Why is it worth watching the anime Fullmetal Alchemist?

Circle of Transmutation. Something will definitely happen now...

Fullmetal Alchemist

(moon. 鋼の錬金術師,
Steel Shrimp
,
Full-Alchemical Metalist
and
Full-Metal Bean
) - anime and manga about the adventures of a couple of undergrowth, almost entirely consisting of alchemy, conspiracy, army men and the tits of the Goddess.

[edit] Seed

Glavge-y and his sensei.
Two pubescent self-taught alchemists, after the death of their mother, decide to resurrect her from the dead, rudely giving a damn about the local rules of TB: it is impossible to return the soul of the deceased back and it is impossible to get anything without providing the corresponding gesheft in return. As a result, instead of the final goal, the brothers get some kind of fucking, in exchange for which Edward Elric loses his leg, and brother Alphonse loses his entire body. In a fit of overpowering, Elric manages to “attach” the soul of his little brother to the armor, which was specially placed near the wall for this purpose (as a result of this operation, Edward also loses his arm). After this incident, the brothers’ goals change dramatically: from resurrecting the dead - to returning their chopped off arms, legs and bodies (instead of chopped off limbs, Ed is given steel automatic prosthetics). Having delved a little deeper into alchemy, the brothers learn that to bypass the second law they need to use the philosopher's stone, which they set off to find. This is where the main fun begins - battles with local criminals, meeting with homunculi - artificial people with the notorious pebble instead of a heart - and delving into the secrets of the origin of the country, which turn out to be worse than this ZOGa of yours...

Music and voice acting

It is worth noting this important part of the anime. The openings of each part deserve special delight. The music is perfectly matched to the development of events, especially well chosen for tragic moments. At such moments it is already difficult to hold back tears and sadness because of the plot, and the music makes it even more difficult to hold back.

Voice acting depends more on what format and language the viewer has chosen. But if we talk about the original Japanese voice acting, then it feels like it was chosen as correctly as possible. Eiyu (Japanese voice actors) did a great job. The voice of the 2 main characters is softer, there is a sense of immaturity and youth in them. The voices of military characters are as strong and deep as possible, rough, which further emphasizes their character.

The original voices of the homunculi deserve special attention. Lust's voice sounds velvety, emphasizing the significance of her sin, Envy's voice is haughty and arrogant, almost every voice fully reflects the essence of the character.

[edit] Kulstory

JesuOtaku talks about the first series and the franchise as a whole.
Originally there was a manga by Aunt Hiromu Arakawa, published from 2001 to 2010. For some reason, Arakawa did not draw a shojo about magical girls, but a completely serious thing (shounen about magical boys is much more serious) and in 2003-2004 they finally began filming an anime based on The Alchemist. It was decided not to bother with the ongoing, the finale was screwed onto the manga, which resulted in a 51-episode series with a bunch of non-canonical and somehow developed original characters. The result, oddly enough, was quite satisfying, if not for one “but”: with the progress of the manga, the anime ceased to have at least something in common with it, since even the main villain in the manga did not appear at all, and the original characters changed a lot over the summer. Fans were arguing, TV channels were losing money, but the plot seemed to be over and there was simply nowhere to push a continuation.

But money, as always, triumphed over evil: the audience demanded an anime based on the canonical manga. The new team of artists decided that “our song is good, start over,” and tritely painted the series from the very first episode, fortunately the manga was coming to an end and all the cards had long been revealed. As a result, the first 15 episodes practically copy the old ones, differing only in details that direct the plot in the right direction, and then they diverge radically.

As a result, two seasons of “The Alchemist” were formed, and both are the first, they are also the second and last. Look at it however you want.

It should be noted:

[edit] First series

Fat troll.
Was epic. Since its release, it has been repeatedly recognized as the best anime series of the year, decade, and even in general at various festivals and in various ratings. At the time of writing the article, it had an IMDb rating of 8.7 (which is simply prohibitively high for an anime on IMDb). I raced twice on Japanese television, which neither your Narutos and Bleaches, nor even everyone’s favorite Eva, have been able to achieve yet. Sensing a big profit, the guys from STS voiced the series and launched it on the channel, but after a massive phallomorphing of parents from a local guro, the show was pushed back to the early morning, launching 2 episodes at once. Which is actually correct, because anime for children is shown only in Japan, and in this country much more serious things are shown outside of prime time.

[edit] Fullmetal Alchemist - Conqueror of Shamballa

Local baginka, where would we be without her.
The ending of the series non-illusively hinted at a continuation with its “I’ll be back, Al!”, as a result of which the continuation was not long in coming - the full-length film “Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shambhala” was soon released. The Lulz were significantly reduced, and the music was completely changed (fans really wanted to hear that very song “Brothers”). The action now takes place in our world - in the Weimar Republic in the 1920s. Alphonse, in his world, is thinking about how to get his brother back, while Ed and his new sidekick are gluing jet engines and rockets. Soon the Thule society (controlled by the Nazis) begins to take an interest in Ed’s activities, and Ed himself meets a pretty gypsy woman. Such an ambiguous approach gave rise to a lot of fights and butthurt in //. The film is fiercely hated by true fans. It was filmed rather averagely, so it may arouse serious interest only among fans of the history of Nazism, since it conveys the atmosphere of pre-war Germany well.

[edit] OVA

An abomination that was released only to make money - in the amount of four pieces. Moreover, many narrow-minded anime fans really believe that one of the OVAs reveals the TRUE essence of the ending.

[edit] Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

The second series in which the manga was filmed in its entirety, hurray! Consists of as many as 64 episodes. In the new series there is a much greater density of events per second of screen time, the concentration of action and drive has increased several times, which is buzz. At the time of writing, it had a rating of 9.1 on IMDb (which is even higher than the rating of the first series). Only two filler episodes were noticed, in one of which they show “Chekhov’s guns” from the first episodes, which the viewer had already forgotten about by the middle of the series.

The number of SRSGs on the topics of “humanity”, “friendship”, “beaver and donkey” and “world progress” has proportionally increased to a heap, and the concentration of drama and lulz has proportionally decreased, which is no longer such a buzz. In general, the exchange turned out to be quite equal. The art has also changed - a new design for some locations, a different color scheme, very pleasant design solutions, and in general the picture is very pleasing to the eye. The characters have changed a bit. The same Edo-chan pleases with a more mature face, and Mustang is no longer something yaoi. In general, nya!

As an addition to the new series, 4 short OVAs were released, essentially made from scenes not included in the series.

[edit] The Sacred Star of Milos

The second full-length film, which is a spin-off to the main plot before it was split into the first and second series. Therefore, it is not entirely clear which of the series it belongs to, since it was released after the second one. The art differs from both the first series and the second.

The presence of two series, a manga, a full-length film and an OVA gave rise to many holiwars that do not stop to this day.

Issues that are relevant in our world are considered

Another important anime idea that should not be forgotten. And there are a lot of such questions in anime. First of all, contempt for race is considered, which is actively discussed now. In the anime, because of the color of their skin and eyes, the Ishvarite race was almost completely destroyed. Few managed to survive and most of them wanted revenge. But there were wise people who showed that this method of solving problems will not lead to anything good. And in the end, they were able to achieve justice, free life in the new state, and even take important positions in the political governance of the country.

Screenshot of the manga "Fullmetal Alchemist"

The question of immortality is eternal, because it has been studied for many millennia, almost from the moment people themselves appeared. And in the anime there is a strong desire of some people, especially rulers, to receive the coveted philosopher's stone and become immortal. But at the same time, it also shows a paradox. The person who received immortality spent most of his life absolutely miserable. Only towards the end of his life did he become happy thanks to his loving wife and the faith of his children in him. And he experienced the greatest moment of happiness just before his death, dying at his wife’s grave. This shows that you can live 1000 years, but it is better to live 50, but with your loved ones and in absolute happiness.

[edit] Amestris and his valiant army

The political system is brazenly copied simultaneously from the Third Reich and the indestructible Union of Free Republics during the reign of the Most Effective Manager. Political power is entirely in the hands of the army. There is no mention of universal conscription, but state alchemists and doctors are liable for military service. Moreover, there are quite a lot of chans in the army (even on the front line) (judging by the reaction of neighboring countries, and this is not typical for this world).

The Amestris military takes part in hostilities, works and parades in the same uniform, which is very reminiscent of the Swedish parade uniform. There is nothing strange in this, given the timing of events. In reality, before World War I, when the khaki uniform appeared, in many armies of the world there was no division into field and dress uniforms; everyone fought in the same thing they wore in peacetime. For example, the British fucked blacks in Africa in the famous red clothes.

Amestris is controlled by a one-eyed Fuhrer, who is not at all what he seems: (spoiler:

he is not at all an exemplary family man, and he is not one-eyed either - his homunculus eye sees absolutely everything, even through the bandage, lead and kryptonite
)
.

Geographically, the state is an almost perfect circle (it’s clear why). In the first season, an entire city is buried under the capital (spoiler:

which Father Ed and his chan were allowed onto the philosopher's stone
)
. But even in the original, any attempts to find out the truth are brutally suppressed, so the population does not get involved in politics and generally tries not to stand out.

In the second series, the area of ​​Amestris was noted to be 723,456 square kilometers. And this is not a number pulled out of thin air. If we take Amestris as a perfect circle and calculate its diameter (with Pi to the second digit), we get an integer. Based on this, Briggs is only a few hundred kilometers from Ishvar, which is impossible. So that.

Amestris is landlocked and borders 3 countries. With the first two (Creta and Aerugo) everything is more or less stable, but with Dragma there are regular fights - they are restrained only by high mountains on the border and the impregnable Northern Fortress in the only place suitable for passage. To the east of Amestris is a desert, and beyond it is the Sin Empire.

In the eastern territory of Amestris is the legendary Ishvar, many of whose inhabitants were slaughtered for their dark skin and red eyes.

Humor breaks up the plot

Straining your thoughts for 60 episodes (if you watch only one season) is quite difficult. But, fortunately, this anime does not have that. The plot is very serious, but not boring. The author tried to dilute almost every episode with very interesting jokes, unusual humor and funny caricatures. Caricatures from this anime are a different story altogether; they have been used more than once to create funny memes and GIFs.

Still from the anime "Fullmetal Alchemist"

Moreover, they are inserted quite appropriately. Humor in the plot helps not only to dilute the development of events, but also to show in all its glory the character of each character, especially Roy Mustang and his ward Elizabeth.

[edit] Memes

Brothers
Not so much a meme as an epic song in Russian. In almost all versions, except Pindos, where the girls’ choir was replaced by a boys’ choir. Upon first viewing, some people got the impression that our funddabbers were being abused. But actually it is not.

If you want to do X, you have to do Y in return Never before has an equal exchange been so equal.

The meme has become quite famous in the anime community. In fact, it’s a heavily modified Lomonosov law. Before each episode, there was a short intro with the phrase “If you want to get something, you must give something of equal value in return. This is called the principle of equal exchange in alchemy. We believed in this when we were little." The main characters like to repeat the phrase about equal exchange from time to time for those who do not know or have forgotten that alchemy is not miracle magic or witchcraft - in order to create something, you need to sacrifice something of equal value, for example, simple elements like melee weapons can be converted from stone.

clapping hands

It is produced by alchemists who are familiar with human transmutation as a replacement for the alchemical circle. Also used by FMA phages IRL - silently with an extremely serious and concentrated face before fixing/correcting anything.

Master of miniskirts

In episode 13 of the first anime, when asked by his subordinates why he needs the power of the Fuhrer, Roy answers with pathos:

Not only Lieutenant Havoc liked the idea, but also a little more than half of the fans, so many artists and cosplayers depict Lisa (and sometimes Roy himself) in this form.

Catch phrases

Some characters have their own catchphrases that are worth remembering. Because each such phrase is at least a potential local meme.

• “It’s just alchemy...” - Edward’s phrase, uttered in order to break off those who believed in the “MIRACLE!” and bring it down to the sinful earth.

• “What did you say about my height?!” - again Edward’s phrase, followed by a ritual dance of anger and a heavy rain of threats and curses. It is prefaced by the fact that Alphonse, due to his height and armor, is mistaken for his older brother, and Ed for his younger brother.

• “I’m too old for this!” - King Bradley's catchphrase. He uses it so that those around him feel his superiority and their own wretchedness. Usually, before this phrase, Bradley does something completely normal for him (with his own hands, at the speed of a machine gun, he cuts into pieces a hostile battalion of Alpine riflemen; he single-handedly destroys a tank; he fights off a machine gun burst fired at point-blank range with his pair of sabers; he cuts a shell fired from a tank in two with a saber; he escapes from a train flying into the abyss, using falling stones as a ladder, etc.), which makes all the heroes of this anime go into a state of tetanus, not believing that a person is capable of doing such a thing. One can only wonder what Bradley could do in his youth if he can do this in his old age. Some consider this phrase to be a reference to the film Lethal Weapon, or more specifically, to the character Roger Murtaugh.

• “X...was passed down from generation to generation in the Armstrong family” is a comment for any use of any skill by Major Armstrong. In tandem with it, the mandatory removal of outer clothing is used, which does not need comment. The older sister and grandmother were seen chanting the mantra a couple of times, so it probably runs in the family.

Armstrong's muscles.

• "My MUSCLES" is the second Major Armstrong meme, usually following the aforementioned removal of clothes. Muscles are the major’s favorite argument in any situation, used, oddly enough, to exert moral pressure on an opponent without physical influence.

• “I want... women/power/fame/lands/wealth/immortality/your life/EVERYTHING IN THIS WORLD” is a typical presentation of Greed for everything at once. It delivers due to its general mania and the fact that it is usually followed by an inevitable failure.

• “Can I eat it/this?” is the question Gluttony asks when someone else comes into view. It is legendary that he prefers to eat girls rather than boys - they, you see, are more tender.

• “I'm tired of it…” - in the sense that living, eating, working, dying, digging, and so on is too tiring and unnecessary. Permanently used by Laziness whenever he does anything. It makes it better because Lenya is a super-strong and super-fast five-meter immortal monster, cooler than only Chuck Norris. On a moonspeak it sounds much more epic - “mendokuse-uh”.

• “Who am I? Housewife!" - Izumi’s polite response when opponents are trying to find out what killed them. The response causes the pattern to break. In Brotherhood, the rift is reinforced by the fact that after this line, Izumi vomits blood profusely and needs Ed/Al/husband's help to stand on her feet.

Family Championship

It cannot be said that after watching this anime, your family relationships will easily improve, but the position from which this question is presented here makes you think. For Edward and Alphonse, nothing is more important than their family ties. This means so much to them that without any doubt the children were ready to resurrect their mother. And they go through almost their entire subsequent journey to help each other.

Elric brothers. Still from the anime “Fullmetal Alchemist. TV-2"

Even their father, whose actions from the first episodes are not liked by everyone and seem harsh, did everything in exactly this way to save his own family. Despite the fact that he was a proud, unpleasant character in his youth, the love of his wife and children was able to change him into a man who is ready to give his life for a great mission: saving his own family and the whole world. If such love and trust for brothers and sisters reigned in all families, then the world would clearly be much kinder.

[edit]Also

A challenger appears.

• “The Alchemist” is dieselpunk, but this is almost unnoticeable, since except for Winry, all the heroes wanted to know what their car was driving, as long as it carried them. The history and geography of the world are very alternative - 1905-1910, the local world war is similar to the First World War in this one of yours.
• After numerous viewings, one may wonder: Greed is greedy, Gluttony is always hungry, why are the exploits of Lust not shown? But there is only one solution - in the USSR there is no sex; they remained behind the scenes for obvious reasons.
• This anime is the only correct example of using cattle for their intended purpose, only instead of methane you get something more practical.
• The anime explores the theme of killing it with fire in detail. This is done everywhere and all the time - during a civil war, to resist homunculi, during internal disputes, expression of feelings, etc., etc. And it is done not by anyone, but by the boss.
• Easter eggs. There are a great many of them at the beginning of the manga. Arakawa kakbe tells us: find James Bond in the third chapter, find the kote lying on the wall in the seventh, and Stalin in the ninth. And many are looking for it, and some even find it. For example, Lust aka Lust, following the Brothers over the newspaper, gets the newspaper into the frame, and we see that the headlines of the newspaper are the same as in the original James Bond movie from 1999.
• Names of homunculi. In Russian translation, they are capable of generating funny puns. For example: Leni's boobs (in the 2003 anime) cause lust in Envy and envy in Lust, etc.

Unusual plot

First of all, it is surprising that there is a world where alchemy is used, and those laws that are described in the anime were actually used by ancient alchemists, confirmation of this can be found in translated records of the Middle Ages.

Screenshot of the manga "Fullmetal Alchemist"

The basic law of alchemy is the law of equal exchange. To receive any substance, you need to give something of equal value. This is not children's magic, as in most anime, but a real, natural use of natural resources. That is, for example, a character cannot have a sword appear out of nowhere. The sword only appears when the alchemist transforms a piece of metal. This makes the plot closer to reality, although there is still fantasy in it too.

Secondly, the presence of homunculi and their unusual method of creation and existence. If we analyze all existing fiction and cinema, then mention of homunculi can only be found in Faust. No one else has played these characters so intensely and unusually. Moreover, the author did it in a very unusual way. He didn’t just decide to add a mythical creature to the plot, but endowed each of them with an interesting story and meaning of existence. The division of homunculi into mortal sins has not been observed absolutely anywhere.

Therefore, anime has the most unique and inimitable plot that has not appeared in any other anime, film, series or work. Those who still have some stereotypes in their minds about this genre of animation should first of all get acquainted with the alchemist, because the plot is far from “girlish” and not meaningless.

[edit] Gallery

[edit] Video

Season 1 is epic