Mother passes away due to illness. Desperate, the brothers perform Human Transmutation – the Taboo – and the Gate takes away their body parts as sacrifices.
Then, two embark on a journey in search of the Philosopher’s Stone, a magical stone which makes anything possible with its ability to overshadow the Law of Equivalence.
Even though it has been almost 12 years since I became a BIG fan of this anime, my love for Full Metal Alchemist will never ever fade away.
As the story advances, mystery becomes deepened, and hypothetical theories emerge. All the unique characters interact each other in the most heart-warming and/or intense ways, which lead audience to cry out loud at the ending of chapter.
Let’s discuss about how Full Metal Alchemist is one of the most legendary anime series.
FMA Teaches Humanity Lessons
There are seven deadly creatures called homunculus (ホムンクルス) , who attempt to intervene in the path that Edward and Alphonse proceed.
They are the reflection of human species’ weakness – Pride, Lust, Greed, Gluttony, Wrath, Sloth, and Envy.
These evil ones are supposed to be treated very nicely by the brothers – they are evil, terrible, and malicious!
However… you find yourself sympathizing with them as you learn of their background story – melancholic, sad, and tear-dropping. Next moment, you are so close up to the screen, secretly hoping that they do not die. This is because you realize that humanity even exists within the most inhumane creatures.
Greed and Edward cross their sward aggressively… you would find yourself cheering the both side – just like I did.
The Law of Equivalence is Real
In order to obtain something, we need something else that is of the equal value. This is, Edward describes, the absolute rule for alchemists. The Philosopher’s Stone, which the brothers have been seeking for, overpowers such constrain – the absolute power.
It is hard to witness the brothers, at the age of only 10 and 11, go through traumatic experiences and get lost in cruel destiny.
Nevertheless, these are lessons about principle for the brothers, showing how violating the law of equivalence results in severe punishment.
This topic is taken very seriously and helps audience to consider ideology like “what can we do to sustain ourselves, without interfering the balance between equivalence?” and philosophical theory like “Is it really impossible to obtain something without sacrifices?”
Unfortunate reality disappoints the brothers as the story advances – yet, the two overcome hardship, becoming stronger and wiser.
FMA Addresses Our Never-Ending Issue: Conflict and War
As the story progresses, the anime introduces Scar, a former warrior of Ishval. Having lost his family in the war, he promises himself a revenge – however, his fate dramatically changes as he interacts with the brothers and results in unexpected consequences.
War and conflict appear to be eternal issues that burden our society today – people are greedy, egoistic, and profit-driven. In FMA, Fuhrer King Bradley declares the War of Ishval as ethnic cleansing. Cruel and inhumane, yet, real.
Nevertheless, Scar eventually shows mercy and even courtesy toward his adversaries. That indicates co-existence is possible regardless of race or the origin of birth.
“An alchemist who has opposed to God… must be destroyed!!”
All the characters are incredibly diverse
FMA is basically 人種のサラダボウル (salad bowl of kind) – the funny, the heart-breaking, the heart-warming, the serious, the cold-blooded, the mysterious, the generous – you name it!
Furthermore, all the characters entertain you with their unique personality. Each interacts with one another in an intriguing and sometimes complicated way, that contributes to the mainline of the story.
Yes, of course there is sense of romance; for instance, the relationship between Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye and Colonel Roy Mustang intensifies as they overcome hardship together throughout series of battles, events, and share of sympathy.
The pair bears extreme guilt, getting involved with the War of Ishval despite of their will to protect their citizens. Sharing such bitter fate, the two cares for each other.
Roy: “What are you doing!?”
Riza: “You are useless on a rainy day – please step back, Colonel!”
Havoc: “Ah, he can’t release fire in this humidity”
*BONG* “USELESS”
Ready to Explore the Intense World of FMA?
Diary of two brothers, interacting with various characters and learning life lessons. The two overcome hardship and become stronger and stronger – just like we all do.
It is time to binge-watch the series… yes, including manga and both of the first and second episode (Brotherhood) as well as the movies Conqueror of Shamballa and The Sacred Star of Milos. (Personally I am not too sure about the live action one)
Midsummer Story 