…
Read at the sourceCottonCandyLover
Fullmetal Alchemist is often considered an essential viewing for any anime fan and a stepping-stone for many newcomers to the world of anime. It's received universal acclaim and if you were to ask any anime fan about Fullmetal Alchemist, chances are, he/she probably has some knowledge of this series.
*Review may contain minor spoilers, may hint at things, and will not be reviewed as an adaptation of the manga and how it compares, but as a standalone anime*
Story: 9/10
The basic basic synopsis of the story is about "The Fullmetal Alchemist" Edward Elric, and his brother, Alphonse Elric, and their quest of searching for the Philosopher's Stone in order to bring back what they've lost and fix a mistake made in the past.
From the synopsis that you might read on the back of a DVD cover or s…
Read at the sourcePhantmShado
Fullmetal Alchemist is a series that actually comes together surprisingly well for it's 5/10 rating stamp. Where it finds issue is that nothing before the ending is all that surprising. At so many points during the series the absolute convenience of situations coming together was stunning.
As for the characters there is often a feeling that beyond one tick and a different voice actor, there is not much to seperate one from another. No one is really given depth. This becomes even worse at the end of the show where the plot is perhaps most innovative, it is accompanied by the point where the characters are most over the top in their depthless structures. One is somewhat forced to admit though that even characters with very few unique features can still be amusing, if done as best they can b…
Read at the sourcejmoriarty84
The very first thing I can say about this anime is that its strongest foundation is its cast of characters that exhibit its multiple themes in relation to the concepts behind the story whether basic ones such as brotherly bond, or bigger issues such as ethnic cleansing, or crazy cults that make scientology look good. I feel that the bond that Ed and Al share is something that everybody can connect and relate to, especially if you have your own sibling(s). I felt their relationship does more than enough to exhibit a majority of its distinguishing qualities, as well as the other supporting cast members and their motivations and relationship to Ed and Al.
At times, I did question what defines Ed’s idealistic views beyond just brotherly love. Despite his status in this anime as a teenage mil…
Read at the sourceColdBeans
I'm a big fan of Fullmetal Alchemist, so it's a-must for me to write a review.
STORY
10/ 10
Fullmetal Alchemist takes place in a world that seems similar to our own, but not as technologically advanced. Trains and steam powered engines are used a great deal, and the science of alchemy is far more prevalent than machines of our time. In alchemy, there is the rule of equivalent trade: you must give something of equal value in order to get something. And above all else, human transmutation is against all rules of alchemy, and does not work... or so it seems. Rumors have it that the Philosopher's Stone can give the alchemist the ability to even raise the dead, but it is long since sought after and never found. Enter Al and Edward, two young boys who attempted this heinous act once their belo…
Read at the sourceTheLlama
FullMetal Alchemist follows (to a certain extent) the manga made by Hiromu Arakawa. Taking place in a different world, where alchemy is commonplace, the story follows the brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric's quest to regain their normal bodies, by creating the Philosopher's Stone.
The concept - in my eyes - is very fascinating. Some people may say that alchemy is no more than just another form of magic from just another series, but it's not really like that. It's not like they just draw out some hidden power and poof, they've made something from nothing. They use alchemy by decomposing, restructuring and rebuilding materials. For example, they can take normal sand, decompose it, restructure the materials it's made of, and build it up again as a hard rock wall. That's what separates alchem…
Read at the sourcedoge_senpai
Full Metal Alchemist.
Synonymous to: Amazing.
Yes, I am well aware that there are probably more rave reviews for FMA than necessary, but I seriously could not help myself. It had to be said. :3
Story
The plot is nothing short of brilliant. It twists and spirals more than a rollercoster, yet provides depth, and is easy to pick-up and follow. The introductory episodes, which can also be considered as the 'flashback' episodes, are sometimes bland, but once the real plot gets going, you'll get hooked immediately. Of course, even the flashback episodes themselves have their own merits, as they provide much appreciated character development and establish the foundations of FMA as a whole (such as Ed and Al's quest, why they lost their bodies). Plus, they're usually high on action and are often…
Read at the sourcejet2r0cks
5 WORDS OR LESS REVIEW: Heartwarming, fun and Exciting. Recommended.
Fullmetal Alchemist is another one of the series I wish I’ve seen sooner. The reason why I didn’t watch it right away was the number of episodes. Usually, I prefer series that have a maximum of 26 episodes, because series with 50 episodes or more tend to lose its juice somewhere around the middle. It was not the same for Fullmetal Alchemist.
Fullmetal Alchemist definitely kept me entertained. I don’t think there was a time during any of the episodes that I felt bored – there was always something that caught my attention. The storyline definitely had a lot of depth to it and had something for everybody. It had me laughing, crying, and sometimes feeling like I was having a heart attack. Watch it an…
Read at the sourceTreacle
Well.. In the beginning I didn't want to watch this anime. I thought, this is a pattern show, which has a lot of fan. Of course I was wrong. This is a wonderful anime, with such a great and unique story.
I think this anime is one of the best. You can't compare it to the others, well at least I can't. The story is so complex, it contains drama, mystery, action, romance and of course adventure. The characters (even the supportingcast) and their background story was perfect, not to mention the design and the music. I think within the characters eveybody finds his or her favourite.
I just want to say: watch it! It really worth it.
Read at the sourcespazmo
Of the 30+ series that I've seen over the years, I've never seen an anime series so complete, so perfect, and so flawlessly done as FMA.
Honestly, this series is more complete and more "beefy" than even series with 200-300+ episodes. The entire series flows almost like a movie. EVERYTHING in EVERY episode has a meaning and relate to the ultimate story line. There is *not a second* in the series that doesn't have some ultimate meaning to contribute to the story or the ending. The story line is so intricate that you could probably write an entire thesis on it.
To best describe the series as a whole without giving away too much detail.....the first 40 or so episodes are basically puzzle pieces. Alot of random information that can be confusing and you're trying to figure out the meaning and…
Read at the sourceivorykeys
Fullmetal Alchemist is honestly one of the best anime series you'll ever see. It's humerous, full of action, mystery, has some sad parts, and has a great list of characters. I used to love Naruto, but after seeing this show, that has become number 2 on my list and FMA has taken the number 1 spot. It's definitely worth seeing and buying on DVD. It's really a series that you can never get tired of watching and will want to watch over and over again. The plot is fantastic and you'll fall in love with the characters. If you haven't seen it yet...WATCH IT!! = )
Read at the source