Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is one of the best animes ever produced in my opinion, however it is the sort of show you have to be dedicated to watching. I have recommended it countless times and I get responses with “I don’t understand what’s going on” or “What does this mean?” It isn’t the most straight forward show, I know that the first few episodes are a little vague but they’re still action packed.

I don’t want this to deter anyone from giving this show a watch, but my piece of advice is to be consistent with watching it otherwise you may get confused. I myself am the type of person who needs to rewatch things over and over again if I don’t understand it, so that surprisingly helped. Just don’t let the confusion stop you from watching the show, otherwise you may never get the answers you were looking for.

The plot of the story is so interesting to me because not often (at least that I’ve seen) do you come across shows that are based in the military with science in the background. It isn’t magic or wizardry, but science and it is such a cool concept for the show, not to mention it being executed perfectly. However the plot isn’t just about that, there are numerous subplots where the main characters are trying to redeem themselves and help their friends which is so touching. The show has such a great development with how the characters view one another and their relationships, showing how weaknesses can develop into strengths.

Spoiler, click to view

This can be seen when Alphonse is intimidated by Barry the Chopper and then starts questioning Edward’s motives. In the end, Edward proves himself and they grow closer together as brothers.

While there are still very grim plot points and times when the show can be quite the tear-jerker, the show is still worth the watch and it ends on quite a happy note. The ending is in a great place but it still wants you itching for more that will never come (which was a hard reality for me to face and it honestly was devastating, so I just rewatched the show a few times)

The wide range of alchemical powers is also very cool and interesting, such as Mustang being able to control fire and Alex being incredibly strong. In a way, it sort of reminds me of My Hero Academia, but rather than it being a super power, there is a science and a reason for them to be able to do it.

Spoiler, click to view

They always need their transmutation circles, such as Mustang’s gloves, unless they see “the truth” in which they are able to transmute without drawing or using circles. This is such a good touch because it really shows the strength of “the truth” and why exactly it is such a taboo. This sets in stone the concept that these aren’t super powers and that they can be removed (such as when Mustang’s gloves are damaged)

As for the art style, it is one of my favorite animated shows ever. There are points where it gets sort of violent and it is quite the action packed show, which is shown very well. The scenes are clear and really cool to see. But there are also the times where the show is a bit sillier and they have another art style for that too. The English Dubbed voices they cast for this show match the characters so well and it also has its really funny moments.

The music is another strong point. The main theme for a while is Again by Yui and it is such a banger for no reason. I actually spent a while learning how to sing it in Japanese because it is such a good song. The music is so intense but happy and it all fits the show so well.

This show will always be at the top of my list and my favorite. I watched it with my dad before he passed away so it is also quite sentimental to me. He loved the show too and he was never much of an anime guy (he was a bit older and preferred his NCIS lol). But I just love watching this show over and over and I can always find new subtle things that I had never seen before. It still always gets me in my feels and I’ve rewatched it close to 5 times, so that’s how you know it was executed perfectly. The character design, their development, the music, the art, the story, everything is just so perfect and it holds a big part of my heart.

Although I chose a rough character to have as my favorite…

Spoiler, click to view

My favorite character early on was Maes Hughes and I got super attached to him very quickly. It’s unfortunate that he dies so early into the show and that you never really get to see much of his relationships, but it resulted in such a banger line from Mustang.. “It’s a terrible day for rain”

It’s a medium length show, not too long and not too short. It’s perfect and I plan to rewatch it again very soon.